About the AHOEC

Quality in outdoor education and learning

Originally founded in 1963 as the Association of Wardens of Mountain Centres, The Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres (AHOEC) is an association of leaders in outdoor learning – most of these leaders hold senior positions in outdoor learning provisions across the UK.  Members come from a variety of backgrounds and organisations in outdoor education ranging from statutory, private and charity sectors as well as the wider educational community.

Our members

Our members are committed to quality in outdoor learning, to inspirational experiences, challenging activities, excitement and fun, all with a lifelong positive impact.

Together AHOEC represents over 170 outdoor learning organisations, centres and providers.

These organisations are focused on both quality and learning; places where you can be guaranteed to find the best outdoor experiences available in Britain today.  They work in some of the most inspirational and beautiful parts of the UK employing gifted staff, where you will find the AHOEC values of quality, challenge and learning both expressed and delivered.

Champions of Outdoor Learning

The AHOEC is committed to championing high quality outdoor learning at all levels, from influencing decision makers to introducing young people and their families to new outdoor activities.  We strive to create and develop a healthy culture intelligently balancing education, fun, safety, risk, inclusion, challenge and adventure.

Teachers and Group Leaders

With our members’ commitment to quality, adventure and learning, an AHOEC organisation are great place to look when you are planning your learning outside the classroom, where you can be assured of quality across the staff, the facilities, the customer care and above all – the learning outcomes.