The Outward Bound Award 2026 is now open for nominations

We’re really pleased to share that The Outward Bound Award is now open, inviting nominations from across England, Scotland and Wales.

The award celebrates young people who show courage, confidence and personal growth through challenge - whether that’s through adventure, education, training or work. After a successful pilot year, we’re expanding the award in 2026 to recognise seven regional winners and one national winner.

Most importantly, the award is open to all young people. Nominees don’t need to have taken part in an Outward Bound course. If their story reflects the spirit of Outward Bound — stepping into challenge, supporting others and discovering what they’re capable of — we want to hear it.

Recognising moments that matter

At Outward Bound, we see every day how powerful challenge can be for young people. Often, it’s not the big achievements that matter most, but the quieter moments: trying something new, helping someone else through a tough day, or realising they’re stronger than they thought.

The Outward Bound Award exists to recognise those moments and the young people behind them.

Nominations are open to anyone who knows a young person’s story, including teachers, employers, parents or carers, youth workers and community leaders. Young people can also nominate themselves, with a referee.

Building on our first year

We piloted the award last year and received over 100 nominations from schools and communities. Our first winner, Harvey, was recognised after showing remarkable personal growth through challenge. A story that reminded us just how much recognition can mean.

What we learned from that pilot has shaped the award for 2026. We’ve introduced regional winners, tightened the nomination window, and opened the award up more widely so more young people can be recognised.

How the award works

Nominations are now open and will close on Sunday, 5 April 2026.

From the nominations we receive, we’ll select:

• Seven regional winners across England, Scotland and Wales
• One national winner, chosen from the regional recipients

Regional winners will receive recognition, a certificate and an outdoor kit voucher. The national winner will also receive a guest speaker visit to their school, college or workplace, alongside national recognition.

This award isn’t about competition or perfection. It’s about recognising progress, character and the courage it takes to step up when it matters.

How to nominate

If you know a young person whose journey deserves to be recognised, nominations can be submitted online. The nomination form takes around five minutes to complete.

We can’t wait to read the stories that come in.