Empower your colleagues and offer pupils a calmer environment for learning…
Coventry Outdoors – the dedicated Outdoor Learning Service of Coventry City Council – provides exceptional CPD and accredited Level 5 apprenticeships opportunities across the UK.
We empower educators through Forest School, WILD Passport and therapeutic training, giving them the expertise to deliver high-impact, sustainable outdoor learning in any setting.
What range of qualifications does Coventry Outdoors offer?
We offer a complete suite of professional qualifications designed to suit different needs. Alongside popular options, like WILD Passport and Forest School Leader awards, we also offer specialised training in Wilderness Therapeutic Interventions and Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC).
For schools looking to take a more strategic approach, our Level 5 Outdoor Learning Specialist apprenticeship is a brilliant way to develop a resident expert who can lead curriculum-wide change.
How does outdoor learning improve wellbeing and school behaviour?
Spending time outdoors lowers cortisol levels, gives physical and emotional space to pupils and provides a calmer environment for learning. This in turn leads to improved emotional regulation and behaviour, meaning schools can reduce the time and money spent on crisis management.
Improved behaviour lets resources be reallocated into proactive teaching, making outdoor learning a preventative approach that can be used to support student mental health, while having a direct impact on school finances.
How can outdoor learning drive academic attainment?
Outdoor learning has been shown to assist in closing the academic gap for many students. By providing opportunities to contextualise classroom learning – measuring wood before it’s cut, identifying insects in their native habitats, exploring heritage skills – we’re helping to embed classroom knowledge, build deeper understanding and encourage greater curiosity.
Better engagement inevitably leads to better classroom participation and improved performance in assessments.
Why should schools choose a council-run service for their CPD?
Partnering with Coventry City Council gives schools peace of mind. You aren’t just getting a trainer – you’re getting a service that understands local authority safeguarding, health and safety, and curriculum standards.
We’re not profit-driven, and therefore appreciate the need for long-term social and financial value, as well as educational outcomes. We want schools across the nation to develop a sustainable approach to outdoor learning.
How can schools apply for apprenticeships?
Whilst we are a Coventry-based service, we are actively expanding and encourage applications from schools across the UK to help form new apprenticeship cohorts. We’re currently recruiting for our major September intake, with dedicated cohorts already established in Coventry and Yorkshire.
We also welcome interest from any national organisations keen to partner with us in creating new regional cohorts.
For more information, email outdooreducation@coventry.uk or visit coventry.gov.uk/coventryoutdoors.
- Trusted local authority expertise – we combine council-level quality assurance with years of practical, on-the-ground outdoor teaching experience
- Specialist Level 5 apprenticeships – invest in placing a dedicated specialist at your school through our levy-funded, high level Outdoor Learning apprenticeship
- Holistic qualification suite – from the WILD Passport to Therapeutic Interventions, we offer the full spectrum of outdoor professional development
