The Heart of Buckswood Lions:
What We Believe In
We believe in the meaning behind our logo
Our Buckswood Lions logo isn’t just a cool badge — it’s packed with meaning and history that connects us to our roots and what we stand for. Let’s take a closer look at the different parts of the logo and what they represent:
The Shield — A Traditional Shape
The shield shape is a classic symbol of protection and strength. It reminds us that as Lions, we look out for each other and stand strong as a team, ready to face any challenge together!
The Lion in the Top Right
This is our Lion — fierce, proud, and powerful. The lion has been a symbol of bravery and strength throughout history, and it perfectly captures the spirit of the Buckswood Lions. It’s a reminder to be courageous and confident in everything you do.
The Bottom Left — Hastings Castle and the Sea
Here you’ll see an image of Hastings Castle with the sea nearby. This part of the logo connects us directly to Hastings, our home base. It’s a nod to the history and heritage of the area, reminding us of the rich stories and adventures that surround us.
The Top Left — The UK Flag
The Union Jack proudly waves here, symbolising our connection to the United Kingdom. It represents unity, diversity, and the exciting mix of cultures that make Buckswood Lions such a special place to learn and grow.
The Bottom Right — The Hastings Coat of Arms
This unique symbol shows a half-lion, half-boat figure — a striking emblem from Hastings’ own coat of arms. It perfectly blends strength with adventure, symbolising both the courage of the lion and the spirit of exploration that comes with the sea and sailing.
Every time you see the Buckswood Lions logo, remember that it’s not just a picture — it’s a story. A story of strength, history, adventure, and belonging. It’s a badge that reminds you who you are as part of this amazing community: brave, proud, and ready to make your mark. Wear it with pride, Lion!
We believe in quality over quantity
We believe that the best experiences come from quality, not quantity. That’s why we made the move from Chatsworth back to Westwood House. While Chatsworth offered more space, Westwood House allows us to focus on creating a personalised, high-quality environment where every student receives attention, support, and meaningful experiences. Here, our staff can be fully engaged, our routines can be carefully tailored, and every classroom, activity, and moment can be delivered to the highest standard. For us, it’s about ensuring that every day counts, and that our Lions leave with memories, skills, and friendships that truly last a lifetime.
We believe in living and learning together
Both have their merits; however, our philosophy is based on everyone living and working together as a group, sharing equal experiences and, at the end of the day, all living under one roof with one set of rules and guidelines that is overseen by your group leader and our in-house staff.
This is particularly important in today’s world where there is an increased need for safety, especially while on school trips, which is why Westwood House, our boutique educational hotel, could be the safer option as it’s run by a school for school students led by trained professionals with years of industry experience.
We believe in travel as
an incredible gift for life
We believe that travel is the fourth dimension of education as it places learning in context. Travel broadens minds and horizons, breaks down barriers, destroys misconceptions, enhances knowledge, and promotes cultural understanding. What more can we give our students today than this incredible gift?
We believe in flexibility
As we are small, we aim to offer a personalised, flexible programme that suits you and your needs. With teenagers, things change on a daily basis. The most important thing is that the group has an unforgettable experience.
We believe in good communication
Good communication is key to the success of the tour. If we set out our expectations and goals from the start, and take feedback on a daily basis, we can all ensure the experience is truly unforgettable.
We believe in adventure and creating memories
This is a journey and an adventure where we measure the journey not in kilometres but in moments and memories along the way! We are all about making memories; we want each student to come away saying:
“Wow, Mum and Dad, that was great! I now want to learn more about England, continue learning English, and I made really good friends with people from Russia, Spain, and Japan.”
We believe in building a common culture
At Buckswood Lions, we believe that living and learning together works best when everyone shares the same understanding of how things should be done. That’s why we have a Student Handbook — a clear framework of “dos and do nots” that sets out our expectations, routines, and values. It helps us create a safe, supportive, and positive environment where every student can thrive, whether in the classroom, on trips, or at home in Westwood House.
The handbook isn’t just about rules; it’s about building a common culture. It guides you through daily life, safeguarding, academics, activities, and community living, so you always know what is expected and how to make the most of your experience. By following it, you join a community where respect, responsibility, and encouragement are at the heart of everything we do.
We believe in a culture of encouragement and positivity
Buckswood Lions Passport of Success — Earn Points. Be Proud. Get Rewarded!
At Buckswood Lions, we believe every young person thrives in an environment where effort, kindness, and positive actions are recognised and celebrated. The Passport of Success is your personal record of daily achievements — from showing respect, helping others, or excelling in class, to being a positive role model on trips or in the boarding house.
Each stamp captures your good choices, building confidence, character, and consistency. At the end of each week, the student with the most points receives a prize, along with praise and recognition in the Lions Den.
Why we do it: to encourage the good, recognise effort, and celebrate YOU. Keep your Passport busy — success isn’t just a destination, it’s a habit!
We believe in a warm welcome
Hey there, future Lion! We’re super excited to have you join our pride. To help you roar your way into an amazing time here, we’ve put together this special Welcome Pack just for you. Think of it as your survival kit for fun, learning, and making unforgettable memories.
Inside your pack, you’ll find everything you need to start strong and stay safe:
- A Backpack to carry all your essentials (and maybe some snacks)
- A cozy Hoodie to keep you comfy on cold days or evenings
- Your very own Lanyard to keep your ID and keys handy
- A cool Bracelet with our emergency number — safety first, always!
- A handy Water Bottle to stay refreshed and ready for action
- A trusty Pen for notes, doodles, and diary entries
- The Slice of Britain book — your perfect guide to exploring local culture and fun facts
- Your trusty Lions Diary to jot down your adventures and new friendships
- The Rules and Regulations — easy to follow, so everyone has a great time
- The Internet Code and how to log on — stay connected and share your best moments
- The Induction Pack to help you settle in and know the ropes
- An Exercise Book for notes, sketches, or anything creative you want to capture
- Plus, Maps and local information to help you explore safely and confidently
So, grab your pack, put on your hoodie, and get ready to dive into an amazing experience with Buckswood Lions. We’re here to help you learn, laugh, and live your best life — safely and with lots of fun along the way!
Welcome to the pride — let’s make this journey unforgettable!
We believe in safety as well as fun
We believe that fun and adventure go hand in hand with safety. All our staff are trained to follow NMBS guidelines and are constantly vigilant in identifying risks — whether in the classroom, in the house, or on trips. This ensures that students can enjoy every moment with confidence, knowing they are supported by a professional team who prioritises their wellbeing at all times.