Thank you to everyone who has taken part in the voting, nominating and submitting entries for the 2023 School Travel Awards. 

Children with pretend binoculars in the woods

The importance of learning outside the classroom is highlighted through our annual School Travel Awards. Once again, teachers and educational visits coordinators have played their part and have been getting involved by telling us who should be recognised this year. 

The 2023 finalists for the categories you have been voting in along with the School Trip Champion and Education / Learning Team of the Year Awards have now been announced. 

2023 Finalists

Find everything you need to know through the School Travel Awards website. Plus, look out for updates in the regular ‘School’s Out’ email newsletter (if you don’t get the newsletter, register here). 

Of course, it will all culminate in a five star ceremony in London when the event itself returns to the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London on Tuesday 6th June, 2023. It was great to be back with an in-person ceremony in May 2022 when teachers and people from across the educational travel sector came together to celebrate the importance of school trips. We all know the difference they make, which is why it’s crucial to shine a spotlight on those who go the extra mile.

 

Schools can win big… with two £1,500 prizes

In addition to recognising the attractions, experiences and providers, there are two categories for teachers and schools through the School Trip Champion and ‘My Best School Trip’ Awards. Both of these offer a £1,500 prize towards a future educational visit – so schools can win big too.

Entries and nominations have now closed for this year - but there’s nothing stopping you thinking ahead about a visit, or individual, you may put forward next year. 

Whether it’s a day trip to a museum or attraction, a residential at an activity centre, or an overseas visit, we want to hear about experiences that have had a particular impact on the children and staff.

The 2022 winning school was Grendon CE Primary School in Wellingborough which entered a residential to Cornwall. You can read about the 2022 finalists for this category by clicking here and find out what trips they entered. 

Among the considerations for the entries are: how the trip links to the relevant topic and curriculum, how inclusive and affordable it is, and how the learning is embedded once back in school. For more information about this special award and how to enter, go to schooltravelorganiser.com/bestschooltrip.

Chantry pupils outside the Lyceum Theatre

Jamie Kelly of Chantry Primary Academy won the School Trip Champion Award and took two groups to the theatre in London with the prize money.

Essential support for the awards

The 2023 School Travel Awards campaign wouldn’t be possible without our fantastic Awards Partners who have already committed to supporting the forthcoming programme. They play a crucial role in helping us raise the profile of learning outside the classroom and recognising the people and companies that create inspiring school trips. 

Graham Meskell at David Roberts & Partners said: “We are excited to partner with the School Travel Awards again this year as it is important to us that the hard work undertaken across the industry is recognised and celebrated. Being able to attend the event in person in 2022 for the first time was a great experience and we are looking forward to the event in 2023.”

Hugues Raulet, managing director of Halsbury Travel, said: “It’s really important to recognise the companies and the teachers that go the extra mile to offer children exciting and memorable learning opportunities. School trips are such an important part of the school experience and it’s been fantastic to see so many schools on international trips enjoying these experiences again.”

George Nolan, senior sales manager at Go Ape, added: “We are supporting the Awards again this year because we appreciate the importance of school children’s development outside of the classroom. The Awards are a great platform for identifying and celebrating the best venues and attractions that support children’s growth.

“Helping children develop their confidence and resilience is incredibly important to us at Go Ape and we are passionate about delivering memorable experiences.”

A special thank you to our 2023 Awards Partners…

Attention school providers and companies: support these important awards and enjoy the many perks and the high profile that comes with being an official Awards Partner. For more information click here or email Ivana Perkins at ivana.p@yandellmedia.com.

Date for your diary: the School Travel Awards ceremony will take place on Tuesday 6th June, 2023 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London. For event and ticketing info click here.

Plus, be the first to know: stay up to date with the Awards at schooltravelorganiser.com/awards and subscribe to our free ‘School’s Out’ newsletter by clicking here.