Bede’s Prep School in Eastbourne has been awarded the Gold LOtC Mark, the highest national accolade for commitment to excellence in Learning Outside the Classroom.
The award, granted by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (CLOtC), recognises schools that go above and beyond to integrate practical, real-world experiences into their daily curriculum. With nature surrounding Bede’s Prep School in such close proximity, pupils regularly take their learning outdoors and connect with nature. It is the School’s strong belief that learning takes place beyond the confines of the classroom, and with this in mind, having practical learning experiences is at the heart of the pupils’ education.
The LOtC Mark is awarded by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom, the UK wide charity that champions all learning that happens beyond the classroom. Their work supports educators, schools and organisations who are dedicated to ensuring more children and young people have opportunities for life-changing learning experiences beyond the classroom. The many benefits of LOtC are now well-evidenced and include improving academic attainment, physical health, emotional well-being, self-esteem, and resilience.
From analysing coastal erosion on the beach for Geography to studying animal adaptation in Science, Bede’s pupils use their unique environment to turn theory into practice. Even Art and Design sessions take to the shore, where the local coastline provides inspiration. Not only are lessons taught on the beach or at the on-site ‘Forest School’, pupils regularly help to keep their local shores clean. They take part in beach litter picks which not only serves our community and environment, but also encourages important, thought-provoking conversations.
Matt Bennett-Tomlin, Deputy Head at Bede’s Prep School said: “Being awarded the Gold LOtC Mark is a fantastic achievement for staff across the whole Prep School site. It clearly demonstrates how staff have consistently put in the work and planning to ensure our pupils have regular and enjoyable access to vital and meaningful opportunities to learn outside the classroom, both on and offsite. We are in the unique position where the King Charles III England Coast Path literally overlaps our sports pitches; our principal playing fields are in a wide natural hollow which our pupils enjoy daily. This award recognises how we’ve harnessed our location as an advantage to ensure every pupil has regular, meaningful opportunities to learn and grow in the fresh air. We are over the moon to get official recognition for our collective efforts, and we look forward to continuing to embed LOtC within our school curriculum to help more pupils achieve their potential.’’
Dr Anne Hunt, Chief Executive of CLOtC said: “Learning outside the classroom has many proven educational benefits as well as providing some of the most memorable experiences in a child’s school life. Achieving the Gold LOtC Mark demonstrates that Bede’s Prep School is committed to developing and delivering genuinely valuable learning outside the classroom experiences for their children and young people and I congratulate them on achieving this award.”
With a new development plan already in motion, Bede’s Prep aims to further embed these outdoor initiatives in the coming years, ensuring the South Downs and the Sussex coast remain central to their pupils’ success. From September 2027, Bede’s are introducing a boutique, streamlined Upper School for Years 7–11, providing signature Bede’s education with lower termly fees – find out more on our website – www.bedes.org.
