Managing Pupil Behaviour: What Works Best on School Trips?

We all know that school trips are fantastic opportunities for pupils to learn outside the classroom, experience new environments, and develop important social skills. But for teachers, one of the biggest challenges can be managing pupil behaviour to ensure everyone stays safe and enjoys the experience.

Effective behaviour management on school trips is essential. Not only for pupil safety and wellbeing but also to maintain a positive atmosphere where learning and fun can thrive. We spoke to teachers at a number of schools to learn about some proven strategies and practical tips to help other teachers confidently handle behaviour on trips - hopefully making them smooth and successful for everyone involved.

Why Behaviour Management Is Crucial on School Trips
The first thing that everyone mentioned was that unlike the familiar classroom environment where pupils know what is expected of them, school trips present new and unfamiliar settings, less structured environments, which often leads to heightened excitement or perhaps anxiety among pupils. These factors can lead to behaviour issues if not managed proactively.

Unmanaged behaviour risks safety, disrupts activities, and places additional stress on staff. On the other hand, good behaviour management leads to mutual respect, cooperation, and a positive group dynamic that enhances the trip for pupils and staff alike.

Set Clear Expectations Early
One of the most effective ways to manage behaviour on trips starts before leaving school. Communicating clear rules and expectations about behaviour to pupils, parents, and staff well in advance is really important.

Explain why good behaviour matters, what is acceptable, and what the consequences are for poor behaviour. Involving pupils in discussions about trip rules and even having them contribute to a code of conduct can increase their sense of responsibility.

Build Positive Relationships and Group Identity
Strong relationships between staff and pupils are key to behaviour management. When pupils feel respected and supported by adults, they are more likely to cooperate.

Try to build a sense of group identity among pupils by involving them in team-building activities before and during the trip. Shared goals and experiences can boost camaraderie and reduce conflicts.

Assign Roles and Use Staff Effectively
On larger trips, divide pupils into smaller groups, each with an assigned staff member or group leader responsible for supervision. Smaller groups are easier to manage and allow for closer monitoring of behaviour.

Make sure staff clearly understand their roles regarding behaviour expectations and know how to intervene appropriately and consistently if issues arise.

Use Positive Reinforcement
Positive behaviour strategies tend to be more effective than punishments. Praise pupils when they behave well and follow rules, and consider small rewards or privileges to encourage cooperation. Recognising and rewarding good behaviour not only motivates pupils but also helps create an atmosphere where positive actions are seen as normal.

Prepare for Challenges in Advance
Despite your best efforts, challenging behaviour is unfortunately a frequent occurrence on a school trip. Planning ahead helps staff respond calmly and effectively.

Agree on a consistent approach for managing poor behaviour, such as:

• Quiet warnings


• Removing pupils from situations for a time-out or reflection


• Contacting parents if necessary


• Having clear steps for escalation in serious cases

Engage Pupils With Structured Activities
Keeping pupils engaged and busy reduces opportunities for disruptive behaviour. Plan a well-structured itinerary with a variety of activities that suit different interests and energy levels. This will be more challenging on some trips than others, but keeping them consistently busy is a good strategy.

Incorporate active breaks or downtime as needed to help pupils manage excitement or tiredness. Clear transitions between activities also help maintain order.

Communicate Regularly With Pupils and Parents
Maintain open communication channels throughout the trip. Regularly remind pupils of expectations and the reasons behind them.

Before the trip, talk to parents about their child's behaviour and any concerns. Parents can be great allies in encouraging positive conduct and reinforcing expectations at home. One school we spoke to linked the trip with behaviour in the weeks beforehand. To be eligible to go on the trip with their peers, students had to achieve an expected level of good behaviour leading up to the trip. This message was also communicated to parents. They didn't tell us whether any pupils were actually prevented from going - hopefully the treat of missing out did the trick!

Consider Individual Needs and Support
Be mindful of pupils who may have additional behavioural or emotional needs. Plan personalised support and involve specialist staff where possible. Sometimes behaviour issues are linked to anxiety or unfamiliarity with new settings and can be linked to Special Educational Needs, so extra reassurance and preparation can make a big difference.

Reflect and Learn After the Trip
Once the trip concludes, hold a debrief session with staff to discuss what worked well and where improvements can be made in behaviour management for future school trips. Invite pupil feedback as well. Students' perspectives can provide valuable insights.