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The value of outdoor learning: Why it matters more than ever
Outdoor learning has always played a vital role in helping children grow, connect and thrive. But as schools continue to navigate increasing academic pressures, rising wellbeing concerns and a renewed focus on personal development, its importance has never been clearer.
At Capita Entrust, our outdoor education specialists work with over 19,000 children every year across our centres and school‑based programmes. In a recent webinar, leaders from our Outdoor Education Service reflected on why outdoor learning is so powerful, how the sector is evolving, and what schools can do to maximise impact — whether through residentials, day visits or activities on their own school grounds.
Here are the key insights from a recent webinar we hosted:
1. Outdoor learning creates lasting, life‑shaping experiences
Every educator remembers those breakthrough moments — the child who discovered something new about themselves, overcame a fear, or found joy in nature for the first time.
Richard Walklate, Outdoor Education Operations Manager, shared how a simple expedition on Lake Bala transformed a group of Year 8 pupils. Facing wind, challenge and uncertainty, they realised that sometimes “doing something is better than doing nothing.” Years later, the lesson stayed with them.
Gareth Lloyd, Educational Visits Advisor, recalled taking pupils into the Shropshire hills and watching them discover what silence really feels like inside a cloud. “It’s our world,” one child said — a moment of awe that no classroom can replicate.
These are not isolated stories; they are everyday realities when young people step outside their familiar environments.
2. The sector is evolving — and access is widening
Chris Dillon, Head of Outdoor Education, highlighted how Capita Entrust’s outdoor learning offer has evolved to meet the needs of today’s pupils and schools:
- Centres like Laches Wood and Standon Bowers continue to welcome thousands of young people annually.
- On‑site activity demand is rising as schools seek high‑quality experiences within tighter budgets.
- Alternative provisions and targeted youth programmes are increasingly benefiting from outdoor learning to support engagement, confidence and pathways to employment.
- School‑based “basecamp” residentials — where tents, campfires and activities are brought onto school grounds — are enabling pupils who may never have joined a traditional residential to take part.
This widening of access ensures outdoor learning is not a luxury for the few, but an entitlement for all.
3. High-quality outdoor learning is about far more than activities
Many people see outdoor learning and think of climbing towers, canoeing or ropes courses. But the real impact lies in the wider outcomes.
The High-Quality Outdoor Learning framework — produced by the English Outdoor Council and the Institute for Outdoor Learning — identifies 10 key outcomes, including:
- Skills for life
- Improved health and wellbeing
- Increased motivation and engagement
- Environmental awareness
- Broader horizons
- Enjoyment and fun
It’s never just about reaching the top — it’s about how children grow while trying.
4. The government is recognising the importance of enrichment
In February, the Department for Education released a white paper signalling a clear shift in expectations: enrichment is no longer “nice to have” — it must be embedded.
Key priorities include:
- Time in nature
- Residential experiences
- Cultural visits
- Community and civic participation
Importantly, the government directly links enrichment to attendance, belonging and long‑term outcomes — strengthening the case for schools to invest in outdoor learning as part of a broader personal development curriculum.
5. Schools need simple ways to record the impact — and Entrust can help
As enrichment becomes more central to inspection and school improvement frameworks, evidence matters.
Capita Entrust has been working with multi‑academy trusts to create digital personal development passports that record:
- Activities pupils take part in
- The outcomes they achieve
- The skills they develop
- How this aligns with trust‑wide priorities
Richard shared examples such as pupils documenting how they used free time responsibly on residentials, set personal goals, or demonstrated resilience when learning a new activity.
For many schools, digital tools have reduced workload while boosting consistency, insight and visibility — and in some trusts, this has led to more schools choosing to increase residential opportunities.
6. Outdoor learning supports the whole child — today and into adulthood
From building confidence and curiosity to improving wellbeing and resilience, outdoor learning gives children experiences that shape who they become.
Chris captured this perfectly through his own story: a single day on a remote island changed the course of his life, inspiring a 40‑year career in outdoor education.
Children remember how outdoor learning made them feel — capable, brave, connected, inspired. Those lessons last.
How Capita Entrust can support your school or trust
Whether you’re looking to:
- run a residential
- plan day visits
- bring outdoor learning into your school grounds
- develop a personal development passport
- strengthen your enrichment strategy
- ensure compliance and safety on educational visits
…our specialist teams can help.
Outdoor learning is not just an activity — it’s a catalyst for growth. And every child deserves that opportunity.
To discuss how Capita can support outdoor learning for your school or trust, email information@entrust-ed.co.uk