A mum from Sefton on Merseyside has hit out at the costs of school trips, claiming they are 'ridiculous' and 'extortionate'. In a report by the Liverpool Echo a number of parents have criticised the rising costs of school trips at a time when many families are struggling financially.
The Liverpool Echo contacted a number of schools in and around Merseyside and found that they were charging up to £1500 per student for a school trip abroad.
In an attempt to make trips more inclusive and affordable, The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) has launched a project called Costs of the School day which urges schools to offer only free or low-cost trips and suggests developing ties with local community groups that can help with transport or venues and to try to ensure that children are not stigmatised if they come from low-income households.
Katy Hibbert, a parent from Liverpool said: "School holidays are always way too expensive. I think they should scrap them. Especially as we could all go away for a week for the same amount." Other parents were equally outraged.
Andy Gibson said: "Parents aren't made of money. I wouldn't even pay that to go on holiday. What on earth are the school thinking?"
Christine Bennetts said: "If you have four kids how do you cover it?"
Cassie Lineker said: "Some of these trips are extortionate and kids are missing out because of it."
