One in five children have never been on an overnight school trip, with costs and anxiety cited as the main barriers, according to new research. The study of 1,000 pupils aged 10 to 17 and their parents found that 22% have never had this experience, despite 80% of youngsters learning more outside the classroom.
Parents see life-changing benefits
The research revealed that 92% of parents believe school trips can be life-changing for young people, with 90% saying excursions develop skills that are tougher to learn through lessons alone. More than two thirds (68%) of parents whose child attended a school trip noticed a positive transformation when they returned.
Confidence (68%), responsibility for their own behaviour (59%) and practical life skills (41%) emerged as the top skills youngsters develop during school trips. A further 58% of parents said school trips boosted their child's ability to solve problems with others, while 41% noticed their child became more confident chatting to new people.
Young people report similar benefits
Young people identified many of the same benefits. Some 26% of youngsters came away interested in pursuing a career linked to something they had experienced on the trip.
Anthony Jones, CEO of PGL Beyond, 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."
He added: "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."
Cost and anxiety are key barriers
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 revealed 73% of parents wish to see more overnight stays organised for pupils. More than a third (36%) specifically want to see more overnight excursions due to the role these experiences play in shaping young people's future aspirations.
Jones 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."
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, personal development and future readiness, alongside the barriers preventing young people from taking part.
