In a survey by the Sutton Trust earlier this year, it was revealed that 43% of teachers had made cutbacks to trips and outings. The reasons given included the lack of support staff and chaperones, the prohibitive cost of coach hire and the cost of trips to parents. Experts say that students are missing out on potentially life changing experiences by being bound to the classroom. Kim Somerville, chief executive of the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom, said that “splashing in the sea for the first time, a moment of wonder in a museum, reaching the summit of a mountain or sleeping under canvas away from home for the night” were all potentially “transformational” for children.
“It is undeniable that educational visits help children reach their potential, boost social mobility, develop confidence and resilience, and improve personal, social and emotional development,” she said.
Some attractions however, have seen an increase in school visitors - The Southbank Centre said its visits were up by nearly a third after it had doubled the size of its school visits team and the Tower of London and Hampton Court had seen an increase of slightly over 5%.
In December 2018, Education Secretary Damian Hinds announced the "Activity Passport" initiative, encouraging students to get out of the classroom and get involved in activities such as hiking and looking at the stars on a clear night, as well as painting and cookery.
