The final weeks of Year 6 are a special time for pupils. Not only are they preparing to move on to secondary school, but they’re also looking forward to celebrating the end of their primary school journey. An exciting, well-planned end-of-year activity, whether it’s a school trip, residential adventure, or in-school experience, can provide the perfect mix of fun, learning, and team-building before they say their goodbyes.
A great Year 6 trip isn’t just about having a day off from lessons, it’s an opportunity to reinforce learning outside the classroom, help pupils build confidence, and create lasting memories with their friends. Whether you’re looking for an educational museum visit, a high-energy theme park day, or a confidence-boosting residential, there are plenty of options to suit different budgets, interests, and group sizes!
In this guide, we’ll explore the best end-of-year activities for Year 6 pupils, from thrilling school trips to alternative ways to celebrate within your school. Plus, we’ll cover key planning considerations to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience for teachers and parents alike.
Why an End-of-Year Primary School Trip is Beneficial For Year 6 Pupils
An end-of-year trip isn’t just a fun way to celebrate the end of primary school, it’s also a valuable educational experience. Taking pupils off-site offers opportunities to reinforce their learning in real-world settings, develop important life skills, and create lasting memories before they move on to secondary school.
Here’s why incorporating a trip into your Year 6 curriculum is so beneficial:
- Bringing Learning to Life – Whether it’s history, science, or geography, seeing subjects in action helps pupils make connections between classroom learning and the real world. Visiting a museum, exploring historical sites, or engaging in hands-on science activities can deepen their understanding and make learning more meaningful.
- Developing Teamwork and Social Skills – School trips encourage pupils to work together, communicate effectively, and support one another. Whether they’re navigating a challenge at an adventure centre or collaborating on a problem-solving activity, these experiences help build confidence and team building.
- Preparing for Secondary School – As Year 6 pupils get ready for the next stage of their education, an end-of-year trip can help them develop independence and resilience. Experiencing new environments, managing responsibilities (such as looking after their belongings), and engaging with different social situations can ease the transition to Year 7.
- Creating Lasting Memories – Perhaps most importantly, an end-of-year trip gives pupils a chance to celebrate their time in primary school with their classmates. With many heading to different secondary schools, this is a special opportunity to share experiences and make memories they’ll cherish for years to come.
By choosing the right trip, whether it’s an adventurous outdoor activity, an educational visit, or a fun-filled theme park day, you can ensure your pupils finish their primary school journey on a high note, learning valuable lessons while having an unforgettable time.
What to Consider When Planning a Year 6 School Trip
Organising a school trip for a full Year 6 class can feel overwhelming, but with careful planning, it can be a smooth and rewarding experience. Here are key factors to keep in mind to ensure a successful and stress-free trip:
Budgeting
While some trips may seem ideal, setting a realistic budget from the outset is crucial to avoid disappointment. Research costs, including transport, entry fees, and meals, to ensure the trip remains affordable for all pupils.
If budget constraints are a concern, consider fundraising activities to help make the trip possible. Bake sales, sponsored walks, and non-uniform days are great ways to raise funds while getting pupils involved in the process.
Safety and Supervision
Ensuring the safety of all pupils is a top priority. Be sure to:
- Check your school’s required teacher-to-student ratios.
- Carry out risk assessments for travel, activities, and accommodation (if applicable).
- Confirm emergency procedures with the trip provider and ensure staff know what to do in case of illness or an accident.
Accessibility & Inclusivity
A well-planned trip should be accessible to all pupils, regardless of physical, dietary, or medical needs. When choosing a destination, consider:
- Whether transport and activities are wheelchair-friendly.
- If the venue provides accommodations for pupils with additional needs.
- Dietary requirements for any meals provided, particularly on overnight stays.
By ensuring inclusivity, every pupil can enjoy the trip and feel fully involved.
Booking and Paperwork
Keeping on top of the paperwork is essential to avoid last-minute issues. Make sure you have:
- Signed permission slips from all parents/guardians.
- Up-to-date medical forms and emergency contact details.
- Copies of school insurance policies and any additional trip-specific coverage.
Organising these details well in advance will help the trip run smoothly and give peace of mind to teachers, pupils, and parents alike.
With the right planning, your Year 6 school trip can be an exciting, enriching, and memorable experience for everyone involved.
Our Top Picks Year 6 School Trip Ideas
Choosing the right school trip for your Year 6 class depends on what you want pupils to gain from the experience. Some trips focus on fun and celebration, while others reinforce classroom learning or encourage teamwork and independence. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best end-of-year trip ideas, including theme parks, museums, outdoor adventure parks, and even overseas experiences.
Theme Parks – Fun and Rewarding Days Out
A trip to a theme park is a fantastic way to reward pupils for their hard work throughout the year. Beyond the excitement, many parks offer educational workshops, providing a unique blend of learning and fun.
Top Theme Parks for Year 6 Trips:
Alton Towers (Staffordshire) – The UK’s largest theme park, Alton Towers offers a mix of thrilling roller coasters and gentler rides, making it suitable for all pupils, regardless of confidence levels. Schools can also book educational workshops in science, engineering, and business studies. With dedicated coach drop-off points and group dining areas, it is a well-organised option for school visits.
Thorpe Park (Surrey) – Known for its adrenaline-pumping rides, Thorpe Park is ideal for thrill-seeking pupils. For an educational twist, the park offers STEM-focused learning sessions that explore the physics behind roller coasters, helping students see science in action. With designated school group entry and meal packages available, it is easy to organise a stress-free visit.
LEGOLAND Windsor (Berkshire) – A fantastic choice for younger Year 6 pupils, LEGOLAND features interactive LEGO-themed rides and educational workshops in design, engineering, and storytelling. It is well-equipped for school groups, with easy coach access, shaded picnic areas, and plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning.
Museums & Historical Site Visits – Educational and Engaging
Museum and historical site visits offer an immersive way for pupils to engage with history, science, and art while reinforcing classroom lessons.
Top Museums and Historical Sites for Year 6 Trips:
Natural History Museum (London) – A world-famous institution where pupils can explore dinosaur skeletons, interactive science exhibits, and even an earthquake simulator. Entry is free, making it a budget-friendly option, and designated school lunch areas make planning easy.
Science Museum (London) – With hands-on exhibits covering space, robotics, and human biology, the Science Museum makes STEM learning truly interactive. Schools can pre-book educational workshops or explore the museum at their own pace. It is easily accessible by public transport, and nearby Hyde Park offers an ideal spot for a post-visit picnic.
National Railway Museum (York) – Perfect for budding engineers, this museum showcases real-life locomotives, from steam trains to modern high-speed rail. Pupils can explore the science behind railway engineering, with guided talks available. The museum has excellent facilities for school groups, including coach parking and dedicated lunch spaces.
Overseas Trips – A Cultural and Educational Experience
Taking Year 6 students abroad is a fantastic way to broaden their horizons, expose them to new cultures, and build confidence before the transition to secondary school.
Top Overseas Destinations for Year 6 Trips:
Paris, France – PGL has been hosting groups on language and cultural trips to France for many years, offering a mix of sightseeing, education, and adventure. Students can visit iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and the Louvre. PGL’s French Package and French Tailor-Made trips also include town trails and visits to traditional markets, immersing pupils in the French language and culture. For an unforgettable experience, schools can add a day at Disneyland Paris, where over 50 attractions bring excitement and fun to the trip.
Residential Adventures – Multi-Day Trips with Lasting Impact
For a truly immersive experience, a residential adventure trip offers pupils the chance to develop independence, teamwork, and resilience through a mix of outdoor activities and educational sessions.
Top Residential Trips for Year 6 Pupils:
Multi-Activity Adventures – These action-packed trips include activities like climbing, abseiling, and kayaking, helping pupils build confidence and teamwork skills.
French Package & French Tailor-Made – Combining adventure with cultural experiences, these trips allow pupils to practice their French skills while enjoying activities like canoeing, archery, and team challenges.
With so many fantastic options, choosing the right Year 6 trip is all about finding the best balance between fun, learning, and adventure. Whatever you decide, your pupils will walk away with lifelong memories and valuable experiences!
Alternatives To Traditional School Trips
If budget, time, or permission constraints make a traditional school trip difficult, there are still plenty of engaging activities that can provide valuable learning experiences for your Year 6 pupils.
In-School Activity Days
Bringing the experience into the classroom can be just as exciting as a day out. Organising themed activity days linked to educational topics allows pupils to learn in a fun and immersive way. Some ideas include:
- STEM Workshops – Invite experts to run hands-on science, technology, engineering, or maths activities. Robotics challenges, coding sessions, or engineering tasks can be great ways to engage pupils.
- Historical Re-enactments – Bring history to life with themed days, such as a Roman or Viking experience, complete with costumes, storytelling, and hands-on activities.
- Escape Room-Style Challenges – Encourage teamwork and problem-solving by creating an interactive puzzle-based activity where pupils work together to unlock clues related to their curriculum.
Virtual Tours
Many world-renowned institutions offer free virtual experiences, allowing pupils to explore places they may not be able to visit in person. Examples include:
- The British Museum – Offers interactive online exhibits, allowing students to explore artefacts from ancient Egypt, Greece, and beyond.
- NASA – Provides virtual tours of space stations, observatories, and mission control centres, bringing space exploration to the classroom.
Local Adventure Days
Exploring your local area can be just as enriching as a long-distance trip, consider:
- Nature Reserves – A visit to a nearby park or nature reserve can provide opportunities for outdoor learning, wildlife observation, and environmental education.
- Historical Sites – Many towns and cities have castles, museums, or heritage centres that can offer an educational and cost-effective alternative to large-scale trips.
Even if a traditional trip isn’t possible, these alternatives ensure pupils still enjoy memorable and meaningful experiences outside of their usual classroom routine.
Book Your Year 6 School Trip Today!
Give your Year 6 class the perfect send-off with an unforgettable end-of-year adventure! At PGL, we take care of everything: exciting activities, comfortable accommodation, delicious meals, and all the essentials so you can focus on making memories with your students.
Let’s make their final primary school trip one to remember. Book your year 6 trip at PGL or get in touch today, and we’ll help you plan an action-packed, stress-free adventure they’ll talk about for years to come.
