The return of Erasmus+ opens exciting new opportunities for schools across the UK to reconnect with Europe through international partnerships, staff development and student mobility programmes.
For many schools, however, the biggest question isn’t whether they should get involved. It’s where to begin.
At Global School Alliance, we’ve spent years helping schools build international partnerships, deliver collaborative projects and create meaningful global learning experiences. As Erasmus+ returns, we’re ready to help schools make the most of the opportunities available.
What is Erasmus+?
Erasmus+ is the European Union’s flagship programme for education, training, youth and sport. It provides funding for schools to collaborate internationally through activities such as:
- Staff job shadowing and professional development
- Student exchanges and mobility programmes
- Collaborative curriculum projects
- Partnership development with schools across Europe
- School improvement initiatives linked to international learning
The programme now has a significantly larger budget than before Brexit, creating new opportunities for UK schools to participate in international projects.
Understanding the Two Main Funding Routes
Key Action 1 (KA1)
KA1 focuses on mobility and professional development.
Schools can apply for funding to support:
- Staff training courses
- Job shadowing opportunities
- Teaching assignments abroad
- Student mobility activities
Many schools use KA1 as a way to develop staff expertise, strengthen international partnerships and build capacity before moving on to larger collaborative projects.
Key Action 2 (KA2)
KA2 supports longer-term collaborative partnerships between organisations.
These projects focus on:
- School improvement
- Innovation
- Shared project outcomes
- Developing resources and evidence of impact
- Deepening international collaboration
KA2 projects often create lasting partnerships and wider benefits across whole school communities.
The Four Erasmus+ Priority Themes
Every project should contribute to at least one of the programme’s key priorities.
Inclusion and Diversity
Creating more inclusive learning environments, supporting disadvantaged learners and sharing best practice between schools.
Digital Transformation
Helping students and staff develop digital skills and use technology effectively for learning and collaboration.
Environment and Climate Action
Projects focused on sustainability, environmental awareness, behaviour change and student-led action.
Democratic Participation and Active Citizenship
Helping young people understand democratic values, identify misinformation and become active global citizens.
These priorities align strongly with many schools’ existing improvement plans, making Erasmus+ a powerful tool for delivering strategic objectives.
Why Partnerships Matter
Successful Erasmus+ projects start with strong partnerships.
Schools that know and trust their partners are more likely to create meaningful projects, achieve stronger outcomes and secure funding.
This is often where schools need the most support.
Finding the right partner is not just about geography. It’s about shared goals, compatible learners, curriculum links and long-term commitment.
How Global School Alliance Can Help
Global School Alliance helps schools move from “we’d like to do Erasmus+” to “we have a successful international project.”
We support schools through every stage of the journey:
Finding the Right Partner
Using our global network of schools, we help schools identify potential partners that match their project goals, age groups and curriculum priorities.
Developing Strong Project Ideas
Whether you’re interested in sustainability, inclusion, language learning, citizenship or digital innovation, we can help shape ideas into viable projects.
Building Sustainable Partnerships
The strongest projects begin long before students travel.
We help schools establish relationships through:
- Partner finding in the Global School Alliance Community
- Teacher networking and professional development with our delegations
- Partnership development support through our resources
Application Support
Many schools have excellent ideas but limited experience of Erasmus+ applications.
Our team can help schools:
- Refine project concepts
- Align proposals with Erasmus+ priorities
- Demonstrate impact
- Build strong partnership structures
Delivering Meaningful Outcomes
Funding is only the beginning.
Travelling to partner schools is an immensely impactful experience for your students and staff. Benefits of broadened perspectives, world-views and lived experience helps students to build Global Citizenship Competencies that support them well into their futures. Our range of school immersions, Global Citizen Camps and Leadership Delegations are readily available opportunities we can work alongside you to launch and implement within your school.
Why Now is the Right Time
The return of Erasmus+ presents a significant opportunity for UK schools to reconnect internationally.
Schools that start exploring partnerships now will be best placed to develop strong projects ahead of future funding calls.
Join the Global School Alliance Erasmus+ Community
We’ve created a dedicated Erasmus+ community where schools can:
- Meet potential partners
- Share project ideas
- Access practical guidance
- Learn from experienced schools
- Receive updates on funding opportunities
- Access resources and support
If you’re interested in Erasmus+, we’d love to help you take the next step.
Whether you’re completely new to international projects or looking to build on previous Erasmus+ experience, Global School Alliance can help you create partnerships that are meaningful, sustainable and transformative for your school community.
Register your interest today and start building your next international partnership.
