British Exploring Society
Also known as: British Schools Exploring Society, Bses, Bses Expeditions
British Exploring Society is an educational charity. We inspire young people from all backgrounds to unlock their potential through exploration on demanding and scientific expeditions, helping them and society better understand the world around us.
Activities & Mission
British Exploring Society is an educational charity. We inspire young people from all backgrounds to unlock their potential through exploration on demanding and scientific expeditions, helping them and society better understand the world around us.
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
Country
Region
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 84% of UK Beneficiary group charities with income £100K to £1M (sample: 851). How is this calculated?
Higher than 100% of UK Beneficiary group charities with income £100K to £1M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 40% of UK Beneficiary group charities with income £100K to £1M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | £817,528 | £895,881 | £895,881 | £214,705 | £214,705 | 17 / 60 |
| 2024 | £903,661 | £1,173,985 | £995,295 | £293,057 | £151,685 | 19 / 46 |
| 2023 | £1,615,677 | £1,828,694 | £1,828,694 | £563,382 | £125,852 | 18 / 72 |
| 2022 | £1,571,104 | £1,622,872 | £1,622,872 | £776,399 | £229,456 | 18 / 98 |
| 2021 | £1,255,362 | £1,176,344 | £1,168,713 | £828,167 | £255,457 | 18 / 110 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about British Exploring Society
What does British Exploring Society do?
British Exploring Society is an educational charity. We inspire young people from all backgrounds to unlock their potential through exploration on demanding and scientific expeditions, helping them and society better understand the world around us.
How much income did British Exploring Society report in 2025?
British Exploring Society reported total income of £818k and reported expenditure of £896k for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is British Exploring Society?
British Exploring Society has a program ratio of 109.6%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 84% of UK Beneficiary group charities with income £100K to £1M (sample of 851 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was British Exploring Society registered as a charity?
British Exploring Society was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 5 December 1989 as charity number 802196. It has been registered for 37 years.
Who runs British Exploring Society?
British Exploring Society is governed by a board of 9 trustees. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does British Exploring Society operate?
British Exploring Society operates across 2 areas: Scotland and England And Wales.
Is British Exploring Society a registered charity?
Yes — British Exploring Society is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 802196.
Details
c/o Royal Geographical Society
1 Kensington Gore
LONDON
SW72AR
Registry Information
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Major UK charities in the same primary sector, drawn from the curated priority cohort.
Trustees
Sectors & Classifications
Also Known As
- British Schools Exploring Society
- Bses
- Bses Expeditions
- Bses
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 30 July 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated