Newcastle schools are reminded that applications for the Turing Scheme have to be submitted by 4pm on 21st March. International Newcastle and Newcastle City Council (School Effectiveness) ran briefing sessions in January and are having 1-to-1 support sessions with schools who are interested in applying.
There is an unprecedented level of interest in the scheme this year, which supports pupils from disadvantaged and underrepresented groups to travel to a partner school in another country.
We have shared guidance, the Turing application form and budget form. We can answer schools’ questions about the scheme and support links with partners in other countries, as well as help reviewing draft applications. We urge any schools who have not yet set up a meeting to get in touch by emailing: sarah.edgar@newcastle.gov.uk. We will help check drafts and answer any remaining queries during the week of 11th March.
Funding decisions will be in June and for those who are successful, international visits can take place in from September 2024 to August 2025.
Support for Newcastle schools
Declan Baharini (International Newcastle) and Sarah Edgar (Newcastle City Council, School Effectiveness) support Newcastle schools to apply to the scheme, including help with international links, developing a strategic approach and checking applications.
We have a strong track record and recommend schools work with us. Our support is provided free of charge.
You can find out more about the importance and impact of international links and visits in our recent brochure, Empowering Newcastle’s Youth for a Global Future, which includes case studies of local schools who we have supported to access Turing funding.
Newcastle schools report that being part of an international visit has a dramatic, positive impact on the pupils, teachers and families involved. These are opportunities that would otherwise not be attainable for many pupils in the city, especially those from disadvantaged and underrepresented groups.
There is always a high level of interest in this scheme across the UK. It is an important route for schools to access funding 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.
Whatever the case for your school, do get involved if you are interested in applying for Turing Scheme funding for international visits.
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.
What does Turing Scheme support?
Pupils aged 4-19 years from UK schools can access funding to visit partner schools anywhere in the world (except British Overseas Territories) where pupils spend most of the time in the classroom.
There is a focus on enhancing skills and education outcomes, as well as providing opportunities to pupils who are disadvantaged, from underrepresented groups and those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. We know how valuable this grant will be to many of our families as it would enable learners to access opportunities which would otherwise be unavailable to them.
Please note that there is no funding for overseas schools to visit the UK as part of this scheme.