Seaham parents left in the dark after paying over £175 for a 'non-refundable' school trip which may not go ahead due to coronavirus

Year 6 pupils from New Seaham Academy were set to go on a three-day residential trip to Ford Castle in Northumberland.

However, due to the coronavirus outbreak and the Government ordering schools to close, it is unclear whether the trip in May will still go ahead.

Parents have paid a total of £175 for the trip and now they are unsure whether they will be refunded.

One parent, who has asked not to be named said: “It is not fair on the parents to be left in the dark.

“My son is disappointed that he might not be able to go but understands why.

“I also understand that the school probably doesn’t know what is happening either, but it is a lot of money to lose. It could could be spent on other things, especially at the moment.”

Headteacher of New Seaham Academy, Bernadette Dolan said: “Our latest understanding is that Ford Castle are waiting to see what the Government does next before making a decision.

“They are holding the money and it was set out in the terms and conditions that the trip is non-refundable.”

A spokesperson for Ford Castle confirmed this and said: “All schools are told in writing before making a booking that any deposits and balances paid are non-refundable.

“We are lobbying the government to offer financial support so that parents can be compensated for lost payments.”

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