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National Conference for Leaders of Outdoor Education

Friday 10 March at Surrey Outdoor Learning Centre, Dorking

National Conference for Leaders of Outdoor Education – 20 March 2026
Dates & Venues

    The place and purpose of Outdoor Learning in schools is constantly evolving. Programmes are widening far beyond the occasional adventure experiences, and seeking to impact upon all pupils in an intentional way. The teaching of specific skills has been enhanced through development of personal qualities through deliberate outdoor experiences, often on a school’s own site. 

    This forward-thinking conference will introduce leaders of outdoor programmes to contemporary approaches and present material that can be readily adopted for all students, in every environment. It will enable an imaginative, enhanced approach, making the benefits of nature and the outdoors available to a wider audience, with intentional outcomes and an inclusive philosophy.

    Programme
    9.30am

    Conference assembles
    Refreshments
    10.00am
    Managing Off-site Safety
    Paul Bowen
    Educational Visits Advisor, Surrey County Council
    11.00am
    Embedding a School-Wide Outdoor Learning Approach
    Louise Edwards
    Head of Centre, Surrey Outdoor Learning
    This session will focus on school -based outdoor learning, maximising the potential of a school site, identifying potential resources and equipping staff to deliver confidently.
    11.30am

    Refreshment break 
    12.00pm
    Developing Resilience and Positive Mindset Through Outdoor Learning
    Vickki Armitage
    Surrey Outdoor Learning Trainer
    This combination of theory and practical work will focus on building resilience in participants through their experience of Outdoor Learning.
    1.00pm

    Lunch
    1.45pm
    Connecting to Nature
    Jude Palmer
    Nature Lead Practitioner, Surrey Outdoor Learning
    This session will present a positive psychological approach to working with young people in nature to improve health and wellbeing. This will include developing a strong sense of self and personal potential.
    2.45pm
    Planning the Programme to Implement Contemporary Content
    This session will discuss how new approaches can be adopted within current Outdoor programmes to broaden impact and support whole-school outcomes.  
    3.30pm

    Conference disperses
    Prices

    1 delegate £225
    2 delegates from the same school £359

    All prices exclude VAT

    Don’t forget schools can now reclaim the VAT on all our courses

    Prices include catering and resources. In the event of you needing to cancel a place, please note we require fourteen days' notice.

    Updated 08 January 2026

    Categories Outdoor Education