Learning Outside of the Classroom is a vital experience for every child. It broadens educational experiences, strengthens personal skills, and boosts engagement and motivation. Yet for many families across the UK, school trips are increasingly out of reach due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
It’s an opportunity for us to give back to the educational community that we’ve been a part of since 1965. The Funded Places scheme allows Rayburn Tours to contribute in some small way towards this important goal.
Jamie Boyden
Managing Director
Students eligible for the scheme are those supported by Pupil Premium, a government funding initiative that helps support disadvantaged children improve their educational outcome. In the 2023-2024 academic year alone, nearly £3 billion was allocated to schools through the Pupil Premium, with approximately 2.2 million students across the UK qualifying for the fund (House of Commons Library 2024).
Even if we set aside the clear educational benefits of school trips, there is so much value from exploring other cultures, meeting people you wouldn’t ordinarily have the chance to, and trying new experiences. It might help students become more confident socially, or decide to take a specific A-Level, or start planning their gap year. There are so many great things that travel can inspire and just giving young people, the chance to figure that out, regardless of circumstances, could be all that’s needed for the student to make a difference themselves.
When I was at school, I was fortunate enough to go on several school trips, and that’s when I first caught the travel bug. I firmly believe I wouldn’t be the person I am today without those experiences and the confidence I gained through travelling. Giving young people the opportunity to explore the world is so important, especially today’s society.
Tom Clark
Commercial Manager and lead of RTG sustainability programme
Rayburn Travel Group believes that every student, regardless of background, deserves the chance to learn, grow and be inspired by the world. Funded places is a vital step towards educational equity, removing financial barriers and opening doors to new experiences.
This is more than just a trip – it’s an opportunity to grow, connect, dream big and see the world through new eyes. It’s essential for all students to feel inspired and take on once in a lifetime experiences.
Students who have embarked on some unforgettable trips have shared their thoughts.
I chose to come on this trip because I think it’s very different to immerse yourself in the actual places where things have happened than to read it in a textbook, and I think seeing the places knowing that that’s actually where it has happened, makes it a lot more real which is a very important thing
Student, Holy Cross School, Berlin 2025
You build connections with people and form new friendships making memories to last. It’s the fun little things you look back on
Student, Harris Academy, Gibraltar 2025
This trip has really meant the world to me because I am here with my friends and I’m really interested in geophysics, so it’s been amazing to see where this could take me in the future. Climbing up glaciers and volcanoes had made me realise how much I want this and how much I need to work for it. This has been the pinnacle of my life.
Student, Fulneck School, Iceland 2023
If you know a student who fits the criteria, don’t miss the opportunity and visit the Rayburn Tours Funded Places page to apply.