Dozens of pupils who saw their school trip to Paris cancelled with only 24 hours notice have been offered a full refund. The coach trip for 138 Year Eight pupils at Stretford Grammar School was due to leave the school on Thursday evening.
Cultural visits to the Eiffel Tower and other attractions were planned for the pupils - mostly aged 13 - ahead of their return on Tuesday. The trip was 12 months in the planning, according to one mum who revealed her son was in tears at the news.
It's understood the trip cost parents and carers around £500 each, without factoring in clothing and other essential items for their children. But the school, in Granby Road, Stretford, was contacted by the company, PGL, at 9.30am on Wednesday, saying they had to cancel because 'we have been unable to source coaches for the trip'.
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The children were told the devastating news in an assembly that same morning. In a heartfelt email home to parents and carers, headteacher Michael Mullins said there was a 'tangible level of disappointment and anger' inside the school.
He also called for compensation and accused PGL, an outdoor education provider specialising in school trips, of 'chasing profit over practicalities', saying 'repeated assurances' had been given to the school.
In an update issued yesterday afternoon, Mr Mullins informed parents that PGL had offered a full refund plus £100 compensation to all students affected. He said the tour operator would also be funding a school trip to Blackpool Pleasure Beach on Monday to replace the Paris visit.
Mr Mullins wrote: "Whilst I know the last 24 hours have been disappointing, I have today spoken with PGL’s Group Commercial Director, Steve Craven, who, I know, is as disappointed as we are that the trip has not been able to take place. I was touched that Mr. Craven took it upon himself to contact me directly to offer the following assurances to those families affected:
"A full refund for this year’s cancelled Year 8 trip, along with £100 compensation per student
"Funding of the day trip to Blackpool Pleasure Beach we had already planned for Monday
"The offer of a FREE PGL French trip for current Year 8 students next Autumn (likely September but we will liaise regarding dates)
"Whilst I know the disappointment of the trip not running will be palpable, I was impressed that this offer and associated apology was made in person by Mr. Craven. I do believe PGL have done all they can to correct this most unfortunate of situations; in relation to point 3, school would like to work with PGL to make this trip happen in the Autumn Term for those students affected.
"As I explained to Mr. Craven, the last two years have been difficult and, for many of our students, the Paris trip was a real opportunity for them to experience the joy of a school residential again. As such, Mr Craven wishes to offer his most sincere apologies, on behalf of PGL, to students, parents and staff that the trip was not able to happen and that the notification was left so late.
"I hope the above goes some way to offsetting your disappointment and I look forward to Year 8 enjoying a day in the sun on Monday."
Anthony Jones, CEO of PGL, added: “As a business, we were devastated we could not solve the transport issues despite exploring every possible option with our suppliers. We have put a comprehensive compensation package together and are working closely with the headteacher of Stretford Grammar School to correct the situation and make it up to the pupils impacted.
"These are challenging times for many sectors, particularly travel and hospitality, and we believe it is incumbent on companies like ours to take responsibility and find a way to honour our promise, whatever the circumstances.”
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