Derby-based travel company Rayburn Tours is celebrating a landmark achievement after being named Best School Tour Operator (Large) at the 2025 School Travel Awards, one of the most respected accolades in the UK’s educational visits sector.
This year, Rayburn Tours has taken more than 34,000 passengers on educational experiences around the world. Winning a national award of this scale during the company’s 60th anniversary year highlights not only its long-standing expertise but also its significant contribution to Derbyshire’s growing travel and education economy.
As a family-founded business that has grown into one of the UK’s leading school travel providers, the recognition carries significant meaning. It reflects the deep trust teachers and schools place in the company, the strength of its safety and service standards, and its continued impact on young people’s educational and cultural development.
Chairman John Boyden stated, “Winning this award in the same year as our 60th anniversary feels especially meaningful, because it highlights both our long-standing legacy and the strength of our work today. It’s a celebration of six decades of dedication, growth, and impact, and this recognition affirms that our values and commitment continue to resonate just as powerfully now as they did when we started.”
Managing Director Jamie Boyden said, “It’s such a fantastic win, especially as all the entrants in our category are highly reputable companies. I think our unwavering focus on the customer experience will have helped us to attract many of our votes.”
Operations Director Kelly Wigley commented, “Rayburn Tours has always had a family feel, and that sense of unity remains strong even as we’ve grown into the ‘Large’ Tour Operator category. Our success comes from working together with one shared goal: delivering exceptional experiences for our groups. The dedication, passion, and collaboration of our team are what truly made this award possible.
As Rayburn Tours looks ahead, it remains committed to strengthening its legacy within the sector, investing further in exceptional educational travel, and continuing to provide meaningful experiences for students nationwide.