The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom hosted its 2025 National Conference in Leeds, bringing together education professionals to explore how high-quality learning beyond the classroom can transform student outcomes.
The annual event took place on 12th November and offered a blend of hands-on workshops, keynote sessions, and networking opportunities designed to spark ideas and strengthen practice.
As part of CLOtC’s commitment to enable more children and young people to learn beyond the classroom, 100 Yorkshire schools attended for free to support the development of their Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) provision.
Among the highlights was a talk from Suzanne Carter, headteacher at Eastwood Community Academy. She shared how embedding LOtC across the whole school practice and within school culture has transformed outcomes for pupils, supported staff wellbeing, and strengthened connections with the local community.
Delegates also enjoyed a guided tour of the museum - an LOtC Quality Badge holder - along with a thought-provoking panel discussion and a prize draw to close the day.
Returning as host was TV presenter, explorer, National Geographic Pristine Seas Head of Expeditions, and LOtC ambassador Paul Rose. Opening the conference, he reflected on his own journey and the profound, lasting impact that LOtC can have on today’s young people.
STO magazine represented
STO editor, Keeley Rodgers and business development manager, Chloe Boyles attended the conference, speaking to educators and providers about the magazine and a range of opportunities including the School Travel Awards initiative.
The recently published Learning Outside the Classroom Yearbook was also available to delegates who gave very positive feedback on the edition.
Paul Rose said: “If learning outside the classroom was mandatory, as it should be, then there would be no barriers, only encouragement. Fortunately there is good support for schools from CLOtC and their very accessible extended network.
“It’s useful if teachers visit other schools who are already embedding LOtC successfully, learn how they have overcome any hurdles, see the benefits first hand, and get their support and encouragement.”
By showcasing best practice and demonstrating the transformative power of high-quality, regular, fully-embedded learning beyond the classroom, the conference helps showcase LOtC’s role in supporting education as set out in the recent Curriculum and Assessment review.
Dr Anne Hunt, CEO of the CLOtC, said: “What a fantastic day we had at the 2025 CLOtC National Conference. It’s always deeply inspiring to hear from schools, providers, and policy colleagues, including those from government, about the incredible impact learning beyond the classroom has on enriching lives and extending learning.
“Even small changes to take a bit more learning beyond the classroom make a huge difference to educational, social, and health outcomes. The event demonstrated the growing momentum around learning beyond the classroom, and that by working better together we can support a serious step change in how we support all our children and young people to thrive.”
Next year’s CLOtC Conference will take place at RHS Wisley on Thursday 12th November.
For more information on the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom visit www.lotc.org.uk/
