Quotes from the CLOtC National Conference 2024…
Creating connections, engaging all, enriching lives
Wednesday 12th November 2025, Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds
Learning outside the classroom (LOtC) offers unlimited opportunities to create meaningful, inclusive experiences for all —regardless of ability, gender, social background, or culture. By extending learning beyond traditional classroom walls, we can engage and inspire learners, build life skills, enhance academic achievement, and support well-being.
Real-world experiences build relevance and connections – to communities, society, and environment – that enhance academic achievement and celebrate difference, building links between people and between communities, and that develop a love of learning and a sense of belonging.
Join us at the CLOtC National Conference 2025 to explore how you can be empowered to take learning further, build strong connections with communities near and far, and make LOtC experiences more accessible, inclusive, impactful, and enriching for every young person.
What to expect
The CLOtC National Conference sees up to 300 delegates, including school leaders, teachers, educational professionals, LOtC practitioners and providers from across the UK, come together for a day of learning, sharing good practice, and networking. The programme will include inspiring keynote speakers who will engage and motivate the audience from the start and set the tone for the day ahead; practical and informative workshops led by experts and covering the breadth of learning outside the classroom giving attendees ideas they can implement as soon as they get back to their schools or setting; discussions; and plenty of networking opportunities.
Read more about the CLOtC National Conference 2024 here.
Read our event cancellation policy here.
Please note: details of this agenda may change slightly prior to the day.
08:30
Delegates arrive
09:00 – 09:30
Registration, Refreshments, Networking & Visit the Exhibitors
Royal Armouries Hall
09:30 – 09:50
Open Address and Welcome
Paul Rose, Dr Anne Hunt, CLOtC and Chloe Rycroft, Formal Learning Manager at the Royal Armouries Museum
Royal Armouries Hall
09:50 – 10:30
Keynote Speaker
Suzanne Carter, Executive Headteacher of Eastwood Community School
Royal Armouries Hall
10:40 – 11:30
Workshop Session 1
Various Breakout Spaces
11:30 – 11:50
Break, Networking & Visit the Exhibitors
Royal Armouries Hall
11:50 – 12:40
Workshop Session 2
Various Breakout Spaces
12:40 – 13:40
Lunch, networking, discussion groups & visit the exhibitors
Royal Armouries Hall
From 13:10, Chloe Rycroft, Formal Learning Managers will offer a short tour of the museum exhibitions
13:40 – 13:55
Welcome back: Paul Rose
Department for Education Policy Update: Officers from the Department for Education
Royal Armouries Hall
13:55 – 14:40
Keynote Speaker: Tony Okotie, BBC Children in Need & Discussion
Royal Armouries Hall
14:40 – 15:10
Break, networking & visit the exhibitors
Royal Armouries Hall
15:10 – 15:55
Workshop Session 3
Various Breakout Spaces
16:00 – 16:30
Plenary, questions and closing remarks
Jim Burt, CLOtC Chair of the Board of Trustees
16:30
Conference ends
Keynote Speaker
Suzanne Carter, Executive Headteacher, Eastwood Academy (Gold LOtC Mark School)
Suzanne Carter is an esteemed Executive Headteacher with over 20 years’ experience in the field of education and over a decade in post as the Headteacher at Eastwood Community School, Keighley, West Yorkshire. She worked for a number of years during headship as a Local Leader of Education providing School to School support to a variety of primary schools across West and North Yorkshire. Suzanne also Co-Chairs Bradford Schools in Partnership, a by-members, for-members organisation of Headteachers and Senior Leaders committed to collaborative working and driving sector-led improvement. A member of the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom for almost a decade, Eastwood Community School has, with the leadership of Suzanne and dedication of the whole staff team, taken it’s learning beyond the classroom offer from strength to strength securing the Council’s highest award, Gold Standard, for 9 years to date.
Suzanne has been instrumental in promoting and developing the concept of Learning Beyond the Classroom at Eastwood and beyond to partner schools in the Northern Star Academies Trust, reflecting her unwavering commitment to sharing innovative educational practices which ensure the needs of each student are met. Suzanne is a dedicated educator and leader who believes in the transformative power of the great outdoors, fostering a deep connection between students, staff, families and nature. Experiential, hands-on learning within and beyond the curriculum is the cornerstone of Eastwood’s offer and is singularly the most popular aspect of the curriculum according to pupils, staff and families! Be it through music, drama, art, visits, visitors or residentials, the commitment to providing the most inclusive, richest, transformative experiences is tangible in every aspect of the school.
Beyond her professional endeavours, Suzanne is a passionate outdoor adventurer and traveller, always seeking new experiences and challenges in nature. She is also an avid reader, musician, active member of the Scout movement and organiser of the Fellsman and Fellsman Dart ultra-marathons.
Suzanne’s passion for the great outdoors, combined with her extensive leadership experience and personal interests, make her a compelling keynote speaker who inspires and motivates others to fully embrace learning beyond the classroom opportunities in order to enrich the lives of children, families and staff.
Keynote Speaker
Tony Okotie, Director of Impact, BBC Children in Need
Tony has worked in the voluntary sector for over 25 years and is currently the Director of Impact at BBC Children in Need, with responsibility for leading the charity’s’ funding strategy, grants teams and grant programmes across the UK. With this team, Tony oversees the investment of over £35m of funding each year, through local organisations, to help children and young people thrive.
Before joining BBC Children in Need Tony held CEO roles at Liverpool CVS and Community and Voluntary Action Tameside. Tony holds a master’s degree in Voluntary Sector Management and is an experienced Non-Executive Director (in the NHS and Housing sectors) and Trustee. He is passionate about the power of community supporting children young people to thrive, and the importance of sectors and organisations working together to achieve this.
Conference Host
Paul Rose, Adventurer, TV presenter and Learning Outside the Classroom Ambassador
International explorer, mountain and polar guide, television presenter and radio broadcaster, Paul Rose has an extensive and varied career at the front line of exploration and is one of the world’s most experienced divers, field science and polar experts. Paul helps scientists unlock and communicate global mysteries in the most remote and challenging regions of the planet.
He is Head of Expeditions for National Geographic Pristine Seas and is a former Vice President of the Royal Geographical Society. He has also brought the beauty of our own country to our living rooms through a number of television series including The Dales and The Lake District.
Paul is a passionate supporter of the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom and whole-heartedly believes that we need to take lessons beyond the classroom walls to expand horizons and help all children achieve their potential.
Panel speaker information TBC…
Dr Radha Modgil
Dr Radha Modgil has been an energetic, trusted and creative voice for wellbeing since 2008.
As an NHS GP, television, radio and podcast broadcaster and author she is on a mission to bring about positive change in the world and empower everyone to make small, tangible yet powerful changes that they want to improve their quality of life.
Martin Campbell
Martin Campbell
Executive Principal at Meridian Trust and responsible for the Value: Extending the Boundaries of Learning. Martin is currently leading an initiative which will see every one of the 31 schools -secondary, special and primary- develop a bespoke and unique ‘Learning Outside the Classroom’ curriculum.
Workshop Presenters
More details to come.
Sophie Tanner
Deputy Director, St Philip’s Centre
Stephen Billington
Head of Lifelong Learning, The Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust
Stuart Cragg
Farm School Leader, Farms for City Children
Tom Bigglestone
Director, Hidden Leaders
Workshop Programme
At the CLOtC National Conference we aim to offer a programme of workshops that align with the conference theme, and are designed to engage, inspire and offer practical advice that delegates can use in their own setting.
The following workshops will be offered at year’s conference. More workshops will be added as they are confirmed…
Workshops Just for Schools
Lewis Barrett-Rodger, Deputy Headteacher at Kendal CE Primary School and Honorary Visiting Fellow, Anglia Ruskin University
Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) at Kendall CE Primary School has transformed learning into a relevant, inclusive, and community-connected experience. Through real-world learning, Kendall has built meaningful links between pupils, their local environment and wider society—fostering a strong sense of belonging and appreciation of difference. As a LOtC Gold Mark school, Kendall’s Deputy Headteacher will share their 10-year journey of transforming pedagogy and curriculum through Learning Outside the Classroom. Explore how real-life experiences can enrich the Primary National Curriculum and gain practical strategies to embed a culture of LOtC in your school. Delegates will leave with inspiration, actionable ideas, and first-hand experience of LOtC techniques that support academic achievement, wellbeing, and personal growth.
For Schools, Indoor Workshop
Dawn Thomas, Nature Days and Claire Williams
Do you make the most of your LOtC experiences? Do you plan LOtC experiences to be embedded into the learning undertaken in the classroom?
This workshop aims to help you maximising the impact of LOtC by creating connections between the teaching and learning done in the classroom, to teaching and learning opportunities undertaken beyond the classroom. Dawn will share teaching frameworks which support learning indoors and out to enable embedded, progressive LOtC. Claire Williams will provide a case study of how LOtC was embedded at a special school in a previous role as Headteacher. By the end of the workshop, you should have an understanding of how to plan integrated LOtC.
For Schools, Indoor & Outdoor Workshop
LOtC Mark Schools: Jon Clarke and Lizzie Patterson (Walsall Academy), Charlotte Aldham-Breary and Tia Jennings (Academy of Cuxton)
Join a range of inspiring schools as they share how they have successfully embedded Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) into their whole-school approach. This engaging session will showcase diverse strategies for planning and structuring LOtC so that it is not just occasional but frequent, progressive and impactful. From cross-curricular integration to staff engagement and timetabling, gain practical insights and real examples. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas and proven models to help make LOtC a meaningful and sustainable part of everyday learning.
For Schools, Indoor Workshop
Josh Jenner, The Outdoor Classroom
Discover how active learning can energise teaching and improve outcomes for students. This engaging hands-on session explores the importance of movement and physical activity in supporting engagement, memory, and wellbeing — and how it can be meaningfully embedded across the curriculum. With a spotlight on orienteering, the workshop will showcase creative, subject-specific examples of how this versatile approach can enhance learning in areas such as PE, Maths, Science, English and Geography. Learn how to adapt active strategies to suit all students, including those with additional needs, and leave with practical tools and ideas to bring your lessons to life — indoors or out.
In this workshop, The Outdoor Classroom will be using their digital toolkit to demonstrate how orienteering can be used to link indoor lessons with those outdoors across a range of subjects, offering a richer academic understanding alongside the lifelong benefits of confidence, teamwork and a deeper appreciation of the natural world.
For Schools, Outdoor Workshop
Martin Campbell, Meridian Trust
In this workshop, led by staff from Meridian Trust schools, you will hear how a shared commitment to Learning Outside the Classroom has been embedded across all schools within the Trust. Under the banner of Extending the Boundaries of Learning, the Trust’ sets out a unified vision for ensuring every student benefits from rich, meaningful, and progressive experiences beyond the classroom.
Hear how schools within the Trust collaborate to align their approaches, overcome challenges, and share resources to make LOtC an integral part of the curriculum for all learners. The session will highlight the power of working as one—offering practical insights, outcomes, and lessons learned from building a culture where LOtC is not an add-on, but a core part of every student’s educational journey.
For Schools, Indoor Workshop
CLOtC, Canal and River Trust, and the ALPINE Project Schools
FOR ALPINE Project Schools Only
In this workshop, primary schools involved in the ALPINE Project will be exploring how to transform their approach to local learning by mapping their communities and unlocking new opportunities for learning beyond the classroom.
Through hands-on use of ArcGIS for Schools, educators and students have been exploring their local areas, identifying natural environments for play and learning, and embedding these into after-school provision. Learn how mapping supports cross-curricular outcomes, deepens local connections, and empowers pupils to take an active role in shaping their learning landscape. You’ll come away with practical ideas to start mapping your own local learning area.
The ALPINE Project is an exciting pilot project led by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (CLOtC) and the Canal & River Trust, funded by Sport England.
For Schools, Indoor & Outdoor Workshop
Shane Parker, Diverse School Travel
Diverse School Travel’s mission this year has been to continue to make their educational visits as inclusive and bespoke as possible to the individual needs of the group.
Join this workshop to hear about how they have been building an inclusivity-led framework for visit planning, and how parents, schools and tour operators can work together and foster a culture of proactive planning to ensure meaningful experiences for all involved. Delegates will discuss: the barriers to participation and debunking myths; a collaborative approach to planning school visits; and the positive impact of inclusive school visits. This workshop aims to facilitate better connections between parents, schools and tour operators to ensure all students are supported and able to engage in enriching experiences outside of the classroom.
For Schools, Indoor Workshop
Zana Wood, Grow to School
School gardening offers a unique opportunity to foster connections—between students, nature, and the wider community. By working together in the garden, students learn the value of collaboration, responsibility, and respect for the environment. Gardening engages all students, regardless of background or ability, providing hands-on learning that sparks curiosity and creativity. It enriches lives by promoting healthy eating, environmental stewardship, and a deeper understanding of where food comes from. Through this shared experience, students develop important life skills, build confidence, and create lasting memories, all while nurturing their connection to the world around them.
Many schools have unused outdoor spaces or dream of starting a garden but aren’t sure how. This hands-on workshop is designed to empower educators with confidence and practical skills to create and maintain a simple, productive garden for all students to participate in and benefit from.
For Schools, Outdoor Workshop
Workshops for Schools & Providers
Andy Smith, EVOLVE Advice
This workshop will consider how those planning and leading learning outside the classroom opportunities can use the risk assessment process to ensure that all children and young people are able to access enriching, enjoyable and safe experiences. The moral, legal and financial aspects associated with inclusion will be discussed, along with the role of risk management and reasonable adjustments. There will be the opportunity for collaboration with colleagues and questions.
The workshop focusses on ensuring that inclusion is appropriately considered and that the most vulnerable and, sometimes, disadvantaged are able to access valuable learning experiences beyond the classroom.
For Schools & Providers, Indoor Workshop
Dr John Allan, Head of Impact & Breakthrough Learning at PGL Beyond, and Visiting Fellow, Sheffield Hallam University
In this workshop, Dr John Allan, Head of Impact and Breakthrough Learning at PGL Beyond will outline their pioneering REACH Framework (Relationships, Experiences, Abilities, Character, Health & Wellbeing). A Visiting Fellow of Education at Sheffield Hallam University, John will draw on his research findings to provide a rationale for purposeful and progressive evidence-based learning outside the classroom interwoven across the whole school. This research not only considers the range of beneficial personal and social outcomes from LOtC, but the active processes of change within delivery which can be tailored to meet specific needs and therefore, maximise the chances of delivering optimum benefit for learners.
For Schools & Provider, Indoor Workshop
Claire Williams, CLOtC Trustee and Former Head of School for a SEND School
Join Claire Williams, a respected expert in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), for an insightful and practical session designed to help schools and educational providers make learning beyond the classroom more inclusive and accessible.
Drawing on her extensive experience, Claire will share actionable strategies and tips for planning and delivering visits and activities that meet the diverse needs of SEND students – ensuring they and their accompanying staff feel safe, supported, and fully included.
Whether you’re a teacher or activity provider, this workshop will offer valuable guidance on anticipating barriers, adapting practice, and creating enriching experiences for every learner.
For Schools & Providers, Indoor Workshop
Ian Taylor, Head of Conservation, Flooglebinder
In an age dominated by screens and instant gratification, it’s never been more important to step outside and rediscover the deeper, long-term benefits of connecting with the natural world. This thought-provoking workshop explores how outdoor learning not only enriches education but also nurtures the whole child—supporting critical thinking, communication, confidence, and emotional wellbeing.
Through powerful case studies, Ian Taylor will discuss the science behind why we are drawn to the colour green and natural patterns like fractals, and how these connections can be harnessed to create meaningful learning experiences. The session will also address the barriers currently limiting student engagement and offer practical strategies for overcoming them.
Delegates attending this workshop will reflect on how empathy and compassion can help re-engage learners who struggle with confidence or motivation, and demonstrate how outdoor learning provides a safe, inclusive space for growth – mentally, socially, and academically.
For Schools & Providers, Indoor & Outdoor Workshop
Chloe Rycroft, Formal Learning Manager & Nicholas Thomas, Education Officer, Royal Armouries Museum
Character-led learning experiences are a powerful way to engage students, spark curiosity, and bring learning vividly to life. At the Royal Armouries Museums, first-person character delivery is central to their formal learning offer – but they also recognise the unique challenges this style can present for some students, particularly those with Special Educational Needs (SEN).
This practical, hands-on workshop invites participants to take on the roles of both teachers and students as if in a character-led Royal Armouries session. Throughout the workshop, the delivery will be paused at key points to open up discussion, debate strategies, and explore real-time adaptations that can make immersive learning more inclusive for all.
Changes will be made to the session on the spot, based on participant input, offering a rare opportunity to test, reflect and reframe delivery approaches in a supportive environment. Delegates will explore how to balance the needs of SEN and neurotypical students in shared spaces.
With rising numbers of SEN diagnoses in mainstream education, creating inclusive, adaptable learning experiences outside the classroom is more important than ever. This session will leave you with practical insights and techniques to deliver engaging, accessible experiences that enrich the learning of every student.
For Schools & Providers, Indoor Workshop
Grace Phillips, Senior Tutor and Digital Training Officer, Field Studies Council
Join Field Studies Council for a dynamic, hands-on workshop that explores the transformative potential of community wilding through LOtC experiences. This workshop is designed to empower teachers, educators, LOtC providers and community leaders to take learning beyond the classroom and into the heart of their local environment—connecting students with nature and communities in meaningful, inspiring ways.
This practical, activity-led workshop begins with a short presentation introducing the concept of wilding (vs. rewilding), showcasing existing initiatives, and will offer practical guidance on how to get started—including where to find help and funding for community wilding projects. Participants will then take part in two engaging activities – a habitat creation game and exploration with GIS using mobile devices.
Rooted in the theme of creating connections, this workshop demonstrates how wilding projects can spark curiosity, foster environmental stewardship, and build stronger links between students, schools, and the wider community. Delegates will leave with fresh ideas, practical tools, and the inspiration to start or support existing community wilding initiatives in your own setting and local area.
For Schools & Providers, Indoor & Outdoor Workshop
Nisbah Hussain, Founder of Equalinks / Muslim Youth Alliance
In this powerful and practical session, Nisbah Hussain – Founder of Equalinks and the Muslim Youth Alliance – will draw on her extensive experience working with minority and under-represented communities to explore how schools and providers can better engage those who are underserved in traditional offers or less engaged.
Nisbah will share insights into the barriers many families and communities face when it comes to accessing educational visits and activities, and offer constructive, culturally sensitive strategies to build trust, relevance, and inclusion.
Whether you’re a school or provider of educational visits and activities, this workshop will help you reflect, connect, and take positive steps towards making your offer truly accessible for all.
For Schools & Providers, Indoor Workshop
Dr Dave Harvey, on behalf of CLOtC and EduFOCUS
Join Dave Harvey as he presents insights from CLOtC and EduFOCUS’ new analysis of the EVOLVE database. This focuses on looking at the changes in the scale and scope of residential educational visits delivered here and abroad since Covid and the financial crisis. For the first time, this analysis explored the data by English region and by Key Stage, and the findings flag important changes in opportunities for young people to benefit from these unique and important educational experiences. After hearing the findings from Dave, delegates will be invited to join in a discussion to share their ideas and thoughts about what might sit behind some of the changes, and to identify strategies and practical solutions to help mitigate loss of opportunity.
This workshop would be most appropriate for senior leaders (schools and providers), Indoor Workshop
Workshops Just for Providers
Donna Carty, Managing Director, Evolve Resolve
This practical workshop explores how inclusion lives in everyday interactions with young people and the adults around them – both direct and indirect interactions.
Considering language and behaviour, including tone, actions and reactions, we will briefly consider how subtle actions can exclude, while focussing on building more inclusive, equitable experiences.
Using real-world examples, participants will reflect on current practice, share experiences and strategies, and explore simple ways to make learning environments more welcoming for all.
The session is designed to build confidence and encourage continued discussion and sharing when back in the workplace.
For Providers, Indoor Workshop
Elizabeth Groarke, Education Programme Manager, North London Waste Authority
This workshop will showcase best practices for involving educational professionals and students in programme design. Delegates will learn how North London Waste Authority has sought to engage with educators and incorporate student-voice to support the development of an inclusive programme. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on their own programmes and explore strategies to strengthen connections with their local communities. The session will also feature an open discussion on the successes and challenges faced in this area, providing valuable insights and practical advice for enhancing educational programmes through collaboration.
For Providers, Indoor Workshop
Shannen Johnson, GEM, Emily Elsworth, Autism and Me, and Jo McSwaine, Great North Museum: Hancock.
In this session GEM and Access Consultant Emily Elsworth will present practical tips and advice on how to make your organisation more accessible and inclusive for children who visit your site, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and from marginalised backgrounds. The session will also feature a case study from Great North Museum: Hancock, a LOtC badge holder, who will share their project working with Town Moor school for travelling families.
For Providers, Indoor workshop
CLOtC Staff
Are you a provider of educational visits or activities looking to gain or renew the Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge? This interactive session is your opportunity to ask questions, get clarity, and receive practical support directly from the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (CLOtC).
Whether you’re just starting the application or need help with specific criteria, CLOtC experts will walk you through the process, share tips for success, and explain how the Badge can benefit your organisation. Come with your questions and leave with confidence!
For Providers, Indoor Workshop
Niki Cooper-Robbins, Oxford Collaborative for Multilingualism in Education (OCME)
How can providers of educational visits and activities ensure that students learning English as an Additional Language (EAL/EFL) feel included, engaged, and supported during learning beyond the classroom?
In this practical session, Niki Cooper-Robbins, consultant from the Oxford Collaborative for Multilingualism in Education (OCME) will share insights, strategies, and tools to help you make your experiences more accessible and inclusive for multilingual learners.
From adapting communication methods to recognising cultural and linguistic strengths, this workshop will explore how to remove barriers and create enriching, confidence-building opportunities for EFL students. Whether you’re new to this or looking to refine your practice, you’ll leave with greater awareness, confidence, and actionable ideas to ensure every learner thrives.
For Providers, Indoor Workshop
Nick Pratt, Director / Head of Safeguarding, Independent Safeguarding Service
This workshop will consider statutory safeguarding arrangements and how to ensure compliance for any organisation delivering services to children.
It will also consider the duties on commissioning organisations (such as schools) and how to approach safeguarding compliance vetting as part of their statutory obligations.
The workshop will also provide practical advice on how leaders can strategically oversee safeguarding arrangements within their organisation to ensure staff and those who use services can be kept safe.
The facilitator (Nick Pratt) has over 20 years’ experience in statutory safeguarding roles, including 10 years as a Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) which brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to help participants to navigate this ever-changing landscape.
For Providers/ Indoor
Sponsor Our Conference
Sponsorship and support is critical to the success and delivery of this event, and allows some teachers and other school staff to attend the conference for free.
View the sponsorship, exhibitor and advertising options available for this year’s CLOtC National Conference and contact us to book.
Thank you to the following sponsors of the CLOtC National Conference 2025.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter
Offering cross-curricular education programme that meets learning objectives from the national curriculum and exam board specifications, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter will stimulate young minds as they discover the extraordinary artistry, technology and talent that went into creating the Harry Potter film series. A truly spellbinding experience!
PGL Beyond - Joint Lead Sponsor
PGL Beyond is a network of four brilliant brands: PGL, NST, European Study Tours and StudyLink Tours.
All are united in a shared mission: to spark breakthroughs in young people through transformational experiences that go beyond the classroom. PGL Beyond work with schools, multi-academy trusts, groups of independent schools, and educational leaders from Key Stage 2 through to graduate age.
Canal & River Trust
The Canal & River Trust is the charity who looks after and brings to life 2,000 miles of waterways, because they believe that life is better by water. ‘Explorers’ is the Trust’s education programme aimed at children aged 5-11. They inspire children’s learning by connecting them to our canals and rivers.
Diverse School Travel
Diverse School Travel specialises in providing high-quality, educational travel experiences for schools and students, ensuring that learning extends beyond the classroom into real-world settings. They are dedicated to offering trips that inspire and educate children and young people, and supporting schools to offer their students a magical and memorable experience.
Book your Exhibition Space!
Find out more about exhibiting at the CLOtC National Conference here and to book your space contact enquiries@lotc.org.uk. (Limited places available!)
Confirmed Exhibitors
We look forward to welcoming the following exhibitors to the CLOtC National Conference 2025. Find out more about them…
Active Learning Centres
Active Learning Centres are inspiring outdoor learning residential trips for schools across the UK. With exciting programmes, quality accommodation and unbeatable value, their adventures do more than inspire, they build courage, character, and connection that last far beyond the school trip.
Buzz Education
Buzz Education is a leading marketing to education agency with over 14 years’ experience helping organisations and businesses to generate leads in education. Led by a former teacher and current Chair of Governors, Buzz Education specialise in education data supply and email and postal marketing, helping businesses and charities to increase their reach in nurseries, schools, colleges, universities, and education establishments every year. Through their extensive knowledge and wealth of expertise in marketing to schools, the team also provide a wide range of free education marketing resources available on their website.
Canal & River Trust
The Canal & River Trust is the charity who looks after and brings to life 2,000 miles of waterways, because they believe that life is better by water. ‘Explorers’ is the Trust’s education programme aimed at children aged 5-11. They inspire children’s learning by connecting them to our canals and rivers.
Capita - Entrust
Capita Entrust provide outdoor education, HR, payroll, SEND, edtech, property and finance to schools and Trusts. Their outdoor learning programmes offer students the opportunity to explore the outdoors on day trips or residentials.
Their outdoor centres are located Staffordshire and include a camping experience at the Wilderness Academy. Activities including archery, bridge building, caving, climbing, paddle sports – we challenge students with real-world scenarios, nurturing a form of resilience.
Conway Centres
With three centres nestled in the Cheshire countryside and their largest one set below the Snowdonian Mountain Range in Anglesey, Conway Centres provide high-quality residentials that empower, inspire, challenge and develop young people, making an educational and life-changing difference. Visit their stand to benefit from The Conway Centres Bursary Scheme…
Diverse School Travel
Diverse School Travel specialises in providing high-quality, educational travel experiences for schools and students, ensuring that learning extends beyond the classroom into real-world settings. They are dedicated to offering trips that inspire and educate children and young people, and supporting schools to offer their students a magical and memorable experience.
Equity - the school travel people
Equity – the School Travel People is a company based in Brighton, UK, specialising in organising educational and ski trips for schools, colleges, and other institutions.
They offer a wide range of group tours designed to provide life-changing learning experiences for young people. Their trips cover various curriculum subjects, sports, and destinations, including the UK, Europe, and the USA.
Equity aim to enhance the lives of young people through travel, offering tailored itineraries that can include anything from historical tours to skiing trips. They also ensure financial protection and adhere to strict safety standards, providing peace of mind foreducators and parents.
Experience Education
Experience Education has enriched 1.5 million young lives in 100 countries over 50 years. Their five brands offer unique school travel experiences: JCA (UK activity residentials), World Challenge (expeditions), Edwin Doran Sports Tours (sports tours), Travelbound (curriculum tours), and SkiBound (school ski trips).
European Study Tours
European Study Tours is a national leading educational tour operator, trusted by teachers and lecturers to organise school and college trips since 1982, to destinations all around the world (not just Europe!). Held in Paris and London each year, EST’s LIVE! student events bring subjects to life for KS4 and KS5 learners, linking the curriculum with the real world, with leading industry speakers, careers advice and much more, to fire future career ambitions.
EVOLVE Advice
EVOLVE Advice provides educational visits advice and guidance to almost 4,000 schools and educational settings in the UK and overseas. Our experienced advisers also deliver specialist training for EVCs and Visit Leaders, giving them the skills and confidence to run safe and memorable educational visits. Our Tools for Schools are available to anyone involved in educational visits in schools – visit evolveadvice.co.uk/toolsforschools.
Field Studies Council
Field Studies Council is an environmental education charity, with a network of centres across the UK. We have a proud 80-year legacy of delivering great outdoor learning and fieldwork, and we will continue our mission to create outstanding opportunities for everyone to learn about the natural world.
Go Ape
Welcome to the ultimate outdoor learning experience with Go Ape school trips! With 37 thrilling locations spread across the UK, their adventures offer an unrivaled blend of excitement and education. As proud recipients of the LOtC Quality Badge, they ensure that every moment is not just an adventure but a valuable lesson too.
Halsbury Travel
Halsbury Travel, have been taking learning beyond the classroom for nearly 40 years, so know that a passion for learning starts with ‘wow’.
Fully accredited, Halsbury design your trip around your group’s needs and will be with you every step of the way (so you can concentrate on what you do best).
Haslbury offer school trips for every subject, as well as unforgettable ski trips, sports tours and music tours. So, whether you want to get your linguists talking, travel back in time with your historians or inspire the sports stars and musical maestros of the future, they are here to help.
Inspireski
inspireski don’t just organise school ski trips, they live and breathe them. Their team is made up of passionate skiers, snowboarders, and travel experts who’ve spent decades in the mountains and in the industry. From first-time trips to seasoned school groups, they create unforgettable experiences that build confidence, spark adventure, and leave lasting memories. With handpicked resorts, full support for teachers, and a dedicated team by your side from start to finish, inspireski make school ski travel seamless, safe, and seriously fun.
ITC First
ITC First are an established and growing Awarding Organisation / Body with experience of supporting Centres in the training sector. ITC First work closely with sector bodies, key training providers and employers to develop tailored, easy to use qualifications for ITC Centres. They are especially renowned for supporting Centres delivering outdoor education, forest school and first aid qualifications.
ITC First have a commitment to a quality service that they believe offers the best possible package for all their Centres. Their Centres are well known for offering specialist training that few others offer, for example Outdoor First Aid.
North Yorkshire Outdoor Learning Service
North Yorkshire Outdoor Learning Service offers two residential centres based in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales and moors. We offer a range of adventurous activities, off-site, in the hills, rivers and crags of the local natural landscape. The centres have operated since 1940 and have a highly experienced team of adventure and environments enthusiasts who work with young people. Teacher training and leadership courses are also offered.
NST
NST is the UK’s largest educational tour operator providing inspirational curriculum-linked trips for primary and secondary school students to over 100 hand-picked destinations each year. With decades of experience in designing bespoke trips for schools, NST tailors each trip to suit any subject; including History, English, MFL, Art & Design and Geography.
Operation Wallacea
Operation Wallacea runs biodiversity research programmes in remote areas across the globe. For 30+ years they have been taking and teaching school groups in some of the world’s most beautiful habitats. Their surveys have led to 80+ new species being discovered. Packaged options and fundraising support are available.
PGL
PGL is the UK’s leading outdoor education provider for young people. Since 1957, PGL has been leading the way in delivering life-enriching adventure experiences for primary and secondary schools. With 15 centres in the UK and two in France, every PGL centre is packed with adventure; with over 50 brilliant activities, new programme innovations and the highest safety standards to deliver an unforgettable experience for young learners.
Rayburn Tours
For over 60 years, Rayburn Tours has believed that travel is the ultimate classroom.
Explore a wide range of tailor-made school trips designed to align with curriculum goals and provide immersive, hands-on learning experiences across the globe. From discovering the wonders of the world to engaging with diverse cultures, your students will gain knowledge, inspiration, and unforgettable memories. Embark on a journey of learning beyond the classroom—where education comes to life.
Resolve Evolve
Resolve Evolve is an Equality, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (EDEI) consultancy committed to helping organisations create and maintain workplaces where both individuals and the organisation can thrive. Their vision is to support you in building an inclusive culture that can be sustained internally, i.e. one that can confidently move into the future without repeated reliance on consultants.
Resolve Evolve trainers and consultants combine expertise and many years of experience, with lived experience; they support organisations at all stages of their equity and inclusion journey, and this combination ensures their work is always practical and sensitive to your specific context. Their offer includes Fair Recruitment, Dignity at Work, Inclusive Management and Leadership, Empathetic Assertiveness and Antiracism training, as well as practical, interactive eLearning.
School Travel Organiser
Available in print and digital, School Travel Organiser is the magazine EVCs, teachers and staff use to find school trip ideas, advice, insight and useful contacts. Plus, there’s the Learning Outside the Classroom Yearbook, extensive content across the website and the ‘School’s Out’ fortnightly newsletter. Organisers of the unique School Travel Awards.
The Bushcraft Company
The Bushcraft Company offer immersive outdoor learning experiences for students, across a wide range of fun, educational and hands-on school trips and residentials. Through immersive survival skills and challenging nature-based activities, students learn to work together, think independently, and face new challenges, all whilst in a safe, supportive environment.
The Oak Tree Practice
The Oak Tree Practice is a private psychological firm consisting of team of Psychologists and Psychotherapists offer in-person or online therapy and counselling across the UK for a wide range of mental health difficulties, as well as ADHD, Autism and Educational assessments and support.
The Outdoor Classroom
The Outdoor Classroom is available entirely free of charge to inspire schools to increase their physical activity and help to build a happier, healthier society. Our paid system is also available for schools looking to fully embrace an active education right across the curriculum.
The Royal Parks
The Royal Parks is the charity that cares for the most famous collection of urban parks in the world. Our Learning programmes offers opportunities to discover and engage with the parks’ diverse natural habitats, wildlife, and rich history through welcoming and inclusive hands-on experiences for all ages and abilities.
The School Travel Company
Part of the Acorn Travel Group, a trusted name in educational and adventure travel since 1982, The School Travel Company creates inspiring, curriculum-linked school trips across the UK, Europe, and beyond. From cultural tours in London and Paris to history trips in Belgium and adventurous tours to India, every itinerary is designed to make learning outside the classroom simple and rewarding for teachers and pupils alike.
The School Trip
They School Trip make school trips easier! From planning to taking, they have looked at every stage to make it easier for you. The School Trip guarantee the best prices, best seats, exclusive perks (like their free teacher events) and personal support from your own School Trip Coordinator. Get in touch to make your next trip easier.
YHA
YHA is a charity on a mission to make adventure accessible to all. Since 1930, YHA has operated a unique network of hostels throughout England and Wales — providing inclusive adventures, in extraordinary buildings, in amazing places. Each year, we connect over a million people to nature, the outdoors and heritage.
YPO
Education is their heritage, and for 50 years YPO have been providing better value to customers by working with a variety of leading UK suppliers to provide you with a large range of good quality products and services, from art supplies, curriculum products, furniture and EdTech products. YPO can provide you with everything you could possibly need, making it easier for you. They are 100% publicly owned, meaning all their profits go to the public sector.
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