Our Peak Outdoor Education Centre activities are currently provided solely as part of Keys Group education and commissioned programmes and are not currently available for public booking.
The National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme (NICAS) is the UK's leading program for developing skilled, confident climbers. Think of it as swimming badges, but for climbing. It’s a fun, structured, and nationally recognised way to progress.
Showing 0 of 0 results
Try broading your search
Learn the basics of climbing, safety, and how to use a bouldering wall.
Master the core skills, including how to tie in and belay your climbing partner safely.
Develop your technique and learn to climb independently, becoming a competent and self-sufficient climber.
This is a great question! Our "6-week courses" are the perfect introduction for beginners (especially ages 4-8) to build confidence and learn the basics.
The "NICAS after school clubs" (for ages 7+) are the next step, where you follow the official national scheme, work through 5 levels, and track your progress in a logbook.
The official NICAS scheme starts at age 7. We highly recommend enrolling them in our "6-week climbing course (4-8 years old)" first. It's the perfect preparation, and they'll be ready to move up to the NICAS club once they're 7.
NICAS is for everyone! We have a dedicated "Adult NICAS (14+)" course that follows the same fantastic, structured program. It's the perfect way to learn the skills properly and gain a nationally recognised qualification.
Not necessarily. If you're already a competent climber, have a chat with our instructors. They can assess your current skill level and may be able to fast-track you, signing off on some of the early logbook competencies right away.
The NICAS logbook is not included in the course price. It's a one-off purchase of £9.00, which you can buy from the Audley Climbing Centre reception at your first session. This logbook is yours to keep and will be used for all 5 levels.
Progression is based on skill, not just attendance. For our after-school clubs, it typically takes a full term (approx. 8-10 sessions) to complete Levels 1 and 2. Levels 3 and beyond take longer as they involve more advanced skills.
Don't worry! Because NICAS is a skills-based scheme, your child just picks up where they left off. They won't "fall behind" and can continue working through their logbook skills with the instructor on their return.
The scheme is broken into 5 levels. Level 1 (New Climber) focuses on the basics and bouldering. Level 2 (Foundation Climber) introduces roped climbing and belaying. Level 3 (Technical Climber) is where you become a competent, independent climber. Levels 4 and 5 are advanced skills.
All essential safety equipment, including harnesses and belay devices, is provided for all NICAS courses and clubs. Climbing shoes are available to hire at reception, or you can just wear a pair of trainers.
Just wear comfortable, sporty clothes that are easy to move in (leggings, joggers, shorts, t-shirt). As long as you have trainers or climbing shoes, you'll be all set.
All of our NICAS courses and clubs are run exclusively at our state-of-the-art Audley Climbing Centre.
