All in all it was a wonderful experience; I got more confident with my French and managed to learn new words.  I bonded really well with the people I went with and also with the family and I am very glad I went. - Scott Willoughby, Leigh City Technology College

If you are an FE college or a secondary school in England that offers vocational options, and you are interested in working collaboratively with a French partner (lycée professionnel), this page gives information on how to apply for a Vocational Partnership grant from the British Council.

You can apply to fund:

			a series of work placements in industry in collaboration with your partner school
			a joint curriculum projects, based around a specific project theme, linked to the curricula of both institutions, with a concrete outcome

Previous projects have included:

			the designing and making of a stained glass window
			the designing and making of a set of shirts / skirts and the managing of an end of project fashion show
			the two-week placement of ‘A’ level French and business students in local businesses, with string links to the partner lycée.

Who can apply?
English secondary schools which offer vocational options for study or further education colleges with a partner lycée professionnel in France.

What are the project guidelines?

			All applications must be written collaboratively with your partner, with a clear outline of agreed aims and objectives
			Applications should show how this project will impact the entire school community as well as an element of partnership sustainability

How much funding is available?
Funding for projects is unlikely to be greater than £4000 for your school. Please note that the grant only covers the costs incurred by the English school does not cover preparatory visits / risk assessment visits. French schools must enquire at the office of their DARIC at the local académie for funding (max €5000).

How do I apply?
Please make sure you read the complete guidelines carefully before applying. Download an application form to be printed, completed and returned to us by post.

Download the Vocational Partnerships application form (Word 139KB)

When should I apply?
Deadline for receipt of applications is 23rd May 2008 and then 10th October 2008 for visits to france that take place before the 31st March 2009. These should be sent to:

Anglo-French Joint Vocational Projects
World Links, Contracts and Projects
British Council,
10 Spring Gardens,
London,
SW1A 2BN.

Who can I contact for more information?
Please have a look first of all at our FAQs.

For more information you can email andrew.vivian@britishcouncil.org or call 020 7389 4665