NCS is a once-in-a-lifetime experience open to all 16 – 17 year olds across England. The programme builds the skills and confidence of participants to help them get ahead in work and life.

To date over 100,000 teenagers have taken part in NCS. Every young person can take part whether they are academic, sporty or creative and regardless of income, background or ambition.

The programme is government backed so participants pay no more than £50. The price includes residential accommodation, transport and food. Bursaries are available and the programme is free to young people who receive free school meals.

NCS takes place out of school time during the autumn, spring and summer holidays. The next programme in Suffolk takes place during the October half term, and is made up of three parts:

First, participants spend 3 nights and 4 days away from home enjoying instructor-led group activities such as rock climbing and archery. Plus they get to learn important life skills like budgeting for meals and cooking.

Then they spend 3 days back in their local community where participants learn new skills plan and then pitch for funding a social action project of their choice.

Finally they spend 30 hours, across evenings and weekends, with their groups, making their social action project happen before graduating together.