Find out about… the School Trip Champion Award

But more than this, it’s about recognising unsung heroes, those who go the extra mile, for the time and effort put in to creating visits and experiences that enhance learning and the building of essential life skills.

We know that so many people in schools and academies champion the value of learning outside the classroom. These people are vital and this award is for them.

Who won last year?

Dave Cook, history teacher at Tending Technology College, Essex, was announced as the winner at the School Travel Awards ceremony which took place on Friday 21st November, 2025 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London. 

As well as organising and leading historical visits in the UK and further afield, Dave has also taken the initiative to run trips beyond his subject area to broaden students’ horizons and raise aspirations after recognising that many young people in the Tendring district have limited opportunities to travel.

These have included a trip to the Euro Space Center in Belgium and a STEM visit to Bologna and Italy’s Motor Valley.

Speaking about the win, Dave said: “To be recognised for what I do on an everyday basis means everything - we put so much effort into getting our students out into the wider world to enrich their education.”

What people said about Dave

“Mr Cook goes above and beyond for his students.”

“He is so passionate about organising trips and allowing every pupil to have the opportunity for enrichment beyond the classroom.”

“Not only does he run amazing trips for students, he offers his time to support staff in organising them.”

Congratulations Dave and to our other finalists for 2025 who were: 

• Helen Claringbull, The Magna Carta School
• Craig Evason, Royal Liberty School
• Davita Grafstein, Sudbury Primary School

You can read all about our finalists and what they do in our special feature here. 

The winner of the 2024 award was…

Glynis Pattison, school visits coordinator at Conyers School, Stockton-on-Tees, scooped the 2024 School Trip Champion Award.

Her responsibilities include ensuring all paperwork is correct, seeking approval from the headteacher, making sure risk assessments are in place, as well as ensuring that finances are covered. 

Glynis also provides lead teachers with comprehensive packs for each trip and accompanies the visits to handle logistics so that the teachers can focus on the students. She said: “I’ve had the privilege of joining trips to Paris, Iceland, Berlin, Italy and New York!”

To read more about Glynis and the 2024 finalists, click here.

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