Welcome
I am delighted to welcome you to School of Outdoors, where we passionately believe in the transformative power of outdoor education. Our organisation, which opened in 2019, serves young people and adults across the South of England, offering unique educational experiences that go beyond the traditional classroom setting.
Our vision is clear: to be the industry-leading provider of outdoor education and experiences. We strive to achieve this by consistently asking ourselves three fundamental questions in every situation:
- Is it the best it can be?
- Has there been impact?
- Have there been meaningful connections?
These questions, underpinned by our deep-rooted belief in the benefits of outdoor education, guide everything we do. The journey from novice to leader, and ultimately to champion of outdoor programs and qualifications, is one we cherish and aim to facilitate for every student.
The evidence supporting the benefits of outdoor experiences is extensive. We see first hand how these experiences build confidence, skills, teamwork, leadership, and a greater love for the environment. At School of Outdoors, we design programmes that offer positive experiences tailored to the individual needs of every participant. We believe in listening and responding to those needs, ensuring everyone has an enjoyable and meaningful learning journey.
Our commitment to excellence is unwavering, but we also recognise our humanity. We encourage feedback from our students, staff, and stakeholders to help us continually improve. Belonging means being heard and valued, and we aim to foster an environment where everyone feels that way.
Our staff, comprising professional, safe, and enthusiastic outdoor instructors, are at the heart of our organisation. We invest in their continuous development to ensure they can champion our students and take something meaningful from their own learning journeys. By fostering a culture of understanding, constructive feedback, and mutual respect, we can collectively give our best to you.
As the CEO, my journey to this role began in the urban landscape of West London, where I discovered my love for the outdoors through The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. My experiences, from supporting young people in various outdoor activities have shaped my commitment to outdoor education.
Since 2019, I have had the privilege of leading School of Outdoors, enabling people to learn and grow in the outdoor environment each year. Our programs cater to secondary education and adulthood, providing an alternative to traditional education for those who thrive outside the conventional classroom.
We cater to people from diverse backgrounds who are not accessing formal education but find joy and purpose in the outdoors. Our staff are dedicated instructors who build individual learning pathways, fostering strong relationships with each young person and ensuring they reach their full potential.
At School of Outdoors, we offer a variety of activities, including Duke of Edinburgh's Award Expeditions, Alternative Education, Team Building, First Aid, Bushcraft and Leadership courses, all designed to make learning an adventure. We aim to lead the way in education in the outdoor environment, providing experiences that are as educational as they are unforgettable.
Thank you for considering the School of Outdoors. We look forward to welcoming you into our community and sharing the many adventures that await.
Warm regards,
Dominic Taylor
CEO
