Multilateral partnerships are cross-curricular projects that involve at least three schools or colleges from at least three European countries. They enable staff and students in the UK to work together with partners in other Comenius eligible countries for the duration of the two year partnership.

Who are they for?
Staff and students in nursery, primary, secondary, special schools, sixth form and further education colleges are eligible. Find out which countries you can work with.

What are the benefits?
In addition to learning more about other cultures and gaining an insight into other teaching practices, participating staff have reported increased enthusiasm and motivation from colleagues and children alike, often resulting in raised standards across the curriculum.

The benefits to the school include valuable opportunities for staff and students to work together, develop focused approaches to problem-solving, and build pedagogical programmes. Pupils and students also have the possibility of visiting their partner institutions through the funding available.

The partnerships can provide a great opportunity for in-service training, through mobility activities such as teacher exchanges, head teacher study visits, teacher placements and project meetings.

What funding is available?
Funding is awarded as a fixed lump sum amount, based on the number of mobilities (staff and/or pupils travelling abroad). Partnerships will be defined as small or medium, according to the number of mobilities.

How do I apply?
You will need to find partner schools to work with (we can help you with this). You may then wish to set up a preparatory meeting with your partner schools before making your application. The 2008 application deadline has now passed. The 2009 application deadline will be announced later in the year.

Whilst multilateral partnerships require institutions in at least 3 participating countries, we recommend you consider operating a partnership involving four or five institutions in the event any partner schools are unable to participate when the project starts.

Download an application form from the 'how to apply' page.

If you would like to discuss your project idea or application, we may be holding a surgery session near you. Alternatively, you can contact us for advice.

Click here to view Comenius case studies from the Global Gateway website.