What are the Benefits of Educational School Trips?

School trips enrich learning by taking students beyond the classroom and immersing them in real-world experiences that deepen understanding. Below, we discuss the key educational benefits of tours abroad, and why planning your next trip can make a lasting impact.

One of the key advantages of schools taking students on trips is enhancing their understanding of their current study topics. Seeing a resource first-hand or learning about a topic practically can help to cement it in your pupils’ memories. In fact, according to the Paul Hamlyn Foundation’s Evaluation of Learning Away: Final Report, 60% of secondary school students felt they had a better understanding of what they were trying to learn after attending a residential trip.

“Clearly, it’s wonderful when the boys see something of Berlin in class and can remember being there themselves.”

- Teacher, Merchant Taylors’ School Northwood

School trips tailored around your specific study themes can really bring lessons to life. From getting your hands dirty on a geography field trip to watching a spellbinding performance at the West End, school trips can truly make the best lessons.

School trips play an important role in developing students’ cultural awareness by allowing them to experience life beyond their own communities. Visiting new places exposes pupils to different traditions, customs, and ways of thinking - encouraging them to appreciate diversity and see the world from new perspectives. 

For language students, immersing themselves in another culture also provides valuable opportunities to practice a new language in real-life situations, which does more than just improve their vocabulary. School trips abroad can also deepen their understanding of both the language and the people who speak it. These experiences help students become more open-minded, empathetic, and confident global citizens.

As well as improving individual performance results, school trips can also help students discover a passion for new subjects.

“Since running this trip, we’ve seen more than a 100% increase in boys wanting to take German to IGCSE. I am certain the trip, along with other measures, has helped us to exceed our expectations in this goal.”

- Teacher, Merchant Taylors’ School Northwood

By giving pupils an opportunity to use their skills outside of the classroom, they can see how their learnings may be applicable in real life. Students may even be inspired to pursue a subject in higher education, using it to shape their future career.

School trips help students build confidence, independence, and a sense of self by challenging them in new environments. Below, we discuss how these experiences strengthen emotional growth and encourage students to step outside their comfort zones.

Aside from classroom bonuses, the importance of school trips is most clearly highlighted by helping students build their confidence and gain independence. A particular benefit of overseas school trips, taking pupils to destinations further afield can help strengthen their character and teach them social and life skills that go beyond the classroom.

“This trip to New York was a great experience for me. More than anything it taught me to be independent which I really need to learn in time for university. I want to say a massive thank you to all the teachers who organised this trip, it has been wonderful seeing a new environment and trying new things.” 

- Student, Northampton School for Girls

School trips are a great opportunity for students to connect with their classmates and bond with teachers. With many school trip activities providing opportunities to work in teams and share experiences with other students, lots of pupils return from school trips with firmer friendships and better classroom relationships. The Evaluation of Learning Away report revealed that after a residential trip, 84% of secondary school pupils said they got on better with the other pupils in their class.

Finally, school trips give pupils the chance to try a wealth of experiences that might otherwise pass them by. From immersing themselves in new cultures and trying new cuisines to exploring fascinating museums and historically significant places, school trips can help broaden your pupils’ horizons. 

“I can now honestly say after going on this trip, it has opened my eyes to the real world and what is out there besides Northampton. It has made me gain new experiences and helped me realise where I would like to be in the future.” 

- Student, Northampton School for Girls

School trips encourage students to be active, explore the outdoors, and develop healthier habits through hands-on experiences. Below, we discuss how these trips support physical wellbeing and promote a more active, energetic lifestyle.

Many school trips often include physical activities like team adventure sports, hiking trails, and walking tours. These allow students to engage in something they may not usually do, enhancing their fitness levels and interest in the outdoors.

On a school trip, pupils are more likely to engage in these sorts of activities as they can work together with their peers in a fun, competitive environment. Many children will not have access to a lot of these sports, particularly those that involve things like canoeing, climbing, and abseiling. 

Another advantage of school trips is that they help reduce stress. Many students, particularly those in their exam years, often feel pressure from a variety of areas in their lives. Taking part in school trips gives them a chance to step away from their usual routines, enjoy new experiences, and bond with classmates through fun activities that create lasting memories.

School trips offer far more than just a break from the classroom - they are an essential part of a well-rounded education. By combining academic enrichment with personal growth, cultural understanding, and physical wellbeing, these experiences help shape confident, curious, and compassionate individuals. 

Whether students are discovering a new passion, learning to work as a team, or gaining a deeper appreciation for the world around them, the lessons learned on school trips often last a lifetime. Investing in these opportunities means investing in the development of resilient, engaged, and globally minded young people.

With over 35 years of experience running tours (and 400 years of collective experience across the team), Next Generation Travel makes planning easy, safe, and unforgettable. Book your school trip today and open a door to learning that goes far beyond the classroom.

Book an educational school trip with NGT for:

• Fantastic assistance and support throughout your trip, with a dedicated tour manager providing local knowledge and on-the-ground guidance

• Fun, confidence-building tours designed to spark curiosity and strengthen teamwork.

• Curriculum-aligned experiences that directly support your learning objectives and year group.

• Safe, well-organised itineraries tailored to your students’ needs and interests.

• Memorable moments that broaden horizons and encourage lifelong learning.