Turing Scheme

What is The Turing Scheme?

The Turing Scheme was introduced in 2021 as a replacement for the Erasmus+ programme after the UK’s departure from the EU. Named after Alan Turing, founding father of modern computing, the scheme is available to organisations to apply to on behalf of learners, to deliver educational aims made possible through travelling abroad.

Delivered by British Council and Capita in the past, the scheme is currently operated by the Department for Education. 

You can find out more about the scheme on the Turing Scheme website. 

Funding is available for schools, sixth form colleges, VET / FE institutions and universities. A ‘readiness to travel’ element of funding is additional support is available for disadvantaged young people to enable them to pay for suitable clothing, suitcase, passport, visa etc. Similarly, SEND funding is available as an addition and can support students with specific additional needs. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to I apply?

Visit the Turing Website to find out more or to register an interest.

The deadline for applications for projects in the  2024/25 has already passed. The applicaiton for 2025/26 will be annoucned by the DfE in due course. 

What work placements are available?

Students select from our list of business categories and we aim to provide a placement to match their highest preference.

What type of accommodation is available?

We can arrange host accommodation to provide students a fully immersive experience giving the opportunity to learn more about local culture and give you further opportunities to develop language skills. Alternatively, we can arrange hotel or hostel accommodation.

How would a group travel?

We provide a fully inclusive package including flights, coach &  ferry or Eurostar.

Who can take part?

For linguists, we provide projects for French, German and Spanish students aimed at developing language skills and workplace skills. We also work in Italy, Spain and elswhere, providing placements aimed at developing key-skills and vocational courses; catering, hospitality, business, tourism, public services, IT etc.

We can provide other tailor-made packages across the world to suit your requirements. 

Is there a minimum number for a group?

Usually, when funded by students personally, it is uneconomical to provide a trip for less than about 10 students (particularly as the costs associated with staff have to be shared between students.)  However, the Turing Scheme funding allocates funding to accompanying participants and is more than sufficient to enable even small groups of 4 or 5 students to travel with a teacher and Group Leader. Contact us for more details.

Can teachers take part?

Funding is available for ‘accompanying participants’. If you would like a group leader we request that you include a Blue Stamp Group Leader in your application for funding and any teachers that will travel with the group. This increases the funding available for the project meaning that students benefit from the full grant allocated to them personally.

Are work placements paid?

Work placements are not paid. Placements are designed to provide students with opportunities to experience the world of work and develop skills that they may not be able to in a school, college or university environment; customer service, working as part of a team, time-keeping, independence, work-place specific skills… In addition, students will have the opportunity to practise language skills in a unique way.

What will is cost?

Please enquire for further details. Blue Stamp Travel are able to provide a comprehensive package within the budgets allocated by the Turing Scheme grant. There is no cost to the school to arrange a project if funding is granted in full. The cost to students is minimal and may include snacks, souvenirs and some social activities.

Blue Stamp Travel do not charge for any advice or support offered for Turing applications – you have nothing to lose in submitting an application for your students!

The Process

1. Schools apply in their own name. You can register for the scheme early but applications open in March. They may choose to name Blue Stamp Travel in their application as an approved, and experienced delivery partner – this can help with several sections of the application as you can state that we will take care of a lot of the safeguarding, risk assessment and practical arrangements! The application deadline is around the end of March or early April each year. 
2. Blue Stamp grant advisors are happy to provide feedback on applications.
3. You will find out if you have been successful in your grant application by the end of June.
4. ‘Organisational Support’ funding of £315 per student can be released early in the project to fund deposits to secure your project. 
5. When you have the outcome of your application, you can contact Blue Stamp to start planning. We will provide you with a link for students to enrol to the trip that we plan collaboratively.
6. Turing will provide 80% of the trip funding about 3 months before the trip and 20% after the trip returns. Payments from the school to Blue Stamp Travel are made in advance of travelling.
7. Students are provided information about their trip via their Babel accounts. Schools are kept informed throughout the process.
8. Students and accompanying adults travel.
9. End of Project report submitted to Turing.
10. Final 20% of award released.