school trip policy uk

Latest Government Guidance on School Trips, Residential Trips & International Educational Visits

We’re pleased that covid no longer has an affect on school trips. schools are able to plan, book and take a school trip, overnight residential visit or educational visit as normal. please get in touch if you have any questions ( [email protected] )., the latest government advice on taking school trips.

• Day School Trips to Museums, Galleries, Attractions & Theatres ✔︎
• Visits to outside educational sites (Rivers, Lakes, Woods, etc.) ✔︎
• Domestic Overnight Residential Trips ✔︎
• International School Trips ✔︎ (see details below)

Day School Trips to Museums, Galleries, Attractions & Theatres

As part of the Department for Education’s latest guidance, schools can take educational day visits. This means schools can still plan, book and take school trips to theatres, museums, galleries, attractions and other educational settings.

General guidance on educational visits is available and is supported by specialist advice from the Outdoor Education Advisory Panel (OEAP) .

Domestic Overnight Residential Trips

The Department for Education has said schools can go on domestic overnight residential trips.

This allows schools to take domestic residential visits and enables teachers to start planning residential trips for the rest of the academic year and beyond.

International School Trips

As part of the latest advice, updated in July 2022 by the Department for Education recommends that “you should refer to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office travel advice and the guidance on international travel before booking and travelling to make sure that the school group meet any entry and in country requirements especially in relation to vaccinations.”

This advice still makes international school trips possible, however, for teachers and schools to consider the extra implications for doing so.

You can also find the latest advice from National Guidance. 

Booking a covid-secure school trip for the future.

Included in the guidance, the Department for Education has set out advice regarding Credit notes and Insurance.

The DfE advises schools to speak to either their visit provider, commercial insurance company, or the risk protection arrangement (RPA) to assess the protection available in booking all future educational visits and school trips.

Independent advice on insurance cover and options can be sought from the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) or Association of British Insurers (ABI).

The below is not included in the latest guidance document, however, the DfE has previously advised schools to look out for the below – which we would also recommend you to do:

• insurance backing of ‘COVID-19 guarantee’
• extended payment terms
• financial protection in case of insolvency
• membership of industry organisations

Staying up to date with the latest school trip guidance and announcements.

We’re so pleased that teachers can plan, book and take school trips. After over a year of schools not being able to take educational visits, students are once again able to enjoy the wealth of educational experiences that theatres, museums, galleries, attractions and other educational venues offer.

We’re here to take the faff out of planning school trips. That also means we’re always on top of all the latest guidance as well as all the exciting new announcements, trips and activities that schools can access. 

If you have any questions or would like us to help you find the best ideas and activities for you –  please do get in touch .

If you haven’t already, also  sign-up to our newsletter  for all the latest, updates direct to your inbox.

Get in touch to ask us a question, get advice or receive your free personalised ideas.

Sign-up to our newsletter to get all the latest updates and announcements..

We also recommend taking a look at  The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom  (CLOtC). The CLOtC are champions of promoting learning outside the classroom and support schools all across the country.

Their national accreditation badge is given to venues that recognise effective risk management and quality of education. There are 100s of accredited providers across the UK including museums, visitor attractions, parks, farms and activity centres – and it’s recommended by the Department for Education. 

Here you’ll also find all the latest information, guidelines and more to help you plan.

Find out more about the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom.

Bringing school trips into the classroom

We’re really excited that schools can once again take school trips. However, we know that educational visits may still not be fully possible for some schools.

That’s why we’ll still bring you all the ways you can bring your school trip into the classroom with  free teaching resources  and  virtual school trip ideas .

Virtual School Trip Ideas

Arts & cultural venues across the country have created innovative new  virtual school trip ideas  that you can beam directly into your classroom!

To help you find the best virtual session, we’ve got a  Virtual School Trip Ideas  section on the site.

Here we feature all the things you can do to bring school trips into the classroom. We include everything from online exhibitions and online performances to virtual tours and virtual sessions.

See all of our Virtual School Trip Ideas.

Download our complete guide to 40+ virtual school trip ideas you can do for free.

Download your free guide!

Get our Complete Guide to Virtual School Trip Ideas including online performances, virtual tours, online exhibitions and other virtual sessions.

All available for FREE!

Free Teaching Resources

Our  Teaching Resource Library  also includes hundreds of education packs, worksheets, educational videos, educational games and more – all of which you can download and use for FREE!

They’re a brilliant way to still connect with museums, galleries, attractions and theatres to find fun teaching ideas and activities.

Our  resource library  is split by subject and Key Stage, plus you can also search for a particular topic. And if there’s something specific you’re looking for –  do get in touch!

See our Free Teaching Resource Library.

We’re here every step of the way to give you the latest advice and guidance, plus all the new announcements, updates and ideas.

We’re pleased that schools can once again plan, book and take school trips to theatres, museums, galleries and attractions. It’s also really positive that residential overnight school trips and International trips are allowed.

For those looking to bring their learning to life in the classroom, there are loads of options to help you bring school trips to you.

Do take a look at our  Free Teaching Resource Library  and our Workshops section with In-School Workshops and Online Workshops to find some great alternative options.

If you’re looking for something in particular, please do  get in touch  – we’re here to help! We can help you find suitable trips, virtual sessions and resources based on specific subjects, topics and more. You can  email us  at any time or  get in touch through our online form.

If you haven’t already, also subscribe to our  weekly newsletter  where you’ll receive a quick round-up of all the latest news, guidance, ideas and resources you can use to bring school trips into the classroom.

Plan a school trip

School Trip Ideas with everything you need to plan, book and take your next Educational Visit or Field Trip. Includes theatres, museums, galleries, attractions & more.

Find a workshop

Make the most out of your school trips with an Educational Workshop. Or bring the school trip to you with In-School Workshops & Virtual School Trip Ideas.

Explore resources

Bring the school trip back into the classroom with 400+ Teaching Resources from arts & cultural venues – all available to download & use for free.

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School trips policy

School Trips Policy

This policy applies to Junior School, Senior School and EYFS

Stepping in: we aim for every girl to feel known, supported, confident and able to shine at Wimbledon High. Striding out: we aim for every girl to leave us prepared to shape the society in which she lives and works

The school believes that students’ education is enriched significantly by the opportunities trips and visits offer. We are environmentally aware of our carbon footprint and where an experience can be matched closer to home and/or where two  or more departments can join together to provide an opportunity these options are taken. Each party leader is asked to justify their trip and the venue they have chosen. In order to ensure that girls, parents and staff are fully informed about the arrangements for off-site activities, and to make every effort to ensure the safety of all personnel on such trips the following procedures are adopted. 

The school recognises the distinction between everyday, routine trips - such as theatre or museum outings - and more major trips which will require extra planning - such as World Challenge. The responsibility for overseeing the organisation of all trips and visits is delegated to the EVC in the Junior School and the EVC and Deputy EVC in the senior School. They are appropriately trained, keep records on Evolve of all off-site activities and to ensure that appropriate risk assessments and related tour operator forms are completed before a trip can take place.

All trips are organised following guidelines laid down in the Department for Education guidance on Health and Safety on Educational Visits, linked here , and GDST guidance. 

All party leaders use the online programme 'Evolve' and have access to administrative support. A link to Evolve can be found on firefly under quick links. The school ensures that the person managing the trip has support, status and competence for the role, understands the risks and is familiar with the activity. 

For residential trips, previous experience of leading a trip or supporting a trip is essential before taking the party leader role.

For all school visits there is a designated safeguarding officer on call and a member of SMT on call. Phone number 0208 971 0909 .

Ratios for trips are as follows

Senior school Ratios

Day trip 1:20

TfL ratio is 1:10

Residential trip    1:10

A minimum of two staff is essential on any residential trip.

Junior School Ratios

Day & residential trips

Years 3 - 6     1:10  (for residential trips centre staff are in addition)

Year 1 - 2      1:8

Reception   1:6

Driving the school minibus

Only staff who have D1 and have passed the Midas test are permitted to drive the minibus.

Additional Trips and Visits Information

• All off-site activities require permission from the Head (Seniors) or the Head of Juniors (Juniors). In practice this is delegated to the Educational Visits Coordinator (EVC) (Director of Co-curricular, Partnerships & Philanthropy (CPP)) in the senior school and the Educational Visits Coordinator (EVC) in the Junior School.
• Every trip has a nominated Party Leader who takes responsibility for ensuring the trip is organised in line with this policy document. 
•  In liaison with the EVC, the party leader recruits and leads a team of Staff (and sometimes parents). Before, during and post trip, the party leader takes full responsibility for every aspect of the trip including communication with parents, ensuring payments are up to date and the completion of all GDST health and safety forms. There is administrative support to support this, however it is the party leader who leads this process. All Health and Safety and decision making in case of an emergency is the party leaders responsibility with emergency SMT support.  All staff on trip have WHS DBS and have completed HR vetting. All staff know who DSL is and how to contact them. Other adults/volunteers unless they have a WHS DBS are not left alone with any girl
• No-one is to take photos of the girls on a personnel phone, but rather use the school trip' phones which are deleted on the return of a school trip.
• Trips should be carefully planned with due regard to safety. Where trips are organised through a travel company which organises all the transport and accommodation, only recognised and reliable companies are used. Staff must ensure that the Trust’s Activity Providers & Tour Operators Declaration  form is completed and the contract is cross check by GDST legal department and the EVC before any money is paid to the company. When the trip is organised 'in-house', careful guidelines are followed regarding modes of transport (e.g. only WHS recognised coach companies may be used) and chosen routes, especially where the pupils have to walk any distance.
• Consent for day trips is obtained annually. All residential and international day trips require the parents to complete the ‘Update Consent and Contact Form ’ . Pupils may not travel on trips without the necessary Consent Form being completed.
• In order for SMT and school nurses to provide comprehensive support to staff with regard to student physical and mental well-being for residential trips, be mindful to cross check with the HoY (Senior School) and Form Teachers and or Assistant Head of Pastoral (Junior School) any causes for concern before payments are made. 
• Sixth Form trips to Central London are common. It is usual for the girls to make their way to and from the venue independently, meeting the staff at a stated time and location. In this case the letter to the parents must state these arrangements clearly and a response confirming permission is granted must be received. The girls are also provided with a mobile phone number (school phone number) of the party leader.
• Parents are always informed in writing of the arrangements for any trip their daughter is involved in (with the exception of regular Senior School PE fixtures – these can be found on the SOCS website and on firefly) and are always provided with an emergency school contact number for use whilst the trip is in progress.
• For overseas trips the Party Leader must always organise a parent launch meeting and a trip final sign off meeting with parents in addition to any paper communication. At this meeting, details about the trip are outlined and parents have the opportunity to ask questions. (See below for further advise on residential trips)
• The PE department informs parents of weekly after school fixtures via the SOCS website and via their daughters in the Senior School. Senior parents are informed separately of events which take the girls out of lessons via letter.
• Parents complete the Medical Information and Consent Form for all category A, low risk day trips. Residential trips (or day trips with any degree of risk involved) require trip-specific consent forms. These forms also include emergency contact numbers for parents (or parentally nominated alternates) during the trip. For the Junior School these forms can be found on TEAMS under Junior School Logistics/trips. Always consult the EVC if uncertain about the paperwork requirement.
• The Party Leader is responsible for checking the medical details, this can be reviewed on EVOLVE. All party leaders must organise a meeting with the nurses, HoY and Deputy Head Pastoral (Senior School) and nurses, form teachers /Assistant Head of Pastoral and Deputy Head/EVC (Junior School) at least four weeks before the departure of a residential trip.  Some girls require individual risk assessments which are produced by the nurses in conjunction with the parents, the Party Leader and the EVC.  A final sign off meeting with the EVC should be scheduled before departure.
• A qualified first aider should be on every trip and should take a first aid bag. 
• Staffing ratios are laid down by the school (see Risk Assessment document) and it is the Party Leader’s responsibility, in conjunction with the EVC, to ensure that these are adhered to.
• The Party leader always has an emergency contact phone number back at school for use if required during the trip. This will normally be the School receptionist during office hours; a Senior Member of staff takes over for out of school hours, for the Junior School this will usually be the Deputy Head who can be contacted by mobile and this is the contact number for the Senior Member of staff for the Senior School  0208 971 0909.  
• The Party Leader is responsible for preparing a risk assessment for the trip. This should be discussed with all staff travelling with the party and should be shared with any parents accompanying the trip on the day of the trip. Separate guidance and a pro-forma are available on EVOLVE and for the Junior School in TEAMS/Logistics/Trips. Training is provided for all staff.  
• Without a full DBS parents should are not left alone with a group of students.
• The Party Leader is responsible for ensuring high standards of pupil behaviour. Pupils are briefed before a trip and on frequent occasions during a trip. Senior school pupils and their parents sign a code of conduct.
• The GDST takes out comprehensive travel insurance which covers all the girls and staff on the majority of trips. 
• GDST Insurance does not cover Covid cancellations, therefore scrutiny of the terms and conditions by the party leader from a tour operator is essential.
• Where adventurous activities are concerned (e.g. World Challenge) there may be additional insurance policies taken out to cover the trip. Pre-existing conditions including both physical illnesses/conditions and mental conditions including: Anxiety, Stress, Depression, Any phobias and any mental or nervous disorder including anorexia are not automatically covered by GDST insurance. If you are aware that a pupil has a pre-existing condition, it is important that the issue is raise with the insurance company, via Natasha Williams at Trust Office, as far in advance as possible. It may be necessary for the parents to get a letter from the pupil’s GP/consultant/medical specialist confirming it is safe for them to go on the trip and take part in all the activities, or it may be necessary for the parents to take out their own insurance
• Packed lunches - there is an 'opt in' system for student and staff packed lunches, that is written into the day trip letter template. This is to reduce wastage.
• Certain school trips, in particular team-building and or activity residentials, will have an automatic phone ban which we would ask parents to respect unless there are extenuating safeguarding circumstances that have been arranged with the Pastoral Leadership Team.
• During residential trips we ask parents to not communicate with their daughters via mobile devices. In case of emergency, parents should follow the trip procedures and contact the Trip Leader via Senior Management at school. We ask parents to reinforce to their children to speak to the Trip Leader in the first instance, as they act as in loco parentis , if they have any concerns during the duration of the trip.

Exchange Visits

Exchange visits are a valuable addition to the trips and visits programme as they give an immersive and unique experience to students. WHS wholeheartedly supports these experiences. Staff should follow regular trips and visits policies and procedures for the international leg of the programme, including completing the compliance forms found in Evolve, to show due diligence where countries do not follow DBS equivalent checks.

For the UK leg of the visit, DBS checks and GDST safeguarding forms are mandatory for all members of the hosting household over the age of 16 . The party leader should liaise with the trips and visits administrator to have these completed at least 3 weeks before the visiting party arrives.

A 'sign off' meeting should be arranged with the EVC or deputy EVC at least three weeks before the arrival of guests, to cross check that all safeguarding paperwork is correct.

GUIDELINES & ADVICE FOR RESIDENTIAL TRIPS

The following guidelines and advice are useful tips to follow when organising a residential trip.

For further details please refer to the GDST ‘Hub’. 

Parents Meeting

All staff supporting a school trip will be expected to attend all parent meetings and staff briefing meetings. For residential trips this is an essential part of the organisation as parents feel reassured they can talk to the staff looking after their daughters whilst they’re away. This will also provide invaluable support for the party leader and give important information regarding the itinerary.

Pastoral responsibilities

All members of staff on a residential trip have a duty of care to look after the students in ‘loco parentis’. This includes travel to and from venues where the students should be supervised by all travelling members of staff.

The party leader should split the students into sub-groups and assign a member of staff to each group. This gives the girls a first point of contact and is useful for spreading out the tasks such as collection of passports, staff acting as a ‘bank’, head counts etc etc.

Staff should familiarise themselves with the students in their group before departure and should be prepared to step in to support other groups when necessary.

Contingency Funds

Even with the best planning, residential trips do present unexpected costs from time to time. It is therefore acceptable to add a 10% surplus to the cost quoted by the tour company to the students balance. Any surplus left at the end of the trip should be returned to the parents. 

Permitted Expenses

The GDST will reimburse employees for reasonable expenses wholly, necessarily and exclusively incurred in connection with its business. These include events, external meetings, school visits and training. For every purchase an itemised receipt should be collected and returned to finance at the end of the trip.  

Meals and Refreshments

Under normal circumstances, accommodation, breakfast, lunch and evening meal should be paid for out of the contingency fund by the party leader if they are not part and parcel of the trip package. 

Meals and refreshments will be reimbursed on actual cost up to the maximum limits given in Appendix A. It is acknowledged that costs vary in different countries and cities therefore on the unusual occasion where £25 is an unrealistic value, a common sense approach should be taken by the party leader to ensure reasonable sustenance is provided and within the trip contingency budget.

The cost of an alcoholic beverage (e.g. a glass of wine) is permitted within these limits. Tipping for food will only be reimbursed where it can be evidenced (e.g. where a service charge has been added to a bill). In countries where tipping is customary for services such as to a coach driver or ski instructor, these should be logged in the finance record book and countersigned by a second member of staff on the trip. 

No claim can be made for lunch, except in the following circumstances:

• Staff working over four hours at weekends, for example PE staff at sporting events;
• Staff on school trips away from the school for over six hours.
• Staff on residential trips where lunch is not provided by the accommodation or activity. 

Incidentals

Incidentals such as teas, coffees, newspapers and snacks are not reimbursable unless the employee is on a journey of significant length (e.g. in excess of two hours above the employee’s usual journey time into work).

Staff & Alcohol

Trip leaders should discuss alcohol with EVC’s before the trip to establish what consumption is permitted, and what can be claimed back through expenses paid by trip funds. 

Some countries and certain organisations also prohibit the possession and consumption of alcohol, whether by minors or adults.

It should be noted that it is a potential disciplinary offence for a teacher to be at work (as they are when accompanying a school trip) when affected by drink (even if not ‘drunk’ in the everyday sense of the word) or indeed by other substances which may affect their judgement and behaviour (other than those medically prescribed and of which the school is aware) as being in such a state potentially puts pupils and colleagues at risk and may also undermine discipline and good order and perhaps bring the school into disrepute.

Staff who choose to drink alcohol whilst on school trips should remember;

• The core responsibility of staff, who are in loco parentis, must take priority over all other considerations.
• Staff must be able to respond in any emergency or unforeseen circumstances, for example during the evening, or where more than one teacher is needed.
• The example which pupils take from the behaviour of staff
• The nature and age range of the pupils and the context of the trip
• Any particular factors, such as the presence of guests, younger children, etc
• The possible effect on the school or the GDST’s reputation, including how this may be perceived by others.                                                                                                          
• In practical terms, where there are several members of staff accompanying a trip, it might be acceptable for staff to have a small glass of wine at dinner, providing another member of staff acts as the ‘designated driver’, and remains ‘tee-total’, but who this will be depends on factors such as who has first aid qualifications, who can drive the available vehicles, etc.
• Students & Alcohol
• All pupils of Wimbledon High School are expected to abide by the law of the land at all times. They should also be aware that whilst either on a school trip, they are representatives of the school and thus should behave as ambassadors. We expect them to uphold the reputation of the school at all times. Any pupil in possession of an illegal substance will face exclusion. (See behaviour policy)

Under normal circumstances, all staff will travel with the party to the airport or train station ready for the onward journey. However, where this travel is impractical due to medical conditions, disability, injury and/or carriage of equipment/luggage, time of the day/night, a taxis maybe used if the trip contingency can cover this cost. 

The same level of professionalism should be adopted on a residential trip as in day to day school life. Punctuality is essential for the smooth running of a trip from both students and staff.

Roles and responsibilities for staff should be clearly defined before the day of departure via a staff briefing which should be carried out in a meeting led by the party leader.

All staff on the trip should have an input into the risk assessment after the initial draft has been drawn up by the party leader and then sign the document.

JAC & SB August 2023

Blog The Education Hub

https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2023/11/03/free-school-transport-explained-eligible-free-travel/

Free school transport explained: From who’s eligible to how it works

When choosing which schools to apply for, it is important to consider how your child will get there. Some children are eligible for free travel, but this isn’t the case for everyone.

Most parents should expect to be responsible for making arrangements for their child to get to and from school.

Here, we explain everything you need to know about free school travel, from who’s eligible to how it works.

Is my child eligible for free school travel?

We set the national eligibility criteria for free travel to school and your local authority is responsible for deciding whether your child meets these criteria.

Your child is eligible if they are of compulsory school age , go to their nearest suitable school and one of the following applies:

• they are under 8 and the school is more than 2 miles away
• they are 8 or over and the school is more than 3 miles away
• they wouldn’t be able to walk there safely, even if accompanied by a parent or guardian
• they wouldn’t be able walk there because of their special educational needs, disability or a mobility problem, even if accompanied by a parent or guardian.

If the local authority decides your child would be able to walk to school if they were accompanied, the general expectation is that you will accompany them, or make other suitable arrangements. A child will not normally be eligible for free travel solely because of their parent’s work commitments or caring responsibilities.

Your child may also be entitled to free transport if you have a low family income and they are entitled to free school meals or you get the maximum Working Tax Credit and one of the following applies:

• they are aged 8 to 11, go to their nearest suitable school and it’s at least 2 miles away
• they are aged 11 to 16 and go to a school 2 to 6 miles away - if it’s one of their 3 nearest suitable schools
• they are aged 11 to 16 and go to a school 2 to 15 miles away - if it’s one you chose because of your religion or belief.

If your child doesn't meet the criteria above, you are responsible for arranging their travel to and from school. Some local authorities arrange travel for children who don’t meet the eligibility criteria, although they are not required to. Where they choose to do so, they may charge you for the cost of it.

You can find your local authority’s school travel policy through our postcode search on Gov.uk .

What is a ‘suitable’ school?

A suitable school is one that provides education appropriate to the child’s age, ability, aptitude, and any special educational needs they may have.

If your child has an Education, Health and Care plan, the school named in their plan will usually be considered their nearest suitable school for travel purposes.

What do I need to do if I think my child is eligible?

You should check your local authority website to see the school travel policy and find out how to apply.

If your child is eligible for free school travel, your local authority will make suitable travel arrangements.  For example, they might provide your child with a pass for free travel on public transport or arrange a dedicated school bus or taxi. They may expect your child to walk to a suitable pick-up point if they are able to.

My child has a special educational need or disability, what does this mean for them?

Your local authority will assess whether your child meets the eligibility criteria. They may ask for information to help them decide whether your child would be able to walk to school.

Your child doesn't need to have an Education, Health and Care plan to be eligible but having one doesn’t make your child automatically eligible.

If your child is eligible, your local authority will make suitable travel arrangements for them, taking into account their needs. It may often be the case that they share a vehicle with other children.

If they have a medical condition which may affect them on the journey, your local authority will decide what arrangements they need to make to manage this.

Your local authority may offer you a personal travel budget or mileage allowance to take your child to school yourself. Some parents prefer this, but you don’t have to accept it if you don’t want to. If you don’t accept it, the local authority will need to arrange your child’s free travel.

As your child gets older, your local authority may offer them the opportunity to take part in independent travel training.

The authority will pay for this and your child will be supported, by a trainer, to learn how to travel to school independently, for example on public transport.

Learning to travel independently is an important part of preparing a child to lead a fulfilling and active adult life. If you want to know more about independent travel training, you should contact your local authority.

What if my child spends time at more than one address?

It’s not normally possible to provide eligible children with travel to and from more than one address, for example if their parents don’t live together. Local authorities usually only arrange travel to and from a child’s main place of residence.

Your local authority’s school travel policy will explain how it decides which address they will arrange travel to.

Can I appeal the local authority’s decision?

Yes. There is an appeals process, published on the local authority’s website, for parents to follow should they want to challenge the decision about their child’s home to school travel.

If you’re not happy with the way the local authority conducts your appeal, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman may be able to investigate. Further information can be found on the LGO website .

What about young people aged 16-25?

When a young person begins post-16 education or training, the level of school travel support changes. It is for the local authority to decide the level of support they offer and these arrangements don’t have to include free or subsidised travel. More information can be found on Gov.uk .

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Tags: Free school transport , free transport to school , school transport , School transport for secondary schools , School travel

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Planning your trip

This page offers help and guidance with planning your trip. You can click on the links below to skip to the relevant sections:

• Planning a School Trip checklist

Accredited providers

Information that parents will require prior to the school trip, useful links.

Safely managed educational visits with a clear purpose are an indispensable part of a broad and balanced curriculum. They are a fantastic opportunity to extend the learning of all pupils, including an enrichment of their understanding of themselves, others and the world around them. They can also be a catalyst for improved personal performance, promote a lifelong interest and, in some cases, lead to professional fulfilment.

As always there is a need for planning, including a  risk assessment . The key aims are to establish the proposed learning outcomes of the activity and to select an effective method of evaluation. With effective planning, the trip can be as valuable as other learning opportunities within the school and maximise the well documented benefits of learning outside the classroom.

Throughout the planning process of a school trip, teachers need to foresee and evaluate risk to ensure the children and the environment that surrounds them can co-exist safely. You can read more on our  Risk Assessment  pages.

Planning a School Trip: checklist

• Before planning a school trip, make sure you have read and understood the school’s and the LEA’s policy on school trips
• Follow the school’s procedures and ensure you are aware of your legal and moral responsibility as group leader
• Next, search for local out-of-school education venues and providers  here .

The following questions or considerations may help you to plan the trip:

• What is the total individual budget for the trip?
• What additional costs will be associated to the trip?
• Will food be included in the cost?
• Are the insurance arrangements suitably sufficient for the trip?
• What will be the payment procedure for the trip?
• How much deposit is required from each pupil?
• Does the venue/provider offer pre-inspection visits?
• Is the trip suitable for all students?
• What staff will be available for the trip?
• Will a member of accompanying staff have a relevant first-aid certificate?

You can also visit the  Council for Learning Outside the Classroom  (CLOtC) website for information about providers accredited with the  Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge.

The CLOtC is the managing and overall awarding body for the LOtC Quality Badge, which recognises providers offering good quality learning outside the classroom and managing risk effectively. They are responsible for:

• Influencing and challenging learning outside the classroom policy and practice
• raising the profile of learning outside the classroom and promoting the benefits
• providing support for education and LOtC professionals, aiming for good quality learning outside the classroom that meets the needs of young people

Supported by the majority of Local Authority Outdoor Education Advisers, the LOtC Quality Badge makes it easier for anyone organising educational visits to gain approval and provides assurance that their chosen destination has met six nationally recognised quality indicators

The LOtC website is an excellent source of information designed to help schools, educational practitioners and other groups plan and carry out inspiring and varied school trip activities. Useful checklists and planning tools for teachers and educators at various levels can be found  here .

• A brief overview of the trip, including dates, times, venue, details of staff accompanying the trip and details of the destination
• A clear itinerary including departure and arrival details
• Request for Nationality and Passport details, if appropriate
• Travel arrangement details and approximate duration of travel
• Accommodation details, if appropriate.Details should cover the name, full address and telephone number of the accommodation
• A list of items required for the trip such as clothing, footwear, stationary, waterproofs, books, bags etc.
• A clear summary of the possible risks on the trip
• An overview of the expected conduct of pupils, and a polite notice concerning discipline and appropriate sanctions
• Details about the cost of the trip
• Payment schedule and amounts required by specified dates. Clearly indicate that deposits are non-refundable
• A description of what is, and what is not, covered by the cost
• Recommended additional money needed by each pupil for general expenses
• Date of a parents’ information evening
• Emergency contact name and number at the school and at the venue
• A consent form requesting special medical and diet information and permission to take appropriate emergency measures

You can find expert guidance and step-by-step advice for planning your educational trip on the  Outdoor Education Advisor’s Panel website

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UK School Trips

 & overseas study tours...

Plan My School Trip is full of engaging educational experiences. We help school travel organisers discover online & in-school workshops, local and national UK school trips & residentials, and overseas study tours. Choose from thousands of attractions, venues and outdoor education providers who can help with risk assessments and everything required to make your trip a success!

Search 1,000s of UK school trips or bring workshops into your classroom. Choose by curriculum subject, topic or keyword..

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Educational visits policy: model and examples.

An educational visits policy provides support for staff in the effective and safe planning and operation of school trips. This policy isn't statutory, but it's best practice to have one. Download our model policy with practical templates in the appendices, and see examples from other schools.

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Download our model policy

Examples of school policies.

Our model policy is approved by Forbes Solicitors , and has instructions for you to adapt and make it your own.

• Model policy: educational visits DOC, 313.5 KB Download

It includes:

• A proposed visit planning information template for staff to use when seeking approval for educational visits
• A risk assessment template
• Volunteer behaviour guidance and code of conduct, for volunteers to sign

Primary schools

• Benedict Biscop Church of England Academy, Sunderland
• Highgate Primary School, Haringey

Secondary schools

• St Angela's Ursuline School, London
• Lord Williams's School, Oxfordshire

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Also in ' health and safety policies ', start getting our trusted advice.

• Thousands of up-to-the-minute articles
• Hundreds of templates, letters and proformas
• Lawyer-approved model policies

Our policies include cover for Covid-19: See full details

Updated: 3rd January 2023 Our insurance will cover you to travel provided the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is not advising against all, or all but essential travel to your destination.

Cover for Covid-19 is included on all policies, here are the details:

If you contract Covid-19 abroad our policies provide the following cover:

• Emergency medical treatment and repatriation, when medically necessary, if you contract Covid-19 whilst abroad.
• Cover for additional accommodation & transport costs (limits apply) if you are unable to return home due to contracting Covid-19 and being told to self-isolate abroad.

If you contract Covid-19 before you travel, our policies provide cancellation in the following circumstances:

• if you, anyone insured on the policy, or a travel companion catch Covid-19 within 14 days of your trip starting.
• if you, anyone insured on the policy, or a household member have to self-isolate at home due to Covid-19.
• if you, anyone insured on the policy, or a family member are hospitalised or die due to Covid-19.

Our policies will not provide any cover if:

• You travel to a destination where the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is advising against all, or all but essential travel.

Our policies do not provide cover for:

• Cancellation caused by a change to FCDO or government travel advice, other than as a result of fire, earthquake, storm, flood, riot or civil unrest.
• Cancellation if your travel provider cancels or postpones your trip.
• Denied entry to the country or territory you are travelling to.

Check the latest information:

Government COVID-19 travel advice Check the latest advice for travel and Covid-19 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-abroad-from-england-during-coronavirus-covid-19 FCDO advice for your destination Find out whether the FCDO is advising against travel for your destination, as well as the rules and restrictions when you arrive, including entry requirements.  https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

School Travel Insurance

School Trip Cover can provide travel insurance for all types of school trips and groups of children travelling together with a teacher or carer. To give you the confidence to buy school travel insurance, School Trip Cover is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

• Enter Dates of Travel and Destination
• Enter the Number of Adults and Children
• Review Quotation and Add Any Extra Cover e.g. Winter Sports
• Complete Contact Details for the Group Leader
• Pay by Credit Card or Download an Invoice. (Cover will be in Place Once Payment is Received)
• Instant Quotes and Cover Available Online or By Phone
• No Need to Supply Full Details for All Travellers — We Only Need Numbers!
• Download a Handy Overview of Cover to Give to Parents
• All Data is Securely Encrypted
• All Policies are Covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (UK residents only)
• We are Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
• UK Call Centre, We're Here to Help
• 24-Hour Emergency Medical Assistance, Just A Phone Call Away
• Teacher Liability up to £5 Million
• 24-Hour Emergency Medical Assistance
• Emergency Medical & Repatriation up to £10 Million per person
• Group Money Cover
• Group Equipment Cover
• Cover for Some Existing Medical Conditions
• Cover for Sports & Activities (including competitions and tournaments)
• Winter Sports Cover
• Search and Rescue Cover
• Terrorism Cover (Cancellation)
• Natural Catastrophe Cover
• Our Insurance is Great Value for Money
• Cover for Staff and Pupils on One Policy
• Cover for Many Sports and Activities Included as Standard

Worried About Getting the Right Cover?

Children with Medical Conditions?

School Travel Insurance for Medical Conditions

Travel insurance from School Trip Cover can cover many types of medical conditions, however if you are having difficulty finding cover to suit the needs of some children, we have partnered with Goodtogoinsurance.com who can cover all types of medical conditions to a high level of severity.

Details of medical conditions covered by School Trip Cover

Get a quote for a child with medical conditions from Goodtogoinsurance.com

You can also find more specialist medical travel insurance providers in the Money Helper directory . (Tel: 0800 138 7777)

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Buy With Confidence

Authorised and regulated by the financial conduct authority.

School Trip Cover is a trading name of Ancile Insurance Group Ltd.

Ancile Insurance Group Ltd, Registered Office: undefined, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Our Financial Services Register number is 471641.

You can check this on the Financial Services Register by visiting the FCA website or by contacting the FCA on 0800 111 6768.

Covered by the Financial Services Compensation scheme

The travel insurance policies we sell are covered by the Financial Services Compensation scheme, which means that if the underwriter was unable to meet its liabilities to you compensation may be available.

For more information about the Financial Services Compensation Scheme visit www.fscs.org.uk .

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Important Notice

If you have an existing policy and have a query or need to get in touch please contact us on 0330 094 5789 or email us at [email protected]

If you need to make a claim please use the contact details in your policy wording, or visit our claims page to find out more. Claims Information »

Promoting best practice in educational travel

Helping schools and students to travel with confidence.

School Travel Forum is the leading association for UK companies offering educational visits and tours.  Our members are required to meet standards set by the LOt C Quality Badge and School Travel Forum code of practice so schools can book and travel with confidence.

School Travel Forum has been a trusted quality mark for over 20 years, leading the UK school travel sector in providing assured service standards and promoting high-quality learning experiences at home and abroad.

School leaders and teachers trust our members for the level of assurance, advice and support that they provide when planning and organising their educational visits.

Our Assurances

What you can expect from a School Travel Forum member

Approved  Provider

Holds the LOtC Quality Badge and is a member of ABTA or ABTOT

Safety Management

Attends regular Health & Safety training and safety management systems are independently audited every year 

Financial Protection

Has the correct financial bonding in place ensuring your group and trip is protected

Planning a school trip?

We ensure schools can travel with confidence.

Educational visits and tours provide unparalleled experiences for students - enhancing their social, cultural and educational growth.

As the leading association for educational trips and tours and the awarding body for the LOtC Quality Badge (which is endorsed by the Department for Education), our standards are the benchmark for all companies operating in the educational travel sector. 

Find out why it is recommended that you choose a School Travel Forum member for your school trip. 

Are you a travel or tour operator?

School Travel Forum is more than a membership organisation. We provide support, advice and guidance to help you maintain best-in-class health and safety practices.

We are also the awarding body for the LOtC Quality Badge. The Department for Education recommends that schools use a provider that holds the LOtC Quality Badge for their educational visits and trips. Holding this accreditation gives schools confidence to book with you.

Find out more about the benefits of being a School Travel Forum member.

Find a Member

The STF is much more than a simple membership organisation, all Assured Members of the STF are required to adhere to a rigorous Code of Practice and Safety Management Standards and be audited each year by Argent Health & Safety, the UK’s leading Health and Safety Consultancy specialising in Travel, to ensure continuing compliance.

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Trips Policy

Section 1 - policy, vision statement.

Lord Williams’s School aims to offer a broad and balanced range of exciting and stimulating educational visits. The opportunities have a positive impact on raising standards, being a valuable and important part of the learning process for people of all ages.

They serve to:

• Bring breadth to the learning experience
• Stimulate enquiry
• Encourage tolerance and quality in relationships between all involved
• Extend, enlighten and enrich the curriculum and the student’s learning experience

Residential courses should further self-discipline, organisation, empathy and recognition of our interdependence.

Lord Williams’s School is committed to providing all students as far as possible, including those with special needs, with at least one residential experience.

Lord Williams’s School has a longstanding reputation for the extra-curricular and residential opportunities offered and all students are encouraged to take advantage of these enriching experiences. All members of the school community (students, staff, parents and governors) have a right to be informed of the many and varied opportunities available and should anticipate a broad, balanced and exciting offer. Students will not be barred on financial grounds from any courses/visits considered a necessary part of the curriculum. When additional funding is necessary, the school will endeavour to source appropriate funds.

Visits should be consistent with the aims of the school and be fully researched, approved, clearly targeted and reviewed.

Visits can lead to pressure (on parents’ purses) and stress (on staff and students). All visits should follow an agreed pattern, to be part of the overall academic planning cycle.

The scope of this policy covers a very wide range of potential activities, whether a short trip to a local museum or travelling long distances for a specific activity at a specially selected location. The same principles will also be applied to those types of visits that are purely for enjoyment and enhancement of life experiences, such as swimming and sporting activities. The benefits from students visiting venues and gaining first hand experience and/or partaking in activities is absolutely invaluable in their educational and personal development.

We also recognise that the selection of appropriate venues that can enhance the experience and enjoyment without compromising the health and safety of those who are involved, are crucial to the success of the visit. Equally crucial in the success of educational visits is the need to involve parents and to gain from their support and enthusiasm.

The purpose of this policy is to therefore ensure that all educational visits, irrespective of their nature and duration, are well planned and co-ordinated and take into account the health and safety issues that may foreseeably arise during any visit. Only competent persons and organisations will therefore be selected for the purpose of planning and organising any visits and all and any venues visited will be carefully assessed beforehand.

RESPONSIBLE PERSON

Rob brooks ( educational visits co-ordinator).

• The primary functions of the above named person are to co-ordinate and oversee all issues and controls regarding educational visits and to liaise between all appropriate parties during the planning and organisation.
• This includes the need to ensure that the requirements of this policy are carried out and that any problems or difficulties in meeting these requirements are reported.
• In particular, the above named person has responsibility for ensuring that any systems and procedures laid down for dealing with educational visits and the selection of suitable persons and organisations involved, follow the principal requirements of this policy and are fully in place prior to the commencement of any educational visit.
• In addition, the above named person is responsible for ensuring that feedback is obtained from all educational visits and utilised, where practicable, to both enhance and improve any future arrangements and selection processes.
• The above person can delegate specific tasks to other staff members and is responsible for ensuring that such delegation is appropriate and clearly understood.

Practicalities

• To ensure that the purpose of any educational visit is clearly understood and is the focal point for any arrangements made.
• To ensure that all visits have prior approval before going ahead.
• To not exclude any student with protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act (2010).
• To ensure adequate provisions and arrangements have been included for all students with special needs during educational visits.
• To categorise each educational visit and to plan and organise accordingly. (Note: visit categories are summarised at the end of this policy document.).
• To co-ordinate all educational visits through our appointed Educational Visits Co-Ordinator (EVC).
• To ensure a suitable Trip Leader is appointed for each type of visit, irrespective of the nature and duration.
• To ensure that any selected Trip Leader has the relevant qualifications (where appropriate), skills, experience and abilities suitable for the responsibilities placed upon them.
• To select only appropriate venues and locations that are well-known and/or have been adequately assessed beforehand.
• To select only competent persons for supervisory roles and to ensure they have been suitably vetted and cleared in line with the school’s safeguarding procedures.
• To select only competent and assessed travel and/or tour operators for means of transportation to and from venues and locations.
• To arrange educational visits only where the risks have been assessed and reduced to as low as reasonably practicable beforehand.
• To provide effective levels of supervision at all times appropriate to the numbers and age group(s) of the students.
• To ensure that all parents are fully informed of any plan to organise an educational visit and that formal consent has been obtained beforehand.
• To assist, wherever possible, those parents who may have difficulties in meeting all the costs of any specific visit.
• To exclude those whose behaviour represents a threat to the health and safety of themselves and those around them.

The Arrangements

The following arrangements and activities are in place in order to meet the above policy requirements:

• A comprehensive risk assessment system and procedure to identify risks to the health and safety of all those who attend an educational visit and to determine the necessary precautions required to adequately control the risks (T:\Staff\Policies and Procedures\Policies\Strategy).
• A set of procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency or any unpredicted event that may threaten the health and safety of anyone during the visit (see end of this document).
• A reporting procedure for any accidents or incidents that may occur on the educational visit and for observed conditions that may lead to such incidents (forms in office).
• A system for providing feedback on the experiences of all educational visits that enables improvements and enhancements of future visits to be considered.
• First aid provision and trained first aiders appropriate to the assessed needs of any educational visit (all trips must have first aid cover).
• Adequate insurance arrangements appropriate to the nature of the visit covering (where appropriate):
• Luggage and equipment
• Accident and medical cover
• Cancellation
• Provision of relevant, more detailed and updated internal guidelines, checklists and procedures to ensure a safe and successful visit ( in this policy).
• Checklist systems to ensure the following are accounted for:
• Names of all students on the visit and accountability during the visit
• Emergency contact details of parents
• A list of provisions and equipment required for the visit, including specific medical and first aid provisions
• Itineraries and schedules for all proposed travel and activities
• Appropriate and adequate provision of information and instruction to all those who require them
• Appropriate mobile communication methods, systems and equipment
• Additional specific requirements based on the nature and location of the visit
• The assessment and provision of a licensed transport provider and adequately maintained transport vehicles wherever and whenever required.
• The assessment of appropriate modes of travel and provisions for alternative arrangements in the event of an emergency

Responsibilities

Trip leader.

• Where so instructed and delegated by the responsible person named in this policy, to plan the proposed visit taking into account the health and safety risks that may arise before, during and after the visit.
• To appoint, where considered appropriate, any competent deputy or deputies in support of any visit.
• To ensure that as much relevant information is obtained on any proposed visit, venue and location to enable an appropriate risk assessment to be carried out. This may include an exploratory visit beforehand.
• To ensure that the needs of all those included on the visit are assessed and provided for.
• To ensure that the risk assessment(s) also determine the appropriate level of supervision, first aiders and any other specifically trained and/or experienced personnel.
• Ensuring that all equipment and materials required for the visit are adequate and arrangements are made to store them safely and correctly.
• To ensure parents are provided with all the necessary information about the educational visit, any equipment etc they need to provide and the standards of conduct expected of their child(ren).
• Where appropriate, invite parents to any briefing sessions. This should take account of any difficulties that parents may have if they have disabilities, if English is their second language etc.
• To brief all group members, including students and parents, on the main elements of the visit, the standards expected and the roles and responsibilities of all prior to commencing the visit.
• To finalise all details and arrangements with the responsible person named in this policy.

Teaching staff involved with educational visits

• Support the Trip Leader in all requirements and follow instructions.
• Look out for the health and safety of themselves and those around them and for whom they also have appointed responsibility.
• Assist in general control and discipline requirements.
• Inform the Trip Leader of any concerns, observed or otherwise.
• Do not to force students to partake in any activities during the visit that they may not wish to do.

Parents/Carers

• Must provide emergency contact details prior to the educational visit.
• Sign and return a consent form.
• Provide any relevant information known to them regarding the (current) health of their child.
• To disclose any specific details of concerns for their child that may be appropriate to the nature of the visit and any activities planned.
• Must dress and behave sensibly and strive to meet the expectations placed upon them.
• Must follow the instructions given to them by any accompanying adults.
• Must not take any unnecessary risks or place their fellow students at unnecessary risk.
• Report to any supervising adult any concerns they may have during the visit and, in particular, if and when they are asked to partake in any activities.

Please click on the link below to view our school Trips Policy.

Trips are arranged under four exciting, curriculum-linked themes

Imagination and Curiosity – English and the Arts - Exploring the power of imagination and how it can be harnessed to change the world

People and the Planet – Science and Geography - Empowering young people to play an active role in creating a sustainable future

Breakthroughs and Discoveries – STEM and History - Investigating the moments of genius that have enabled humanity to progress

Journeys and Adventures – PSHE & Skills Development - Celebrating the broadening of horizons and stepping outside of your comfort zone

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School Group Accommodation

Here at UK School Trips we have you covered from day trip destinations to school tours, workshops, transport and residentials, providing many fascinating ideas and options when planning a school trip. We have been providing many accommodation options for teachers and group trip organisers. We are proud to provide some great accommodation options which will compliment your day trip itinerary; whether you are looking for accommodation in Edinburgh, London, Liverpool, Birmingham, Cardiff or Devon we have some great nationwide options for you.

Our accommodation providers all have excellent facilities and options for your school group’s needs. These include important facilities designed for schools and groups in mind such as secure dormitory’s or rooms, private wet & dry areas, social areas for educational groups only, study/class rooms and self-catered or catered options. They have it covered from small, medium to large group sizes.

One important concern for teachers planning a self-led school trip is cost Do you have the Budget! many of the accommodation providers listed on the site understand and have provided discounted accommodation rates for school and educational groups.  If you need help with school group accommodation ideas look no further than UK School Trips helping teachers since 2007. What if you cannot find what you are looking for? Please contact us for further options: CLICK HERE

Accommodation Options for School Groups

Blencathra Outdoor Residential Centre Keswick Lake District Field Studies Council

Blencathra Outdoor Residential Field Study’s Centre is located in the Lake District National Park surrounded by an idyllic 360 panoramic view 300mtrs up a hillside.

X Adventure Development and Outdoor Activity Residential Centre Norfolk

X Adventure Development and outdoor activity residential centre Norfolk is situated in a rural setting on a 10 acre site, providing outdoor learning group activities,

Lost Earth Adventures Peak District

We’re experienced outdoor education specialists, providing residential and day trip activities to a huge range of intrepid student adventurers, from small to large schools and

Kingswood Green Park Residential Centre Buckinghamshire

Kingswood Green Park provides outdoor activity pursuits for educational groups with some fun and engaging challenges and a range of programmes that can be tailored

Benmore Outdoor Residential Centre Loch Lomond

Benmore Outdoor Centre Loch Lomond Scotland is located in the magnificent Benmore Botanic Garden. The scenic location and highly skilled, experienced team provide outstanding outdooe

Accommodation YHA East of England

Finding the right residential at the right price has never been so easy. With more than 70 Learning Outside the Classroom accredited sites, the most

Rock UK Summit Centre Residential Adventure Centre Merthyr Tydfil South Wales

Rock UK Summit Centre is located in the heart of the Welsh Valleys, south of Merthyr Tydfil in Wales, this incredible outdoor adventure centre offers

Cohort St Ives School Trip Accommodation Cornwall

Cohort St Ives is a multi-award winning, educational trip accommodation provider. They support you in delivering inspiring and transformative learning experiences.

Thames Young Mariners Outdoor Education Centre Surrey

Thames Young Mariners is surrounded by 25 acres of public open space, which has been designated as a local nature reserve. Located near London, Thames

Accommodation YHA East Midlands

Much of the YHA hostel network is available for use by groups and schools. We offer both group accommodation that’s great for teacher-led residentials as

Beaudesert Outdoor Residential Centre Staffordshire

Beaudesert Outdoor Residential Centre provides individual sleeping lodges as well as a tented village where students can camp and enjoy the outdoor environment.

Outward Bound Aberdovey (Aberdyfi), Snowdonia Wales

Outward Bound utilises the power of learning and adventure to unleash a students true potential; with a large range of thrilling activities, the pupils will

Accommodation YHA Yorkshire

The Bushcraft Company Boughton Woods Northamptonshire

Whether your students cook over an open fire, build shelters to sleep in, or learn how to navigate through dense woodland, Residential School Trips at

Kabannas School Trips Group Accommodation Liverpool

Located in the heart of Liverpool, Kabannas School Trips Group Accommodation is the perfect place to book your next journey with your students, allowing them

The Bushcraft Company Badminton Woods Gloucestershire

Accommodation YHA North East

Conway Centres – Tattenhall

The Tattenhall Conway Centre provides educational groups with Residential School Trip experiences that are not only focussed on the Arts but also on Outdoor Adventure.

Nuclear High Ropes Tree Top Adventure Essex

We are the only high ropes journey course in Essex. We cater for children from the age of 6, but we recommend our ropes course

Parkwood Outdoors Dolygaer Activity Centre Wales

Parkwood Outdoors Dolygaer offers high quality outdoor and adventurous activities with on site accommodation for up to 70 students and support staff.

OA Surf Club Residential Accommodation Bude Cornwall

If you are looking for an unforgettable group getaway for your school students, OA Surf Club provides a stunning cliff side location overlooking the beautiful

Gulliver’s Land Theme Park Resort Buckinghamshire

Gulliver’s Land Theme Park Resort offers unique school trip experiences. As well as being able to explore the whole theme park, students will also have

Conway Centres – Delamere

Conway Centres – Delamere is located in the heart of Delamere Forest. The Forest environment allows for activities such as orienteering, den building, survival skills,

The Hive Residential Centre Essex

The Hive (Formerly Suntrap Forest Centre) is an environmental residential centre situated in Epping Forest on the edge of East London. It is perfect for

The Sustainability Residential Centre & Lodge Hampshire

Our inspiring residential trips for schools and educational groups are carefully crafted to include learning, fun, team building and hands-on activities in the outdoors with

Mount Cook Outdoor Residential Adventure Centre Peak District

Mount Cook is an exhilarating education centre in Derbyshire, offering a wide-range of attractions in the outdoors, whether that be thrilling, adrenaline-filled activities, or activities

Kingswood Staffordshire Residential Centre

Set in un-spoilt countryside for inspiring outdoor learning opportunities. Compact centre particularly suited to younger people.

Stableside York Racecourse Accommodation Centre York

Stableside York Racecourse is currently the only four star rated group hostel in York – an accolade confirmed by Visit England following their recent assessment

Kingswood Residential Centre North Devon

Kingswood North Devon is the perfect Residential School Trip for any classes looking to take part in some adventurous activities! The surrounding environment and friendly

Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre Residential

Located in the New Forest National Park, Avon Tyrrell, the UK Youth Outdoor Activity Centre is an established site offering outdoor learning opportunities.

Kingswood Dukeshouse Wood Residential Northumberland

Set on a beautiful fellside, this 18-acre park offers a wonderful rural environment where young people feel instantly at home, so they are free to

Hautbois Outdoor Residential Centre Norfolk

Hautbois Activity Centre is the perfect venue for schools and groups to come for a fun and educational visit.

Millport Outdoor Residential Centre North Ayrshire Scotland Field Studies Council

Located on the Isle of Cumbrae, Firth of Clyde the field study centre has a rich history as a marine research station. Now its purpose-built

Aylmerton Outdoor Education Centre Norfolk

Aylmerton Outdoor Education Centre Ltd are based near the National Trust estate of Felbrigg, Norwich with access to miles of open countryside and outstanding coastlines

The Bushcraft Company Penshurst Place Kent

Rock UK Whithaugh Park Residential Adventure Centre Scottish Borders Scotland

Rock UK Whithaugh Park is situated in the unspoilt landscape of the Scottish Borders, Liddesdale in Scotland is an incredible outdoor adventure centre offering a

Conway Centres – Anglesey

The Conway Centre Anglesey is ideally located within 169 acres of National Trust Parkland, providing educational groups with immersive School Residential experiences in the wild

YMCA Winchester House Residential Trips on the Isle of Wight

Located on the south east coast of the Isle of Wight between the popular destinations of Sandown & Shanklin & within easy reach of all

Ackers Adventure Birmingham Residential Activity Centre

Ackers Adventure Centre Birmingham provides residential school trip adventure activity experiences, your students can enjoy active outdoor pursuits all day and then relax with class

Aberystwyth University Accommodation Wales

The perfect choice for educational visits, fieldwork study opportunities & recreational trips. Providing a wide range of support services, accommodation, catering options, teaching & laboratory

Tapnell Farm Residential Centre Isle of Wight

Tapnell Farm Residential Centre on the Isle of Wight the perfect place to get away with your school students. From luxury safari tents and eco

Mill on the Brue Residential Outdoor Activity Centre Somerset

The award winning Residential Centre sleeps 134 students in bunk bedded accommodation & aims to give the best outdoor experience you have had with many

Cardiff Residential Centre Gwersyll yr Urdd Caerdydd

Cardiff Residential Centre provides students a taste of capital city life. The hostel is in Cardiff Bay, situated in one of Europe’s most exciting arts

Slapton Ley Outdoor Residential Centre Devon Field Studies Council

FSC Slapton Ley is located within South Devon close to field sites in Dartmoor National Park and cities such as Plymouth and Torbay. Students can

Hilltop Outdoor Residential Education Centre Norfolk

Independent Family run Outdoor Education centre set in 31 acres of beautiful woodlands on the north Norfolk coast with 2 distinct centres on the one

Cuffley Camp An Active Learning Centre

A Residential School Trip at Cuffley Camp will include superb accommodation, adventurous activities, and a dedicated refectory providing educational groups with an excellent range of

St. Andrews Tourist Hostel Scotland

The family run hostel accommodation in  St Andrews, Scotland provides a cosy atmosphere perfect for school groups, with friendly staff who will advise you on

Smart Russell Square London

This hostel is in the heart of London, a 10-minute walk from King’s Cross Railway Station and the British Library. It provides budget accommodation with

Big Hat Bushcamp School Camping Accommodation Surrey

Big Hat Bushcamp offers in depth instruction in Bushcraft & Survival Skills for educational groups of all ages. With stimulating courses delivering high quality, fun

Embers Bushcraft Residential Trips Hampshire

Embers Bushcraft Residential Experiences Hampshire, focus on discovering & nurturing the leadership potential & qualities of school students. Focusing on personal development, bushcraft, team building,

Nettlecombe Court Outdoor residential Centre Williton Somerset Field Studies Council

Nettlecombe Court Field Study Centre is located in a valley at the edge of Exmoor National Park. The country mansion is set within heritage parkland,

Harrow Hall Student Accommodation London

With its central location and comfortable facilities, Harrow Hall offers fabulous School Trip Accommodation for any classes looking to explore the wonderful city of London.

Accommodation YHA Greater London

Much of the YHA hostel network is available for use by groups and schools. We offer both group accommodation that’s great for teacher-led residentials as

Path Hill Outdoors Environmental Outdoor Activities

We offer outdoor challenges, combining personal and social development with an understanding and respect for the natural environment.

Crowden Outdoor Education Centre Derbyshire

Located in the Peak District National Park Crowden Outdoor Education Centre provides high quality outdoor education either on a residential or day activity basis. The

Teneriffe Farm Campsite National Trust

We can offer a campsite with great connections to our tenant farm neighbour, we are based on the edge of the Lizard NNR in an

Smart Hyde Park Inn London

Just 150 yards from Bayswater Underground Station and Hyde Park, Smart Hyde Park Inn offers budget dormitories with free Wi-Fi access throughout.

Margam Discovery Centre Port Talbot Field Studies Council

FSC Margam Field Studies Discovery Centre is situated within Margam Park, an 850-acre country estate, with easy access to a wide variety of field sites

Rhyd-y-creuau Outdoor Residential Centre Wales Field Studies Council

Rhyd-y-creuau field study centre is set in the Snowdonia National Park with wooded valleys, rocky shores and beaches to explore. Your students can enjoy outdoor

Bath YMCA School Trip Accommodation

Bath YMCA specialise in providing fantastic accommodation for school groups of all ages. Our central location means all the main attractions are on your doorstep!

Camp Redwood Back To Basics Residential Centre Sherwood Forest Nottingham

Camp Redwood Residential Centre in Sherwood Forest in Nottingham is a unique venue providing pupils with the opportunity to get back to basics with outdoor

Kingswood Isle of Wight Activity Centre

The Isle of Wight offers superb study opportunities, both for tourism, regeneration and the environment – and it is well known for being a rich

Flatford Mill Outdoor Residential Centre Colchester Field Studies Council

Flatford Mill Field Studies Centre Colchester is the first and original field study centre set up in the UK during the 1940’s, educational students can

Preston Montford Outdoor Residential Centre Shrewsbury FSC

Preston Montford Field Study Centre is situated in the heart of Shropshire on the banks of the River Severn with views into Wales. Set in

Menadue Residential Centre North Cornwall

Located on the coast of North Cornwall by Tintagel, Menadue is a Residential School Trip Activity Centre where educational groups can take part in a

Calshot Activities Centre near Southampton

Calshot Activities Centre provides a unique setting for fantastic school trips, where students can appreciate panoramic views of the Isle of Wight and Portsmouth as

Kabannas School Trips Group Accommodation Newcastle

Kabannas School Trips Group Accommodation Newcastle offers affordable and convenient accommodation for school groups in the centre of Newcastle. The central location means all the

Dale Fort Outdoor Residential Centre Haverfordwest Pembrokeshire Field Studies Council

Dale Fort is set in a spectacular location high on the cliffs within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, perfect for school students and educational groups

Kingswood Grosvenor Hall Activity Centre Kent

Accelerated learning by doing and the ultimate adventure activity experience; a chance to enhance education, put theory into practice and encourage independence, self-awareness and teamwork

Hindleap Warren Outdoor Residential Centre Sussex

Hindleap Warren is set in 300 acres of ancient woodland in East Sussex and provides residential adventure learning experiences to primary and secondary schools.

Kingswood West Runton Residential Centre Norfolk

With a diverse range of study environments along this coast and further inland on the Norfolk Broads, there are plenty of outdoor learning adventures to

Accommodation YHA Wales

High Ashurst Outdoor Education Centre Surrey

High Ashurst Outdoor Education Centre is set in 56 acres of woodland on Box Hill, near Dorking, in the tranquil Surrey Hills ‘Area of Outstanding

Pinkery Outdoor Residential Learning Centre Exmoor

Pinkery is Exmoor National Park’s centre for Outdoor Learning. Built as an upland farmhouse, the original building has been expanded to create a unique moorland

Plas Menai National Outdoor Residential Centre North Wales

For incredible outdoor adventure experiences head to Plas Menai National Outdoor Centre in Wales, that also offers full board accommodation in en-suite rooms, self catered

Adaptable Travel UK and Worldwide Tour Operator

Adaptable Travel is the UKs most innovative school trips operator offering unique, safe and low-cost school trips and educational tours to destinations across the UK,

Lakeside YMCA Windermere

Lakeside YMCA is hidden within 100 acres of private woodland along the south western shores of Lake Windermere. It is one of the largest outdoor

Mendip Activity Centre Somerset

Mendip Activity Centre Somerset is an outstanding outdoor activity centre in a wonderful countryside setting, offering exciting, fun filled school enrichment and team building activity

Juniper Hall Outdoor Residential Centre Surrey Field Studies Council

Juniper Hall Field Study Centre is located next to Box Hill in Surrey, with its beautiful scenery and countryside surroundings its a perfect location for

Gulliver’s Valley Resort South Yorkshire

This brand-new theme park resort offers fantastic group sleepover packages where students can enjoy various educational workshops and activities, such as the incredible Dinosaur Twilight

Carronvale House Residential, Conference, Meeting and Training Centre Stirlingshire

Carronvale House is an excellent venue for school groups on a budget looking for value for money facilities and service on an educational trip. Owed

Lost Earth Adventures Yorkshire

Ufton Court Educational Trust Residential School Trips

On an Ufton Court Residential School Trip, educational groups can enjoy historically themed evening banquets, where students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in

Barnstondale Outdoor Education Residential Centre

Barnstondale is a outdoor education and activity centre based in the Wirral, hosting a myriad of facilities that offer a wide-range of sporting activities, as

Summer Stays at the University of Edinburgh

Summer Stays at the University of Edinburgh offers comfortable yet affordable campus accommodation for school groups. A great place for groups seeking to sleep, eat,

Blencathra Outdoor Residential Centre Keswick Lake District FSC

The Lincolnsfields Childrens Residential Centre

Lincolnsfields Residential Accommodation is located within the Lincolnsfields Childrens Centre which is the home to other organisations and open for public access to the soft

Tile Barn Outdoor Centre Brockenhurst Hampshire

Tile Barn Outdoor Centre in Brockenhurst provides adventurous school trips and outdoor pursuits where students can take part in a variety of thrilling activities, ranging

UKSA Isle of Wight Residential Educational Trips

Come to UKSA with your school or youth group and enjoy the multi-activity residential visits UKSA are renowned for. Learn to sail, paddle board, windsurf,

University of Leeds Outdoor Centre Lake District National Park Dale Head

Situated in the less frequented Duddon Valley in the south west corner of the Lake District National Park ideal for self programming groups wanting to

Castle Head Outdoor Residential Centre Grange over Sands Cumbria Field Studies Council

Castle Head Field Centre is located in south Cumbria between the coast of Morecambe Bay and the Lake District National Park. At the centre they

Adventure Nene Ltd Sibson Lake Residential Center East of England

Adventure Nene Ltd is an outdoor activity provider, based at Sibson Lake beside the River Nene, delivering land and water based adventure activities. Its residential

Outward Bound Ullswater Lake District England

Cote Ghyll Mill YHA, Osmotherley

Cote Ghyll Mill is a group accommodation in a converted linen Mill, in the countryside of the North York Moors National Park. For the perfect

Accommodation YHA West Midlands

The School Journey Association School Trips Nationwide

Inspiring and exciting educational trips designed to bring subjects to life, extend students’ learning and develop their appreciation of local and international cultures outside the classroom. There is simply

Rock UK Frontier Centre

Rock UK Frontier Centre in Northamptonshire is an outdoor adventure centre and is passionate about developing young students by bringing adventure into learning in the

Brathay Hall Outdoor Residential Centre Cumbria

Brathay Hall offers an unrivalled Lake District setting on the shores of Windermere with open space and woodlands for exploring and fun, your educational group

Ocean Backpackers Youth Hostel North Devon Coast

Ocean Backpackers Independent Youth Hostel provides group accommodation with quality and cost in mind, centrally located in Illfracombe for easy access. Max Capacity of 49

St Davids Bunk Barns West Wales

St Davids Bunk Barns offers affordable and comfortable school bunkhouse accommodation for both small and large numbers of students. The barns are located on a

TravelStay Hammersmith Rooms Accommodation London

TravelStay Hammersmith Rooms provides self-catering group accommodation in West London, less than a 5-minute walk from Hammersmith Tube Station.

Woodrow High House Amersham Buckinghamshire Residential

Woodrow High House is one of London Youth’s residential centres. As a charity we aim to support & challenge young people of all abilities to be

Llain Residential Activity Centre Llanarth Wales

Situated on a 10 acre site, Llain Activity Centre Wales provides residential and a wide range of activity packages for schools. Wall climbing, high ropes,

Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Activity Centre Day Visits

The Sustainability Activity Centre Hampshire

The Centre offers a wide variety of exciting educational eco-activities that promote sustainable living and green issues in an inspiring yet tranquil setting, located in

Big Hat Bushcamp School Bushcraft Courses Surrey

The aim of Big Hat Bushcamp is to give schools the ultimate bushcraft experience & leave all who visit with the knowledge and confidence to

Portland Outdoor School Residential Field Studies Centre Dorset

Portland Outdoor Residential Activity and Field Study Centre is based in an old Victorian Hotel overlooking Portland Harbour in Dorset, perfect for outdoor educational adventure

Rydal Hall Bunkhouse Ambleside Cumbria

Rydal Hall Estate in Cumbria offers educational group bunkhouse style accommodation that sleeps 28 with two en-suite-dorms. Located in the heart of the fells between

Big Green Adventures

At Big Green Adventures in Cornwall, students can take part in adventurous water-sports such as surfing, bodyboarding & paddleboarding in a stunning location, whilst at

Argoed Lwyd Outdoor Education Centre

Argoed Lwyd Outdoor Education Centre delivers fabulous residential school trips where students can take part in a number of adventurous activities and explore the natural

Loch Ness Bunkhouse Group Accommodation Inverness

Nestled in the rolling hills of Drumnadrochit, the Loch Ness Inn and Bunkhouse offers accommodation with access to the surrounding Scottish Highlands, perfect for field

Kingswood Isle of Wight Residential Centre

With stunning views over Whitecliff Bay and offering direct beach access, this 100-acre clifftop centre is a hit with students of all ages.

Outdoor Alternative Accommodation

Outdoor Alternative is situated 300m from the coast in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A family-run business we have been welcoming school, university and

Kingswood Dearne Valley Residential Centre Doncaster

One of the most inspiring education and adventure centres in Europe. This former millennium commission project now provides a unique learning outside of the classroom

Monkton Wyld Court – A 19th Century Neo-Gothic Mansion in Dorset

Set within walking distance of Lyme Regis and Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, Monkton Wyld Court is a large 19th Century Neo-Gothic mansion that provides educational groups

Carter Residential Centre at Trinity College Bristol

Carter Residential Centre at Trinity College is just a short walk from the Bristol Downs, set in nine acres of woodland, offering residential accommodation for

Cliffe House Residential Shepley Huddersfield

Cliffe House provides Outdoor Residential School Trips, where your students will have the chance to explore the natural environment while also taking part in numerous

Kingswood Colomendy Residential Activity Centre Wales

With 130 acres of breathtaking habitat for students to explore, surrounded by rolling hills and natural woodland, Colomendy offers vast open spaces stretching into the

The Towers An Active Learning Centre Wales

The Towers Active Learning Centre is located in Snowdonia National Park, perfect for a residential outdoor adventure were you will explore and experience mountain expeditions,

Bendrigg Trust Specialist Outdoor Centre for SEN School Trips – Kendal Cumbria

Bendrigg Trust, an Outdoor Education Centre based in Kendal, Cumbria, specialises in providing adventure activities for students of all abilities, including those with profound and

Conway Centres – Burwardsley

At The Burwardsley Conway Centre, there is a replica Iron Age Roundhouse. Here, pupils can learn about the culture, art, and farming from this fascinating

Henley Fort Outdoor Education Centre Surrey

Henley Fort is a Victorian Fort built during the late 1Henley Fort is a Victorian Fort built during the late 19th Century to protect London

Absolute Travel School Tour Operator

Absolute Travel and Tours is one of the leading specialist school and group tour operators in the United Kingdom organising sports tours, adventure holidays, ski

Boundless Outdoors Bell Heath Residential Centre Stourbridge

Boundless Outdoors Bell Heath Residential Centre provides high quality group accommodation with excellent facilities and numerous activities on offer for students of all ages and

Sealyham – An Active Learning Centre in Pembrokeshire

The Sealyham Active Learning Centre is dedicated to helping students develop essential skills and character, promoting wellbeing through adventurous outdoor learning.

Kingswood Grosvenor Hall Residential Centre Kent

With stimulating environments, state of the-art facilities and highly qualified instructors, we can work with you to go beyond classroom teaching and textbook theory.

Woodlands Adventure & Outdoor Learning West Midlands

Woodlands Adventure West Midlands is situated in 30 acres of woodland offering both residential and outdoor activity day trip experiences for schools, girl guides, Scouts,

Celtic Harmony Residential Camp

Celtic Harmony Camp, the UK’s largest Iron Age settlement, provides a program 1 and 2 night Prehistory Residential trips covering the Stone to Iron Age,

The Bushcraft Company Castle Howard Yorkshire

Preston Montford Outdoor Residential Centre Shrewsbury Field Studies Council

The Real Outdoor Xperience Residential Centre Cirencester

The Real Outdoor Xperience Residential Centre Cirencester is a lake and land outdoor education and adventure centre set in the heart of the Cotswold Water

First Education and School Travel: All-Inclusive Residential Visits

First Education & School Travel is the UK’s leading school tour operator, providing all-inclusive residential school trip packages, including coach travel, accommodation, full board meals

Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre

The Adventure Centre is a stunning watersports & visitor centre located in Crosby Coastal Park, Waterloo. The facilities include water sports, fitness suite, bistro &

YMCA Fairthorne Manor School Residential Trips in Southampton

YMCA Fairthorne Manor is the perfect place for a residential outdoor learning adventure, we provide many activities on & off the water for students and

Rock UK Carroty Wood

Experience a taste of adventure with over 20 challenging outdoor activities at Carroty Wood in Kent which offers loads of fun -from canoeing to a

The Jarman Centre self-catered indoor accommodation, camping and woodland activities – East of England

For the perfect outdoor residential trip, visit the scenic Jarman Centre! Set in 18 acres of private woodland just outside Newmarket, the Jarman Centre is

Skern Lodge Outdoor Learning and Development Residential Centre North Devon

Skern Lodge is one of the leading providers of outdoor learning and development in the UK. Offering a wide range of adventurous outdoor activities and

The Bristol Wing YMCA Accommodation Bristol

The Bristol Wing is currently closed due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. They will be reopening in the spring of 2021, and they look forward to

Runways End Outdoor Activity Centre near Aldershot Hampshire

Here at Runway’s End Outdoor Activity Centre Aldershot, Hampshire, school groups can enjoy residential and day trip activity opportunities which involve numerous enrichment learning outdoor

The Bioasis: Rewilding Residentials at a Classified Location

The year is 2074 and climate change has thrown our world into crisis. Your mission? Assemble your team and journey to The Bioasis. Reconnect with

Hautbois Activity Centre Norfolk

By visiting Hautbois Activity Centre you can put some fun into the National Curriculum – all our activities encourage healthy living and help make exercise

Accommodation YHA North West

Many of these hostels offer activity or education packages or both. Please scroll down for further details or click on the links to the YHA

Kingswood Overstrand Hall Residential Centre Norfolk

Captivating children’s imaginations with the notion of living amongst royalty in this grand manor house. The perfect educational setting for a school visit.

New Forest Activities

Situated in the heart of Hampshire, New Forest Activities makes the perfect base for a school residential trip full of adventure. Spacious tents can host

Cumulus Outdoors School Residentials in Swanage Dorset

We deliver action packed residentials with coasteering, mackerel fishing, climbing, SUPs and many more adventurous activities. Or field study trips with geography, history and science

Accommodation YHA South West

Kirkby Stephen Hostel Cumbria Lake District

Kirkby Stephen Hostel lies between Cumbria’s Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. It is a spacious, comfortable and a fascinating building in a great location

Accommodation YHA South East

Kingswood Peak Venture Centre Yorkshire Residential

On the doorstep of the Peak District, this centre offers a dramatic setting for outdoor adventure and education; set amongst wild heather moorlands and gentle

High Ropes & Lasergaming Oxford

Our programmes incorporate Lasergaming, Oxfordshire’s ONLY High Ropes Tree-Top adventure Course, Tree climbing, Crate Stacking, orienteering, team challenges, team task stations and much more.

Lagganlia Outdoor Residential Centre Scotland Cairngorms

Lagganlia Outdoor Centre is located in Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park. The scenic Highland location and highly skilled, experienced team provide outstanding residential experiences and outdoor

High Adventure Outdoor Education Centre Yorkshire

High Adventure Outdoor Education Centre in Yorkshire is an outdoor education provider, created to provide the best school trips from 3 to 5 days. With

Celesta Venues Imperial College London

Celesta Venues, part of Imperial College London, offers more than 700 bedrooms as Bed and Breakfast or room only from July to September each year.

Mendip Activity Centre Residentials Somerset

Mendip Activity Centre is a residential outdoor centre in the Mendip Hills for up to 300 students. Students can experience rock climbing, water sports, team-building

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• Entering and staying in the UK
• Travel and identity documents for foreign nationals

Visit the UK as part of a French school trip

The France-UK school trip travel information form allows you to bring a group of children from a school in France to the UK.

This form allows you to bring a group of 5 or more children aged 18 or under from a school in France to the UK.

Your school must be registered with the French Ministry of Education for you to use this form.

Every child and adult who is part of the group must be included in the form. Confirm who is travelling and check they have the correct documents before you fill it in.

It is free to enter the UK with this form.

Documents the children need

Nationals of the eu, switzerland, norway, iceland and liechtenstein.

Each child must have:

• an  authorisation to leave the country (AST) , signed by their parent or guardian
• a copy of their parent or guardian’s identity document
• a passport or national identity card

If they have a passport, they should bring it. It will make it faster to cross the UK border.

If they do not have a passport, they can bring their national identity card instead.

Nationals of other countries

If they would normally need a visa to visit the UK, they do not need one to travel as part of a French school trip.

Documents the adults need

All adults in the group must bring their passport.

If they would normally need a visa to visit the UK, they must have a visa for this trip.

You can  check if you need a UK visa .

Filling in the form

The head teacher of your school must fill in the form.

If there are not enough rows in the form for the number of pupils or adults that are travelling, fill in another copy of the form.

France-UK school trip travel information form

PDF , 1.11 MB , 11 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

They must send it to the prefecture at least 15 days before departure, along with:

• the children’s authorisations to leave the country, signed by their parent or guardian
• the copies of the parents’ identity documents

The prefecture will check the documents and send them back to the head teacher.

Bringing the form to the UK

Bring 2 copies of the form with you. You will need to show them to a Border Force officer at the UK border.

The Border Force officer will check it is correct and that everyone in the group has the correct documents.

They will keep one of the copies of the form.

Added what to do when there are not enough rows in the form for the number of pupils or adults travelling.

First published.

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