It feels as though schools are “being short-changed” by the scheme that replaced the Erasmus+ student exchange programme post-Brexit, a heads’ union leader has warned.
The Department for Education today opened the third year of the Turing Scheme, which gives students at schools, colleges and universities the chance to work or study abroad.
But although £110 million of funding will cover the scheme in the 2023-24 academic year, the DfE has been unable to say the amount that will be available for schools specifically, as it says allocations may change.
And Julie McCulloch, director of policy at the Association of School and College Leaders, said the government needs to explain “how it is going to make sure the Turing Scheme works well for schools”.
House of Commons research shows that the number of approved projects in 2022-23 for the schools sector fell by a third from 114 to 73, with a total allocation of £6.7 million.
‘Less funding’ for school student exchange
And Ms McCulloch said reports suggested that “this is significantly less than the funding for schools under the Erasmus+ scheme”.
“It does feel as though schools are being short-changed and pupils are being deprived of these opportunities. We would welcome any clarification from the government,” she added.
The DfE said that this year, through the Turing Scheme, more than 38,000 young people had a chance to “develop new skills and gain international experience” in over 160 destinations across continents, from Australia to Zimbabwe.
Of this figure, there were 23,472 applicants in higher education, 9,958 in further education and vocational education and training placements, and 4,944 in schools.
The DfE said that more than half of the young people taking part were from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds.
Robert Halfon, minister for skills, apprenticeships and higher education, said he was “thrilled” to offer schools, colleges and universities the chance to take part in the third year of the scheme.
“Young people taking part will benefit from studying and working abroad, building the confidence they need for the world of work, whilst increasing growth opportunities for global Britain,” he added.
Applications for funding under the programme can be made until 6 April.
