Annually The Society of Heads publishes the Observations booklet which is a series of articles from our member schools celebrating a chosen theme. This year the theme matches our Annual Conference theme "Human Flourishing". In the run up to our conference we will publish two of the articles per week.
Nature at the Heart of Education: A New Chapter at Mount Kelly
Mount Kelly is proud to be pioneering a transformative approach to education that places Nature at the very heart of learning and wellbeing. The appointment of Katy Kelly as Assistant Head (Nature) marks a significant and progressive step for the school and is believed to be the first full-time senior leadership role of its kind in the UK. Her work is shaping a new direction for Mount Kelly, enriching both the educational experience and the personal development of its pupils.
Mount Kelly is a co-educational day and boarding school for ages 4–18, located on the edge of Dartmoor. With around 600 pupils and an “excellent” rating from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), the school is committed to a holistic philosophy that nurtures academic ambition, emotional wellbeing and individual character.
The school’s journey into Nature-based education began with a simple question: does time spent outdoors reduce academic performance? Analysis of exam results revealed the opposite. Pupils regularly engaged in outdoor activity achieved higher value-added grades than their peers. This discovery inspired a whole-school commitment to integrating Nature meaningfully into teaching, learning and pastoral care.
Katy Kelly’s role focuses on building connectedness: to Nature, to place, to each other, and to oneself. This connectedness is now regarded at Mount Kelly as a foundation for wellbeing and a catalyst for curiosity, resilience and positive engagement.
The school’s grounds offer extensive green and blue spaces rich in biodiversity. While pupils have always enjoyed access to these areas, they are now used intentionally across the curriculum. Increasing numbers of lessons take place outdoors and tutor time frequently involves reflective walks, mindful observation and hands-on activity such as gardening, conservation and creative nature-focused projects. These experiences encourage pupils to slow down, develop awareness and disconnect from the pressures of technology.
The Nature Connection Programme invites pupils to manage plots of land, grow plants and engage in ecological learning. Shared resources and cross-faculty collaboration support Nature integration in every subject and year group. Pupils also contribute to a Royal Society biodiversity research project in partnership with the University of Plymouth, providing real-world exposure to environmental science.
Nature is also central to the school’s wellbeing strategy. Outdoor environments are used for emotional regulation and pastoral support, replacing enclosed spaces with calming natural settings. A designated woodland biome provides a safe and restorative space for reflection, available to both pupils and staff. Staff wellbeing is equally prioritised, with active encouragement to connect with Nature during the working day.
Impact is being measured using the Nature Connection Index (NCI) developed by Derby University. Early findings show that pupils feel calmer and more focused, and teachers report stronger engagement, creativity and cross-curricular learning.
Staff development underpins the work, supported through INSET, shared activity resources and the school’s “Staff Nature Chat” network for exchanging ideas.
Looking ahead, Mount Kelly is expanding curriculum opportunities, partnering with Oxford University to support Nature connection in local primary schools, and hosting the UK’s first Nature Education Conference on 20 March 2026. The school is also launching a Nature Scholarship to support young people passionate about environmental stewardship and wellbeing.
Mount Kelly believes that Nature is not a distraction from learning, but a powerful catalyst for it, nurturing pupils who are curious, resilient, compassionate and deeply connected to their world.