Cliff Year
Aged 18-25? Wondering what to do next and wanting to explore what God has for your future? Join us here at Cliff College to invest in intentional growth and training, alongside practical opportunities to share your faith and impact the world around you.
Encounter
An important part of the Cliff Year is about encounter - getting to know both ourselves and God better.
As a Christian College and community, we prioritise spending time with God both corporately and individually. We have a regular morning prayer time together at 8:40am to start our day and the whole community also comes together on a Wednesday evening for a meal and a celebration and worship service. As part of the programme, you will have opportunities to lead and be involved in these corporate activities.
We will make time and space for you to spend with God, both individually and with others, so that you can take time to discern your calling and vocation, and to reflect on how God is using you through your experiences.
Equip
As part of the Cliff College community, you will receive support and training to equip you to share your faith. This will include formal training alongside some of our students and some vocational and practical training for mission. You will also have the opportunity to take some courses on evangelism and mission, Christian spirituality and church leadership, and to explore serving in event planning and development, worship planning and digital media ministry.
Engage
You will participate in a variety of local mission and ministry opportunities to help you explore different ways to engage with others, share your faith and to serve God. This engagement will include participation in contextual learning through Cliff College's Mission and Evangelism Placement programme, and in opportunities for travel inside and outside the UK to explore faith, theology and mission across different cultures and contexts.
Find out more about the Cliff Year at one of our upcoming events:
I've learnt and grown a lot. I've also loved being part of a Christian community and meeting some wonderful people.
Rebekah, 2020-21 Cliff Year participant
The Cliff Year has given me the opportunity to live in community which has given me space to grow and develop as a person alongside others, whilst developing a good routine like reading my Bible and praying with other people.
John, 2019-20 Cliff Year participant
The Cliff Year has grounded me in my faith and given me confidence in the things I believe. I’d recommend the Cliff Year to anyone who wants to grow in their relationship with God and have opportunities to serve in different ways in local churches.
2022-23 Cliff Year participant
The Cliff Year runs from September to May, lasting nine months. The cost for the Cliff Year 2025-26 is £2,995.
The cost of the Cliff Year include your accommodation, food (three main meals per day) and all training and placement costs. We can help you with some fundraising ideas and have some contacts for individual bursaries if helpful. We encourage you to tell your church about your plans to do the Cliff Year as they may want to contribute towards the cost.
During the Cliff Year year we will provide you with accommodation at Cliff College. You will be surrounded by the stunning views of the Peak District. You will only need to raise a small amount of funds for treats, socialising and personal shopping.
What sort of numbers are you expecting for the gap year? Is it a large or small group?
We are expecting it to be a group this year of up to 12 people. You will also be a key part of the wider College community, comprised of staff and students, both those who make the College their home while they study and those who visit for teaching weeks only.
Is it based entirely at Cliff or will I be involved in ministry in different areas or churches too? Is there any travelling involved?
Your home for the Cliff Year will be at Cliff College. This will be where we do the bulk of the training and equipping, and you’ll be involved in some local placements to help you explore your vocation and calling.
We will also do some events around the country – supporting Cliff events as well as local church and conference events.
There will also be the opportunity to go overseas.
What are the term/holiday times during the year and how is the year structured?
The Cliff Year starts on 6 September and ends on 29 May. Participants get weeks off in October and March, four weeks off at Christmas and two weeks off at Easter. There will be an opportunity to go home for some of the weekends and for special family events etc.
Are there any additional costs?
- Travel insurance. You will need to purchase this for yourself, but check with us before you buy
- Passport for overseas trips
- Personal allowance for treats, shopping, spare time hobbies, personal travel, social activities and souvenirs
- Travel between your home and Cliff College
What is included in the cost?
- All of your main meals
- Your accommodation
- Travel to and from events related to the programme
- Training
Do you have ideas to help me raise the funds I need?
Yes, we do! Please get in touch for ideas. We think it is good if you spend some time fundraising towards the cost of the year to help make others aware of what you are doing.
We would also encourage you to tell your church and/or circuit that this is something you would like to be a part of as they may be able to support you financially as well as prayerfully.
We are aware of some grants you may be able to apply for as well, including from Methodist Women in Britain.
Applications for 2026 entry will open in autumn 2025. If you are an international applicant or are not a UK passport holder, please contact enquiries@cliffcollege.ac.uk before applying.
If you have any questions or would like to speak to someone about the programme, please contact us at enquiries@cliffcollege.ac.uk.