Rayburn Tours is proud to announce that we have been named Best School Tour Operator (Large) at the 2025 School Travel Awards, which is one of the most respected prizes within the UK’s educational trips sector.
Receiving this accolade during our 60th anniversary year marks a milestone in our history. It recognises not only the longevity of our work, but also the continued impact we strive to make on the educational journeys of young people across the UK.
With more than 34,000 passengers travelling with us this year, the award highlights our enduring commitment to delivering high-quality, curriculum-enriching experiences that support both learning and personal development.
A Significant Moment in a Defining Year
Winning this award in the same year as our 60th anniversary feels especially meaningful… It’s a celebration of six decades of dedication, growth, and impact, and this recognition affirms that our values and commitment continue to resonate just as powerfully now as they did when we started.
John Boyden
Chairman of Rayburn Travel Group
A Testament to Service, Safety, and Educational Value
At the heart of this recognition is the strong relationship we have built with teachers and educational leaders.
It’s such a fantastic win, especially as all the entrants in our category are highly reputable companies. I think our unwavering focus on the customer experience will have helped us to attract many of our votes.
Jamie Boyden
Managing Director of Rayburn Travel Group
Rayburn Tours has always had a family feel, and that sense of unity remains strong even as we’ve grown into the ‘Large’ Tour Operator category… The dedication, passion, and collaboration of our team are what truly made this award possible.
Kelly Wigley
Operations Director of Rayburn Travel Group
A Testament to Service, Safety, and Educational Value
This award affirms the role educational visits play in a young person’s development. When students step beyond the classroom, they encounter new perspectives, engage with real-world contexts, and return with a broader understanding of the subjects they study.
To be recognised as leaders in facilitating these opportunities is an honour that reinforces our purpose, which is: to inspire, to educate, and to open the world to the next generation of learners.






Looking Ahead: Continuing to Raise the Standard
Whilst this award marks an important moment, it also strengthens our commitment to advancing educational travel in meaningful ways. In the years ahead, we will continue to:
- Enhance the quality and curriculum alignment of our tours
- Expand our destination portfolio thoughtfully and strategically
- Invest in sustainability initiatives across our operations
- Strengthen partnerships with schools, educators, and sector leaders
- Maintain the highest standards of safety, support, and service excellence
A Sincere Thank You
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the teachers, schools, and students who continue to place their trust in us. Your support is central to our success!
This award is also a reflection of our team’s hard work and shared belief in the power of educational travel – without the passion and enduring effort of everyone in the company, this success wouldn’t have been possible.