How to secure funding for your next educational trip
Educational trips can be some of the most rewarding experiences for students. Not only do they support their learning, but they also provide them with lifelong memories. However, the cost can sometimes be a barrier for schools and universities, as well as students and their families.
Even the most budget-savvy organiser will agree that, between booking group flights, finding the right accommodation, and ensuring you arrange the right educational activities, there’s a lot to take into consideration.
Yes, by choosing specialist group travel agencies and flight consolidators like BTG Travel, you can secure the best deals. But the tricky part is funding your student trip in the first place.
The good news is that there is a wide range of funding options and financial support schemes you can utilise to help make your educational trips possible (and more affordable).
So, if you’re a teacher, parent or even a student planning your next class experience or sports fixture, here’s a practical guide to finding and securing the right funding.
1. Check for school and university support
The first step should always be to check what funding options are already available from your school, college or university.
Many institutions have discretionary funds that can be used to support students from low-income backgrounds or they may be able to subsidise trips that are closely linked to the curriculum, for example, sporting fixtures or tournaments.
Some subject departments (such as history, geography or languages) may already have their own bigger budgets set aside for educational trips, helping to reduce costs for the students who wish to take part.
So if you’re planning a trip, it’s worth asking early on, as funds can often be limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
2. Government and local authority grants
Depending on where you live in the UK, there may be different government-backed grants or local authority schemes designed to help with educational expenses. For example, the Turing Scheme has been set up to help fund international placements.
Councils sometimes provide assistance for students in financial need, particularly for trips that are compulsory or linked to exams or sporting activities. You can check your local council’s website or speak to student services to find out what’s available.
There are also certain exchange and study programmes that can offer impressive scholarships, but these may be tailored to individuals rather than groups, so require some research first.
Remember, securing funding can take time, and competition for grants is strong. So if you’re thinking of applying, we suggest you:
Start early: Many funds have strict deadlines and limited budgets
Be clear and specific: Explain why the trip is important and what educational outcomes it will achieve
Show effort: Funders are more likely to support schools and students who are making personal contributions through savings or fundraising
Gather references: Letters of support can strengthen applications
3. Charities and educational trusts
There are a number of UK charities and trusts that have been set up to support young people with the costs of education, including travel and study trips. For example, charities such as The British Council, The Rotary Club and Lions Club offer small grants to local projects or extracurricular opportunities.
A quick online search will help you to find what’s out there, you can also make use of directories, such as Educational Grants Directory, which lists some of the charitable trusts across the UK that provide funding for young people and educational experiences.
4. Sponsorship and fundraising
If traditional grants don’t cover the full amount, sponsorship and fundraising can be effective ways to increase your money. This could be securing corporate sponsorship from local businesses, especially those with community links that may be willing to contribute in exchange for publicity.
Alternatively, community events can be a fun way to raise money and bring people together, events such as bake sales, quiz nights, sponsored walks or other sporting games.
Just know that when seeking sponsorship or donations, it’s so important to clearly explain how the trip will benefit the student’s education and future opportunities, and give more information on exactly what the money will help to fund. This will encourage more generous donations.
Are you ready to secure funding and make your school trip a reality?
Educational trips open doors to new experiences, broaden horizons and bring learning to life, so you don't want your students missing out!
While rising costs and juggling budgets can feel really daunting, there are a range of options available to help reduce the financial burden and make educational travel more accessible.
By exploring these different funding sources, as well as choosing the right group travel agencies and flight specialists, you can boost your budget and save money on school trips. And if you need help doing just that, you’re in the right place.
At BTG Travel, we can help you to secure the best airfares on group flights for your students - simply get in touch today to find out how we can save you money.