For Educational Visits Leaders, trips are an important part of the wider school experience, and we know there’s a lot to consider when planning them.

That’s where our Key Accounts Team comes in. Get to know the people behind the team and discover three ways we can support you in your role as an Educational Visits Leader – plus some extra top tips for planning a stress-free trip!

Who are the Key Accounts Team?

The Key Accounts Team builds long-term partnerships with schools, taking the time to understand your priorities and wider educational visits programme.

We support Educational Visits Leaders with joined-up planning across curriculum, cross-curricular and enrichment opportunities, helping to connect experiences across the whole school.

Think of us as an extension of your team a consistent, trusted contact who understands your school and is there to support you.

Meet the Team

Lucy Simson

Key Account Manager

“I have over 20 years of experience working in travel and am passionate about spreading the joy that travel brings and helping as many students as possible experience what the world has to offer.

I am a mum to a SEND child which has given me a whole new perspective and appreciation on the work teachers do to make things inclusive for all children and the different ways in which people learn and process information. I have seen first-hand the benefits of school trips for SEND pupils.”

Lauren Evans

Key Account Manager

“I love working in travel. Helping design unforgettable experiences that create lifelong memories for young people is one of the most rewarding parts of my role.

I’m passionate about discovering new cultures. Having studied languages at university, I’ve always enjoyed immersing myself in different cultures and traditions. My next travel wish list includes Singapore, Vietnam, and Peru.”

Our Top 3 Ways the Key Accounts Team Supports Educational Visits Leaders

1. Providing a consistent, trusted point of contact

We take the time to understand your school, its educational visits programme and the priorities that matter to you. Having a dedicated contact means greater continuity, quicker support and someone who understands the bigger picture not just the individual trip.

2. Helping you plan strategically across your school’s trips

We can look beyond individual tours to help Educational Visits Leaders build a more joined-up approach to educational travel. From identifying opportunities across subjects and year groups to considering timing, destinations and progression between trips, we’re here to help you plan with confidence.

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3. Sharing expertise to make your role easier

EVCs have a lot to coordinate. Our Key Accounts Team can provide guidance, ideas and practical support drawn from our experience of working with schools across a wide range of educational visits. Whether you’re exploring a new opportunity, reviewing your current programme or simply need a sounding board, we’re here as an extension of your team.

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Our Top Tips for Planning a Stress-Free Trip

A well-planned trip is more likely to run smoothly – and attract the numbers you need. Here are some of our top tips for getting students and families on board:

Plan well in advance – ideally around 18 months ahead. This gives families more time to plan, save and organise around other commitments.
Get students involved – use surveys or questionnaires to find out where students want to go and what experiences appeal to them. Giving students a voice can build excitement and increase uptake.
Offer a varied programme – include trips at different price points, from local day trips and short residentials to overseas experiences, helping to make educational travel as inclusive as possible.
Avoid competing trips – think carefully about timing and target audiences so that trips aren’t competing for the same students.
Build excitement early – use posters, assemblies, videos and student testimonials to showcase the experience and get students excited. Parents’ evenings can also be a great opportunity to engage families and answer questions.

Asking these questions now, while the framework is new, gives you a natural and welcome reason to open these conversations with senior leaders.

Sign up to our Newsletter: Explore – The Voice of Educational Visits Leaders!

If you’ve not signed up to our newsletter yet, now’s the time to! Our newsletters, aimed at Educational Visits Leaders, Senior Leadership Teams, and other educators, are ideal for those who are looking to discover fresh ideas and expert guidance; all of which will help your next trip be as brilliant as possible.

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