First Education and School Travel (FEST), part of First Travel Solutions (FTS), works with schools across the UK, providing school establishments with a bespoke service to make educational travel simpler, more affordable and more accessible through its range of fully inclusive residential trip packages.
Bringing together transport, accommodation, meals and activities under one trusted provider, FEST gives schools a straightforward and fully supported way to deliver memorable learning experiences beyond the classroom.
To celebrate the new school year, FEST has launched a ‘Back to School’ competition offering ten lucky schools a £1,000 discount voucher towards an all-inclusive residential trip.
The competition is open to schools located within the UK, and is free to enter at www.firsttravelsolutions.com/fest/competition, with entries closing at 23:59 on 30th September 2026. Ten winning schools will be drawn on 1st October 2026, each receiving a £1,000 voucher to put towards one of FEST's residential packages.
Each voucher can be redeemed against a two-night, three-day all-inclusive residential, including return coach travel, full-board accommodation and an activity programme tailored to the chosen venue. Trips must take place between 1st November 2026 and 31st March 2027 and are available for groups of at least 30 pupils and 3 adults.
The competition comes ahead of the launch of FEST's Opportunities for All Bursary Scheme next year, which will provide additional financial support for schools working with First Bus UK in the regions it serves. Together, the competition and bursary scheme form part of FEST's wider commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to experience the educational and personal benefits of a residential trip, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Rick Smith, Education and School Travel Specialist at First Education and School Travel, said:
"We know how much a residential trip can mean for a child's confidence, friendships and love of learning, and we know just as well how much the cost can weigh on parents. This competition is our way of helping ten schools make that experience possible for pupils who might otherwise miss out. It's also the first step towards our new Opportunities for All Bursary Scheme, which will help even more schools access residential experiences in the future."
Every FEST package includes coach travel, accommodation, meals and activities in one simple booking, with a dedicated travel specialist supporting schools from the initial enquiry through to their safe return home.
Schools can enter the competition and view the full terms and conditions at www.firsttravelsolutions.com/fest/competition.