Liz Smith MSP introduced this Member’s Bill. It will establish that all pupils in state and grant-aided schools will have the chance to experience at least four nights and five days of residential outdoor education during their school career. This Bill is at Stage 3 of the process to decide if it should become an Act.
On 19th November the Bill completed Stage 2 with a discussion of tabled amendments. Full details can be found on via the following link Education, Children and Young People Committee 33rd Meeting, 2025 | Scottish Parliament Website and watched here Education, Children and Young People Committee | Scottish Parliament TV
The list of Amendments can be found here Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Bill as amended at Stage 2
Concerns have been raised by the Scottish Local Authorities Association, Cosla, and are reported here
Mandating outdoor education could require pay rises for teachers, councils warn and help show the surrounding debate.
Tim Farron MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Outdoor Learning has tabled the following Early Day Motion to draw attention of the Westminster Government to the Scottish Bill and to recognise its lead, and call for similar provision in England.
EDM (Early Day Motion)2215: tabled on 04 November 2025
Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Bill
'That this House welcomes the passage of the Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Bill in the Scottish Parliament; notes the strong evidence that outdoor learning and youth work enhance young people’s engagement with education, foster teamwork, resilience and confidence, and encourage pro-environmental attitudes from an early age; regrets that no comparable commitment has been made for schools in England; and urges the UK Government to follow Scotland’s lead to ensure that every child has access to these life-enhancing opportunities.'
Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Bill - Early Day Motions - UK Parliament
