As published in Independent School Parent Magazine, April 2026
Why adventure in Surrey and the Austrian Alps sits at the heart of our holistic Outdoor Education curriculum.
In the competitive landscape of London education, parents are often told they must choose between the academic rigour of the city and the character-building adventures of a traditional country prep school. At Thomas’s, we have spent decades proving this to be a false dichotomy. By blending strong values, co-curricular passions and high academic standards with an ambitious outdoor learning programme, we capture the very best of a British childhood in a way that is dynamic, inclusive and truly transformative.
Our philosophy is simple: in an age dominated by technology, outdoor education offers experiences that develop essential human dispositions in ways impossible to replicate in a standard classroom. This journey begins early – right from Reception – when our youngest pupils head our woodland classroom in Surrey. Far from city streets, children develop a genuine appreciation for nature, learning bushcraft, navigation, and collaboration while building confidence in small, supportive groups.
This foundation builds toward the pinnacle of our outdoor education journey: Thomas’s Daheim. Meaning ‘At home,’ Daheim is our dedicated mountain base in Upper Austria, situated near the Kalkalpen National Park. For over 30 years, it has served as an extraordinary setting for growth. For our Year 5 and Year 6 pupils, a week spent in this expansive alpine landscape during the Lent Term is a defining highlight of their prep school experience.
At Thomas’s Daheim, problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork unfold naturally. Guided by qualified ski instructors alongside our own teaching staff, every child experiences the thrill of mastery on the slopes – whether taking their very first steps on snow or tackling advanced runs. Evenings bring starlit snow-shoeing, animal tracking, bushcraft, and shared traditions like our famous ‘schnitzel-bashing’ and end-of-week celebration.
Because these expeditions are led and cared for by our own staff, pupils and teachers bond on a fundamentally deeper level than classroom routines allow, fostering lasting mutual respect and trust.
By the time a Thomas’s pupil completes their prep years, they have grown as a whole person, not just as a learner. They have practised resilience on an Austrian mountain, championed kindness by encouraging their peers, and learned what it truly means to be ‘givers, not a takers’. We remain committed to this approach because we know that true excellence thrives when joy, challenge and character walk hand in hand – equipping our pupils to step forward as confident contributors to society and courageous shapers of the future.
If you are interested in learning more about Thomas’s Outdoor Education, visit us at an upcoming open morning or attend a school tour. Click the button below to reserve your place now.
