Outward Bound was founded in 1941, during World War II by Kurt Hahn who was a progressive educator who believed that education must encourage character development. His first program responded to the needs of young sailors who couldn´t survive at sea; Kurt Hahn saw the need of giving them enough leadership skills to face new and hard challenges. "Outward Bound" is the nautical term to describe a ship leaving the safety of its harbor to head for the open seas.

Hahn strongly believed that people should develop important skills besides academics including self-esteem, self-confidence, team work, social consciousness, etc. Outward Bound still believes that education must encourage and instill compassion and service while developing character through physical, practical challenges. It was derived from Kurt Hahn's thinking behind this philosophy: "There is more in you that you think".

Since then Outward Bound has expanded internationally and now encompasses a network of more than 40 schools worldwide overseen by Outward Bound International.