This award seeks to recognise a team whose commitment and imagination has delivered support and brilliant outcomes when it comes to learning outside the classroom.
Rewarding staff and volunteers at attractions and providers is what the Education / Learning Team of the Year is all about. It highlights teams of people, big or small, whose collective inspiration has led to fantastic provision and enabled schools to create and run successful visits of all types.
Each year we ask for nominations from teachers, EVCs, school staff, parents and pupils, as well as from those working at school travel providers (although not from somebody in the team being nominated).
Previous finalists have included the Disney Theatrical Teaching Artist Team, Surrey Wildlife Trust, Conisborough Castle and UK Parliament.
The 2025 winner
The Ocean Conservation Trust Learning Team, National Marine Aquarium, was announced as the winner at last year’s School Travel Awards ceremony in London on Friday 21st November.
Becky Dodds, Ocean Conservation Trust learning programme coordinator, said: “The learning team at the Ocean Conservation Trust are honoured to have been awarded the Education Team of The Year. Not only is it a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team, but it highlights the value of Ocean literacy within education.
“By providing national curriculum linked sessions, delivered through the lens of Ocean Literacy, we are able to engage with the next generation of Ocean advocates in a really fun and inspiring way.”
What teachers said about the team
“The staff demonstrated an exceptional ability to connect with young learners—explaining marine life in a fun, accessible way while sparking curiosity and excitement at every turn. It was clear that the education team is not only highly knowledgeable but also deeply passionate about marine conservation and inspiring the next generation.”
Mrs Murdoch from St Andrew’s C of E Academy
“What truly sets the NMA team apart is their commitment beyond the visit itself. Their post-visit support—sharing experiments and resources—has allowed us to cascade the learning across our entire cohort, ensuring long-term impact. ”
Abby Bartlett from Teignmouth Community School
Congratulations again to all of the finalists for 2025 who represented an extraordinary range of organisations united by their commitment to supporting schools through innovative educational experiences.
They were:
- Learning and Skills Team, The Auckland Project
- Education and Youth Team, New Forest National Park Authority
- The Ocean Conservation Trust Learning Team, National Marine Aquarium (winner)
- Learning Team, Warner. Bros Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
You can read more about the 2025 finalists by clicking here.
Who won the award in 2024?
The winner of the 2024 award was… the International Bomber Command Centre in Lincolnshire.
Since opening in 2018, the learning team at the International Bomber Command Centre have educated children on the ethos of recognition, remembrance and reconciliation for those who served in Bomber Command and those affected on all sides during World War Two.
Made up of two members of staff, Leah Dean and Janine Smithson. the team works alongside several volunteers who facilitate the guided tours and exhibition visits during school trips.
The team’s aim is to engage children in the history of Bomber Command and enable them to develop their skills in historical enquiry through first-hand accounts, unique artefacts and activities.
You can read about all the 2024 finalists in our special feature by clicking here.
About the School Travel Awards
The Education / Learning Team of the Year Award is part of the School Travel Awards which recognises inspiring people and the very best companies, venues and attractions providing school trips.
Organised by School Travel Organiser magazine, it’s an important annual initiative celebrating learning outside the classroom, that raises the profile and highlights the importance of school trips for children - with exciting opportunities for schools to also win big prizes.
To find out more click to schooltravelorganiser.com/awards.
