140 Pupils Offered Fully-Funded Cultural Trip to Paris

Thanks to the generosity of the Laidlaw Foundation, 140 pupils from Oxclose Community Academy have the incredible opportunity to take part in a fully funded trip to Paris, as part of the Laidlaw X initiative. This innovative programme is designed to enhance cultural capital and life opportunities for pupils across all LST Academies.

To be eligible for the trip, students must demonstrate exceptional commitment to their learning and school community: 97–100% attendance, zero ‘lates’ and no recorded negative behaviour. The trip will reward 70 pupils from Years 7 and 8 and 70 pupils from Years 9 and 10, supporting a culture of aspiration and excellence throughout the Academy.

Laidlaw X, made possible by the Laidlaw Foundation, is more than a travel opportunity—it is a bold investment in the whole-child development of LST pupils, aiming to enrich lives, expand horizons and shape confident, well-rounded global citizens.

Scheduled to take place from 17th to 21st July 2025, the trip will include both cultural enrichment and curriculum-linked learning. Students will enjoy a cruise along the River Seine, visit iconic landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées and the Eiffel Tower, and spend two days at Disneyland Paris across both parks.

For many, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience—exactly what Laidlaw X was designed to make possible: empowering young people to thrive not only in the classroom, but in life.

Pupils selected for the trip will be announced in early June.