Why Choose CTS for Your Residential?

As an Approved Activity Provider for the DofE Residential section, CTS has extensive experience delivering high‑quality, affordable residentials that bring young people together for fun, friendship and unforgettable shared experiences.

Our residentials are designed to help participants broaden their interests, make new friends, gain valuable skills and create lasting memories, all while meeting the full aim, principles and outcomes of the Gold Residential section.

Open to any Gold participant aged 16–24, our programmes are run by a team with deep knowledge of the Residential section, the wider DofE programme and its delivery across a range of environments. This allows us to create exciting, meaningful activities in a supportive, informal setting.

CTS is recognised by DofE Licensed Organisations, National Operating Authorities, Directly Licensed Centres, MATs, independent schools and local authorities for delivering the Award to the highest standards. We have an outstanding reputation for safety, best practice and staying true to the values, ethos and spirit of the DofE.

We are proud to embrace an open and accessible‑to‑all approach and are well‑known for our positive support of young people with additional needs — ensuring every participant feels welcome, included and able to thrive.

“Regarding the photography side of the residential, I feel that the locations we visited allowed my creativity to thrive and capture some photos that I am quite proud of. The groups of 5 worked quite well and we were definitely given enough autonomy to explore the area and capture some interesting shots and angles- I feel that the team covered the editing and post-processing side of photography extensively and I have noted their recommendations. I definitely enjoyed the conservation work that we did, and am quite proud of the area of land we were able to clear around the church. I would say that out of the day activities, I probably enjoyed the Long Mynd walk the most (because it was so pretty), although the most enjoyable part for me was likely playing cards and socialising with others. I feel that the leaders nailed the balance between activities and downtime, and we were given more than enough freedom to do as we pleased. I was surprised by how cohesive our group was by the end, and have definitely enjoyed meeting new people making good friends. I feel like although we did not talk much or connect as a group during the first couple of days, it was very fun to watch everyone open up and their individual personalities really shined by the end of the residential. I have thoroughly enjoyed this DofE residential. It has brought me some great memories and I would highly recommend it to all young people seeking an adventure, not just DofE participants.”
– Gold Participant

"I thoroughly enjoyed my residential from the moment I arrived until I left. I feel like I gained a lot of knowledge on how to properly use my camera as well as the post digital processing techniques I could use to improve them after. I think that every activity was very enjoyable and memorable and I feel that I have made lifelong friends and shared many pleasant experiences with others on the trip. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is looking to complete their residential and would once again like to thank both Dave's for putting on a great week!"
– Gold Participant

Download the DofE's Residential Approval Form