Schools

Why take part in Erasmus+?

Erasmus+ opens doors to new cultures, languages, ideas and experiences. For learners, an international experience helps build confidence and develop independence, all while deepening understanding of other cultures and languages. Teachers, school leaders and other staff can also access professional development opportunities, working in partnership to share best practice and bring new ideas to the classroom.

Organisations working in school education are eligible to apply, including schools, academy trusts, local authorities, further education colleges offering academic qualifications and sixth form colleges.

What opportunities are available?

Mobility projects (Key Action 1)

Learners and staff can gain international experience and develop future-ready skills with funding for placements abroad. Applications for mobility projects are managed by the National Agency.

Opportunities for learners

  • Group mobility: Groups of up to 30 pupils (plus teachers) can travel to a partner school. The two partner schools agree on the length of stay, activities and topics to focus on. Activities can be on any curriculum area or a cross-curricular enrichment project. Trips usually last between two and 30 days. Learners must be accompanied by qualified staff.
  • Individual mobility: Pupils can study abroad at a partner school or do a traineeship abroad. This could be short term (10 days – 29 days) or long term (up to a year).

Opportunities for staff

  • Job shadowing: Staff can observe teaching and learning in a school abroad. This can be from two days to one month.
  • Teaching abroad: Staff can teach or train in a partner school. This can be anything from two days to one year.
  • Training courses: Staff can attend training courses abroad (from two to ten days)
  • Hosting an expert: Invite a teacher or trainer to deliver training or share good practice (two days to one month)
  • Hosting a trainee teacher: Host a trainee from a partner school (10 days to one year).

Partnerships (Key Action 2)

Small-scale partnerships

Designed for smaller organisations or those new to Erasmus+, these projects are suitable for individual schools, from early years to secondary. Partnerships run from between six months to two years and involve at least two organisations from different countries. Erasmus+ provides a grant of €30,000 or €60,000.

Co-operation partnerships

These partnerships involve at least three organisations from different countries. These partnerships are more suitable for larger organisations such as multi-academy trusts, local authorities or initial teacher training providers, although schools can take part as a partner. The projects should run for between one and three years. Grant options are €120,000, €250,000 or €400,000.

European Partnerships for School Development

These partnerships support strategic innovation and sharing of good practice. . These partnerships are more suitable for larger organisations such as multi-academy trusts, local authorities or initial teacher training providers, although schools can take part as a partner. Grants of €400,000 are available for these partnerships.

Applications for small-scale partnerships and cooperation partnerships are made through the National Agency. Applications for European Partnerships for School Development go through the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA).

Jean Monnet Actions

Schools, further education and higher education providers can also apply for funding for teacher training, EU learning initiatives and European school networks. Funding for initiatives under Jean Monnet Actions comes from the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA).

You can browse previous projects for inspiration on the Erasmus+ website.

Be inspired

A young child using a magnifying glass to look at leaves on a forest floor up close.

Project example

Nature based sensory development for special needs children

Countries covered
Finland, Slovenia, Türkiye
Period
2024-25
Funding
€60,000
Type
Small-scale partnership

The project focused on improving sensory development practices for children with special needs through nature-based learning. It aimed to support teachers with skills, resources and confidence in outdoor activities, develop low-cost sensory play areas, provide training and guidance, and strengthen cooperation between educators, NGOs, SMEs and therapists. The project improved practices in inclusion, innovation and green education.

A young person operating a professional video camera in a studio.

Project example

European Journey - film festival

Countries covered
Bulgaria, Italy, Poland and Romania
Period
2020-22
Funding
€108,000
Type
Cooperation partnership

The project European Journey - film festival used films to explore different perceptions of culture, traditions, natural environment and literature from the participating countries. It also sought to improve education quality through international co-operation, promote common values such as inclusion and tolerance, and increase key student competences including ICT, language and intercultural skills.