UPS students hike Wessenden Head

Uniformed Protective Services students take on Wessenden Head hike

Some lessons happen best outdoors. This week, Level 2 Uniformed Protective Services students at John Leggott College swapped the classroom for open moorland, taking on a hike to Wessenden Head as part of their practical enrichment programme.

It was a challenge worth taking on, and every student rose to it.

Where is Wessenden Head?

Wessenden Head sits within the Peak District moorland, a demanding stretch of upland terrain that offers real physical challenge and some striking open landscapes. It is not a gentle stroll. The route asks students to manage uneven ground, changing conditions and the kind of sustained effort that builds genuine mental and physical resilience.

For students studying uniformed services, this kind of environment is exactly where their training starts to feel real.

Why outdoor challenges matter in UPS study

The Uniformed Protective Services course at sixth form level covers far more than classroom theory. Physical fitness, teamwork, discipline and the ability to push through difficulty are all core to the qualification and to the careers students are working towards.

A hike like Wessenden Head puts those qualities to the test in a direct and meaningful way. Students have to manage their own pace, look out for one another, and keep going when the terrain gets tough. Those are not abstract skills. They are the foundations of a career in the armed forces, police, fire service or any other uniformed role.

Students at JLC benefit from a programme that takes enrichment seriously. Practical experiences like this sit alongside academic study and help learners build the confidence and capability that future employers and training programmes are looking for.

Perseverance and peer support

What stood out on this particular hike was the spirit within the group. Students encouraged one another, offered support when the going got harder, and finished the route together. That kind of camaraderie is not something you can teach in a lecture theatre.

At a sixth form college like John Leggott College, the student experience is about more than results. It is about the kind of person students become during their time at college, and the habits of resilience, teamwork and determination they carry forward into whatever comes next.

Enrichment as part of post-16 education

For students weighing up their post-16 options, the breadth of what a sixth form college offers matters. Academic qualifications open doors, but the experiences around them shape who students are.

Whether it is a hike across moorland, a visit to a professional organisation, a simulation exercise or a community project, enrichment activity develops students in ways that complement their studies and strengthen their future applications.

Level 2 UPS students at JLC are building a foundation for progression, whether that means moving into Level 3 study, entering an apprenticeship, joining the armed forces or pursuing a career in public services. Every challenge they take on, including a demanding hike in the Peak District, is part of that journey.

Well done to everyone involved

A genuine well done to every student who laced up their boots and gave it their full effort this week. The perseverance shown, and the support offered between members of the group, reflects exactly the qualities that a career in the uniformed services demands.

It was a great day out, and an even better reminder of what students are capable of when they commit to a challenge.

FAQ section

What is Uniformed Protective Services at sixth form level?

It is a vocational qualification that prepares students for careers in the armed forces, police, fire service and other public sector roles. It covers physical fitness, teamwork, discipline and the skills needed to progress into uniformed careers or further study.

Why do UPS students take part in outdoor activities like hiking?

Physical challenges build the resilience, stamina and teamwork that uniformed careers require. Outdoor activities also bring the course to life in a practical way that classroom learning alone cannot replicate.

Where is Wessenden Head?

Wessenden Head is an area of upland moorland within the Peak District, offering demanding terrain that is well suited to physical training and outdoor challenge activities.

How does enrichment activity support post-16 students?

Enrichment develops confidence, teamwork and personal resilience alongside academic qualifications. For students applying to uniformed services, apprenticeships or Level 3 programmes, practical experiences strengthen both their skills and their applications.

Can Level 2 students progress to Level 3 UPS at JLC?

Yes. Students who complete their Level 2 qualification successfully can progress to Level 3 study, continuing to develop the knowledge and practical skills needed for a career in the uniformed services.