Have your say on proposed changes to the School Trip Grants scheme

The Royal Borough of Greenwich is asking families and schools to share their views on proposed changes to a scheme that helps fund long stay school trips for children in the borough.  

Since it began, the School Trip Grants Scheme has helped cover the cost of board and lodging for eligible children, making school trips more affordable for families in need. We are one of the last councils that still offer this grant, as schools offer their own version of support for students, through pupil premiums and grants for low-income families.  

As it stands, the scheme offers support to council-maintained schools, with academies not eligible to apply. In recent years, more schools in Royal Greenwich have become academies funded directly by the Department for Education. 

A council spokesperson, said: “It’s deeply disappointing to consider closing a scheme, however, we must face the reality with limited resources and rising financial pressures there are other streams of support available. 

"Schools across the borough have their own schemes in operation supporting families on low-income and receive external funding through pupil premiums. Children will not be left without, and this is our main focus - to ensure all young people are able to reach their full potential.” 

Why are we considering changes to the scheme? 

For the last 15 years, funding has been allocated by the council to schools on a case-by-case basis, but only a small number of schools continue to use it, especially schools in the borough converting to academies, as they do not qualify for the grant. Because of this, the current system has created inequalities in access, with not all schools or families benefit equally.  

Schools across the borough have other sources of funding to support families with trip costs, such as using pupil premium funding, which is used to improve educational outcomes for disadvantaged pupils, and low-income grants which are managed internally within schools. 

Your voice matters 

The council wants to ensure our budgets are used effectively and fairly. This consultation is your chance to share thoughts on the scheme and suggest how the council can work with schools to continue supporting families in need. 

Take part by Friday 10 January. 

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