School Travel Awards 2024: nominations for this year’s initiative

The importance of learning outside the classroom is highlighted through our annual School Travel Awards. Every year we ask teachers and educational visits coordinators to play their part and tell us who should be recognised this year. 

The first round of nominations for the main categories, including Best Residential Experience, Best Education Workshops and Best Theatre Production for Schools, closed on 30th April 2024. The second round of voting to decide this year’s winners will open in due course. 

For the first time ever, how you determine this year’s winners is taking part over two rounds. Round 1 enables you to nominate what’s best for schools across 15 categories. We will then ask you to vote for the overall winners from a shortlist of six finalists in each category in due course, based on the nominations previously received.

Find everything you need to know through the School Travel Awards website. Plus, look out for updates in the regular ‘School’s Out’ email newsletter (if you don’t get the newsletter, register here). 

Of course, it will all culminate in a five star ceremony in London when the event itself returns to the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London on Friday 29th November, 2024.

Schools can win big… with two £2,000 prizes

In addition to recognising the attractions, experiences and providers, there are two categories for teachers and schools through the School Trip Champion and ‘My Best School Trip’ Awards. Both of these offer a £2,000 (increased from £1,500 for 2024) prize towards a future educational visit – so schools can win big too.

Whether it’s a day trip to a museum or attraction, a residential at an activity centre, or an overseas visit, we want to hear about experiences that have had a particular impact on the children and staff.

The 2023 winning school was Langdale Primary School in Cumbria which entered a day trip to Liverpool. You can read about the 2023 finalists for this category by clicking here and find out what trips they entered. 

Among the considerations for the entries are: how the trip links to the relevant topic and curriculum, how inclusive and affordable it is, and how the learning is embedded once back in school. For more information about this special award and how to enter, go to schooltravelorganiser.com/bestschooltrip.

Essential support for the awards

The 2024 School Travel Awards campaign wouldn’t be possible without our fantastic Awards Partners who have already committed to supporting the forthcoming programme. They play a crucial role in helping us raise the profile of learning outside the classroom and recognising the people and companies that create inspiring school trips. 

Lauren Addicott-Smith from Inspiring Learning said: “Supporting the School Travel Awards gives us the opportunity to celebrate the wonderful work that is delivered across our vitally important sector and also recognises many the individuals who work so hard to inspire the next generation.”

Amy Jones of Conway Centres said: “Conway Centres are delighted to be an award partner for the School Travel Awards 2024. Even though school residential visits are not mandatory, they are a key part of the national curriculum and give children and young people a unique opportunity to claim their independence, build their confidence and create life-long memories.”

Katie Wylie at Halsbury added: “We’re thrilled to once again lend our support to the School Travel Awards. Recognising the dedication of companies and teachers who go above and beyond to provide children with engaging and memorable learning experiences is vitally important.”

A special thank you to our 2024 Awards Partners…

Attention school providers and companies: support these important awards and enjoy the many perks and the high profile that comes with being an official Awards Partner. For more information click here or email Vicky Squires at vicky.s@yandellmedia.com.