The Turing Scheme is the UK Government’s funding programme to provide global opportunities in education and training for British citizens and is open for registrations now from schools, colleges and universities.
The Turing Scheme has opened for applications, for international visits taking place up to August 2024. The deadline is 4pm on 6th April 2023, but schools are recommended to apply well before the deadline, in case of technical issues or queries requiring support from either the Turing team or International Newcastle and the City Council.
Application links and guidance
The Turing Scheme has opened for applications submitted by 4pm on 6th April 2023. Schools are recommended to apply early, in case of technical issues or queries requiring support from either the Turing team or International Newcastle and the City Council.
- Click here to download the 2023-24 programme guidance
- Click here to download the 2023-24 application guidance
- Click here to register on the 2023 application portal to be able to apply to the Scheme online
Support for Newcastle Schools available now
Declan Baharini (International Newcastle) and Sarah Edgar (Newcastle City Council, School Effectiveness) are supporting Newcastle schools to apply to the scheme, including supporting international links, developing a strategic approach and writing applications. We recommend schools work with us. Sarah is the first point of contact for schools: Email: sarah.edgar@newcastle.gov.uk
There is a high level of interest in accessing funding to support schools to enable their pupils to have life changing experiences by going abroad, as part of a broader strategy around internationalism in schools.
Some schools have existing links with partner schools in other countries, many are just beginning to explore links and thinking about how an international approach could benefit pupils, staff and the whole school community.
We held a briefing session about the Turing Scheme in February which provided an introduction to the scheme and advice around developing an international approach, including international visits and Turing applications.
Click here to view the Turing Briefing presentation from our 2nd February session with teachers, which includes:
- advice on developing a strategic approach to internationalism
- details of the funding criteria, how to prepare applications
- expectations in terms of ensuring pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds and underrepresented groups have access to the opportunities
- links to useful information, advice and guidance
- advice and support to develop links and applications
- Deputy Heads’ experiences of applying to Turing and the subsequent impact: Bryn Taylor from St Paul’s Primary, who has already been on an international visit to France with Turing support; and Vashti Sergison from Tyneview Primary, which is visiting Istanbul in May and has been engaging with the local Turkish community.
International visits as part of a strategic approach
We recommend that schools develop a strategic approach to internationalism and intercultural experiences across the school community. International visits supported by Turing Scheme could be one part of this approach (see our briefing presentation).
What does Turing Scheme support?
Both primary and secondary pupils can take part in international visits (age 4-19 years, must be in an eligible UK school) to partner schools anywhere in the world (except British Overseas Territories) where pupils work together on joint projects. These projects can be language, humanities or science based. They can involve drama, sport, music or be centred around pupil health and well-being. This list is not exhaustive.
The key is that the visit allows our young people to engage with and work alongside their peers. The visits should not be tourist/cultural visits only, attendance at music festival or sports competitions or attendance at multinational conferences. The visits should be part of a wider relationship and activities between the partner schools.
- Visits must last for a minimum of 3 days (up to 2 months) in the partner country
- Funding is available for pupils and staff to travel and stay abroad, as well as pre-visits for staff to check the arrangements and carry out risk assessments
- There is organisational support funding for schools to cover staffing, as well as engaging the school, parents/families and children in preparing for the international visit
- Additional funding can be requested for pupils with additional needs or for pupils from particularly disadvantaged backgrounds (this could include for passports, vaccination and other additional expenses such as clothes etc). There is also funding for additional costs relating to SEND pupils.
We know how valuable this grant will be to many of our families as it would enable some of our learners to access opportunities which may be unavailable to them because of family circumstances. Please note that there is no funding for overseas schools to visit the UK as part of this scheme.