Programme update (July 2021): Department for Education confirms International School Exchanges programme funding for schools who successfully applied during 2019/2020 school year.
In 2019/20, Secondary schools from across England were awarded grants to travel all over the world, through funding from the Department for Education in partnership with the British Council.
Although the programme was on hold due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, the Department for Education (DfE) has now confirmed that they will support schools who successfully applied for the grant in the 2019/2020 school year to complete their exchange in the 2021/2022 school year.
The Department for Education is clear that it has never been more important to support the development of confident, globally minded and outward-looking young people.International school exchanges enable students to have new experiences and spend time exchanging knowledge and culture.
We are in direct contact with those schools that received a grant already to confirm their intentions to continue with their international project, or to cancel. Projects must comply with international travel legislation and carefully consider current British Council and DfE guidance. Please be aware that this advice will be updated in line with changes in the current context.
Benefits of international school exchanges
'I’m truly so grateful for the opportunity, it’s taught me so much and has been an incredibly valuable experience, one of which I will definitely carry with me. It’s also given me more motivation to travel and get to experience new things. Thank you so much for allowing me to make the most of the trip, for giving me a wider perspective of what daily life entails for different people and for letting us experience a brand-new culture altogether. Genuinely was the most amazing week I've ever had the privilege of experiencing and now I am so lucky to be able to share it with my friends and peers and to look back on it in the future (and hopefully return one day).' Pupil from North Leamington School on their visit to India.
'It was an excellent experience for all staff and students involved. I’m certain that this has had an impact on our students’ awareness of other cultures and norms. Equally, there was a positive buzz in the school overall after the arrival of the Spanish students. A great experience overall!' Head Teacher from Priory Community School on their visit to Spain.
Read the updated guidance for schools travelling to other parts of Europe.