SchoolTripFinder.com Teacher Resource

How Much Should a School Trip Cost Per Student?

There is no single sensible benchmark: destination, flights, duration, accommodation and activity mix can change the cost dramatically.

Separate fixed and variable costs

Coaches, guides and some activity fees are shared across the group, while flights, meals and entrance tickets usually rise per passenger. A larger group can therefore reduce the per-student cost without making the trip itself cheaper overall.

Understand the main cost drivers

Long-haul flights, peak travel dates, single-night hotel moves, premium destinations, specialist activities and high staff ratios can all push prices upward. Exchange-rate assumptions also matter for international programmes.

Compare like with like

A £1,200 quote that excludes flights cannot sensibly be compared with a £1,500 quote that includes them. Build a common list of accommodation, meals, transport, activities, staff places, insurance and taxes before judging value.

Set the budget before designing the dream trip

Give providers a realistic ceiling or range. They can then recommend trade-offs such as fewer hotel changes, different dates or an alternative destination while protecting the educational outcomes.

Leave contingency

Schools should understand which prices are fixed and which can change before final payment. Build a reasonable contingency in line with your own financial procedures rather than pricing the trip to the last pound or dollar.