A timetabled part of every pupil’s week

Outdoor Education has its own structure and progression. This page explains how the pathway works, and the Outdoor Education page covers the full range of activities and what they build in a young person.

Three women outdoors in a field on a sunny day, wearing matching sleeveless sports tops over long-sleeve shirts, smiling and interacting with each other.

Surfer wearing a black wetsuit and orange vest riding a wave on a surfboard against a clear blue sky.

How the pathway works

Long enough to build real skill and see genuine progress

The Outdoor Education Pathway is part of every pupil’s weekly timetable, running alongside the Core Curriculum. Activities run in half-term blocks and each pupil can choose up to six a year, progressing through different levels as they go. Since September 2024 there have been no additional costs for any of the activities.

Progression from Year 7 to Year 13

Designed to grow with a pupil

Years 7 and 8 start with surfing, cycling, climbing, paddle sports, coastal exploring, Forest School, hiking and orienteering. From Year 9 pupils add the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Ten Tors training, camp craft and dinghy sailing, and older pupils can take on bushcraft, parkour, wild swimming and horse-riding.

High numbers of pupils go on to complete their Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, and the Gold Award comes with a trip to Buckingham Palace.

Three hikers walking on a rocky, muddy trail flanked by moss-covered stone walls and leafless trees on a foggy day.

Qualifications and awards

Experience that counts on paper as well as in character

the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, with every Year 9 pupil enrolled at Bronze and many progressing to Silver and Gold
annual expeditions in Years 8 to 13, Ten Tors and the Exmoor and Jubilee Challenges, covering 16 to 55 miles
months of preparation and real endurance behind each expedition

What’s on offer

Across the coast and moorland around us

Surfing, kayaking, climbing, cycling and Forest School all happen on our doorstep, with 24 acres of sports fields, woodland and rewilding projects on site and the South West Coast Path close by. Whatever a pupil’s confidence or ability when they arrive, they take part and progress at a level that suits them, with support built in for those who need it.

Young person in full scuba diving gear standing by water, wearing a black wetsuit with green accents, gloves, a hood, and holding a snorkel mask and tube, with scuba equipment including gauges and hoses on their chest.

Every activity, every year group

Outdoor Education

Surfer in a black wetsuit and orange vest rides a large wave in cloudy conditions.

UK Surf School of the Year 2026

Surfing at Kingsley

Questions

Frequently asked questions

How does the Outdoor Education pathway work?

It runs in timetabled pathway sessions during the school week. Pupils choose activities in half-term blocks and can take up to six a year.

Is it for every pupil?

Yes. Whatever a pupil’s confidence or ability when they arrive, they take part and progress at a level that suits them, with support built in for those who need it.

What qualifications does it lead to?

Every Year 9 pupil is enrolled on the Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award, and many go on to Silver and Gold. Pupils in Years 8 to 13 also take on major expeditions such as Ten Tors and the Exmoor and Jubilee Challenges.