How schools can use the Inclusive Mainstream Fund to support trips and experiences beyond the classroom
Schools have an opportunity to invest in inclusive experiences that support students’ personal development, independence and learning beyond the classroom. The new Inclusive Mainstream Fund for 2026–27 provides funding to mainstream state-funded schools in England, supporting them to develop more inclusive practices and remove commonly occurring barriers to learning. With more than £400 million per year allocated to schools through the fund, schools can decide how best to use their funding based on the needs of their students and their wider inclusion strategy.
One of the seven recommended areas for investment is accessible and enriching provision beyond the classroom – creating opportunities for young people to develop personally, build independence and prepare for adulthood. For schools considering how they can put this funding towards meaningful experiences outside the classroom, a volunteer trip can be a valuable way to support these aims.
Using the Inclusive Mainstream Fund for educational trips
Trips can provide pupils with opportunities to learn in new environments, develop confidence and independence, work collaboratively and experience cultures and communities beyond their everyday surroundings. For schools looking to provide these experiences as part of their wider approach to inclusion, an African Adventures trip provides an opportunity for students to combine travel, volunteering, cultural learning and personal development.
Our school trips are designed to give students the opportunity to step outside their usual learning environment, work alongside others and contribute to projects within our partner schools and their communities. Whether students are supporting school improvement projects, teaching in classrooms, taking part in sports activities or learning about a new culture, the experience can help develop skills and confidence that extend beyond the classroom. From the initial planning through to the trip itself, our team provides support every step of the way to help schools create a safe, well-organised and meaningful experience for their students.
A new opportunity for schools
To help schools make the most of their funding, we’re offering £100 off per student on any African Adventures adventure activity for schools that use their Inclusive Mainstream Fund allocation towards their trip. This means your school could use its funding to support an enriching experience for students while also receiving £100 off the cost of an adventure activity per person. From snorkelling in crystal-clear waters in Zanzibar to searching for wildlife over vast plains in Kenya, there is plenty to choose from.
Could your school use its funding towards a trip?
The Inclusive Mainstream Fund is designed to help schools identify and address the needs of their students and embed inclusive practice. Schools must publish their inclusion strategy by 31 December 2026, setting out how they plan to meet the needs of their cohort and invest in inclusion.
If your school is considering how to use its funding to provide enriching opportunities beyond the classroom, we’d love to talk to you about how an African Adventures trip could fit into your plans and how we can support you with creating your strategy.
Get in touch with our team to discuss your options and start planning your next school trip by completing the form below.
