School trip firm that is refusing to hand out refunds

SCHOOL TRIPS have been part of a rounded education for decades. Youngsters have benefitted by the experience and for many the expeditions have been the only time they have been away from home, giving independence and creating self-confidence.

The leader in such educational vacations is PGL, the initials of the founder in 1957. It initially offered canoe holidays on the River Wye.

The firm was acquired 10 years later by Holidaybreak and then by travel agent Cox & Kings. Together with other student brands, the umbrella company of HB Education developed 26 regional activity centres in the UK, France, Spain and Australia.

Midlothian Capital Partners bought the combined operation for £467m two years ago.

Teachers, governors, parents and friends can spend countless hours in raising money for children to take a holiday through PGL or one of its sister brands. There is a commitment to ensuring adequate funds are in place by the required date.

This year the air of expectation has been deflated by cancellations through coronavirus. Yet, instead of promptly refunding the money, HB Education has tightly held on to it, offering vouchers for the future. This is of no use to pupils in years 6 and 11 who will by then have moved on.

The firm insists schools claim on their insurance policies. To compound this adamantine approach, the firm is charging cancellation fees which it states is in line with its standard booking terms and conditions. Charges up to 35 per cent are being imposed, according to some schools.

Whilst the trio who run Midlothian Capital secured funding from New York quoted Ares Management and presumably have to service such debt, it is reprehensible that school money is retained.

Schools just do not have the assets to make returns. If the new owner wishes to retain any value in the brand purchased, it should change its catatonic stand and refund immediately.