Hyundai calls on families to nominate their school to win a fully funded residential overnight trip through its Great British School Trip initiative
- 81% of parents believe no child should miss out on a school trip due to the cost of them
- Yet cost does remain the biggest barrier, according to 82% of teachers and 77% of parents
- Educating Yorkshire’s Headteacher Matthew Burton supports the initiative, backing equal access to school trips for all children regardless of cost barriers
- Nominate your school here
Press material
New research from Hyundai Motor UK reveals an overwhelming agreement among parents that access to school trips should not depend on family finances, with 81% saying that no child should miss out, due to cost.
However, with nearly a third (32%) of UK parents left with only £100–£500 in monthly disposable income, the average cost of £412 for a residential overnight school trip1 is out of reach for many families. Furthermore, as household budgets continue to tighten, two-fifths (40%) of UK children risk missing out on these experiences – or have missed out entirely – because of the cost.
Teachers echoed these concerns, with school funding (82%) and parent affordability (77%) cited as the biggest barriers to school trips, far outweighing operational challenges such as staffing or administration. Nearly six in 10 teachers (57%) believe a standard trip should cost parents no more than £20, yet the parents polled revealed three-quarters (75%) are paying more than this.
Despite these financial pressures faced by parents and teachers, the importance of school trips is undeniable, as Hyundai’s nationwide study into children’s wellbeing and attention revealed that more than three quarters (77%) of children say a school trip day has been their best school day ever.
While Hyundai’s Great British School Trip programme focuses on schools and teachers applying for funding, this year marks the first time parents and carers across the UK can also nominate their child’s school for the chance to win an overnight residential trip to a UK outdoor adventure centre, giving children could have the opportunity to experience exciting activities like high ropes, water sports and more.
At a time when rising costs are creating a divide in access to opportunities like school trips, Hyundai’s Great British School Trip initiative is about opening doors for every child. Our research with children, parents and teachers highlights a growing gap between the value placed on school trips and the number of children at risk of missing out because of cost. We want to ensure that no pupil misses out on these formative experiences because of their background. By inviting parents to nominate their school, we’re making it easier than ever for them to secure the funding they need to get their children out of the classroom and enjoy engaging learning experiences.
The impact of school trips
The winning school, nominated by a parent or carer, will take part in a scientifically-designed overnight school trip developed as part of a study in partnership with behavioural scientist Dr Martha Newson.
This study analysed responses from children and research, polling parents and teachers, to create Hyundai’s School Experience Index, measuring wellbeing and attention across classroom and trip-based learning, that found an increase in children’s attention by 80% and wellbeing 60% on school trip days.
The programme is supported by Matthew Burton, Headteacher at Thornhill Community Academy and best known for his role in the hit series Educating Yorkshire.
Through this programme, I’ve seen first-hand the difference a school trip can make. I’ve organised trips near and far – from York to New York, from Wigan to Wembley. Whether close to home or overseas, underground or flying away, trips can open up such possibilities, build confidence, spark curiosity and create lasting memories. No child should miss out on trips. We know parents, carers and teachers care deeply about this, so it’s fantastic to now put the power directly into their hands, alongside the wider education community. By visiting the nomination page, they can give a deserving school the chance to win an unforgettable learning experience for children who might not otherwise have the opportunity. Access for everyone is crucial – every child deserves the chance to benefit from experiences beyond the classroom, alongside an excellent education in school.
Nominate your school
This academic year, Hyundai’s Great British School Trip programme aims to expand its support even further, reaching an additional 50,000 pupils across the UK and bringing the total number of children supported to more than 210,000 since 2022 – reaching almost a third (30%)2 of schools across the UK.
By nominating their school, families can help unlock a fully funded overnight residential trip designed to maximise learning, wellbeing and memorable experiences for pupils.
Nominating a school is quick and simple. Parents and carers can visit https://greatbritishschooltrip.com/nominate-a-school-for-a-free-trip, enter their child’s school, and help give access to experiences they’d otherwise not have access to. Please also see a link to the T&Cs here.
1 Reported by Zurich Media 2025
2 Based on 9,399 schools reached over four years of Hyundai’s Great British School Trip out of 32,000 UK schools
