School Trip Grants are a game-changer for many schools
As a teacher, securing funding for educational visits and outdoor learning can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are various grants and funding opportunities available that can help reduce costs and enrich your students’ learning experiences. If you’re planning a school trip or outdoor activity, check out these top eight funding opportunities to support your educational initiatives in 2025.
1. Department for Education Nature Park Grant – Up to £10K
The DfE Nature Park Grant offers schools and educational settings the chance to apply for up to £10,000 to support outdoor education initiatives. School Trip Grants like this one is a non-competitive funding opportunity, meaning that if your school is eligible and your application meets the criteria, you’ll be awarded the grant. The deadline for applications is March 27, 2025, so make sure to apply soon!
Who Can Apply?
- All educational settings – check if your school is on the eligibility list HERE
How Can It Help?
- Supports projects focused on outdoor learning and nature-based activities, ideal for enhancing environmental education.
2. Taith Scheme – International Exchange Funding
Are you looking to broaden your students’ horizons with a cultural exchange? The Taith Scheme provides funding for international exchanges for schools, youth organisations, and further education sectors in Wales. Grants are available for students, young people, and staff to participate in global learning experiences. Additional funding is available for disadvantaged students and those with additional learning needs.
Who Can Apply?
- International School Trip Grants for Schools, youth sector, FE, and HE in Wales
How Can It Help?
- Covers the costs of international exchanges and learning experiences, helping students connect with different cultures.
3. New Forest National Park Travel Grant
For schools located within the New Forest National Park or within a 20-mile radius of Lyndhurst, this grant helps cover transportation costs for school visits to any member of the New Forest National Park Educators’ Forum. Schools can claim up to £250 toward the cost of travel, making it easier to plan a trip to this beautiful area. Find out more HERE
Who Can Apply?
- Primary, secondary, and SEND schools in the New Forest area
How Can It Help?
- Provides financial support for transport to local educational venues, encouraging outdoor learning. School Trip Grants like this one are PERFECT if you are planning a trip to Land & Wave in Swanage, Dorset.
4. South Downs National Park – Fully-Funded Visits
If your school is located in Hampshire or Sussex and has at least 30% of pupils eligible for pupil premium funding, you may qualify for fully-funded visits to the South Downs National Park. School Trip Grants like this one are a fantastic opportunity to take your students to one of the UK’s most stunning natural areas, enriching their outdoor learning experiences.
Who Can Apply?
- Primary, secondary, and SEND schools in Hampshire and Sussex
How Can It Help?
- Offers fully-funded trips to the South Downs National Park, covering all costs of the visit. See HERE
5. The Adamson Trust – Funding for Disabled Children
The Adamson Trust offers financial assistance for schools planning holidays or respite breaks for disabled children. With a focus on children aged 3 to 17 with physical, mental, or emotional impairments, the trust helps make outdoor educational trips more accessible for students with special needs.
Who Can Apply?
- Special schools, SEND schools, and primary or secondary schools
How Can It Help?
- Provides School Trip Grants funding for schools supporting disabled children, ensuring they can benefit from outdoor learning and travel experiences. More info HERE
6. Alpkit Foundation – Grants for Outdoor Activities
The Alpkit Foundation is committed to supporting outdoor projects that introduce new people to the outdoors, encourage responsible outdoor activity, and have long-term benefits. Schools with a focus on outdoor learning, adventure, and environmental education can apply for grants to support these initiatives.
Who Can Apply?
- Primary, secondary, and SEND schools nationwide
How Can It Help?
- Supports projects that promote outdoor activities, environmental education, and inclusivity in nature-based learning. Get support HERE
7. Arts Council Wales – Go and See Grant
Not outdoor education, but School Trip Grants focused all-the-same. The Go and See grant from the Arts Council Wales helps schools fund visits to high-quality arts events, including performances, exhibitions, and experiences with arts professionals. This grant is ideal for schools looking to enrich their students’ cultural education and provide exposure to the arts in various forms.
Who Can Apply?
- Primary and secondary schools in Wales
How Can It Help?
- Funds visits to galleries, theatres, and arts centres, allowing students to engage with the arts firsthand. Info HERE
8. The Tony Trust – School Trip Grants Funding for Outdoor Activity Centres
The Tony Trust offers funding to support young people in participating in outdoor activity experiences. This funding helps families and guardians who require financial assistance to provide their children with opportunities for personal growth, team-building, and adventure.
Who Can Apply?
- Schools or youth organisations in the UK wishing to help young people access outdoor activity centres.
How Can It Help?
- Provides funding to cover costs associated with sending young people to outdoor activity centres, enriching their lives through adventure and team-building experiences.
Find Out More
- Learn more and apply through The Tony Trust website: thetonytrust.org
This grant is an excellent option for teachers looking to give their students an adventurous, character-building experience outside the traditional classroom setting.
How to Apply for Funding
Applying for grants and funding opportunities is straightforward, but it’s essential to stay organised and meet all application deadlines. To ensure your school doesn’t miss out, bookmark the funding pages and check them regularly for new opportunities. You can also subscribe to funding newsletters and connect with local organisations to discover more options available to your school.
Tips for a Successful Application:
- Provide clear details on how the funding will enhance students’ learning.
- Include a detailed budget and timeline for the project or trip.
- Check eligibility criteria carefully to avoid any mistakes.
Final Thoughts
With these 8 funding opportunities, teachers and parents can access financial support to bring their outdoor learning and educational visits to life. Whether you’re planning a local school trip or an international exchange, there’s a grant available to help you reduce costs and maximise learning experiences for your students. Don’t forget to act quickly as deadlines approach, and keep exploring additional funding options to support your school’s educational goals.
Land & Wave School Trips in Dorset
Looking for a fantastic school trip experience that combines outdoor education, adventure and stunning landscapes? Land & Wave school trips in Dorset are perfect for ages 8 upwards.
Activity choices include: Coasteering, Kayaking, Rock Climbing, Bushcraft, Paddle Boarding, Jumbo Paddle Boarding, Wild Swimming, Team Building, Beach Games and a whole lot more.
Affordable off-peak pricing available in Autumn and Spring! Get in touch and let our Schools Manager, Jen, help you with a quote.
https://landandwave.co.uk/adventure-school-trips/
