We’re now welcoming nominations for the 2026 award, which comes with an increased prize of £2,500 for the winner’s school as we shine a spotlight on teachers, EVCs and school staff for the important role they play in organising trips thathelp pupils benefit from learning outside the classroom.
The School Trip Champion Award is about recognising unsung heroes, those who go the extra mile, for the time and effort put in to creating visits and experiences that enhance learning and the building of essential life skills.
We know that so many people in schools and academies champion the value of learning outside the classroom. These people are vital and this award is for them.
Make your nominations below…
Previous winners
Dave Cook, history teacher at Tending Technology College, Essex, was announced as the 2025 winner at last year’s School Travel Awards ceremony in London.
As well as organising and leading historical visits in the UK and further afield, Dave has also taken the initiative to run trips beyond his subject area to broaden students’ horizons and raise aspirations after recognising that many young people in the Tendring district have limited opportunities to travel.
These have included a trip to the Euro Space Center in Belgium and a STEM visit to Bologna and Italy’s Motor Valley.
Speaking about the win, Dave said: “To be recognised for what I do on an everyday basis means everything - we put so much effort into getting our students out into the wider world to enrich their education.”
What people said about Dave
“Mr Cook goes above and beyond for his students.”
“He is so passionate about organising trips and allowing every pupil to have the opportunity for enrichment beyond the classroom.”
“Not only does he run amazing trips for students, he offers his time to support staff in organising them.”
You can read more about Dave and our other 2025 finalists in our special feature here.
Glynis Pattison, school visits coordinator at Conyers School, Stockton-on-Tees, scooped the 2024 School Trip Champion Award.
Her responsibilities include ensuring all paperwork is correct, seeking approval from the headteacher, making sure risk assessments are in place, as well as ensuring that finances are covered.
Glynis also provides lead teachers with comprehensive packs for each trip and accompanies the visits to handle logistics so that the teachers can focus on the students. She said: “I’ve had the privilege of joining trips to Paris, Iceland, Berlin, Italy and New York!”
To read more about Glynis and the 2024 finalists, click here.
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If you need to speak to a member of the School Travel Organiser team about this Award or anything relating to the School Travel Awards email awards@schooltravelorganiser.com
