For many children, school trips are the moments they remember long after lessons are forgotten.
Whether it's a museum visit that suddenly makes a subject click, a trip to the coast, or an outdoor activity that builds confidence, these are often the experiences children remember most. But for many schools and families, they're becoming increasingly difficult to afford.
The rising cost of transport, accommodation and activities means schools are facing tough decisions about which trips can go ahead. At the same time, many families are already managing stretched household budgets, making additional school costs difficult to absorb.
Research from Hyundai's Great British School Trip programme found that 81% of parents believe no child should miss out on a school trip because of cost. Yet as financial pressures continue to grow, more children are at risk of doing exactly that.
How parents can support school trips
While schools work incredibly hard to organise enriching experiences for pupils, support from parents and the wider school community can make a real difference.
You could help by:
Volunteering to accompany trips where schools need extra adults
Supporting PTA fundraising events that help subsidise transport and activity costs
Donating pre-loved outdoor clothing or equipment for residential visits
Sharing local grant opportunities with your school
Encouraging local businesses or employers to support fundraising initiatives.
Even small contributions can help schools continue offering experiences that children remember for years. If you'd like to encourage other parents to get involved too, here are a few simple ways to spread the word.
1. Start with why school trips matter
People are far more likely to engage when they understand what’s at stake. Rather than focusing on funding or logistics, focus on the impact these experiences can have on children.
Hyundai’s research found that:
77% of children said a school trip had been their best school day ever
Pupils reported higher levels of curiosity, excitement and happiness on trip days
Overall wellbeing increased by 60% and attention by 80% during school trips compared with normal classroom days
For many parents, those benefits are reason enough to support opportunities that help more children access trips.
When sharing the nomination page with others in the school community, remind people that what children gain from these experiences can be more powerful than talking about costs alone.
2. Keep the ask simple
We know parents are busy. One reason Hyundai's Great British School Trip initiative is so accessible is that nominating a school doesn't require a lengthy application process.
When sharing the opportunity, make it clear that taking part is quick and easy.
For example:
"Hyundai is giving schools the chance to win a fully funded residential trip, and parents can nominate directly. It only takes a few minutes to submit a nomination and could make a real difference for local children."
The easier something feels, the more likely people are to get involved. And parents simply need to explain in under 200 words why their school should be considered via the nominate page entry form.