Outdoor Learning Grant

Outdoor Learning Grant

The Outdoor Learning Grant is now OPEN!

We are thrilled to have secured a pot of funding to support trips taking place between now and March 31st 2027.

Other subsidised transport options are also available, please scroll down for further details.

What does the Outdoor Learning Grant cover?

Schools visiting the South Downs National Park may be able to benefit from our Outdoor Learning Grant. This can help with the costs of a trip by contributing towards the transport and learning providers fees.

Our Outdoor Learning Grant is designed to:

• connect pupils and staff with the special qualities of the National Park, through outdoor, nature-based and real-world learning experiences in the South Downs National Park
• support curriculum-linked and/or health and wellbeing outcomes for pupils

What does the Outdoor Learning Grant cover?

Schools and Colleges can apply for a grant of up to £750 towards the costs of a school trip with an education provider*, or for a self-led visit, in the South Downs National Park. Please note it does not cover visits to a school in the South Downs National Park.

Eligibility

• All state-funded schools and colleges with 15% or more pupils eligible for Free School Meals, are eligible to apply for the grant. We use the “Get information about schools service” as our data source to confirm percentage of Free School Meals. Please see the table below for possible funding options.

• Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. If your application is successful, you will be sent an email to confirm the grant. We aim to respond within ten working days.
• Each school is eligible for one grant between April 1st 2026 and March 31st  2027. Please do not reapply if you have already benefitted this financial year.
• Visits and trips can take place during term-time or the school holidays.

The grants are administered and funded by the South Downs National Park Authority, with additional funding from the South Downs National Park Trust. 

*The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) administers these grants to help schools connect with education sites and providers. The SDNPA bears no responsibility for the services provided by these organisations and schools are responsible for checking appropriate safety standards and liability insurance when using an outside organisation and should follow the government guidance at when planning any educational visits.

How do I apply?

• Choose a site to visit and/or agree a provisional date with a learning provider and get quotes for provider costs and/or travel costs. Use our South Downs Learning Network – sites and providers directory to help find a site or provider.
• If you are conducting a self-led visit, use our guide to see whether your planned location is in the park.
• Plan your transport for school trips. See more information below.
• Complete our application form to apply

Sustainable Travel

We have reserved 10% of the total grant this year from schools that choose to travel sustainably to their chosen site. Sustainable travel may include walking, cycling or going on the train. Your travel claim can include costs of (for example) bike hire, and additional staff to support bike rides or walks. If you are interested in using sustainable travel but are unsure the best way, please contact your learning provider who will be more than happy to help.

Subsidised Coach Travel – The Coach Travel Group

We’ve teamed up with The Coach Travel Group to offer affordable, reliable and comfortable school transportation to over 100 of the South Downs National Park attractions. The Lucketts Group and Worthing Coaches, are proud to be partnered with South Downs National Park to offer local schools affordable and reliable coach hire from as little as £295-£345. 

For pick ups in or East of Chichester, please click here.

For pick ups west of Chichester, please click here.

Subsidised Coach Travel – Community Transport Sussex

Community Transport Sussex are a local charity with years of experience providing safe, reliable and discounted transport. Their fleet of fully accessible minibuses, which seat up to 16 people, are ready for hire and perfect for getting pupils to and from school for activities during the day. With depots in Chichester and Arun, Worthing and Adur, Mid-Sussex, Horsham and Crawley, we are able to support schools across West Sussex.

Please email Suzy@ctsussex.org.uk for a quote and more information.

Benefits of the Outdoor Learning Grant:

• Increased time spent in outdoor spaces will benefit mental health and wellbeing
• Access to larger-scale landscapes like National Parks is an important part of our connection to, and relationship with, nature
• Pupils who participate in adventure learning interventions make approximately four additional months’ progress.  According to the Education Endowment Fund Learning toolkit, with the exception of smaller class sizes, this has the largest influence on academic attainment of all interventions.

Keep in contact

Subscribe to our Schools Newsletter for regular updates on grants such as these, offers and learning opportunities across the National Park.

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