The “bank of gran and grandad” is stepping in to fund school trips as nearly a quarter of parents admit they’ve had to tighten their belts to afford them, according to a recent survey by Zurich Municipal.

Shockingly, 23 percent of parents have had to sacrifice, possibly even skimping on the basics, to scrape together enough for their children’s educational outings.

Relatives are pitching in too, with 10 percent of parents revealing that the grandparents have coughed up for school trips, while eight percent have had aunts or uncles chip in.

Kids aren’t just bystanders in this financial squeeze; the study showed that 12 percent have engaged in fundraising themselves to contribute towards trip costs, and another 10 percent have dipped into their own pocket money reserves.

A significant 20 percent of cash-strapped parents confessed to feeling “embarrassed” about their struggle to fund these excursions.

Yet, despite the pinch on the purse strings, a substantial 35 percent of parents still see school trips as an essential part of their child’s learning journey.

Tilden Watson, head of education at Zurich Municipal, commented on the findings: “School trips bring a plethora of benefits to young lives, it’s heartbreaking to see so many could miss out due to cost.”

Watson also highlighted the unique opportunities these trips provide, saying: “These trips can also expose some children to new places and experiences that they wouldn’t necessarily get to enjoy with their families so they really do offer a window to the world they otherwise wouldn’t see.”

The research, conducted by OnePoll, surveyed 1,000 UK parents of children aged five to 16 in May.

Parents may be eligible for assistance with school-related expenses, including meals, transport and uniforms.

Citizens Advice provides information on its website at www.citizensadvice.org.uk/family/education/help-with-school-costs.

Parents are also encouraged to reach out to their respective schools to inquire about available support.