Bringing angling and countryside learning to life

Over the past month, Fishing for Schools Director Charles Jardine has been on the road, visiting schools across the regions to talk about the Angling and Countryside qualification and meet with those taking part in the pilot programme this September. These visits have been an invaluable opportunity to hear directly from schools and education providers about their interests, priorities, and how this new qualification could support their students.

From these conversations and the enquiries we have received so far, it is clear there is real enthusiasm for the qualification; schools and provisions are keen to get involved, recognising the value of giving young people new, hands-on opportunities to develop skills, confidence and a deeper connection with the natural world.

At this stage, we are preparing to engage with schools ahead of the pilot phase, which begins in September 2026. In the coming months, we will be working closely with participating schools, sharing guidance, resources and expert support to help introduce the qualification effectively. Our aim is to make the programme accessible, engaging and meaningful for all learners.

The pilot phase will also help us refine and enhance the qualification before wider roll-out. We will be learning from the experiences of both teachers and students, gathering insights that will shape future delivery and support. This hands-on approach ensures that when the qualification is rolled out more widely, it will be robust, practical and tailored to the needs of the young people it is designed to serve.

To help us in this important pre-delivery work, we have enrolled the support of some hugely knowledgeable teaching experts who will help ensure both the quality and delivery of the qualification will be the highest we can possibly achieve.

We are excited to see this journey unfold and look forward to sharing updates with you as the pilot programme progresses.