Our son missed the training event on 2/3/26 due to illness on the day. He was later told there would be some sort of catch up event which never materialised. We were called the day before the camp (1... See more
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We have used School of Outdoors for Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh. Very professional, great communications and also made it fun. Map reading and survival skills are an absolute must, and it g... See more
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Both my boys’ school uses School of Outdoors for the Expedition part of the DofE. Our younger son completed his Bronze part with them and our older one the Gold one. The company were excellent!! V... See more
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Supportive throughout the whole process in and outside of school and very easy for my son to load his evidence. As well as helping the local community, learning a new skill etc he met new people and i... See more
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Company details
About School of Outdoors
Written by the company
We constantly asking the following three questions of everyone involved, and in every situation.
1. Is it the best it can be?
2. Has there been impact?
3. Have there been meaningful connections?
Underpinning our vision and these questions is a deep rooted belief in our outdoor education and meaningful experiences in the outdoors. This is borne from the directors own journeys through the outdoors, from novice, to leader, to champion of programmes and qualifications for others.
The benefits of outdoor experiences are widely evidenced, and our belief in its ability to build confidence, skills, team work, leadership and a greater love for the outdoor environment is the foundation of all we do. We aim to build programmes that offer positive experiences for every participant. We recognise that everyone has different needs; talk to us, and we will do all we can to understand and respond to those needs.
We care. A lot. We care that every participant on every single one of courses has an enjoyable and meaningful learning journey. That our Staff are valued and deserve investment, time and to be heard. We care about connection and belonging, and design our programmes to offer every participant and Staff member the opportunity to feel part of something with consequence.
We strive for excellence, but recognise that we are also only human. We want to be the very best we can be, so we need our participants, Staff and customers to tell us what we are doing right, and if there is anything we could do better. Belonging means being heard and valued, we hope to foster an environment where everyone feels that way. Only then can we be the best we can be.
1. Is it the best it can be?
2. Has there been impact?
3. Have there been meaningful connections?
Underpinning our vision and these questions is a deep rooted belief in our outdoor education and meaningful experiences in the outdoors. This is borne from the directors own journeys through the outdoors, from novice, to leader, to champion of programmes and qualifications for others.
The benefits of outdoor experiences are widely evidenced, and our belief in its ability to build confidence, skills, team work, leadership and a greater love for the outdoor environment is the foundation of all we do. We aim to build programmes that offer positive experiences for every participant. We recognise that everyone has different needs; talk to us, and we will do all we can to understand and respond to those needs.
We care. A lot. We care that every participant on every single one of courses has an enjoyable and meaningful learning journey. That our Staff are valued and deserve investment, time and to be heard. We care about connection and belonging, and design our programmes to offer every participant and Staff member the opportunity to feel part of something with consequence.
We strive for excellence, but recognise that we are also only human. We want to be the very best we can be, so we need our participants, Staff and customers to tell us what we are doing right, and if there is anything we could do better. Belonging means being heard and valued, we hope to foster an environment where everyone feels that way. Only then can we be the best we can be.
Contact info
Sutherland Walk, HP21 7NS, Aylesbury, United Kingdom
- 0129 633 6644
- info@schoolofourdoors.uk
- schoolofoutdoors.uk
4.2
Great
147 reviews
No history of asking for reviews
This company hasn't invited their customers, so reviews may not be representative
Replied to 100% of negative reviews
Typically replies within 24 hours
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Only refunded 43% of cost due to illness on training event
Our son missed the training event on 2/3/26 due to illness on the day. He was later told there would be some sort of catch up event which never materialised. We were called the day before the camp (15/5/26) to be told he was being removed from the programme for health and safety reasons due to missing the training (he has done several multi-night camps with Beavers, Cubs and Scouts) and the school has decided they will only refund £110 of the £256 we paid.
March 2, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from School of Outdoors
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback, and we're sorry to hear about your son's experience. We understand how disappointing and stressful this must have been, especially with the call coming the day before camp.
As a DofE provider, completion of all training sessions is a requirement of the Award itself, not just our own policy and is essential to ensure participants are safe and fully prepared for their expedition. This isn't a decision we take lightly, and we're sorry the circumstances led to this outcome.
We'd like to note that School of Outdoors works directly with schools, who manage the booking and communication with families. We did notify the school of the missed training session and the need to catch up and we're sorry if that message didn't reach you as a family.
In terms of the financial settlement, we can confirm that we have only charged for sessions that have taken place and have issued a full credit to the school for the other expeditions. Our billing relationship is with the school directly, and we'd encourage you to speak with them regarding the overall refund you receive.
If you'd like to discuss this further, please don't hesitate to contact us directly at dofe@schoolofoutdoors.uk and we'll do everything we can to help.
School of Outdoors DofE Expedition review
All of the instructors were really kind, welcoming and knowledgeable, as well as helping us when needed, but allowing us to do enough on our own to learn a lot about DofE and the local area. Overall a great experience and I would want to to use School of Outdoors again in the future. Luca
June 12, 2024
Unprompted review
well managed expeditions
My daughter really enjoyed the expeditions, one of which was extremely wet! Everything appeared to be well managed so thank you!
July 1, 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from School of Outdoors
Thank you Jo
Great company for your DOE expedition
Well organised, great communication throughout the year. My child had a fantastic expedition. Thank you
July 13, 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from School of Outdoors
Thank You Natalie
My DofE Experience
The DofE expedition was a great experience that I am glad that I had the chance to partake in it. First off, the volunteering, skills, and physical was a great way to keep active in my community. Then the expedition was a nice, calm and relaxing way to get outdoors. I would recommend it to all students.
November 11, 2023
Unprompted review
DofE Experience!
When considering doing DofE, the company was very good at answering the queries I had and the experience was overall great. However, during the training, first aid wasn't covered due to lack of time, which was slightly worrying. Next time, I would recommend the team to possibly organise their time better to ensure all elements of training were covered.
July 14, 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from School of Outdoors
Hi Aisha,
Thank you so much for your review! We’re glad to hear that you had a great experience overall and that we were able to answer all your queries when considering DofE. Your feedback is very valuable to us.
We will definitely take your suggestion on board and work to better phase our training in future sessions to ensure that all elements are covered.
Thank you again for your feedback, and we hope to see you again for your next DofE adventure!
Summer 2024 Gold Expedition
Really well organised from start to finish, the expedition was well planned and communication was good.
July 13, 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from School of Outdoors
Thank you Katie for the 5*
Can highly recommend them
Both my boys’ school uses School of Outdoors for the Expedition part of the DofE.
Our younger son completed his Bronze part with them and our older one the Gold one.
The company were excellent!! Very friendly and approachable when needed help and guidance. Also professional and efficient. Both our boys enjoyed their time completing the Expedition parts with them.
July 8, 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from School of Outdoors
Hi Jana,
Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear that both of your boys had such positive experiences with us, from completing the Bronze award with your younger son to the Gold with your older one. It’s great to know that our team was able to provide the friendly, approachable guidance they needed, while maintaining professionalism and efficiency.
We’re delighted that both of your boys enjoyed their expeditions with us, and we truly appreciate your trust in our company. If there’s anything else we can do to support them in the future, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thanks again for your kind words, and we hope to see your family for more adventures soon!
All people I worked with were amazing
I was with two guides, both were fantastic and it was incredible to be in their group. There were no downsides to either, apart from our first guide was unable to join us on our actual expedition as he had other groups he needed to help, but our second guide was as good and maybe a little better than our first. There were other guides there that helped our group find our way to where we were meant to be and helped us understand the wildlife and countryside a lot better
April 24, 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from School of Outdoors
Hi Jack,
Thank you so much for your fantastic 5-star review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience with both of your guides and that it was incredible to be part of their group. It’s great to know that even though your first guide couldn’t join for the actual expedition, the second guide was equally, if not more, impressive.
We’re also delighted that the additional guides helped you navigate and deepened your understanding of the wildlife and countryside—what a great way to enhance the expedition experience!
Thank you again for your kind words, and we hope to see you on more adventures in the future!
DofE
My son had a great experience with the school of outdoors. He was able to be independent but without worry as a parent. He did injure himself but was well cared for.
June 29, 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from School of Outdoors
Thank you Alice for the 5* review
It’s fantastic especially the teachers…
It’s fantastic especially the teachers the great supports they give us it is they very supportive and they are very charming a nice very demure.
May 2, 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from School of Outdoors
Thank you for the 5* review
our instructors were very kind
our instructors were very kinds and helpful towards us
they also encouraged us t carry on when some of us were feeling down.
July 17, 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from School of Outdoors
Thank you Lucas for the 5* review
An incredible experience
The company was incredible, and helped me achieve my DofE Bronze award with ease. The instructors were great and really supportive.
July 6, 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from School of Outdoors
Thank you Elliot for the 5* review
Every Staff member was so nice!
June 14, 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from School of Outdoors
Thank you Freya for the review
Ups and Downs
It was enjoyable and a fun experience. I'm definitely doing silver and maybe even gold. I disliked the fact that our instructor would just pop up at places where there weren't even checkpoints or anything like that. Plus, she told us we were way behind everyone else so we missed lunch and walked super fast and ended up being two and a half hours early! So I think the instructors should be less involved unless we are actually lost or something, which means that the trackers are still very useful.
July 16, 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from School of Outdoors
Hi Katherine,
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We’re glad to hear that you found your DofE experience enjoyable and fun overall, and it’s wonderful to know that you’re interested in continuing with your Silver and possibly even Gold awards!
I’m sorry to hear about the issues you experienced with the timing and the level of instructor involvement. We don’t use fixed checkpoints; instead, we provide supervision based on the location, team needs, and weather conditions to ensure everyone’s safety. However, we understand the importance of finding the right balance between guidance and independence, and we appreciate your feedback on this matter.
Thank you again for your honest feedback. We’re looking forward to helping you with your Silver award and making it an even better experience!
Dominic
It was well organised and planned very…
It was well organised and planned very well. Everything went on time and children seems to have enjoyed lot.
August 16, 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from School of Outdoors
Thank you for the 5*
Positive experience on Bronze DofE Expedition
Our groups instructor was great. Provided the perfect amount of help and let us get in with it. The instructor we had during the practice expedition was also really good, showing us how to use the cooking tools and correctly set up our tents to maximise efficiency whilst experiencing negative weather. During the real thing, we had our goals and objectives set out and explained clearly for us, and the necessary achievements we had to get to complete the expedition explained in full detail. Overall a really good experience and a great time.
July 15, 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from School of Outdoors
Hi Thomas,
Thank you so much for your 5-star review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with us. Your positive feedback means a lot to our team, as we strive to create memorable and enjoyable experiences for all our participants.
If there’s anything more we can do to enhance your next adventure, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Dominic
great experience for my daughter.Made…
great experience for my daughter.Made great friends and trully enjoyed the time with everyone
June 28, 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from School of Outdoors
Thank you :)
Bronze Dofe
My dofe bronze experience was great! I enjoyed both practice and real expeditions extremely. It was fun, enjoyable, memorable and overall a great experience!! Dofe got me closer with all my team members even the ones i thought i’d never talk to again due to past experiences, but after Dofe we were able to remain friends. I would recommend Dofe to anyone as it’s fun and helps you work on your independence and teamwork.
July 5, 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from School of Outdoors
Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had such a great time on your DofE Bronze experience and that both the practice and real expeditions were fun and memorable for you. It’s wonderful to know that DofE not only helped you enjoy the outdoors but also brought you closer to your team members and helped build lasting friendships.
We’re glad to hear that the experience helped you work on your independence and teamwork—those are exactly the kinds of skills we aim to develop through these adventures. Thank you for recommending DofE to others; your kind words mean a lot to us!
We hope to see you again for your Silver expedition and more great experiences ahead!
Brilliant experience!
Great tutors, well prepared and knowledgeable. My son had a brilliant experience!
July 11, 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from School of Outdoors
Glad your son had a brilliant experience.
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