PGL Beyond launches report highlighting the role of learning beyond the classroom

The launch event, at the House of Commons, brought together parliamentarians, education leaders and members of the Purpose Coalition to examine how enrichment and experiential learning can support social mobility across the UK.

The PGL Beyond Impact Report sets out the organisation’s social impact across the UK, with a focus on supporting young people to build confidence, develop life skills and access opportunity through learning beyond the classroom. The report highlights the role of outdoor and experiential learning in complementing in-school education to deliver positive long-term outcomes.

“Learning beyond the classroom can be transformational, particularly for young people who face barriers to opportunity.”

Anthony Jones, chief executive of PGL Beyond.

Chief executive of PGL Beyond Anthony Jones added: “This report sets out the impact PGL Beyond is delivering across the UK, but also our ambition to go much further, working with partners to ensure that experiences which build confidence, resilience and life skills are accessible to more young people, whatever their circumstances.

“We were delighted to be able to share the progress we have made to date, with so many stakeholders from across our sector, all focused on providing more opportunities for young people to succeed. Our shared purpose, and our passion to achieve more, will certainly see us reach our goals.”

Attendees at the event heard from those delivering learning beyond the classroom and received copies of the report. There were reflections on how the findings of the report can inform future policy, partnership and practice. 

The event also looked at how collaboration across Parliament, education and industry can help ensure opportunities are built deliberately. 

Andy MacNae MP, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Outdoor Recreation and Access to Nature, said: “Outdoor experiences play a vital role in supporting young people’s confidence, well-being and life chances.

“The PGL Beyond Impact Report shows why access to enrichment and learning beyond the classroom matters, and why the challenge for policy makers is not whether this works, but how we ensure more young people, in more places, can benefit.”

Findings & recommendations

The report measured the deprivation faced by communities across the country to find insights into factors affecting income, employment, education, health and housing.

Blackpool was found to be the most deprived local authority in England, whilst North Norfolk ranked 195 out of 195. Other notable findings showed that 23.71% of Doncaster’s local communities fell within the most ten percent of communities nationally. 

The report recommends three key areas to engage with to address barriers to opportunity. 

• 6.1 Early engagement and outreach - Implementing outreach programmes that target younger age groups, [particularly those in primary and early secondary education. A structured outreach strategy targeted at areas of low social-mobility, particularly those close to PGL sites would enable PGL to deliver further intervention in those areas.
• 6.2 Expand reach of the breakthrough fund - The fund supports young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to access residential experiences. PGL Beyond should consider increasing the fund’s scope through partnerships with local authorities, academy trusts and education-focused charities. 
• 6.3 Social impact measurement - Developing a more formalised and consistent method for tracking outcomes could increase the visibility and effectiveness.