You can read about some of our involvement with The Outward Bound Trust in their 2017 Social Impact Report. Our work features in the 'Lasting Impact' chapter (follow the link to read this chapter). Alternatively, view the whole report here.

Funded in partnership with Deutsche Bank, “Reach Higher” was a bespoke 5-year project investing in the retention, achievement and progression of students in a deprived inner-London school and consisted of annual week-long trips for every year group to Outward Bound centres in Wales or the Lake District.

nfpSynergy was commissioned to conduct a five-year research study to explore the impact of the outdoor learning programme on student behaviour and performance within school,  as well as the wider impact on areas such as improving a sense of school community.

Using a combination of qualitative research (focus groups, paired in-depth interviews and individual in-depth interviews) and quantitative survey (online and paper-based surveys pre and post the Outward Bound trip and three months on), we were able to demonstrate that Outward Bound had, for the duration of the investment, created “lasting change” in several key ways.

These included creating a positive and supportive environment in which students can thrive and breaking down barriers between friendship groups. It also included building trust and confidence, as well as broadening horizons, both geographically and in terms of personal experience.