We are delighted that your child has been offered a place on the Purposeful Ventures Year 9 Maths Camp.
Below, you will find answers to some of the most common questions from parents and carers.
Please note: These FAQs are subject to change and will be updated in line with the latest guidance and as planning for the camp is finalised. We recommend revisiting this page closer to the event for the most up-to-date information. We’ll also add answers to common questions received from other parents and carers.
We will provide more detailed information at our online information evening for Parents/Carers and Participants. Closer to the camp, you will also receive a Welcome Pack, which will include everything you need to know, including a packing list.
If your question isn’t covered here, please don’t hesitate to contact us by emailing us: maths.camps@future-foundations.co.uk.
About the Camp
What is the Purposeful Ventures Maths Camp?
A fully funded, 2.5-day residential programme for top-attaining Year 9 students with a strong passion for maths run by Purposeful Ventures, with support from Future Foundations, our delivery partner.
Future Foundations will manage the camp and provide students’ pastoral care. Future Foundations have a strong track record in delivering pioneering programmes for young people.
Where and when is the camp?
The camp takes place from Monday 18th to Wednesday 20th August 2025 at Christ’s Hospital School, near Horsham, West Sussex, a historic boarding school with extensive grounds and excellent facilities. Click here for a virtual tour.
Timings (provisional): Arrival on Monday 18th August from 12.00pm (with lunch provided on arrival) and departure after lunch on Wednesday 20th at 1.00pm. We will finalise timings shortly.
How much does it cost?
There is no cost. The camp is fully funded by Purposeful Ventures, including accommodation, meals, activities and learning materials.
How do I confirm my child’s place?
You need to complete two forms by the deadline in the offer email:
- Parent/Carer Consent Form
- Participant Registration Form
You can find the links to these forms in your offer email. If you can not locate this, please email us.
Logistics & Travel
How does my child get to the venue?
Parents/carers are responsible for arranging transport to and from camp. Whilst some schools may be able to support or provide guidance, the camp takes place during the school holidays.
Students may:
- Travel with a parent or carer
- Travel with another family from their school
- Join travel plans with students from nearby schools
We will support you by:
- Introducing nearby schools to coordinate shared travel
- Reimbursing agreed travel costs if needed
After your child’s place is confirmed, we will send a short travel survey to understand your plans and any support you might need. In the meantime, please explore your plans and discuss them with your school’s teacher if you need support.
Pastoral Care & Supervision
Who will look after my child during camp?
Future Foundations is responsible for all operations and pastoral care.
Our team includes:
- House parents
- Coaches
- Camp leadership staff, including a Course Director and Operations Director
We operate a rota system and will have staff available at all times, including overnight. All staff are enhanced DBS-checked and trained in safeguarding.
What if my child is nervous about attending?
This is very normal, especially if it’s their first time away from home. Our team creates a welcoming environment and offers plenty of support. Most schools will have 2+ pupils attending so it’s likely they will attend with another student they know from their school. Students will take part in icebreakers and team-building activities to help them feel at ease and make friends quickly. Please feel free to get in touch if you or your child have any worries or would benefit from further reassurance. We will provide further information in our introduction talk online, where you will get to meet the Course Director and the organisers, and have an opportunity to ask questions.
Accommodation & Food
Where will my child stay?
Each student will stay in a boarding house designed for young people at Christ’s Hospital School. Some rooms are private and others are shared. Rooms and corridors will be assigned by sex.
A staff member will be assigned to each staircase and we will have staff available overnight for support.
If your child has specific needs let us know in the consent form or contact us and we will make appropriate arrangements.
What meals are provided?
Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided each day, with meat and vegetarian options provided.
Lunch (likely a packed lunch) will be provided on both arrival day (Monday) and departure day (Wednesday).
What if my child has dietary requirements or allergies?
Please share this information in the parent/carer consent form. The catering team at Christ’s Hospital can accommodate most needs (they cater for school children and are used to catering for dietary requirements) with advance notice, we will share the details with them and will contact you if we need additional information.
Medical & Additional Needs
What if my child has medical needs?
You will be asked to complete a medical needs form in the parent/carer consent form. Medication can be stored securely, including refrigerated items if needed.
Our first aiders and staff are trained and available at all times. With consent, we may provide basic medication (e.g. paracetamol, antihistamines) under supervision.
My child has additional needs – what should I do?
If your child has specific needs related to learning, mobility, sensory processing, or mental health, please let us know through the parent/carer consent form or let Future Foundations know if you would prefer to share details in a conversation.
We will work closely with you to ensure the right support is in place. Where needed, we may follow up to gather further information and agree on any adjustments or additional support.
If appropriate, we will complete a review of your child’s additional needs and share our proposed support plan with you for mutual agreement.
Behaviour & Expectations
What happens if my child misbehaves?
All participants are expected to follow the Future Foundations Code of Conduct, which promotes kindness, responsibility and respect.
We always aim to manage behaviour concerns with empathy and support. However, if serious issues arise and behaviour does not improve, we will follow our behaviour management policy. This may include contacting you and, as a last resort, asking that your child be collected early from the camp. In such cases, we will also inform the school that nominated your child.
Phones, Contact & Communication
Can my child bring a mobile phone?
Yes, but phones must not be used during sessions or activities. We encourage students to be fully present. Phones can be used during free time in the evening to contact a parent/carer however, we discourage use beyond this so they are present and can engage with each other. Misuse may result in us holding the phone for the day, and we would let you know if this happens.
How can I contact my child during the camp?
In an emergency, please use the contact number provided in your Welcome Pack. Students can contact home during evening downtime if they wish.
In our experience, frequent contact during residentials can sometimes increase homesickness. We kindly encourage families to avoid messaging or calling during the day unless essential, and would encourage calling the contact number we provide. Our team is always on hand to support students throughout their stay.
Photos & Promotion
Will you take photos or videos during camp?
Yes. Photos and videos may be taken to capture moments and highlights during the camp. These may be used for internal sharing (e.g. end-of-camp montage) and, with your consent, for future promotional use. We never share full names or contact details publicly.
Photo submission
We ask participants to upload a recent photo in the Participant Registration Form for safeguarding purposes. This helps our team recognise and support students throughout the camp. Photos will be stored securely and used only by authorised staff, and will be deleted after the camp.
Still have questions?
We are here to help. Please feel free to reach out to Future Foundations at any time: maths.camps@future-foundations.co.uk.