What is School Adventures?
Now piloting in schools across North West England, including West Yorkshire, Lancashire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Cheshire, School Adventures is our programme that delivers the same high-impact, instructor-led outdoor learning experience you’d find on our residential courses, but delivered on your school site.
It’s designed for Years 5‑6 (primary) and Years 7‑9 (secondary), and it’s all about bringing confidence, connection, curiosity, and challenge to every pupil, without the logistical barriers of leaving school grounds.
Because it takes place onsite, travel costs and time are removed as barriers — making outdoor learning accessible and inclusive.
Watch our videosWhy choose school adventures
The Intent
We bring the spirit of Outward Bound into school grounds, making powerful outdoor learning possible for every pupil, with no need to travel. It’s a chance to get outside, build confidence, and develop skills like teamwork, communication and resilience. And because it happens in their own setting, it’s accessible to all.
The Implementation
This isn’t just time outside. Our instructors lead structured adventures designed to challenge, connect and inspire. Each session starts by linking school-based tasks to real-world challenges and our wild locations - often using VR. Throughout, we blend physical activity with moments of reflection. It’s how pupils make sense of what they’ve learned - and how it stays with them. We call this the Transfer of Learning.
The Impact
Pupils return to class more self-aware, resilient and able to tackle day to day challenges with confidence. They leave with greater confidence, stronger social skills and a clearer sense of themselves. And for many, it’s just the beginning - opening up new possibilities in school, in life and laying the building blocks for the future.
Early impact at a glance
of participants say they now understand what they’re good at and where they could improve.
5 out of 6 teachers observed that pupils are more aware of their strengths and capabilities.
understand how their behaviour affects those around them.
Choose your adventure
From £400 per day
1-Day Discover Course
A high-energy, high-impact taste of challenge and reflection.
Group size: 15-30
Learning outcomes:
• Self-awareness. Recognising strengths and development areas
• Social awareness. Noticing group dynamics and communication
• Connection to nature. Openness to the outdoors
3-Day Challenge Course
Build deeper skills in teamwork, resilience and leadership through structured outdoor tasks.
Group size: 15-30
Learning Outcomes from the ‘Discover Course’ plus:
• Deeper insight into communication, resilience and leadership
• Understanding perseverance and problem-solving
• Reflecting on teamwork and empathy
• Increased engagement in and openness toward outdoor opportunities
5-Day Lead Course
Develop confidence, personal goals, and peer support, with an optional parents and guardians session to share progress.
Group size: 15-30
Learning Outcomes from the ‘Challenge Course’ plus:
• Demonstrating leadership, confidence and resilience
• Setting personal goals and taking ownership of learning
• Strengthening home-school connection via VR parent/ guardian showcase
What your day could look like
FUNDING SCHOOL ADVENTURES
School Adventures can often be funded using existing school budgets. Our programmes support wellbeing, personal development, physical activity, and engagement with learning, aligning with several common funding streams.
Pupil Premium
Where programmes support confidence, resilience, behaviour, attendance, or engagement for disadvantaged pupils.
PE & Sport Premium (Primary)
To increase participation in physical activity, develop teamwork and leadership, and engage pupils who may not thrive in traditional sport.
Wellbeing & Pastoral Budgets
To support mental health, emotional wellbeing, relationships, and positive behaviour.
Personal Development / PSHE / Character Education
Supporting SMSC, British Values, leadership, teamwork, and life skills beyond the classroom.
Enrichment or Educational Visits Budgets
As part of a school’s wider enrichment or outdoor learning offer, delivered on your school site with no travel costs.
Flexible Approaches
Many schools combine funding streams or target specific year groups or pupils. We’re happy to support schools in identifying the most appropriate option.
Need help making the case?
We can provide funding-aligned language to support internal approval and planning.
Watch our videos to find out more
Step into the adventure before it even begins
Our VR headset videos give young people a real feel for what an Outward Bound experience looks like. Have a sneak preview here.
