Debate Over Universal Access to Outdoor Education Week for Pupils

A proposed law, the Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Bill, seeks to guarantee every pupil in Scotland a week of residential outdoor education. The bill, introduced by Conservative MSP Liz Smith, has received cross-party support in principle. However, it faces uncertainty due to the absence of government financial backing.

For many children, the Primary 7 residential trip is a memorable part of school life, offering opportunities for teamwork, resilience, and personal growth. Supporters of the bill argue that all pupils should have equal access to such experiences, regardless of their background or the resources of their local authority.

At present, access to outdoor residential education varies across Scotland. Research by the University of Edinburgh found that only about a third of secondary schools and a quarter of primary schools offer such programmes.

Smith, a former teacher, has said she believes outdoor education can have lasting benefits for young people. Her proposal would entitle every pupil to four nights and five days of residential outdoor learning.

“The statistics show that children who take part in residential outdoor education tend to have better attendance, behaviour, and self-discipline,” she said. “Every child, no matter their background, should have that opportunity.”

However, the proposal carries significant cost implications. Estimates suggest it would require between £25 million and £40 million annually.

Children’s Minister Natalie Don-Innes has expressed concerns about affordability, warning that allocating funds specifically for outdoor education could affect other areas of the education budget. “If funding were ringfenced for this, where would cuts be made — teachers, schools, nurseries, or colleges?” she asked.

A Scottish Government spokesperson stated that questions about affordability, workforce impact, and equitable access must be resolved before a financial resolution can be considered.

The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) has also raised practical concerns, including staffing pressures, transport costs, and the potential effect on other educational trips, such as visits linked to history, geography, or the arts.

Advocates for the bill, including the Outward Bound Trust, argue that the policy represents a valuable long-term investment. Chief Executive Martin Davidson pointed to international research showing that every £1 invested in Outward Bound programmes delivers between £5 and £15 in societal value.

“Outdoor education is not about teaching pupils to canoe or climb,” Davidson said. “It’s about helping them discover more about themselves and how they work with others through shared experiences.”

At the Dounans Outdoor Education Centre in Aberfoyle, a group of Primary 7 pupils from Fife recently participated in activities such as canoeing, raft-building, and tree climbing. Eleven-year-old Harris described the sense of pride he felt after reaching the top of a tall tree, while ten-year-old Orla said she was “super proud” after overcoming her fear of heights.

The bill is expected to return to the Scottish Parliament in the near future.

The Scottish Government is preparing to make a decision that could shape the educational experiences of future generations.

HandsamSchoolTripsAdvisor is a website brought to you by Handsam Ltd, the UK's leading experts on school trip planning, educational experiences and safety (link is external). We have created this site specifically for staff who plan and lead trips to be able to do so more easily, effectively and quickly - engaging and stimulating your students whatever their age, ability and aptitudes are.