Insights from Our Latest School Trip Research Study

Although some schools have struggled to resume educational trips after the pandemic, 30% of respondents believe their school will increase the number of foreign trips in the future. This reflects a growing recognition of the importance of overseas visits in providing cultural experiences and raising aspirations for students.

Overall, 9 out of 10 party leaders expect to take the same number or more trips in the future, underscoring the value of these experiences in offering students additional education and life skills.

School Trip Planning

When planning a school trip, staff typically start organising a year in advance. The process includes consulting with colleagues (in person or on social media), researching online and checking out reviews before selecting a provider.

Respondents prioritise providers that are subject specialists with an overseas team and include learning activities on the trip. Value for money, financial protection, safety records, and prior experience with the company are also crucial factors in provider selection.

Teachers seek expert, efficient advice that results in bespoke itineraries tailored to the specific needs of their group. They value a travel partner who understands that teachers have broader responsibilities, who can respond quickly to queries and provides regular progress updates.

Over half the respondents were looking for high levels of service during the trip, particularly the presence of local staff such as instructors, reps, and guides to support them while abroad. There was also high appeal for suitable accommodation where students are not required to share spaces with the public is a significant consideration.

2/5 of the teachers surveyed were drawn to providers who added extra educational value to their trips such as learning activities that are shown to improve progession.

MFL teachers prioritise trips that offer ample opportunities for language practice, including activities, lessons, and instructors as part of the package.

Support For New Trip Leaders

The study revealed that many experienced teachers left the profession post-COVID. This presents an opportunity for schools to partner with a specialist travel provider, who can offer expert guidance and support to address the challenge of having fewer staff with experience in leading overseas trips. Additionally, a specialist company can assist party leaders in navigating the new EU travel rules following Brexit.

Voyager School Travel: The Top-Rated Provider

The research was carried out with 150 overseas trip organisers and 42% of the sample were current or past customers of Voyager School Travel.

The survey asked party leaders about their experience with six other school tour operators and Voyager School Travel was rated the best travel partner by far:

• Over half of Voyager's past and current customers in the sample rated service and destination as "excellent"
• 2/5 of the sample ranked Voyager's reputation, educational content and product choice as "excellent"

Thank you to everyone who took part in the survey. The five lucky draw winners have been emailed with details on how to claim their prize. Please feel free to contact us for a copy of the full results.

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