Funding assistance

Despite government commitments to school trips, many children don't get the chance to go away with their schools because their parents simply cannot afford it. As a result a third of children miss out on vital learning out of the classroom.

YHA School Trips helps to fund places for financially disadvantaged children so they can join their friends or classmates on residential visits with YHA (England & Wales), so that no child is left behind when the coach leaves the school gates.

YHA believes every young person should have the opportunity to travel to a new place, to discover an environment that is quite different to their home, and experience the exhilaration of outdoor activities.

We believe poverty should not be a barrier to travel. Last year, through the generous support of our partners, YHA enabled nearly 3,000 disadvantaged young people throughout England and Wales to enjoy a residential activity break at YHA hostels.

A £3 donation from every YHA membership subscription goes into this designated fund - which now stands at ONE MILLION POUNDS TO GIVE AWAY.

YHA can award up to 50% of the costs of accommodation and food, for any person under the age of 18, who is entitled to free school dinners or is from a low income household.

We are grateful to Flogas, principal sponsor of YHA's funding assistance for young people. YHA also receives support from Vanquis Bank, YHA members, Trusts and individual donors.

Applying for funding

Our short application process makes applying for funding assistance easy. Applications are considered on the basis of the number of children in the group who are entitled to free school meals or in a family that receives income support and/or housing benefit. Funding is subject to availability.

You must apply for funding at least 8 weeks before you want your trip to commence, by completing our online funding application form. We aim to process all applications promptly, but please allow for up to 3 - 4 weeks.

Important: Awards cannot be made if the booking has already been paid for in full, so please make your application before confirmation and payment. The hostel will deduct the amount of the grant from your final invoice. You need to ensure this is done before final payment as monies cannot be refunded.

For more information visit www.breaks4kids.co.uk or call 01629 592 696.