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When we say we were created by teachers, for teachers, we really mean it! Our founder and Managing Director, Keith Sharkey, created Halsbury to help make it easier for more teachers to take their students on inspirational school trips abroad.
Our Director, Sue, is also a former teacher with many years of experience in leading school trips herself.
Behind them is our dynamic team of former teachers and school travel specialists.
These are our people. And your support network.
Founder and former teacher
Former Head of Modern Languages, Keith has 16 years' experience teaching in the state secondary and independent sector. It was this experience on which he founded Halsbury in 1986.
"I regard travelling abroad, and learning about different cultures and languages, as a mind-broadening and highly educating experience – I have tried to enable as many people as possible to share in the wonderfully inspiring joys of travel and language learning."
Co-founder and former teacher
A former geography and sociology teacher, Sue worked in secondary schools for 25 years and, like Keith, she was very much involved in organising school trips abroad during this time.
"I believe mine and Keith’s experiences as teachers have helped make Halsbury unique."
Managing Director
Hugues’ Halsbury journey started nearly 20 years ago, and he’s worked in many different departments. He now focuses on ensuring that Halsbury remains the leader in educational travel while still ensuring that we’re with every single one of our teachers every step of the way. He’s also leading the way in Halsbury’s pledge to become more sustainable.
“Discovering new places and exploring new cultures have been by far the most enriching experiences of my life."
Sales Director
Inspired to enter the school travel industry after a chance encounter with a British youth orchestra in Chile nearly 20 years ago, Chris now heads up our dynamic team of Tour Advisers.
"We provide experiences that create memories, whether it be immersing oneself in the local culture or being in awe of a region’s natural beauty.”
Operations Director
Multilingual Silvia has been arranging itineraries for Halsbury for more than 15 years and has spent over 7 of those heading up our team of Itinerary Coordinators.
“Being multilingual and culturally fluent has given me in-depth knowledge to help create special memories and help teachers organise trips that widen their students’ horizons, helping them to think outside the box!”
Chief Morale Officer
Bobby is technically Keith and Sue’s dog, but he’s been adopted by every single member of the Halsbury family.
“I’ve visited a number of resorts used by Halsbury but my favourite place has to be in front of the fire with the family after a hard day on the slopes (for them!).”
Our Tour Advisers will use their expertise and knowledge to help you decide on the best destination and trip for your group, sending you a tailor-made quote once you’ve chosen.
Head of Educational Tours
Former teacher Laura joined Halsbury more than a decade ago and has experience both as an Itinerary Manager and Tour Adviser, before becoming our Head of Educational Tours.
“I wanted to use my languages in a role that helped promote travel as part of school life.”
Head of Language Tours
Former MFL teacher Rachael is well placed to be our Head of Language Tours, ensuring that they continue to provide exciting educational opportunities for students and teachers.
“Helping students to learn more about the subject and the wider world around them is great – I’m making a difference to their learning without even meeting them!”
Head of Long-Haul Tours
Zoe is the first point of contact for teachers looking to plan tours outside of Europe. Incredibly well travelled, Zoe has visited most of our long-haul destinations herself.
"I love being able to help others experience the joys of travel. Being able to talk enthusiastically about places you have visited yourself is always a pleasure.”
Tour Adviser
Emma’s been with us for over a decade and has experience as both an Itinerary Manager and Tour Adviser. Having visited France with Halsbury numerous times, Emma is a specialist in that destination.
"Halsbury is a great place to work. We have a great team and are like a family. I love having the opportunity to travel too."
Tour Adviser
Gail has over 10 years of experience in organising school trips abroad and uses her experience to guide teachers through the process.
“I love meeting teachers who share my passion for providing students with the opportunity to experience new things and create lifelong memories.”
Tour Adviser
Laura’s passion is travel – her current tally is 51 countries and counting! With a background in luxury travel, Laura is well-placed to help teachers with the early stages of planning their trip.
“I wanted a role which enabled students to travel, as travelling has had such a big impact on my life. I feel everyone should have the opportunity to see other countries from a young age.”
Tour Adviser
Sam spent 3 years teaching in Germany, Japan and the UK before joining Halsbury and now combines his passions for education and travel by advising teachers on the best options for their school trips.
“The profoundly positive effect my secondary school trips had on my life meant that working in school travel seemed an obvious choice!”
Our Itinerary Coordinators will liaise with you to put together your tailor-made itinerary, make all the necessary reservations and put everything together to make the trip run smoothly.
Itinerary Coordinators
James was himself inspired to study history to degree level on a school trip to the WW1 battlefields, so he loves being able to make use of his subject knowledge to plan memorable tours for others.
"I enjoy reading feedback from groups and hearing about what students have gained from their experience.”
Itinerary Coordinator
Another of our linguists, Lynsey’s been with us since 1999 and so has vast amounts of experience when it comes to arranging school trips designed to inspire your students!
"I enjoy working in travel as I get to use my language skills, work alongside many different nationalities and visit lots of amazing cities and places I wouldn’t otherwise get to see!”
Itinerary Coordinator
Leonor is from Portugal but has lived all over Europe. A fluent Spanish speaker, Leonor loves any opportunity to use her language skills and to travel, particularly to sunnier lands!
"I love that I have the opportunity to use my language skills all the time. Organising trips to different destinations is always a challenge and I love it!”
Another linguist (she speaks French and Spanish) Rachel has been at Halsbury for over 15 years and, therefore, is an expert in planning school trips abroad!
“I love giving students the opportunity to visit new places and see first-hand the different cultures, hopefully instilling in them a passion for languages and travel!”
Itinerary Coordinator
Asha has been with us for well over a decade in various roles, so she has an incredible understanding of the process of arranging school trips, and how she can make it easier for group leaders.
“I love working for Halsbury because I like hearing about teachers’ school trip experiences and providing them with excellent customer service to ensure their next trip is just as good!”
Founded by teachers in 1986 and with several former teachers in our team, we understand the pressures on you as Group Leader and work hard to relieve them.
We’ll design your trip around your specific learning objectives and curriculum, to ensure it meets your particular requirements.
Earn loyalty points from your very first trip which can be used towards a trip discount or free gift for your school.