The Polar Academy empowers vulnerable young people, training them for a life-changing Arctic expedition, rebuilding their confidence and helping them inspire others. We have helped hundreds of school pupils redefine what they thought possible. Our graduates are living, breathing proof that dreams are attainable, and that ordinary pupils can achieve the truly extraordinary. How you can partner with us: Corporate partners – We have a proven track record of collaborating with businesses to make a lasting change in young people’s lives. Our development programme tackles many of the most pressing current social and environmental issues that matter to you and your clients. Contact us to learn more from our team about our mutually beneficial corporate sponsorship schemes. If you, or your organisation, are interested in finding out more, visit www.thepolaracademy.org or email craig@thepolaracademy.org. The Polar Academy, a Scottish registered charity (SC044605) is the brainchild of our founder and CEO Craig Mathieson, Explorer in Residence, Royal Scottish Geographical Society.
External link for The Polar Academy
43 Dean Road
Bo'Ness, EH51 9BH, GB
The Polar Academy reposted this
How do you really tackle the youth mental health crisis? For over a decade, our tried-and-tested programme has changed the lives of hundreds of young people, turning them from feeling invisible, to on top of the world (literally!), as they trek the Arctic circle. Listen to Polar Academy’s Founder explain our mission: http://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.pbit.ly/45hYLTr
How do you really tackle the youth mental health crisis? For over a decade, our tried-and-tested programme has changed the lives of hundreds of young people, turning them from feeling invisible, to on top of the world (literally!), as they trek the Arctic circle. Listen to Polar Academy’s Founder explain our mission: http://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.pbit.ly/45hYLTr
The Polar Academy reposted this
What happens when you give children full ownership of an Arctic expedition, and trust them to do it on their own? You change lives. At The Polar Academy, Craig Mathieson doesn’t rescue young people, he empowers them. And in return, they rise. Watch the full episode now on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or Acast 🎙️ #LeadershipDevelopment #YouthEmpowerment #CraigMathieson #ThePolarAcademy #HumanFirstPodcast
A clip from an upcoming podcast I did for Adrian Murphy .
Craig Mathieson went from military service and financial compliance to launching The Polar Academy, an organisation changing young lives through polar expeditions. He left the corporate world to help young people who were often overlooked, guiding them to discover confidence, leadership, and resilience. His story is a powerful reminder that true impact often lies beyond the bottom line. Full podcast episode coming soon! #ThePolarAcademy #HumanFirstPodcast #PurposeDrivenBusiness #Mentorship #PurposeOverProfit
The Journey of Quiet Change For over a decade, The Polar Academy has quietly transformed the lives of over 250 young people and their families — not through headlines, but through deep, lasting change. Last month, we were honoured to receive the Isobel Award, named after another quiet explorer who once stood in the same Greenland valley that now shapes our expeditions.She called it the Valley of the Flowers. To us, it has become a place where invisible children begin to believe in their strength. A place where families reconnect, where confidence blooms under Arctic skies. This blog is not a celebration of us — it’s a reflection on them. The young people who carry their experience back into their communities. The families who feel more whole. #PolarAcademy #QuietChange #InvisibleToInvincible #GreenlandExpedition #TransformingLives #IsobelAward
Jen Cusick, Events Director at Carlowrie Castle, sat down with the 2025 recipient of the Isobel Award, Craig Mathieson of The Polar Academy, last Friday. Now in its seventh year, the Isobel Award honours individuals and organisations whose values reflect those of Isobel Wylie Hutchison. Every year, our winner is a group or individual who has overcome adversity and made a positive contribution to their community. The Polar Academy was selected as this year’s winner for the team's transformative work with "invisible" young people who struggle with confidence and self-worth. Through challenging Arctic expeditions and an intense training programme, the charity helps them develop resilience, leadership, and belief in their own potential. Congratulations to the entire team at The Polar Academy on this well-deserved award. Watch as Jen speaks to Craig about the inspiring work his team does. https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/dHuw9DJ #TheIsobelAward #IsobelWylieHutchison #CarlowrieCastle #TheCarlowrieWay #ScottishCharity #ArcticExplorer #ThePolarAcademy
Really proud to announce our new partnership with Rab. RAB will supply the Polar Academy with the highest possible quality of Expedition clothing and equipment. At the Polar Academy we never cut corners, always ensuring that our young people and our guides have the absolute best of everything for the hostile environments we face - RAB clothing has never let me down, getting me to both the North and South Poles. Thank you to everyone at RAB for believing in us and helping our incredible young people. Craig
This week our team is in Stavanger, Norway with our fellow BRP Partners at the World Anti-Bullying Forum. Meeting like-minded people from all over the world, trying their hardest to stop the bullying of children and adults. Find out more at https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/eyaHXRjF #RideOutIntimidation #youngpeoplematter #brp
We were absolutely humbled and honoured to receive the Isobel Award at Carlowrie Castle on behalf of The Polar Academy at the weekend. The award evening took place at the home of, and is named after, the incredible Isobel Wylie Hutchinson, renowned explorer, botanist, and poet who grew up in Carlowrie Castle, The Isobel Award celebrates the power of community and giving back to people and the planet. A woman who still inspires us all today. Sincere thanks to everyone for an incredible evening. Craig Mathieson Chris Tiso Kae Tinto #isobelaward #InspirationThroughExploration #carlowriecastle
Looking forward to welcoming Val Smith to Polar Academy Team. Val has years of fundraising experience at the highest level, we’re all really excited to have her onboard.
I'm delighted to be starting an exciting new Fundraising Manager role with The Polar Academy and working alongside the inspirational Craig Mathieson and Lorna Craig. The Polar Academy is a Scottish based charity who transform young lives through Arctic expeditions and resilience training. Through a year of intensive training, youths who struggle with bullying, confidence, mental health and self esteem become empowered. They develop resilience, confidence, and the skills needed to work as a team and take on a polar expedition. These journeys are literally life changing - helping young people living in darkness to discover their true self through hard work, adventure and teamwork. I cannot wait to get started and raise vital funds for this wonderful cause! ♥️💙
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Last week we completed our 24/25 programme with our young graduates celebrating together with their parents and families, our expert guiding team, Trustees, patrons, partners, supporters and phenomenal teachers of Park Mains and Dalkeith High Schools. Emotions ran high and laughter ran riot during a wonderful evening acknowledging the incredible achievements of our youngsters over the past 12 months . A huge thank you to Salla-Mari Pettersson of BRP and Jessica Burton at Rab for visiting us at our new HQ, meeting our team and listening to their inspiring stories. We are so appreciative of everyone's support and to our amazing team of parents helping us get venue and catering ready for the night. We are proud of the community spirit felt across everyone in the room and can't wait to see the futures of these young role models unfold ❤️ #youngpeoplematter #rideoutintimidation #scotlandsrolemodels #brp