How to apply

For the purpose of the Quality Badge we define Learning Outside the Classroom as "the use of places other than the classroom for the teaching and learning of young people aged 0-19" This includes experiences that take place in:

  • School grounds: for example gardening
  • The local environment: for example land and streetscapes or places of worship
  • Places further afield: for example museums and galleries or field study and environmental centres
  • Residential places: for example summer camps or expeditions

Below are the steps to take to apply for an LOtC Quality Badge.

First, work out which route you need to take – Route 1 or Route 2. See the Quality Badge Routes page for details.

  • If Route 1: select 'Route 1' from the menu to the left of the page to pre-register and receive log in details.
  • log in to access the online Self Evaluation Form (SEF - to view a pdf version, click here).
  • Complete and submit the online SEF.
  • Complete and submit the Route 1 online registration form (this appears on successfully submitting the online SEF).
  • Complete online payment of the registration fee (you will be redirected to a secure payment server on submitting the registration form).
  • Read, sign and return the LOtC Quality Badge Code of Practice declaration form (required as part of the registration form).
  • If Route 2: go to the relevant Awarding Body’s website for details of the application and assessment process.
  • Return to the Quality Badge website when assessment and payment is complete.
  • Select 'Route 2' from the menu to the left of the page to pre-register and receive log in details
  • log in to complete and submit the Route 2 online registration form.

Please note: Any provider offering Route 2 assessed activities which is found to have registered via Route 1 may have their Quality Badge withdrawn. If the provider has completed payment for Route 1 registration a 25% administration charge will be deducted from any refund.

Accreditation

When the application process is complete, providers will receive a certificate and Quality Badge logo that they can display. For Route 1, the Quality Badge is valid for a period of two years from the date of certification. For Route 2, the accreditation period of the Quality Badge is set by the relevant Awarding Body.

If you need to change the details for your organisation that you supplied in the full registration form (and which are viewable via the searchable map), please log in and choose either Route 1 or Route 2 on the How to apply page. This will take you directly to your original registration form.

Cost

  • Route 1 application: £100
  • Route 1 provider organisations with 10 or more sites (see a detailed definition in the FAQs) can make one payment for all of their applications at the discounted rate of £75 per site.
  • Payment for Route 1 providers is by credit or debit card via a secure online payment gateway
  • Route 2: see the relevant Awarding Body’s website for details