Wightlink Wins Customer Excellence Award For School Trip Support

Wightlink has been recognised for its work helping thousands of children travel to and from the Isle of Wight on school trips.

The ferry company has received Education Destination's 2026 Customer Excellence Award in the Transport category, alongside two coach operators.

Island-based Education Destination organises trips for thousands of pupils and teachers each year, including educational visits to the Isle of Wight, Dorset and Hampshire.

Wightlink carried 2,242 children to and from the Island in 2026, along with around 230 adults.

The two organisations have worked together for more than 12 years, with Education Destination praising Wightlink for its flexibility and support when travel arrangements need to be changed at short notice.

The company said the ferry operator had been a "cornerstone" of its operations this year and described its service as reliable and good value for schools.

Wightlink's head of business development, Kirstie Higgins-Day, said the company was proud to support Education Destination and other education and group travel customers.

She said visits to the Island provide "memorable learning experiences" and help young people discover what the Isle of Wight has to offer.