Supporting schools throughout the trial
Your school is one of 66 contributing to an evaluation of how adventure learning may support young people at risk of disengaging from education.
The study will explore the potential impact on pupils:
- Self-regulation
- Resilience
- Wellbeing
- Engagement with school and learning
At a time when schools are balancing budgets, attendance, behaviour and pupil wellbeing, this research has real value. It will help build evidence about how schools can support pupils’ personal development and make informed decisions about future provision.
Whether your school is taking part in the Outward Bound residential programme or the control group, your role is equally important. Both groups are needed to help researchers understand the impact of the programme as clearly as possible.
Your continued engagement will help make the findings as useful and reliable as they can be for schools across the UK.
If your school has been allocated to Outward Bound
What to expect
Your selected pupils will take part in a five-day residential adventure learning programme delivered by The Outward Bound Trust.
As part of the research project, schools and pupils will also be asked to complete surveys before and after the course. These are an important part of the evaluation and will help researchers understand any changes over time.
The residential experience has been designed to challenge, support and inspire young people through activities that develop confidence, teamwork, perseverance and self-belief.
During the residential, pupils will:
- Take part in adventurous outdoor activities
- Work collaboratively with their peers
- Learn to overcome challenges and setbacks
- Build confidence and resilience
- Reflect on their experiences and learning
Every course is led by experienced instructors who create a supportive environment where pupils can step outside their comfort zones and discover what they are capable of achieving.
How schools can help pupils get the most from the experience
Before the Course
- Build excitement and anticipation
- Communicate regularly with parents and carers
- Encourage pupils to approach the experience with an open mind
- Reassure pupils who may be nervous about attending
- Support pupils and staff to complete the pre-course research surveys
- Deliver pre course briefings, supported by Outward Bound
During the Course
- Support any administrative requirements promptly
After the Course
- Support pupils and staff to complete the post-course research surveys
- Create opportunities for reflection
- Encourage pupils to discuss their learning
- Celebrate achievements and personal growth
- Consider how learning can be reinforced back in school
Frequently asked questions
Is the residential assessed?
No. This is not a test or assessment. The focus is on personal development and learning through experience.
What support will schools receive?
Your Outward Bound contact will guide you through planning, logistics, communication and preparation.
What if a pupil is anxious about attending?
This is very common. Our teams have extensive experience supporting young people who may initially feel nervous or uncertain.
Outward Bound Help Centre
For more support on attending your residential head over to our help centre.
If your school has been allocated to the Control Group
Your role is just as important. While pupils in the control group will not attend an Outward Bound residential during the trial period, your participation is essential to the research. Control group schools provide the comparison needed to help understand whether the programme makes a measurable difference. Without your contribution, the study could not produce reliable findings.
What to expect
Your school will:
- Continue with normal educational provision
- Support pupils in completing evaluation activities when required
- Contribute valuable data to the research
- Receive £1,500 to support pupil development activities and staff involvement
This funding will be paid in stages once the required trial activity has been completed by the school. The research team will provide clear guidance on what is needed and when payments will be made.
Tips for Control Group Schools
Keep pupils engaged
Help pupils understand they are part of an important national study and that their participation matters.
Maintain consistency
Continue supporting pupils through your usual approaches and interventions.
Prioritise data collection
Timely completion of surveys and assessments is vital to the success of the trial.
Stay connected
Keep your nominated lead informed of key dates and communications from the research team.
Meet the Partners
Education Endowment Foundation (EEF)
An independent charity dedicated to improving educational outcomes through evidence.
The Outward Bound Trust
A leading education charity using outdoor residentials to build resilience, confidence and teamwork.
University of York
Independent evaluators with expertise in large-scale school research.
Important information
