Cancelling a school trip. Will we get any money back?

[emilyofnewmoon]

DS1 booked to go to New York next year with the school. We have already paid most of it with one payment left to make. He announces over dinner that he does not want to go anymore. I expect to lose deposit but does anyone know if we are entitled to any money back?
Not sure this is the correct topic but didn't know where else to post

[Ladymuck]

I would hope that the school made it clear when you first signed up - it will vary from school to school, but if it is not for many months than a) they have a chance to fill the space, and b) most usual travel terms an conditions would give you some money back.

How old is ds1 and why the change of mind?

[Theas18]

Any insurance? Why the change of mind? Will he pull out and regret it?? If he were mine he'd be going unless we could get the money back if he "just didn't want to" IYSWIM

[seeker]

I would look into why he doesn't want to go first. And unless he has a bloody good reason, he would still be going. Presumably he was definite about wanting to go when you paid?

[Kez100]

Our school always tell us in the letter and once a place is allocated the cost is always payable in entirity. However, that is if a place cannot be resold and as most of our school trips have waiting lists, pulling out is rarely a problem. (Mind you we never have such grand trips and that make a difference to affordability and the demand).

I also agree with the others. What is the reason behind this change of heart? If it's an important reason, then fair enough, but otherwise he needs to learn he has to take accountability of his actions. Also, was it just said on a whim - and he may change his mind back again tomorrow or with simple persuasion?

[penguin73]

We would refund the money if the place could be filled or there were valid reasons covered by the insurance (normally health related). Otherwise no, the cost per child is worked out based on numbers and reducing the number invariably results in a higher cost per child.

[emilyofnewmoon]

He is 17(yr13). Reason given is that there are mainly younger children going (year 9- 11) although 3 of his friends are going also (one of these also wants to pull out). Although I do suspect there maybe other reason I am not being told about as this seems pretty lame.

Am livid with him as he did choose to go and we have made the payments for the past year. I wondered if, because the school havent yet paid the bulk of the cost of the holiday, only the deposit, we might get the rest back. Of course though they do work out costs based on numbers and I wouldnt want anyone else to have to pay more at this late stage because of him.

Have spoken to another mum of a younger boy tonight and she said that her son may want to go. So there may be hope. Am leaving my ds to speak to the teacher organising the trip as I feel he has made the situation so is up to him to get out of it.

[inkyfingers]

Agree Emily that since his reasons are bit lame, he should take responsibility for sorting it with school and check situation of place being reallocated. At his age if trip can't be refunded, he should go. Other friends are going and the younger ones may enjoy his company; plus all the amazing things he see/do.

When will he be able to fund a trip to NY himself if he doesn't go now?!

[emilyofnewmoon]

Exactly inky, I think he may well regret it in later years. I have a sneaky suspicion that he thinks if we dont have to pay for this trip we will fund his lads holiday after the A levels. How wrong he is! We were willing to pay for a partly educational trip to New York but am not funding a trip to Magaluf or wherever next year.
He spoke to teacher today and it appears we will get most of the money back and will also get half of deposit back if someone else takes his place.
Am so disappointed though as I wanted him to have this fab trip