How Mill Hill Education Group uses the outdoors to inspire young minds

Outdoor learning is one of the most powerful tools in education. From building resilience to boosting well-being, the benefits of spending time in nature extend far beyond physical health. For children, especially in their formative years, learning outside the classroom supports cognitive development, emotional growth and social skills in ways that indoor settings alone often can’t replicate.

At Mill Hill Education Group, outdoor learning is not an occasional enrichment but an essential part of daily life. Across our Group pupils benefit from a wide variety of outdoor activities and experiences from Forest School to outdoor yoga.

From the earliest years at Grimsdell , children are encouraged to explore the natural world through play-based learning and regular Forest School sessions. Activities such as den building, bug hunting and woodland storytelling help our youngest learners develop independence, creativity and a sense of awe for their environment.

As pupils move on to Belmont , outdoor learning becomes increasingly integrated with the curriculum. With over 35 acres of grounds, Belmont offers the freedom and space for science experiments, creative projects and team-building challenges that promote critical thinking, collaboration and leadership.

This connection with nature continues into senior school, where pupils at Mill Hill School take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, outdoor drama productions and a wide range of sports played across our expansive fields. At Mill Hill International , outdoor learning plays an important role in supporting students from around the world, helping them to settle in, feel supported and connect with the wider school community.

Our other schools, including Keble Prep, Lyonsdown School and Hertford Prep each bring their own unique approach to outdoor education. From nature-based science lessons and gardening projects, to reflective green spaces that support mental wellbeing, every child is allowed to thrive in the open air.

What unites all our schools is a shared belief that outdoor learning builds more than knowledge. It develops confidence, independence and a lifelong connection with the world around us. It allows pupils to take risks, observe the changing seasons, and discover their place in nature as well as in the classroom.

We wholeheartedly believe the outdoors isn’t just a backdrop, it’s a teacher. The natural environment is a living, breathing classroom where our pupils grow, physically, emotionally and intellectually. From first steps in the woodland at Grimsdell to leadership hikes at Mill Hill School, these experiences leave a lasting impact, shaping not only how children learn but who they become.