Holiday Camp P&L Calculator 2025/26
Model holiday camp profitability for school holidays and activity camps. Enter daily or weekly rate, capacity, staff ratios, venue hire and overhead to calculate revenue, gross margin and break-even occupancy — whether you run a sports camp, arts camp or multi-activity programme.
Key Inputs
- Daily rate per child (typically £30–£80/day)
- Camp capacity per day
- Target occupancy %
- Number of days per camp / holiday period
- Staff-to-child ratio (1:8 minimum for under-8s; 1:10–1:15 for older children)
- Staff daily cost (NLW + employer NI)
- Venue hire cost per day
- Daily overhead: activities, consumables, catering, DBS check amortisation
What You'll Get
- Daily and total camp revenue
- Daily staffing and overhead cost
- Gross profit per day and per camp period
- Break-even daily attendance
- Profit margin at different occupancy levels (60%, 80%, 100%)
Important Notes — 2025/26 Rates & Caveats
Holiday camps in England must be Ofsted-registered if they care for children under 8 for more than 2 hours per day. From April 2025, National Living Wage is £12.21/hour — the largest camp cost is typically staff. All staff working with children must have an enhanced DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service, costs £38 per check in 2025 for the standard service). Public liability insurance for camps typically costs £300–£800/year. Many camps accept Tax-Free Childcare payments, which broadens their customer base — Ofsted registration is required for this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a holiday camp need Ofsted registration?
Yes, if the camp provides childcare for children under 8 for more than 2 hours per day. This includes day camps, sports camps and arts camps. Ofsted registration triggers inspection requirements and adherence to the Early Years or Childcare Register requirements. Camps for children aged 8 and over are not legally required to register, but Ofsted registration allows them to accept Tax-Free Childcare payments.
What DBS checks are required for holiday camp staff?
All staff, volunteers and regular contractors who will have unsupervised access to children must hold an enhanced DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service check). The cost is £38 for the standard enhanced check in 2025, or free for volunteers. DBS checks are not transferable between roles — a new check is required if the type of role or organisation changes. Many camps subscribe to the DBS Update Service (£13/year) so staff checks remain portable and current.
What is a typical profit margin for a holiday camp?
Well-run holiday camps typically achieve gross margins of 20–40%. The main cost drivers are staff (often 40–55% of revenue) and venue hire (10–20%). At a daily rate of £45 and 30 children, daily revenue is £1,350. Staffing at 1:10 = 3 staff × £100/day = £300; venue £150; consumables/activities £90 = £540 total cost. Gross profit = £810 = 60% gross margin before overhead allocation. After marketing, admin and insurance, net margin is typically 20–30% at this scale.
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