I feel guilty about my children missing out on school trips – family offer to help pay but the prices are a rip-off

SITTING at the kitchen table one quiet afternoon, Charlotte Higgins’ heart sank as her son handed over an information slip about a school trip to New York.

The teaching assistant and mum-of-two felt torn – she knew it was an incredible opportunity but she couldn’t justify spending £2,500 for a week-long trip.

She said: “As my eyes moved down the page, that excitement turned to dismay.