Beyond the Classroom Conference
SAVE THE DATE
Beyond the Classroom Conference 2026 – Friday 24th April 2026
On Friday 25th April 2025, another amazing Beyond the Classroom conference at the stunning High Ashurst outdoor learning centre near Dorking.
Bathed in sunshine and surrounded by spring greenery, the day brought together a vibrant community of over 120 teachers, outdoor educators, and learning advocates for an unforgettable experience focused on the power of outdoor education.
The event, now in it's 8th year, featured a packed schedule of hands-on workshops covering a wide range of topics, from forest school techniques and team-building strategies to environmental education and creative approaches to learning beyond the classroom. Delegates had the chance to roll up their sleeves, get stuck in, and take away ideas they could implement immediately in their own settings.
A major highlight of the day was hearing from two inspirational keynote speakers. Dr Dave Harvey opened the day with a thought-provoking talk on Why Outdoor Learning Matters, challenging us to reframe the way we view education in natural spaces.
Keynote Speaker, Dr Dave Harvey
Home | Dave Harvey Outdoor Learning
Later in the day, adventurer and author Alastair Humphreys shared stories and insights on the joy and accessibility of “microadventures” — small, local explorations that can spark big changes in how we engage with the world around us.
Over 20 Workshops
The increased choice of workshops for delegates to attend this year were delivered by SOLD’s own experienced and passionate outdoor learning instructors as well as by our brilliant external partners. Delegates were spoil for choice with the varying options on offer.
Food
In between workshops, the SOLD catering team kept everyone energised with delicious food, drinks, and a few irresistible treats. The atmosphere was buzzing with conversation as delegates took full advantage of the networking opportunities, sharing experiences, building connections, and inspiring one another with their passion for outdoor learning.
With the sun shining and a spirit of collaboration in the air, Beyond the Classroom 2025 was a joyful celebration of the impact, creativity, and importance of taking education outdoors.
Thank you to everyone who joined us – we can’t wait to see where your adventures take you next.
Beyond the Classroom newsletter
Teachers can sign up for our Beyond the Classroom newsletter, which is packed with outdoor industry information, conference information and tickets, research, lesson plans, and resources.
It will help you feel confident in teaching your outdoor curriculum at your school.
Why attend?
Some feedback from previous delegates:
- Amazing and inspiring day!
- Great to share ideas with other educators too.
- Absolutely fantastic day, with loads of practical ideas and resources ready to use.
- Hugely good fun and inspiring.
- I love this annual opportunity to mingle with teachers, get their thoughts on outdoor education.
- I always come away inspired with new thoughts, angles and ideas
- We were made to feel very welcome, nothing was too much trouble.
- Great organisation and food!
- I was enthused and excited by the whole day.
- I learnt something I could take home and use instantly from every workshop
- I also bought back the "outside learning day" to the school and everyone taught one lesson outside on the 23rd May.
- There was a good wide choice of workshops and the speakers were good.
What to expect
Workshops
Choose 4 workshops to attend on the day when you book your place.
There is a huge range to choose from and lots of new options for 2025, take a look at the workshops.
Resources
During the day, you will be supplied with plenty of ideas and resources. When you return to school, you'll feel inspired to have a positive effect on your outdoor learning.
Goody Bag
Each delegate will receive a goody bag filled with helpful materials, including resources, lesson plans, and support information. It is even bigger and better for April 25! It will help you take your outdoor learning to the next level.
Food
We want you to stay energised all day. Our wonderful catering team will provide you with plenty of food and refreshments.
This will include a delicious breakfast snack, a hearty lunch in the outdoors, and plenty of healthy snacks throughout the day.
Who should come?
Attention all teachers who enjoy outdoor education: this is specifically for you.
This is important for teachers in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, outdoor learning leads, sports coordinators, and educators.
Plus, it is suitable for teachers involved with transition from primary to secondary and OAA (Outdoor Adventurous Activities) in Key Stage 3. Suitable for mainstream and SEN schools (Special Education Needs).
What it is included on the price?
- Keynote speeches from industry experts
- A light breakfast
- Refreshments all day
- A hearty lunch
- A goody bag filled with learning resources.
- Attendance to 4 workshops from a choice of over 20
- Resources from all workshops.
- Networking with like-minded educators.
- A day in the outdoors – and in our huge tent teepee 'Big Hat'!
- The Sport Premium Funding can finance outdoor learning.
- We really look forward to seeing you for an amazing day in the outdoors!
Beyond the Classroom newsletter
Teachers can sign up for our Beyond the Classroom newsletter, which is packed with outdoor industry information, conference information and tickets, research, lesson plans, and resources.
It will help you feel confident in teaching your outdoor curriculum at your school.