Breaking Down Barriers Beyond the Classroom - Why This Moment Matters for Schools
What happens when conversations about social mobility, outdoor learning and educational visits move from staffrooms into Parliament? Attending the launch of the PGL Beyond and the Purpose Coalition Impact Report offered a timely reminder of why learning beyond the classroom matters more than ever for schools.
Walking through security at the Houses of Parliament is not something most teachers do on a weekday afternoon. Yet today (Wednesday 11 February), that was exactly where conversations about school trips, outdoor learning and social mobility were taking place – and not in theory, but in practice.
We were fortunate to attend the launch of the PGL Beyond Impact Report, hosted by Andy MacNae MP on behalf of PGL Beyond and the Purpose Coalition alongside other sector organisations including Outdoor Education Adviser Network (OEAN), Institute for Outdoor Learning, School Travel Forum, Association for Heads of Outdoor Centres, and British Activities Provider Association. The setting was symbolic, but the messages shared were grounded firmly in the day-to-day realities faced by schools across the UK.
A shared focus on opportunity
The Purpose Coalition brings together organisations committed to improving social mobility and equal access to opportunity. The Impact Report launched at the event showcases how PGL Beyond’s work aligns with the Coalition’s 15 Purpose Goals, from strong early foundations through to health, wellbeing and access to opportunity later in life.
As Educational Visits Advisers and EVCs, we know that learning outside the classroom is often the first thing to be questioned when budgets tighten. What this report makes clear is that these experiences are not ‘nice to have extras’, they are fundamental to closing gaps, building confidence and widening horizons for young people who may otherwise never leave their local area.
Voices that resonated with schools
In her address, Rt Hon Justine Greening, Chair of the Purpose Coalition and former Secretary of State for Education, spoke powerfully about the need for tailored experiences and opportunities. She highlighted that visiting new places, overcoming unfamiliar challenges and developing independence are critical parts of a rounded education, particularly in a system where disadvantage can show itself early and compound over time, she spoke of the need for equality of opportunity regardless of background.
This was echoed by Anthony Jones, CEO of PGL Beyond, who spoke about purpose-led decisions and the organisation’s belief that experiences beyond the classroom should be a right not a privilege. For schools working with high levels of Pupil Premium or SEND learners, this message will feel particularly familiar and reassuring. He spoke passionately that profit does not mean you do not have purpose and the more inclusive and organisation the more impact you have.
Jake Wiid is Managing Director of EVOLVE Advice
Why this matters for EVCs and schools
From an EVC perspective, what stood out most was how clearly the report connects educational visits to measurable outcomes: confidence, resilience, wellbeing, employability skills and a sense of belonging. These outcomes are clearly recognised by teachers and providers but are not easy to evidence when justifying trips to senior leaders, governors or parents.
This impact report creates a shared language and framework that will help schools explain why a visit matters, not just what pupils will do while they are away. It also reinforces the idea that partnerships between schools, providers and policymakers are essential if learning outside the classroom is to be accessible to all, rather than becoming the preserve of a few.
A moment worth paying attention to
Networking after the speeches brought together school leaders, outdoor education specialists and youth organisations, all grappling with the same challenge – how to ensure every young person benefits from experiences beyond the school gate. The conversations were thoughtful, honest and, crucially, practical.
Leaving Parliament this afternoon, we were reminded that educational visits sit at the intersection of policy, wellbeing and opportunity. Events like this matter because they put those conversations on a bigger stage and because they reinforce what EVCs already know, learning outside the classroom can be genuinely life-changing.
For schools considering how to protect and prioritise educational visits in the years ahead, the message from this launch was clear. These experiences are not a distraction from learning.
They are an essential part of it.
Find out more at PGL Beyond and read the impact report here https://www.purpose-coalition.org/impact-reports/pglbeyond
