Wheeler's Lane Technology College's Tour to Costa Daurada

I wanted this tour to be a fun-filled, action-packed tour experience for pupils aged 12-14, some of whom had never been abroad, on a plane or even to a theme park.

Our objectives included team-building, social bonding, trying new experiences in Spain and personal challenges with the football coaching, theme park rides, staying together in the hotel and using facilities. I am keen to develop pupils’ independence, confidence and resilience.

The overall objective was a fun experience which pupils remember – I’d love them to say it was their best school experience when they leave in year 11!

We chose this destination because of the quality of the facilities at the accommodation and the sports facilities, especially the superb Futbol Salou facility. We were also keen for the students to experience a theme park, the Nou Camp and Las Ramblas in Barcelona.

The destination is easy to navigate with not too much time spent on the coach as so many visits are walkable. It offered a great, jam-packed mix of an itinerary for our 4-day trip.

We will do the same again next year, possibly adding in a Barça or Espanyol game as an extra experience.

Feedback from the non-PE accompanying staff was that this was the best overall experience in 8 overseas tours in 15 years with various school tour operators.

We enjoyed a great range of sporting activities on our tour to Spain, including self-led coaching at Futbol Salou, friendly fixtures against Spanish opposition and self-led football, swimming, basketball and volleyball sessions at the sports complex.

My lasting memories of this tour will be the incredible feedback we had from school staff, pupils and parents. As an experienced Head of PE/PE teacher, you know what makes a great, hassle-free trip and this was it. Even the early start from Birmingham to Gatwick was worthwhile.

I am a firm believer in getting value for money for the parents and pupils and this aspect was met. The hotel and facilities made it brilliant. There was no scrimping on the food, accommodation or facilities, and our group were treated like all the other guests.

I used Halsbury over 10 years ago and they were great. I’ve used other companies in the meantime which have been good, but I did a tour last year and felt it wasn’t value for money, so I came back to Halsbury to see what they could offer and they didn’t let me down. I am very fussy with all aspects of the trips for the school staff and the pupils.

It was great, easy and fast communication. Nothing was too much trouble, whether it was matching prices or tinkering with plans and itineraries. All aspects of the trip were superb, from start to finish. There was not one hitch, mistake or aspect of the tour that wasn’t fulfilled.

The hotel staff were great too, especially with supporting plans and our itinerary. All transfers and coaches in both the UK and Spain were perfect and the documentation and app were both brilliant too.

Yes, I will and I will use them for the same tour next year, as well as other UK and smaller or less expensive trips, so that we can make residentials and trips more inclusive to parents and pupils.