Two-thirds of UK parents say they struggle to afford school trips – Hyundai’s Great British School Trip programme continues to bridge the gap, enabling vital learning experiences for all children.
As the cost-of-living crisis continues to place strain on families across the UK, school trips – once a cherished part of childhood – are becoming increasingly out of reach for many. A new survey reveals that almost two-thirds of parents (64%) are struggling to afford trips, leaving countless children at risk of missing out on valuable educational and social experiences.
Hyundai Motor UK is taking decisive action to address the issue by reopening bursary funding through its Great British School Trip programme. Now in its fourth year, the initiative ensures that cost is never the reason a child misses out on a school trip – giving young people the chance to experience the world beyond the classroom, no matter their circumstances.
Since launching in 2022, the programme has already enabled over 165,000 children to attend school trips across the country. With bursary applications now open for Year 4, Hyundai aims to raise that total to more than 210,000 by the end of the current academic year.
Cost-of-Living Pressures Putting Childhood Experiences at Risk
The new research highlights the emotional and financial toll faced by parents nationwide:
- 64% struggle to pay for school trips
- 67% admit they feel guilty when their child misses out because of money
- 65% wish they could afford to send their child on more trips
Far from being just a treat, these outings play a crucial role in children’s development. A remarkable 94% of parents agree that school trips have a positive impact on wellbeing, helping to boost confidence, inclusion, and curiosity.
Regional Divide: Where Families Are Struggling Most
Children in some areas of the UK are being hit harder than others. According to the survey, parents in Sunderland are feeling the greatest strain, with almost nine in ten (89%) struggling to afford school trips. Coventry (75%) and Birmingham (74%) follow closely behind, highlighting how widespread the issue has become.
Regional ranking: percentage of parents struggling to afford school trips
- Sunderland – 89%
- Coventry – 75%
- Birmingham – 74%
- Manchester – 72%
- Sheffield – 71%
- Cambridge – 70%
- Norwich – 70%
- Southampton – 69%
- Liverpool – 67%
- Edinburgh – 67%
- Leicester – 65%
- Newcastle – 65%
- Leeds – 63%
- London – 62%
- Belfast – 61%
From major cities to smaller communities, the message is clear: school trips have become a nationwide concern, and targeted support is urgently needed.
Breaking Down Barriers to Learning
Through the Great British School Trip, Hyundai is working directly with schools and local organisations to make sure children from all backgrounds have equal access to enriching, real-world learning experiences. From museums and heritage sites to wildlife parks and innovation centres, each trip is designed to spark curiosity and build confidence beyond the classroom.
Ashley Andrew, President of Hyundai Motor & Genesis UK, said:
“School trips shouldn’t be a luxury, but for many families across the UK that’s exactly what they’ve become. So many of us remember the buzz of going on a school trip and carry those fond memories well into adulthood. Too many children today are missing out, which is why the Hyundai Great British School Trip bursaries exist: to remove the barriers and give every child the chance to share in those experiences.”
Continuing the Journey
As Hyundai reopens its bursary funding for another year, the brand remains committed to supporting communities and creating opportunities that go far beyond mobility. The Great British School Trip initiative stands as a testament to Hyundai’s vision of progress for humanity — ensuring that every child, regardless of background, can learn, explore, and dream big.
