INTRODUCTION
Safely managed educational visits with a clear purpose are an indispensable part of a broad and balanced curriculum. They are an opportunity to extend the learning of all students, including an enrichment of their understanding of themselves, others and the world around them – in essence they are intrinsic to ‘Personal Development’ and ‘Education with Character’. They can be a catalyst for improved personal performance, promote a lifetime interest and in some cases lead to professional fulfilment. In short, educational visits (day and residential) are encouraged at Glenmoor & Winton Academies.
ANNUAL / REGULAR RESIDENTIAL TRIPS
We aim for every student in Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) to participate in at least one residential trip. As a result, we have annual trips which are open to the whole Year group (and have not limit to the number of places). In Year 7 we visit a PGL activity camp on the Isle of Wight (or similar), which takes place every October – this costs approximately £275pp. In Year 8 we visit a water sports centre in France – in 2025 the price was £800pp for five days in April. In Year 9 we visit a water sports centre in Italy every July – in 2025 this price was £900pp for a full week.
In addition, different departments regularly organise other residential trips; the Geography department often rotate trips to Naples and Iceland, and in 2025 they are taking Year 9s to the Arctic. The History department regularly visit the WW1 battlefields in France & Belgium (for Year 9s and 10s), as well as visiting Berlin / Munich / Washington D.C. with GCSE students. The PE department organise sports trips to Madrid, Manchester, and Butlins. Furthermore, an annual ski trip takes place, and several Duke of Edinburgh expeditions explore parts of the UK. In 2023/24 there were 11 residential trips; in 2024/25 there are at least 15 planned. In 2026 we are working with ‘World Challenge’ to take a group of Year 9-11 students to eSwatini and the Kruger national park (South Africa).
FINANCES & PAYMENTS
DEPOSITS: all trips are non-refundable.
REFUNDS: Assuming the full cost of the trip has been paid, then proportional amounts can be refunded, depending on whether a replacement student is available to fill the place, and the time left before departure. For example, no refund is available if cancellation occurs less than one month before departure, and full payment is still expected. If withdrawal occurs less than two months before departure, then 20% can be reclaimed, and 40% if three months beforehand. Please be aware that school trips do not generate profit, so any cancellations have a negative impact on our finances. If a student has a valid medical reason (or similar) for withdrawing, then the trip insurance might be able to offer full compensation. Similarly, if the whole trip is cancelled due to unexpected circumstances which prevent us from travelling, then a full refund will be issued.
PUPIL PREMIUM (PP): Discounts for all trips are available for students who are eligible for PP and FSM (free school meals). Please contact the trip leader to find out how much funding is available for each trip.