East Midlands Railway (EMR) is urging schools across its network to take advantage of discounted group rail travel and a government subsidy scheme for educational visits to the Houses of Parliament.

The rail operator is offering tailored group fares for parties of 10 or more, with discounts of up to 50% against standard adult tickets.

This equates to savings of as much as £10 per pupil, depending on the route and journey length, making rail travel a more cost-effective option for school trips.

Further savings are available through Parliament’s travel subsidy scheme. Eligible state-funded schools and education groups outside London and the South East can reclaim up to 85% of received travel costs, capped at £2,400.

The scheme is designed to improve access to civic education by reducing the cost barrier of visiting Westminster.

East Midlands Railway also provides a dedicated Group Travel team to assist with bookings, helping staff coordinate itineraries and ensure pupils travel together safely and efficiently.

Beyond London excursions, East Midlands Railway services connect schools to destinations including Chatsworth House and the Peak District, while shorter regional journeys support curriculum-based learning about the railway network.

 “By combining EMR’s discounted group travel with the Government’s generous subsidy scheme, there’s never been a better time for schools to visit the Houses of Parliament. These initiatives remove cost barriers and open the door for more young people to experience our democracy first-hand.

“Seeing how Parliament works in real life brings learning to life in a way the classroom simply can’t. It’s a fantastic opportunity for students to understand how decisions are made, how laws are shaped, and how they themselves can play a role in the future of our country.”

Simon Pready, Commercial Director at East Midlands Railway.