Grants made available for most deprived schools to take learning outside

The Grants for Schools is one of several cost-saving measures to be launched by UK environmental education charity, the Field Studies Council (FSC), to offer extra support. 

Philip Turvil, eco-business director for FSC, said: “It saddens us greatly that pupils could end up missing out on valuable school trip experiences and outdoor learning opportunities because of factors beyond their control and it seems wholly unfair that a generation of young people who have already missed out on so much because of the Covid pandemic now face losing out on fun and educational trips.

“As a charity it’s always our aim to lift the attainment and aspirations of young people and teachers through a range of educational courses and our Grants for Schools scheme is designed to alleviate some of the cost pressures which schools are currently facing so that they can continue to offer a school trip experience to their pupils.”

Grants of up to £7,500 are available to eligible schools over a three-year-period to help towards the cost of FSC residential courses and £900 available for FSC day courses.

Funding is available to schools where at least 10% of students receive pupil premium and the closing date for applications is 24th October. You can sign up and find more information here.

The charity is offering schools discounted residential trips during October and February half term too, as part of its newly introduced measures.

Online hub to inspire teachers

The FSC has also launched a new Digital Hub – an online bank of free videos and teaching resources to help teachers and pupils make the most of learning outdoors on site at school or in their local community should trips be cancelled.

Turvil added: “Most schools receiving an FSC grant are able to use the reduced cost of tuition to help fund travel and reduce the cost paid by parents.

“In real terms the financial assistance can cover up to half the cost of a typical school residential trip. Our low season pricing will also provide further options for struggling schools and our online Digital Hub facility will ensure those teachers and pupils which are unable to experience a field trip to one of our 20 sites can still get access to student-friendly resources for all the fieldwork topics covered by the main biology and geography exam boards.”