Funding and Grants for School Trips

Posted on: October 29th, 2025 by Lost Earth Adventures

Resources to Access Money

Complete List of Financial Support, Subsidies and Bursaries

Educational visits are among the most powerful and memorable learning experiences pupils can have — but cost can sometimes stand in the way. Fortunately, there are several UK-wide and regional grants designed to help schools and youth groups make outdoor learning accessible to everyone. These bursaries and funds can support transport, accommodation, and activity costs, helping ensure that no pupil misses out.

To help with your planning, we’ve provided a handy resource guide for available regional and national grants for schools and youth groups.

Making Outdoor Learning Affordable and Accessible for Every Pupil

National and Regional Grant Opportunities

1. Jack Petchey Foundation – Educational Visit Grants
Supports schools and youth organisations in London and Essex, offering up to £1,200 per trip for visits to museums, theatres, science centres and more. Linked to the Achievement Award scheme.

2. Evolve Advice – “Get Out!” Grant
Provides £500 to help schools in England and Wales deliver off-site outdoor learning experiences. Ideal for day visits or short residentials.

3. Ernest Cook Trust – Outdoor Essentials Grant
Aims to make outdoor learning accessible to all, offering £500 grants to state schools, particularly those in high-deprivation areas, for countryside and environmental activities.

4. Great British School Trip
Provides travel bursaries and free or discounted experiences across the UK. Open to schools requiring financial assistance. Priority is given to those who have more than 40% of their pupils receiving free school meals.

5. Wokingham United Charities – School Trip Grants
Provides small grants to schools applying on behalf of pupils facing financial hardship, helping cover residential or educational trip costs.

6. The Happy Days Charity
Funds a wide range of day trips, group outings, and residential holidays for children and young people aged 3–17 experiencing physical, mental, or emotional challenges, or living in areas of high deprivation. Schools, youth groups and SEN settings can apply.

7. The Henry Smith Charity – Holiday Grants for Children
Provides funding for schools and youth groups to offer recreational trips and holidays for children aged 5–13. The grant helps provide these opportunities for children who face financial hardship, systemic inequity or disability.

8. The Alpkit Foundation – Outdoor Experience Grants
Offers small grants of £50–£500 to individuals, schools, community groups and organisations that help people get outdoors and experience activities they otherwise couldn’t. Applications are reviewed by trustees every two months, and multiple awards can be made over time. Applicants are encouraged to apply at least three months before their project start date.

9. Local Trusts and Community Funds
Many regions have their own small grant schemes, often through local councils or community foundations. For example, The Country Trust maintains a list of funding opportunities supporting outdoor and educational visits.

Tips for Applying

Start early. Many grants have limited application windows and close once funds are allocated.
Align with learning objectives. Demonstrate how the trip supports curriculum aims, inclusion, and personal development.
Apply as a school, not an individual. Most funders require applications from a recognised organisation.
Include supporting documents. Lost Earth Adventures can provide insurance details, AALA and LOtC certificates, and sample itineraries to strengthen your application.
Explore local funding too. Regional education trusts, rotary clubs, parish councils and small charities often offer unclaimed funds each year for schools in their area.

Making Trips Affordable for All

Combining school budgets, PTA fundraising and grant support can significantly reduce the cost per pupil and ensure full participation. Mentioning that your trip has external funding support also helps when seeking approval from senior leadership or parents.

At Lost Earth Adventures, we’re committed to making outdoor learning inclusive and accessible. We can provide all required documentation to support funding applications and help schools design curriculum-linked residentials that deliver lasting value.

Support for Other Youth Groups

Many of the grants listed above are not limited to schools — they also support youth organisations, uniformed groups, sports clubs, charities and community projects that help young people access outdoor experiences. Whether you’re part of a Scouts or Guides unit, a youth centre, or a community development programme, several of these funds welcome applications directly from youth groups or on behalf of individual participants. If your organisation provides structured, educational or developmental activities for children or young people, you’re likely eligible to apply for support through the same funding streams.

Resources for Teachers and Youth Leaders

Make a Booking or Enquiry

Either call 01904 500094, email info@lostearthadventures.co.uk or fill in the form below to discuss your requirements and receive a response within 8 working hours.