School trips ‘vital’ for learning but barriers mean 1 in 5 missing out

Eight in 10 children learn more outside the classroom – but 22% have never been on an overnight trip with school. A study of 1,000 pupils aged 10 to 17 and their parents found 92% of mums and dads believe school trips can be life-changing for young people, with 90% feeling excursions develop skills that are harder to learn through lessons alone.

More than two thirds (68%) of parents whose child attended a school trip also noticed a positive change when they returned. Confidence (68%), responsibility for their own behaviour (59%) and practical life skills (41%) emerged as the top skills children develop during school trips.

A further 58% of parents said school trips improved their child’s ability to solve problems with others, while 41% noticed their child became more confident talking to new people.

Young people identified many of the same benefits. What’s more, 26% of children came away interested in pursuing a career linked to something they had experienced on the trip.

The research was commissioned by PGL Beyond as part of its annual School Trip Index Report, which explores how learning opportunities beyond the classroom contribute to life outcomes, personal development and future readiness, alongside the barriers preventing young people from taking part.

Anthony Jones, CEO of the provider of educational outdoor adventure, residential and enrichment experiences for schools, said: “School trips are so much more than memorable experiences.

“They are vital enrichment experiences which help young people to build confidence, independence and resilience; strengthen relationships and wellbeing; and develop the skills that support their future learning, work and adult lives.

“For many young people, a single school trip can broaden horizons and develop skills that continue to shape them long after they’ve returned to the classroom. But the reality is that not everyone has the same opportunities. For too many, these experiences are out of reach.”

The research found additional expenses, such as lunches and kit (43%), and parental anxiety about their child being away from home (42%) were the top barriers preventing young people from taking part in school trips.

Young people reported similar concerns, 56% cited costs, feeling anxious about attending (56%) and worrying about missing home (54%) as factors that could prevent them from taking part.

The data from OnePoll found 73% of parents want to see more overnight stays arranged for pupils. More than a third (36%) specifically want to see more overnight trips due to the role these experiences play in shaping young people’s future ambitions.

Anthony Jones, from PGL Beyond, added: “No young person should miss out on opportunities to learn, grow and build confidence because of cost or circumstance.

“At a time when more young people are becoming disconnected from education, training and employment, widening access to these opportunities is increasingly important.

“When more young people can access high-quality enrichment experiences, the benefits are felt far beyond the trip itself.”