Despite the strong motivation among teachers to provide students with enriching experiences beyond the classroom, several significant barriers prevent some educators from taking students on overseas trips. The most commonly cited challenges include administrative workload, financial constraints, risk management concerns, and time pressures.
Many teachers reported that the sheer amount of paperwork and risk assessments required to organise a trip is a major deterrent. The increasing focus on compliance, safeguarding, and detailed logistics planning means that organising a school trip can be overwhelming, particularly for teachers with already demanding workloads.
62% of teachers identified administrative workload as a significant challenge.
44% of teachers felt that school policies and approval processes made organising trips more difficult.
"The amount of paperwork involved in organising a trip is daunting. Between risk assessments, safeguarding procedures, and gaining approvals, it can feel like a full-time job."
"I would love to take students abroad, but the bureaucracy is exhausting. It’s not just about organising a trip; it’s about navigating endless forms and policies."
Cost is one of the most significant obstacles preventing teachers from running school trips, particularly for schools with higher levels of economic disadvantage. Teachers expressed concerns about affordability for students and the challenge of securing sufficient funding to make trips accessible to all.
48% of teachers cited funding as a major barrier to running overseas trips.
39% of teachers worried that the financial burden on families would limit student participation.
"Many families in our school community simply cannot afford an overseas trip, no matter how valuable the experience would be."
"Finding funding is always a challenge. We try to offer payment plans and subsidies, but it's never enough to ensure that every student can participate."
Teachers also highlighted concerns around safeguarding, health and safety, and the responsibility of supervising students in a foreign environment. The fear of something going wrong, such as accidents, illnesses, or lost passports can be a major deterrent, especially for less experienced trip leaders.
41% of teachers said concerns over student safety and wellbeing made them hesitant to organise a trip.
33% reported that increased risk assessment requirements had discouraged them from planning an overseas trip.
"There’s always that worry in the back of your mind, what if something happens? You feel responsible for every single student in your care."
"Risk assessments have become so complex that it sometimes feels easier to just avoid the hassle altogether."
Organising a school trip requires extensive planning, which many teachers struggle to balance alongside their teaching commitments. Additionally, securing enough staff to accompany trips can be a challenge, especially if colleagues are reluctant to take on extra responsibilities.
37% of teachers said lack of available staff to support trips was a significant issue.
29% of educators felt they could not dedicate the necessary time to organise a trip due to their teaching workload.
"Planning a trip takes months of preparation, and with increasing pressures in the classroom, it’s difficult to find the time."
"It’s not just about getting students on board; you also need colleagues who are willing to give up their time to help run the trip."
While some schools actively encourage overseas trips, others are more hesitant due to concerns over liability, costs, or curriculum constraints. A lack of institutional support can discourage teachers from even attempting to organise a trip.
26% of teachers felt that their school leadership was not fully supportive of running overseas trips.
18% mentioned that changes in school policies had made trips more difficult to organise compared to previous years.
"Some schools fully back these experiences, but in others, there’s resistance, either due to financial concerns or worries about liability."
"If school leadership isn’t supportive, it becomes nearly impossible to get a trip off the ground."
While teachers overwhelmingly believe in the value of overseas trips, these challenges make it difficult for many to turn their aspirations into reality. Addressing these barriers, whether through reducing administrative burden, providing financial support, or ensuring sufficient staffing, would enable more schools to offer life-changing travel experiences for their students.
If you’re interested in taking your students on an educational trip, contact us today to request a quote.