Driving Social Mobility through the Turing Scheme
Over 40,000 individuals across the UK will have the chance to participate in life-changing study or work experiences abroad in the upcoming academic year, thanks to the government’s flagship Turing Scheme.
The scheme aims to broaden access to international opportunities and foster social mobility, with nearly two-thirds of the placements allocated to individuals from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds.
This represents a significant increase from last year’s 51%, demonstrating the government’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for all.
Focus on Disadvantaged Students in Further Education
In an even more promising development, disadvantaged students will comprise 71% of placements in the Further Education sector, highlighting the scheme’s dedication to addressing historical disparities and creating a fairer educational landscape.
The Turing Scheme will allocate placements in various sectors, including over 22,800 in Higher Education, more than 6,700 in schools, and over 10,500 in Further Education and Vocational Education and Training.
£105 Million Investment and Growing Interest
The government is investing nearly £105 million to support universities, colleges, and schools across the country in offering these international placements to their students.
This year, the scheme has seen a record number of successful applications, with a nearly 50% increase in the number of colleges and schools participating in the program.
The high level of interest underscores the growing recognition of the scheme’s potential to provide transformative experiences and boost social mobility.
Minister Robert Halfon Commends the Turing Scheme’s Impact
Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships, and Higher Education, Robert Halfon, expressed his enthusiasm for the scheme’s success:
“Once again, this transformational scheme is extending the ladder of opportunity for more young people to experience other cultures and learn vital skills for life and work, regardless of their background.”
He further highlighted the nearly 50% increase in successful applications and the additional learners from disadvantaged backgrounds in the Further Education sector compared to the previous year, emphasizing the scheme’s positive impact on social mobility.
A Global Britain: Expanding International Opportunities
The Turing Scheme is open to education providers and eligible organizations throughout the UK, aligning with the government’s vision of creating a truly Global Britain. Students will have the opportunity to explore more than 160 international destinations, including Canada, Japan, the United States, Spain, and France, among others.
By funding work and study placements in diverse locations, the scheme aims to equip students with the necessary skills and confidence for a globalized future.
Empowering Students and Enriching Communities
The impact of the Turing Scheme is already evident, as demonstrated by a group of year 10 pupils from a school in Blackburn. These students were offered the valuable opportunity to spend two weeks in Eswatini or Morocco in May 2022.
Engaging in lessons and community work, such as installing drainage pipework at a care center for local preschool children, the pupils gained invaluable experiences that will shape their future educational and career paths.
Rebecca Barker-Rourke, a teacher at the school, spoke highly of the experience:
“The Turing Scheme funding means we can offer this opportunity to students that would otherwise never get the chance for a trip like this.
It has developed confidence in many of the students and will give them loads of rich examples to discuss in future applications for college, university, apprenticeships, and employment.”
Leeds Beckett University and the Benefits of Global Experience
Leeds Beckett University is among the successful providers participating in the Turing Scheme this year. Students from the university will embark on educational journeys to countries such as Canada, Australia, and Uganda.
Recognizing the growing demand among students for global experiences, Tom Kyle, the Global Engagement and Relationship Manager at Leeds Beckett University, emphasized the positive impact of such experiences on graduate outcomes and employability.
He expressed excitement about expanding student mobility and witnessing more students benefiting from these life-enriching opportunities.
Sources: THX News & Department for Education.
