Quotes from the CLOtC National Conference 2025…
Thursday 12th November 2026, RHS Wisley, Surrey
Join us at this year’s CLOtC National Conference that will take place on Thursday 12th November at LOtC Quality Badge holder: RHS Wisley in Surrey.
About the Conference
The CLOtC National Conference sees up to 300 delegates, including school leaders, teachers, educational professionals, LOtC practitioners and education providers from across the UK, come together for a day of learning, sharing good practice, and networking. The programme includes inspiring keynote speakers; 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 networking opportunities.
About the Venue
We are thrilled to be holding this year’s CLOtC National Conference at LOtC Quality Badge holder:
RHS Garden Wisley.
The CLOtC National Conference will take place within the inspiring setting of RHS Garden Wisley, one of the UK’s most celebrated horticultural gardens and a flagship site of the Royal Horticultural Society.
RHS Hilltop provides the central setting for the event – RHS Hilltop is a state-of-the-art centre dedicated to plant science, sustainability, and education. The main conference sessions will be held in the contemporary Garden Room, a light-filled space designed to inspire collaboration and fresh thinking. The exhibition zone will be hosted in The Hub within Hilltop, creating a vibrant central space for networking and engagement with exhibitors.
What's On?
The day is designed around the theme Engage, Connect, Enrich. Engage with fresh ideas and perspectives through our inspiring keynote speaker and a diverse programme of interactive workshops. Connect with a panel of expert speakers – sharing insights and responding to your questions- as well as with like-minded professionals throughout the day, building meaningful relationships and new opportunities. Enrich your practice by exploring the exhibition area, where you can meet organisations and providers who are experts in their field, and leave with practical ideas, resources, and inspiration to take back to your setting.
View each of the section on: Agenda, Speakers, Workshops, Sponsors and Exhibitors to find out more. More information will be added as it is confirmed.
Travel
RHS Garden Wisley is easily accessible by road and rail, making it a convenient location for delegates travelling from across the South East and beyond.
For those travelling by train, the nearest mainline station is Woking railway station, which has fast and frequent services from London and surrounding areas.
We are pleased to offer a free coach transfer for conference delegates, kindly supported by Allenby Coach Hire. This service will run from Woking railway station to RHS Wisley on the morning of the conference, with a return journey at the end of the day.
Delegates will be able to book a place on the transfer service later in the year. Further details, including timings and booking information, will be shared in advance of the event.
Accommodation
The following hotels are RHS Garden Wisley partnered accommodation and offer 10% off the best flexible rate for clients of RHS Wisley:
- Brooklands Hotel, Brooklands Drive, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 0SL.
- The Talbot Hotel, High Street, The Green, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6BB.
- Hilton Hotel, Seven Hills Road, Cobham, KT11 1EW.
Other hotels near to RHS Garden Wisley:
- Premier Inn Cobham Hotel, Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1BW
- Half Moon Inn, High St Ripley, Woking, GU23 6AN
- The Travelodge Woking Central, Oriental Rd, Woking GU22 7PJ
- Double Tree by Hilton, Victoria Way, Woking GU21 8EW
CLOtC Members receive an additional discount. If you are interested in signing up for membership, please get in touch at enquiries@lotc.org.uk.
Before booking a ticket, please read our Event Cancellation Policy outlining the cancellation and non-attendance terms, including the late cancellation admin fee.
Please note: there may be small amends to the following agenda in advance of the day.
08:30 – 09:15
Arrival & Networking (Garden Room and The Hub, RHS Hilltop)
- Registration, refreshments, informal networking.
- Exhibitor space open.
09:15 – 09:30
Welcome and Opening Address (Garden Room, RHS Hilltop)
Dr Anne Hunt, CEO of CLOtC
09:30 – 10:05
Keynote Speaker (Garden Room, RHS Hilltop)
Helen Everitt, Deputy Headteacher, and Ryan Sallows, Business Manager, Oriel High School
Oriel High School holds the Gold LOtC Mark.
10:05 – 10:45
Department for Education Policy Update (Garden Room, RHS Hilltop)
Eve Colyer, Enrichment Senior Policy Adviser, Jenny Oster Warriner, Enrichment Policy Adviser, and Juanita Shepherd, Nature Strategy and Policy Lead, Department for Education
10:45 – 11:15
Networking Break (The Hub, RHS Hilltop)
- Refreshments
- Exhibitor engagement
- Networking
10 minutes to get to breakout spaces for Workshop Session 1.
11:25 – 12:15
Workshop Session 1 (Various Breakout Spaces across RHS Garden Wisley)
See the workshops under the ‘Workshop’ Tab
12:25 – 13:25
Lunch and Networking (The Hub, RHS Hilltop)
- Buffet Lunch
- Exhibition engagement
- Networking
- Enjoy the grounds
13:25 – 14:00
Keynote Speaker (Garden Room, RHS Hilltop)
‘The Bigger Picture: Lifelong Impact of Time Outside on Children’s Eye Health’
Annegret Dahlmann-Noor, Professor of Paediatric Ophthalmology, University College London
14:10 – 15:00
Workshop Session 2 (Various Breakout Spaces across RHS Garden Wisley)
See the workshops under the ‘Workshop’ Tab
15:10 – 15:35
Plenary (Garden Room, RHS Hilltop)
- Key themes and outcomes from the day
- Audience Q&A
15:35 – 16:00
Closing and Prize Draw (Garden Room, RHS Hilltop)
16:00
Conference Ends
Bus transfer will collect delegates at 16:10 from RHS Garden Wisley to return to Woking Train Station.
Keynote Speakers
Speakers will be announced once confirmed.
Helen Everitt
Deputy Headteacher, Oriel High School
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Helen has been at Oriel since it opened in 2004. As an Assistant Headteacher, she played a leading role in setting up this new secondary school with her role initially including data and assessment while leading a quarter of the school pastorally and also being Subject Leader for Science. Helen then became Deputy Headteacher with a lead focus on curriculum. Helen currently leads on the Pupil Premium alongside curriculum design, leading the school’s ITT partnership and staff recruitment amongst other varied responsibilities. Helen feels passionately about providing students with the widest range of experiences possible both within the taught curriculum and beyond it in with creative opportunities for learning outside of the classroom.
Ryan Sallows
Business Manager, Oriel High School
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Ryan is a highly experienced education leader with over 25 years of service across youth services, further education, and primary and secondary schools. His early work in youth clubs inspired a lifelong passion for supporting young people, which continues to shape his leadership today. He is committed to fostering a school culture that values learning beyond the classroom and enriches students’ wider development.
Helen and I are thrilled to present at the annual conference this year. We have been inspired by so much good practice by schools across the country, and will be sharing Oriel High School's path to becoming a Gold LOtC Mark holder and how important and impactful LOtC has become to our school community.
Annegret Dahlmann-Noor
Professor of paediatric ophthalmology, University College London
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Annegret will be speaking on ‘The Bigger Picture: Lifelong Impact of Time Outside on Children’s Eye Health’
More information to follow.
Eve Colyer
Enrichment Senior Policy Adviser, Department for Education
Read more
Eve is a Senior Policy Advisor for Pupil Enrichment at the Department for Education, developing the newly published Enrichment Framework, leading on work with DCMS on the Enrichment Expansion Programme, as well as with MoD on the Cadet Expansion Programme, and across cross-department on links with enrichment and related policy. Her background is in working with a variety of charitable organisations to teach public speaking and debate skills to children and young people across the country.
There is a real excitement and focus on enrichment at the minute, and I’m looking forward to seeing the ways that this connects with work that organisations, schools and colleges do to take children and young people beyond the classroom, and create important and memorable experiences for them – I’ll be sharing some of the amazing practice that we already see in this space.
Jenny Oster Warriner
Enrichment Policy Adviser, Department for Education
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Jenny is a Policy Advisor for Pupil Enrichment at the Department for Education. She supported with the development of the recently published Enrichment Framework and now leads work to embed it across the sector, alongside overseeing the national Building Equal Access to Chess Programme, supporting cross-government collaboration on enrichment policy and coordinating business of state activity.
Her background is in communications at the Department for Education and the charity sector, including work for a mental health and learning disability housing association. These experiences have shaped her strong commitment to inclusion and ensuring all children and young people can access high-quality enrichment opportunities that help them to thrive.
It was great to speak at the conference last year and meet so many leaders and organisations doing brilliant work to support children and learners beyond the classroom.This year, I'm looking forward to listening to the speakers, learning from delegates, and hearing about the creative ways schools, colleges and partner organisations are helping to create even more opportunities for young people.And, of course, exploring RHS Garden Wisley too!
Juanita Shepherd
Nature Strategy and Policy Lead, Department for Education
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Juanita is the Department for Education’s Nature Strategy and Policy Lead. Her role reflects the systemic importance of nature in education in the department, from driving equity of access and connection to nature to developing the skills, attitudes and behaviours needed for its recovery and protection. Juanita works across the fields of education, environment and health so that children in English education settings can achieve and thrive, benefit from and connect with nature no matter what their background and circumstances.
I am looking forward to listening to and learning from delegates about their successes and challenges, especially in relation to connecting children with nature. I know I’ll leave feeling inspired and re-energised for my work.
Workshop Programme
The conference programme includes two workshop sessions, offering delegates the opportunity to choose from a diverse range of topics delivered by leading practitioners and experts from across the learning outside the classroom (LOtC) sector. Reflecting the conference theme of Engage, Connect, Enrich, the workshops showcase innovative practice, practical ideas and inspiring case studies from schools, providers and partner organisations.
While each workshop indicates the audience for whom the content may be most relevant, all delegates are welcome to attend any session and explore perspectives from different sectors. Where presentations or supporting materials are used, these will be made available to all delegates following the conference.
Wind in the Willows and masculine archetypes: Exploring boys’ development through story, metaphor and learning outside the classroom
Luke Blackham, School Wellbeing Lead & Jon Clarke, Shadow Headteacher, Walsall Academy
Audience: Schools & Providers
Location: Indoor
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This workshop takes a playful yet thought-provoking approach to exploring boys’ behaviour, identity and development through the characters of Wind in the Willows.
Using the archetypes of Mole (vulnerability and growth), Rat (encouragement and belonging), Toad (chaos, challenge and learning) and Badger (wisdom and guidance), participants will examine how boys and young men often navigate group dynamics, transitions and relationships.
This light-hearted framework offers a constructive way to explore masculine behaviours, allow boys and young men to engage in discussion, and how adults can positively support development and dialogue around masculinity.
Drawing on learning outside the classroom contexts such as forest school, outdoor therapy, adventure and residential experiences, the session will consider how story, metaphor and LOtC can encourage engagement, reflection and belonging.
Relevant to both schools and educational providers, participants will leave with practical insights to support positive male development, strengthen relationships and improve engagement with boys and young men.
Sharing lessons from creating a purpose-built SEND-inclusive zoological education facility at Woburn Safari Park
Natasha Kyle, Head of Education, Woburn Safari Park
Audience: Schools & Providers
Location: Outdoor
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This workshop explores how inclusive, thoughtful design can help create more inclusive educational environments, ensuring all learners feel welcomed, supported and able to thrive.
Using insights from Woburn Safari Park’s purpose-built accessible education facility – SENse the Safari – delegates will examine practical approaches to designing spaces, learning experiences and activities that reduce barriers and promote participation for a wide range of users – including, but not limited to, children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). From sensory spaces and adaptable learning environments to inclusive interpretation and LOtC design, the session will highlight how accessibility, flexibility and user-centred thinking can enhance confidence, independence, wellbeing and engagement for all visitors, their families, leaders and teachers.
Relevant to both schools and providers offering and delivering educational visits and youth programmes, this workshop will inspire delegates to reflect on how their own venues, activities and educational provision can become more inclusive, meaningful and responsive to diverse needs, creating spaces where every learner can explore, connect and belong.
Queer ecology for teens: Creating inclusive connections to nature and learning
Abi Young, Environmental Education Officer, The Hive
Audience: Schools & Providers
Location: Indoor
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What is Queer Ecology, and how can it help educators create more inclusive, engaging and meaningful LOtC experiences?
Drawing on practical experience from delivering ecology-based education programmes, this workshop explores how environmental learning can challenge assumptions about what is considered “normal” or “natural” in nature, while helping young people build stronger personal connections to the outdoors.
Through case studies, discussion and a creative zine-making activity (zine-making is the creation of small, self-published booklets that focus on a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) philosophy), delegates will explore how representation, identity and inclusive teaching approaches can support LGBTQ+ youth while benefiting all learners.
Relevant to schools and providers across all sectors of learning outside the classroom – including environmental education, outdoor learning, residentials, heritage, arts and youth provision – this session will highlight how ecology can be used as a lens to foster belonging, wellbeing, creativity and self-expression.
Delegates will gain practical ideas for creating safer, more inclusive learning environments where young people feel empowered to connect with nature, explore identity and engage more confidently in LOtC opportunities.
Delivering nature, outdoor and adventurous activities in engaging curriculum contexts
Andy White, Outdoor Learning Outreach and CPD Co-ordinator, Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development (SOLD)
Audience: Schools & Providers
Location: Outdoor
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This practical, hands-on workshop explores how nature and outdoor spaces can be used to deliver active, engaging and meaningful learning across the curriculum.
Focusing on Outdoor and Adventurous Activity (OAA) within PE, alongside wider National Curriculum links, the session will demonstrate how school grounds and local outdoor environments can become powerful learning spaces that support physical activity, teamwork, problem-solving and real-life contextual learning.
Delegates will gain practical ideas, skills and confidence to deliver inclusive outdoor activities that are accessible, adaptable and easy to embed within both formal education and wider outdoor learning programmes.
Relevant to schools and providers across many sectors of learning outside the classroom including outdoor centres, environmental education, residential settings and youth organisations, the workshop will also explore how nature, outdoor and adventure-based learning can support one or more of the Government’s five pillars of enrichment including sport and physical development, volunteering and active citizenship, creativity and self-expression, social communication, and life skills. Through practical participation, discussion and shared learning, delegates will leave with adaptable approaches to connect curriculum learning with enriching outdoor experiences.
From learning to action: Using LOtC to build citizenship and civic engagement
Dawn Thomas, Field studies provider and outdoor learning consultant, Nature Days
Audience: Schools & Providers
Location: Outdoor
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How can learning outside the classroom (LOtC) help young people connect learning to real-world issues and inspire meaningful civic action?
This workshop explores practical frameworks for linking classroom learning with LOtC experiences to develop citizenship, civic responsibility and learner agency. Delegates will discover how activities such as data collection, environmental monitoring, local campaigning, enterprise projects and community action can help children and young people engage with contemporary issues including climate change, sustainability and social responsibility.
Through case studies of how schools have embedded LOtC to create impactful projects which extend beyond the school, and hands-on discussion, the session will demonstrate how schools and providers can use LOtC to connect learning with real-life contexts, empowering learners to investigate challenges, gather evidence, influence decision-making and contribute positively to their communities.
Relevant across all sectors of learning outside the classroom, the workshop will also highlight how these approaches support governments’ enrichment aims, particularly around civic engagement, while also strengthening life skills, communication, problem-solving and environmental connection. Delegates will leave with practical ideas to create purposeful, integrated and impactful learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom.
Using local railways for learning and for going beyond the classroom
Madeleine Mills & Cath Reed, Education Officers, Southeast Communities Rail Partnership
Audience: Schools & Providers
Location: Indoor
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How can public transport help make learning outside the classroom (LOtC) more accessible, affordable and enriching?
This practical, activity-led workshop explores how understanding the railways and using trains confidently can open up greater opportunities for schools and youth groups to access LOtC experiences and develop valuable life skills. Through interactive activities, short films and practical guidance, delegates will gain insight into railway safety, level crossings and how to plan safe, inclusive and sustainable group travel, including the use of Passenger Assistance to support learners with additional needs.
The session will also highlight how skills developed through education programmes such as those delivered by Southeast Communities Rail Partnership directly support the RSHE curriculum, particularly around recognising risk, staying safe in the wider world, independence, responsible decision-making and understanding how to travel confidently and safely.
The workshop links strongly to civic engagement and wider life skills, showing how public transport can help remove barriers, connect learners to communities and create accessible, meaningful LOtC experiences that prepare young people for education, work and everyday life.
Global Journeys: Using travel to build international connections, open minds and broaden horizons
Zack Sanderson, Head of Partnerships, Projects Abroad
Audience: Schools & Providers (Overseas and Travel)
Location: Outdoor
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Travel offers one of the most powerful opportunities to deepen learning, broaden perspectives and connect young people to the wider world.
This workshop explores how international travel can move beyond being a one-off experience to become a purposeful learning journey that develops global awareness, empathy, responsibility and real-world life skills. Using the Global Citizenship Framework, based on UNESCO’s Global Citizenship Education principles, participants will explore how overseas experiences can be intentionally designed to help learners understand global issues, reflect on cultural perspectives and take informed action within their communities.
For schools, this session will demonstrate how international travel can support curriculum outcomes, personal development and wider enrichment. For providers in the overseas travel sector, it will explore how embedding structured reflection, ethical decision-making and meaningful cultural exchange can shape programmes with stronger educational value and measurable impact. Through practical examples and interactive discussion, attendees will discover how travel can create lasting international connections while bringing learning to life far beyond the classroom.
Making educational visits inclusive for every young person
Gemma Roberson, Head of Safeguarding & SEND, PGL Travel
Audience: Schools & Providers
Location: Indoor
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How can we ensure that every child and young person can fully participate in learning outside the classroom experiences?
This workshop explores practical approaches to creating inclusive educational visits that are accessible, welcoming and meaningful for all learners.
Drawing on experience from outdoor adventure and educational travel, the session will examine how thoughtful planning, effective communication and strong safeguarding can help remove barriers to participation. Delegates will consider inclusion through multiple lenses, including SEND/ASN, affordability, cultural and religious considerations, wellbeing and individual needs, recognising that truly inclusive practice benefits all learners, not just specific groups.
Relevant to both schools and providers, the workshop will share practical strategies for adapting programmes, engaging families, supporting diverse needs and creating a sense of belonging before, during and after a visit. Attendees will gain advice in planning and delivering experiences that enable every young person to engage, connect and benefit from the personal, social and educational opportunities that learning outside the classroom can provide.
Gardening for wildlife: hands-on habitat boosters
Louise Grimwood, Horticultural Educator, and Louise Mills Jay, Horticultural Training Officer, RHS
Audience: Schools & Providers
Location: Outdoor
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This practical, hands-on workshop explores simple, low-cost ways schools and learning providers can transform outdoor spaces into wildlife-friendly environments that support biodiversity, sustainability and meaningful outdoor learning.
Through a series of interactive activities, delegates will try practical techniques such as planting pollinator bulbs in pots, taking hardwood cuttings and exploring seasonal habitat approaches, including “messy is best” principles and the value of hedges, leaves and logs for wildlife.
The session will demonstrate how gardening and habitat creation can connect curriculum learning to real-world environmental action while encouraging pupil leadership, stewardship and community involvement. Relevant across all sectors of learning outside the classroom, the workshop will share adaptable ideas for creating inclusive and engaging outdoor experiences using minimal space and resources.
Delegates will leave with practical strategies, activity ideas and a take-away planter, alongside increased confidence to develop accessible, nature-rich learning environments that help young people connect with and care for the natural world.
Breaking barriers and building trust with underrepresented and underserved groups in LOtC
Nisbah Hussain, Founder, Equalinks & Muslim Youth Alliance
Audience: Schools & Providers
Location: Indoor
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This workshop explores how schools and providers of learning outside the classroom (LOtC) sector can more effectively engage underrepresented groups, addressing the barriers that can limit access to educational visits and other LOtC. Delegates will examine the practical, cultural and systemic factors that influence participation, including trust in institutions, financial constraints, language and communication, prior experiences of education, and perceptions of relevance and safety.
Drawing on examples from across the LOtC sector, the session will share culturally responsive and inclusive strategies to build meaningful relationships with schools, families and communities. This includes co-designing experiences, improving communication approaches, developing representation within programmes, and ensuring activities reflect the lived experiences and identities of learners.
The workshop will focus on how providers and schools can engage communities experiencing barriers to participation, connect learning to culture and community, and enrich experiences through inclusive practice. Delegates will leave with practical ideas to increase participation, strengthen trust, and ensure LOtC opportunities are accessible, relevant and welcoming to all learners.
Maximising the impact of day visits and residential experiences
Jo Harris, Education Manager, and Nicola Keightley, Education Team Leader, Field Studies Council
Audience: Schools & Providers
Location: Outdoor
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Educational visits and residential experiences further afield can be some of the most memorable and impactful opportunities in a young person’s learning journey.
This workshop explores how schools and providers can work together to design and deliver high-quality learning outside the classroom experiences further afield, whatever the weather, that create meaningful opportunities for engagement, connection and personal growth. Drawing on the Field Studies Council’s extensive experience of delivering curriculum-linked day visits and residentials, delegates will explore how learning in unfamiliar environments can develop confidence, independence, resilience, teamwork and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Delivered outdoors through a combination of practical activities, collaborative discussion and reflective exercises, the workshop will model the approaches that make educational visits and residentials so effective. Schools will gain practical ideas for maximising learning before, during and after a visit, while providers will gain insights into designing programmes that better support curriculum outcomes, inclusion, wellbeing and personal development.
Delegates will leave with a deeper understanding of how immersive experiences can enrich learning, strengthen relationships and create lasting impacts that extend far beyond the visit itself.
From archive to artefact: The power of treasures in unlocking history
Emma Wood, Education Officer, The National Archives
Audience: Schools & Heritage Education Providers
Location: Indoor
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What makes a document from the past special, or a ‘treasure.’ Is it just about being gold and shiny? Could the only surviving document about a Victorian child be more valuable than one of hundreds of images of Elizabeth I?
This interactive workshop explores how hands-on experiences with archives, artefacts and original sources can create meaningful connections to the past. Through enquiry-based learning, delegates will discover how observation, questioning and interpretation can develop curiosity, critical thinking and analytical skills while making history more tangible and relevant.
Suitable for both schools and education providers, the session will showcase how historical resources can support immersive learning across History, literacy, citizenship and wider curriculum areas. Delegates will explore facsimiles from The National Archives collection, taking part in enquiry-based activities that mirror the experience of visiting the archives in Kew and demonstrating how engaging with real historical material can be more engaging than transcripts and textbooks, helping students to feel a connection to the people of the past.
How a specialist school uses community and LOtC to help every learner thrive
Millie Atkinson and Helen Gaddas, Teacher, The Loyne Specialist School
Audience: Schools & Providers
Location: Indoor
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Delivered by teachers from GOLD LOtC Mark The Loyne Specialist School, this workshop provides an insight into their innovative ‘Green Curriculum’, where learning outside the classroom forms a central part of teaching and learning for pupils with complex behavioural, cognitive and additional needs.
Through inspiring real-life examples, pupil learning journeys and practical activities, delegates will explore how indoor and outdoor environments beyond the classroom, community spaces and the natural world can be used to create engaging, meaningful and inclusive learning experiences. The session will demonstrate how carefully planned LOtC supports emotional regulation, wellbeing, independence and curriculum engagement, while helping pupils develop strong connections with their local communities and environment.
Schools will gain ideas for adapting curriculum delivery and making greater use of local communities and spaces to support diverse learners. Providers will discover how educational visits and community-based activities can be designed to better meet a wide range of learning needs and create more inclusive experiences. Delegates will leave inspired by practical approaches that show how LOtC can unlock potential, enrich outcomes and support every learner to thrive.
The power of theatre in education, enrichment and inclusion
Nancy Shakerley, Education and Audience Engagement Manager, Disney Theatrical Productions
Audience: Schools & Providers
Location: Indoor
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This interactive workshop will explore how theatre and the creative arts can enrich teaching and learning, expand horizons and raise aspirations. Drawing on the experience of Disney Theatrical Education & engagement team, the session will consider how schools and cultural providers can work together to create meaningful opportunities that support curriculum learning, pupil wellbeing and personal development beyond the classroom.
Delegates will reflect on the value of educational visits and outreach activity in building confidence, supporting attainment and developing key skills, while also helping young people to imagine future pathways into the creative industries. The workshop will also highlight the contribution of high-quality arts experiences to wider enrichment priorities, ensuring that all learners have access to inspiring and inclusive opportunities.
The session will provide delegates with insights and practical considerations for developing accessible, meaningful and inspiring creative learning outside the classroom experiences.
Inclusive LOtC in action: From specialist provision to shared learning experiences
Zoe Silvester, Headteacher, Abbey Court School
Audience: Schools & Providers
Location: Indoor
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This workshop showcases how Abbey Court School has developed a highly inclusive learning outside the classroom (LOtC) offer that meets the needs of all learners while also providing inspiring experiences for visiting schools. At the heart of this provision is the school’s farm, a LOtC Quality Badge Holder, which is embedded throughout the curriculum and provides meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities that support pupil engagement, skill development and personal growth.
Delegates will explore how carefully planned, age-appropriate and differentiated activities ensure that every pupil can access high-quality LOtC, supported by a spiral curriculum that revisits and deepens key skills as learners progress through the school. The session will also demonstrate how the farm has been opened up to other schools and groups, creating valuable learning opportunities for the wider community as well as helping to support the school financially.
Alongside practical examples of inclusive curriculum design, delegates will hear how specialist resources and targeted fundraising have helped enhance access to experiences for all learners. The workshop will be relevant for both schools and providers seeking to develop inclusive, sustainable and impactful LOtC opportunities within their own settings.
Making Science Matter: Mars Rover - Connecting Coding and Engineering to Real-World Contexts
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How can schools and education providers make science, computing and engineering more engaging, relevant and memorable for young people?
This interactive workshop explores how hands-on STEM experiences can bring learning to life by connecting classroom knowledge to real-world challenges. Using Lego Spike technology, delegates will take part in a Mars Rover Challenge, coding and testing Rovers to navigate a simulated Martian surface through problem-solving, trial and error, and teamwork. Alongside practical coding and robotics skills, the session will demonstrate how immersive activities can make science more accessible and enjoyable while developing critical thinking, collaboration and resilience.
Participants will explore how schools and providers can use enquiry-based learning and real-world contexts – such as space exploration, engineering and technology – to spark curiosity and deepen understanding. Through practical challenges, discussion and reflection, attendees will discover how STEM learning can move beyond theory, helping students make meaningful connections between science, innovation and the world around them.
Managing The Big Occasion: Resilience, Pressure and Life Skills Through Sport
Eddy Griffiths, Skills Lab Manager and Amelia Suter, Skills Lab Officer, Manchester United Foundation
Audience: Schools & Providers
Location: Indoor
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Drawing on experiences and insights from Manchester United Football Club, this interactive workshop explores how sport can help young people develop resilience, manage pressure and build the confidence to navigate significant moments in life. Using the psychology of sports performance as a lens, participants will examine how lessons learned through football and sport more broadly can support skills such as problem-solving, emotional regulation, teamwork and performing under pressure in situations including exams, interviews, competitions and wider life challenges. Through thought-provoking discussion and practical group activities, the session will demonstrate how these approaches can engage learners through the universal language of sport, regardless of their interest in football. Relevant to both schools and providers delivering educational visits, enrichment activities and youth programmes, the workshop will highlight how learning outside the classroom experiences can create memorable, hands-on opportunities that strengthen resilience, foster connection and equip young people with lifelong skills to manage “the big occasions” in education, sport and life.
Sacred Spaces, Curious Minds: Using Cathedral Visits to Bring Learning to Life
Sarah Page, Development Lead, Cathedrals Plus and Nicola Cole, Head of Schools, Guildford Cathedral
Audience: Schools & Providers (Religious, Culture & Heritage)
Location: Indoor
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Cathedrals offer far more than opportunities to explore faith and belief; they are rich, multi-layered learning environments that can support a wide range of curriculum areas and enrichment outcomes. This workshop explores how cathedral visits can be used to create engaging, cross-curricular Learning Outside the Classroom experiences that bring learning to life through history, architecture, geography, STEM, the arts, music, Religious Education, PSHE and themes of social justice, diversity and inclusion. Often located at the heart of communities and easily accessible to schools, cathedrals provide unique opportunities to connect learners with heritage, culture, identity and place.
Through practical examples, case studies and interactive activities, delegates will discover how enquiry-led learning can unlock the educational potential of cathedral visits for learners of all ages. Schools will gain ideas for embedding visits within curriculum and enrichment programmes, while providers will explore approaches to designing experiences that support multiple learning outcomes and wider personal development. Attendees will leave with practical inspiration for creating meaningful, inclusive and memorable learning experiences that use cathedrals as powerful educational resources across a broad range of subjects and themes.
Measuring What Matters: Evaluating the Impact of Educational Visits
EVOLVE Advice
Audience: Schools & Providers
Location: Outdoor
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Educational visits have the potential to transform learning, develop wider skills and create lasting memories – but how do we know what difference they have made?
This workshop explores practical approaches to evaluating learning outside the classroom experiences, helping schools and providers move beyond measuring participation to understanding impact. Delegates will examine a range of evaluation methods that capture educational, personal and social outcomes, while exploring how pupils, staff, families and partners can all contribute to the process.
Through practical examples and shared experiences, the session will demonstrate how effective evaluation can strengthen future planning, evidence the value of educational visits, and ensure programmes continue to meet the needs of learners. Schools will gain ideas for embedding evaluation within whole-school enrichment planning, while providers will discover how meaningful feedback can help refine and enhance their educational offer. Delegates will leave with practical tools and strategies to evaluate, celebrate and continually improve the impact of learning outside the classroom experiences.
Sponsor the CLOtC National 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.
To sponsors, exhibitor or advertisers, if eligible, you must hold or are in the process of applying for the LOtC Quality Badge.
Thank you to the following sponsors of the CLOtC National Conference 2026.
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).
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.
PGL Beyond
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.
Active Learning Group
The Bushcraft Company and Active Learning Centres ignite young people’s potential through real outdoor adventures across 7 UK centres. From wild woods to towering mountains and dramatic coastlines, students grow in confidence and resilience, develop teamwork and communication skills and benefit from boosted wellbeing through powerful, hands-on outdoor learning experiences.
Canal & River Trust
Exhibit at the CLOtC National Conference
A range of exhibitor options are available. Download the ‘Sponsorship, Exhibitor and Advertising Opportunities’ document to find out more.
Confirmed Exhibitors
We look forward to welcoming the following exhibitors to the CLOtC National Conference 2026. Find out more about them…
Active Learning Group
The Bushcraft Company and Active Learning Centres ignite young people’s potential through real outdoor adventures across 7 UK centres. From wild woods to towering mountains and dramatic coastlines, students grow in confidence and resilience, develop teamwork and communication skills and benefit from boosted wellbeing through powerful, hands-on outdoor learning experiences.
Canal & River Trust
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.
EVOLVE Advice
EVOLVE Advice provides educational visits advice, guidance and online visit management systems to over 4,500 schools and educational settings in the UK and overseas. Their experienced advisers also deliver specialist training for EVCs and Visit Leaders, giving them the skills and confidence to run safe and memorable educational visits.
EVOLVE by EduFOCUS
EVOLVE is a school management platform that reduces admin, strengthens control and improves communication. By centralising visits, extra curricular activities, sports, incidents, medication and payments in one intuitive system, it streamlines planning, automates workflows and removes paper-based inefficiencies.
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).
Flooglebinder
Flooglebinder creates immersive, educational travel experiences designed to reconnect young people with the natural world. Built around four core pillars — conservation, sustainability, mental health and personal development — our trips empower students to step outside their comfort zones, build resilience and develop real-world skills. We believe travel should leave both people and places better than we found them, inspiring the next generation to explore responsibly and lead with purpose.
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.
ITC First
ITC First is a family-run, highly respected regulated Awarding Organisation (Ofqual and Qualifications Scotland). Established in 2006 with first aid and outdoor expertise, our range of qualifications includes Bushcraft, Forest School, Learning Beyond the Classroom and many others. Our passion is getting people learning in outdoor environments.
Land and Wave
Land & Wave is a Dorset-based outdoor adventure company helping people of all ages experience the outdoors through adventurous activities and professional training programmes. Since 2009, we have delivered coasteering, kayaking, Paddleboarding and bushcraft along the Jurassic Coast and surrounding countryside. We specialise in high-quality school residential trips in Purbeck, offering structured, curriculum-linked programmes that build confidence, resilience and teamwork. Alongside schools, we work with Duke of Edinburgh’s Award groups, corporate teams and youth organisations. We also deliver instructor training courses, providing nationally recognised qualifications for those pursuing a career in the outdoor industry.
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.
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.
Rockley Adventure
Rockley delivers curriculum-linked UK activity residentials and international ski trips for schools. From sailing, climbing and team challenges in Dorset to fully managed Alpine ski programmes, experiences build confidence, resilience and teamwork in safe, instructor-led environments that extend learning beyond the classroom.
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.
RHS
The RHS is the UK’s gardening charity, helping people and plants to grow. The RHS Learning team aims to provide opportunities for every child to begin their lifelong adventure with plants and growing, by building connection, curiosity and skills to support people and planet.
The Royal Parks
The Royal Parks is the charity that cares for the most famous collection of urban parks in the world, protecting and sustainably managing them for everyone to enjoy. We welcome thousands of visitors of all ages through our Learning programmes every year, to discover the nature and heritage of these remarkable places.
School Travel Organiser
The School Travel Organiser is the most popular and trusted magazine for EVCs and teachers involved in organising school trips, with ideas, advice and contacts. Available in print and digital edition, with the LOtC Yearbook, website and newsletter forming an essential portfolio. Organisers of the School Travel Awards.
Surrey Outdoor Learning & Development
SOLD is Surrey County Council’s Outdoor Learning Service. We deliver high quality day and residential outdoor learning programmes from our three fabulous outdoor learning centres, Canal Boat and in school grounds and community spaces through our outreach team. Our programmes are mostly delivered to: schools and colleges, families, youth and community groups and adults. We are a GOLD standard accredited provided as well as CLOtC Quality Badge Holder
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.
TCBC School Tours
TCBC School Tours is an award-winning educational tour operator creating bespoke, curriculum-linked school trips across the UK, Europe and worldwide. For over 21 years, we have helped teachers bring learning to life through expertly planned tours tailored to their students and learning objectives.
Woodrow & Hindleap
Woodrow & Hindleap outdoor learning and leisure centres challenge young people to be the best they can be through exciting outdoor learning and leisure activities. Through their range of programms and activities, they give young people the tools to build confidence, develop essential life skills and form meaningful connections.
YPO
YPO has supported schools and early years settings for over 50 years, helping children become the best and brightest versions of themselves from their first steps through to sitting their GCSEs. Their extensive range of school and early years supplies is designed to meet the evolving needs of pupils, teachers and learning environments at every stage, both indoors and in the great outdoors. YPO work closely with leading, trusted brands to ensure their products meet the highest standards of quality, safety and educational value. They believe education should extend beyond the classroom walls, championing outdoor learning as a vital part of child development. By encouraging curiosity, creativity and confidence through outdoor experiences, YPO help schools create inspiring spaces where children can grow, explore and thrive together.
YHA
With over 90 years of experience and a network of centres based throughout England & Wales, YHA provides a range of exciting educational and activity trips
Thank you to our 2026 sponsors:
