60% of parents struggling to afford school trips, new study finds
A new study reveals that 6 in 10 parents can't afford school trips, leaving many children missing out on key experiences.
For many parents, school trips are a cherished childhood memory – but a new study reveals that rising costs mean today’s children may be missing out.
According to research by Hyundai, conducted as a part of its Great British School Trip programme, six in ten parents struggle to afford school outings, with some forced to opt their child out due to financial constraints.
The rising cost of school trips
The study, which surveyed 2,000 UK parents with school-aged children, found that 64% had struggled to cover the cost of a school trip in recent years.
The average expense of a residential trip now stands at £203 per child, with day trips also rising in cost.
Many parents (57%) believe school trips are significantly more expensive than when they were children.
As a result, a third (33%) think schools should scale back on trips to ensure all children can participate, regardless of financial background.
The impact of missing out
It’s not just about fun – 63% of parents believe school trips benefit their child’s mental well-being, giving them a chance to learn in a new environment and bond with classmates.
Nearly half (49%) of parents are concerned about the long-term impact of their child missing out on these experiences, while two-thirds (67%) admit they feel guilty when they can’t afford to send them.
For parents, these findings are particularly frustrating because their own school trip memories are so positive. The study found that singing on the bus (31%), scoffing a packed lunch early (20%), and giggling at teachers in casual clothes (30%) were among the most treasured experiences.
Many also recall sharing a Walkman earphone (20%), stopping for sweets at motorway services (19%), and even making faces out of the coach window (19%).
Support for struggling families
With families under increasing financial pressure, initiatives like Hyundai’s Great British School Trip programme are stepping in to help. Now in its third year, the scheme has supported nearly 147,000 children by funding school trips for those in need.
Ashley Andrew, President of Hyundai Motor & Genesis UK, explains:
These findings highlight the financial challenges many families are facing, making it harder to access school trips. While parents are eager to provide these opportunities, rising costs are increasingly putting them out of reach.
What help is available?
As school trip costs continue to rise, some parents and experts are calling for increased financial support, while others believe schools should reconsider the frequency and scale of trips to make them more accessible.
While most parents want their children to benefit from these experiences, many are now faced with difficult choices – and for some children, missing out could become the new normal.
For more information on Hyundai’s Great British School Trip programme and how to apply for a bursary, visit: Great British School Trip.
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Authors
Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.
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