> Blog: Considering your first school trip?

Many schools plan their school trips for the next year during the summer term, see how PGL can help you organise and run a successful first residential.

If you’re booking your first outdoor residential school trip with PGL, or it’s the first time you’ve organised a residential, rest assured; with PGL you’ll receive all the support you need every step of the way. Our trained, helpful and enthusiastic staff provide support and advice at all stages of your booking and once you arrive at your chosen destination there’s a PGL centre team who make sure you and your group get the most out of your stay with us.

To get you started, here are answers to some of the questions party leaders ask when booking with us for the first time.

When should I book?
If possible, book early. You are more likely to secure your preferred dates and location if you book well in advance. It also helps with planning cover and gives parents and students more time to save for the trip.

What about all the paperwork?
Once you have made a provisional booking you will have access to MyPGL, our online resource which provides all the information you need to organise a successful trip. There’s also a wealth of information on our website including risk assessments for your chosen centre, our Code of Practice, and Safeguarding Policy.

What are the accommodation options?
Nearly all our centres offer the choice of en suite rooms or dormitories with facilities close by for students and all have en suite rooms for teachers and accompanying adults. Tent accommodation is offered at some centres during the spring and summer terms. In our tent villages you are grouped together in chalet-style tents on solid-bases with frame beds; bathroom facilities are close by.

Can I influence my group's learning outcomes?
You are the best-placed person to decide on the learning outcomes you want from a residential experience; you know your students and how they would benefit most. So, at PGL we spend time talking to you before you travel in order to tailor your programme to your needs and make sure we have agreed outcomes.

Can I see the centre first?
Teachers can experience PGL at first hand on one of our teacher previews – they’re free in the UK and will give you all the reassurance you need. We also welcome head teachers and governors and we provide full-board accommodation and activities for you and your family.

What happens when I get there?
Once you and your group arrive at your destination there’s a friendly, trained centre team to make sure you get the most out of your stay. A member of the team - your PGL Groupie – is assigned to your group to help everything go as smoothly as possible from first thing in the morning to last thing at night.

To start your PGL journey call us on 0333 321 2116, request a quote online or take a look at our residential school trips.