Research by the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust (Abtot) has concluded that the fall in the value of sterling has come as another blow to the schools sector after the recent ruling by the Supreme Court restricting pupils’ term time travel.

Abtot said its members were also concerned about what would happen following Brexit, which could present freedom of movement challenges within the European Union.

Paul Fakley, Abtot development director, said organisers had “to make every penny count, avoiding unnecessary expense during a time when value has never been more important”.

He added: “Parents are being hit from both sides when attempting to fund trips abroad for their children, whether with schools or as families.”

Abtot argues that the schools travel sector has a role to play: “While family holidays are increasingly expensive for parents; school-organised trips provide access to unique, cultural, sporting and educational experiences that many children can’t gain as a family or in a classroom.”

The school ski sector has been particularly vulnerable to the crackdown by local authorities and currency movements, but Derek Rosenberg, Director of Ski 4 Schools said: “Many children who attend school skiing trips would not otherwise have the opportunity to be introduced to the sport as many families can’t afford for everyone to go.”