Help turn imagined adventures into real experiences
Children often picture what a school trip might be like before it even happens. Imagining the excitement, the friendships and the sense of achievement. But for many across the UK, those moments never become reality.
As the cost of living rises and school budgets tighten, residential trips are becoming harder to access. For children from low-income families, what should be a defining school experience can remain just something they imagined.
They can be left behind while their classmates go on to build confidence, independence and memories that last a lifetime.
Please give what you can to help make sure no child misses out.
Other ways to donate
Donate by cheque
If you prefer to give by cheque, please send your completed cheque made payable to:
YHA (England & Wales), No Child Left Behind appeal, FREEPOST MID25028, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3ZA
Telephone: 01629 700990
What it means to miss out
For many children, school residentials are where they try something new, spend time away from home for the first time and create memories they’ll talk about for years to come.
Watch our appeal video to see the difference your support could make.
Dear future me…
Take a look at some of the postcards children have written about their dream adventures.
Help us turn these dreams into memories. Click on the postcard to enlarge them and select the arrows to see the other side.
The difference your donation will make
£25 can spark a first step into adventure
Give a child the chance to discover new experiences beyond the classroom.
£50 can open the door to a first night away
Pay for a child from a low-income background to go on a one-night school trip.
£100 can turn possibility into memory
Support their place on a two-night residential school trip.
The unique value of school trips
School residentials can have a transformative impact on a child’s life. They can expand their horizons, grow in confidence and start to dream bigger. Research has shown that school trips have long-lasting, positive outcomes for all children.
But don’t just take our word for it…
“For two days, extremely disadvantaged children could put the worries and concerns they live with daily behind them. To sleep in a bed with bedding, have a warm shower and eat as much as they like for breakfast. I can’t express enough the impact that the experience has had.”
Lisa, primary school teacher
“Twenty or so years since we began visiting YHA, former pupils still tell me how much they learnt and how much they enjoyed it. It’s so important that every child gets to take part regardless of background, finances and previous experience.”
Matt, headteacher, West Horndon Primary School
“School trips are a formative experience for school pupils. They provide memories which last a lifetime. They inspire and motivate young people towards greater levels of achievement in their studies and in their personal development.”
David, outdoor leader
No Child Left Behind
As teachers, outdoor educators, and – most importantly – primary school pupils tell us, school residentials leave a lasting impact on a child’s life. Together, we can make sure this generation of children gets the opportunity to be included, develop their independence and learn valuable life skills.
National Lottery Heritage Fund
Thank you to National Lottery Players and The National Lottery Heritage Fund for their support in promoting this appeal to YHA supporters.