Qualifications
Industry-approved qualifications designed for active learners.
We offer meaningful, accredited pathways that carry real value in the equine and outdoor sectors—and provide transferable skills for any practical workplace.
Qualifications That Open Doors
Our qualifications give young people more than certificates. They give them belief, direction and access to pathways they may never have thought possible. For many learners, these awards are the first time they’ve achieved something recognised, valued and understood by employers and colleges.
A lot of students arrive feeling unsure of their future, lacking experience or struggling to see where they fit. Through hands‑on learning, industry‑relevant training and supported progression routes, they begin to understand that there is a place for them — and that they have something real to offer.
Leadership Awards, Navigation Awards, Employability Awards, Paddles Up Awards, and the Riding Centre Assistant Award.
Qualifications and Awards
Our curriculum offers a rich mix of nationally recognised qualifications designed to support progression, confidence and employability. Students work towards:
- BHS Professional Development Qualifications (PDQ): Including AQA Unit Awards covering Preparation for Adulthood topics.
- Equine Work‑Based Diplomas: Levels 1, 2 and 3 (BSHQ), developing practical skills and industry knowledge.
- Outdoor and Safety Training: First Aid in the Outdoors and Rescue 3 Water Awareness Training. Paddle UK Paddlesport awards. AQA unit awards in Navigation, bushcraft, hill walking and risk managment.
- Vocational and Leadership Awards: A wide range of equine and outdoor qualifications such as: Riding centre assistant award, Leadership Award (Bronze to Platinum), Trek Leader, BHS Stage 1 and BHS Stage 2.
Pathways to Employment and Independence
Every qualification we offer is designed to open doors to further education, meaningful work and independent living. Our courses don’t just teach skills; they build confidence, resilience and a sense of purpose.
- Recognised Accreditation: From BHS Professional Development Qualifications to AQA Unit Awards, students gain nationally recognised credentials that demonstrate commitment, reliability and practical ability qualities employers value.
- Industry‑Relevant Experience: Equine Work‑Based Diplomas (Levels 1–3) and outdoor vocational awards give students hands‑on experience in real working environments, preparing them for roles in equestrian centres, outdoor education, hospitality and land‑based industries.
- Transferable Skills: Leadership, navigation, employability and teamwork awards develop communication, problem‑solving and initiative, skills that apply across any workplace.
- Safety and Responsibility: First Aid in the Outdoors and Rescue 3 Water Awareness Training build confidence in managing risk and responding calmly under pressure essential traits for any professional setting.
- Progression Routes: Whether students move into employment, apprenticeships or further study, these qualifications provide clear, supported pathways to the next stage of their journey.
Stories That Say More Than We Ever Could.
The best way to understand what we do is to hear from the young people and families who've lived it. Discover how others have found confidence, purpose and a future they didn't think was possible.
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Over two years, he worked through the BHS Bronze and Silver Challenge Awards, Stage 1 and 2 Ride and Care, Ride Safe, and was recognised nationally with the BHS Changing Lives Award.
He's since completed his Stage 2 Trek Leader exams and is working towards a future in the equine industry, confident, qualified and ready.
Working at his own pace with Dan and Flash, he rebuilt trust, rediscovered his sense of humour, and developed new interests in horses, films and music.
He now gets himself ready each morning, looks forward to his days at the academy, and is a confident, engaged young person with goals and a renewed sense of self.
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At Shropshire Adventures Academy, a smaller, relationship-centred approach helped him feel safe, listened to and free from judgement.
He rediscovered curiosity, resilience and pride in his own achievements, and now approaches learning with confidence instead of fear. The change has reassured his foster family too, who now feel hopeful about his future.
See what others have experienced.
What families and professionals say about Shropshire Adventures Academy.
We Help in More Ways Than One.
Everything we offer works together to support the whole person. Explore the other ways we help young people recover, grow and build a future.
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