Adventure Learning is a social enterprise using experiential, play-based and outdoor learning to support attainment, wellbeing and resilience, while helping children connect with the natural world.
Adventure Learning delivers outdoor and adventure-based programmes designed to support academic attainment and pupil wellbeing through practical, collaborative learning. Activities help inspire confidence, foster teamwork, strengthen communication skills and build resilience, alongside curriculum knowledge and understanding.
My Schools
Led by Hugh Dames, Adventure Learning worked with around 35 schools before Covid, and was continuing to expand.
Today, Hugh, with the support of project staff, works more intensively with a smaller number of partner schools, alongside ad hoc programmes for other schools. While this has reduced the overall number of schools reached, it has enabled Adventure Learning to become more integral to the day-to-day teaching and learning of its partner schools.
A significant proportion of this work has been with schools serving communities experiencing high levels of socio-economic disadvantage.
Current Partner Schools
- Prendergast Ladywell School (Lewisham) — approx. 27% of pupils eligible for free school meals (FSM)
- Convent of Jesus and Mary Infant School (Willesden Green) — approx. 26–27% FSM; rated Ofsted Outstanding in 2024
- St Mary Magdalen’s Catholic Junior School (Willesden Green) — approx. 29% FSM
- St Mary’s Catholic Primary School (Beckenham) — approx. 7–8% FSM; a valued regular partner and rated Ofsted Outstanding in 2024
Beyond the Local
Adventure Learning’s practice is also contributing to professional learning. It is now an approved setting for final-year student observations from UCL’s Institute of Education, giving students the opportunity to observe experiential and play-based approaches in practice.
Adventure Learning is also doing increasing work internationally, drawing on experience developed through outdoor, experiential and play-based learning in the UK to support low-resource education in areas affected by conflict, displacement and environmental crisis. This work focuses on practical approaches that can be adapted to settings where classrooms, specialist equipment and teaching resources may be limited or disrupted.
This is a two-way learning process. Experience gained from working with educators in very different contexts is, in turn, informing and strengthening Adventure Learning’s approaches back in London — particularly around adaptability, the use of simple and readily available resources, and making learning active, playful and accessible across a wide range of settings.
Why This Matters
Adventure Learning focuses on raising academic achievement while nurturing emotional resilience, social skills and self-belief. Through practical, collaborative and play-based learning, children develop confidence, communication, teamwork and independence alongside curriculum knowledge.
Much of this learning takes place outdoors, helping children build a stronger connection with parks, green spaces and the natural world that sustains them.
And to find out more about our Adventures >> click here