Post-GCSE holidays

[smackthebun]

My 15 year old daughter is furiously planning her 'freedom trip' after GCSE's. She wants to go on mega getaway with all her friends. There is 7 of them but I don't know where to send them which I know will be safe. I don't want to say no and ruin something she's looking forward to. Any ideas?

Why wouldn't you say no ?
They are not yet adults.
I can't see that many places accepting a group of 17 'minors' without adult supervision.

Mine is doing NCS with a few mates. Far too young for anything more adult imo.

I would be encouraging her to save for a trip in a couple of years when they are 18. Even if they do find somewhere willing to accept a booking for a group of under 18s, they won't get into any bars/clubs. That's assuming she's thinking along the lines of a week in Zante (she may not be). Even in the U.K. Campsites etc will rarely accept groups of unaccompanied under 18s.

Many places won't accept a booking for a group where everyone is under 18.

I don't know where to send them which I know will be safe.
As a group of unsupervised 16 year olds, some of the risks will be from themselves (lack of judgement if they drink alcohol, lack of life experience) so will follow them wherever they go.

Where we live, a lot of kids go to Reading festival in the summer holidays after their GCSEs. It's almost a rite of passage. It's not risk-free though.

Everyone local to us also goes to Reading Festival after GCSEs.

Mine’s doing NCS too. That’s enough freedom for a 16 year old.
If he’s really lucky, he may get to camp with his mates somewhere within an hour of home.

After his GCSEs, DS1 had a classmate who lived outside town, had a back garden bigger than everyone else's put together, and had parents tolerant enough to let a load of sixteen year olds camp there for a weekend. They even had a fire pit.

Try Youth Hostels they accept 16 year olds.

Mine's doing NCS and that is enough till she is older.

Absolutely not for mine.

She can do something post A levels when she's over 18.

DS2 hasn't mentioned anything yet.

But two weeks after he finishes his last exam he has to be back to school for sixth form induction week and then the prom.

I definitely recommend NCS. Several of my colleagues have sent reluctant teens on the scheme and they have loved every minute. DD is going for 3 weeks and there is an option to go with friends. It's an absolute bargain - 3 or 4 weeks for £50 with little need for spending money on top.

Agree with NCS.
That is where my Yr11 is going.
Superb value, and so many learn so much, and grow in confidence as well as skills.

NCS here too - loads of my friends’ kids are doing it - it’s a popular choice but prob all booked now. I know there’s a waiting list in our borough. Then we’re going on family holiday. No way would she be allowed to holiday alone yet with friends unsupervised!!

Mine are going to Italy to an friend of friends villa , 6 of them, day of last exam.. ( saved for it herself out of part time job) then reading festival .

What's NCS ?

My dd went Leeds festival along with thousands of others who had just done their GCSEs.

Actually have just worked it out.. National Citizen Service.. there would be a riot if I suggested that ! They've had enough structure and being 'encouraged ' and just want a week by the pool in the sun sleeping till noon.
Which I completely understand.

NCS for mine as well. No way would I let a 16 year old go away on holiday unsupervised with mates!!

To clarify-I’m not an over-protective parent. He goes out with mates at weekends/evenings -as long as i know where he is, it’s fine-and I’ve left him home alone overnight. But-a holiday??