School trips have been found to boost children’s wellbeing and engagement by 60%, according to a new study, but increasing costs are preventing many pupils across the UK from participating.
The research, conducted by Hyundai Motor UK as part of the fourth year of its Great British School Trip programme, highlights the vital role of funding for school trips across the country. The study found that school trips can result in an 80% increase in children’s attention compared to a typical school day.
Behavioural scientist Dr Martha Newson, who led the experiment, reported that when learning extends beyond the classroom, children experience marked improvements across a range of measures compared to a standard school day. These include increases in:
- Curiosity (+75%)
- Excitement (+71%)
- Memory-making (+70%)
- Interest (+66%)
- Inspiration (+62%)
- Happiness (+60%)
- Self-esteem (+40%)
The study assessed children’s wellbeing and engagement in both classroom and trip settings, using pupil survey responses to calculate Hyundai’s School Experience Index. The index underscores the significant impact that learning outside the classroom can have on pupils.
Dr Martha Newson, Behavioural Scientist at the University of Greenwich, explained that measuring how the same children felt and behaved on both regular school days and school trip days revealed significant increases in curiosity and self-esteem on trip days—factors closely linked to engagement and learning.
Despite the benefits, funding and access to school trips remain significant challenges. Parents report that two-fifths of UK children have missed out on these experiences due to financial constraints. Teachers cite cost as the primary barrier, with 82% identifying it as a challenge for schools and 77% for parents. Meanwhile, 81% of parents believe school trips are vital to their child’s wellbeing.
The School Experience Index (SE Index)
A nationwide study involving thousands of children, parents and teachers identified the key drivers of a positive school day, leading to the development of Hyundai’s School Experience Index (SE Index). This new metric, assessed both during school trips and in the classroom, combines wellbeing and engagement to provide a single score, enabling schools to measure how experiences like trips enhance children’s learning and wellbeing compared to a typical classroom day.
Dr Newson noted that the research allows for clear observation of how school trips affect factors such as wellbeing, confidence, self-esteem and focus by tracking the same pupils on both regular and trip days across various types of school trips. She added that the SE Index transforms long-held teacher observations into quantifiable evidence and is designed to help education providers plan experiences with the greatest positive impact.
A poll of over 100 educators found that 93% believe high-quality trips should offer new experiences, 91% prioritise learning new facts, and 89% value the development of skills beyond the classroom.
Hyundai’s Commitment to School Trips
Ashley Andrew, President of Hyundai Motor & Genesis UK, stated that the Great British School Trip programme aims to provide children with memorable learning opportunities beyond the classroom, opportunities they may not otherwise have. He noted that the School Experience Index now offers teachers rigorous, science-backed data to aid in planning impactful school trips.
Since 2022, Hyundai’s Great British School Trip initiative has invested over £3 million in bursaries, enabling more than 200,000 children to attend school trips—reaching nearly a third of schools across the UK. Building on these findings, the programme will soon invite parents to participate and help facilitate more school trips.
- To find out more about the programme and to apply for bursary funding, visit https://greatbritishschooltrip.com/.
