Question 1

What is the Turing Scheme?

Accepted Answer

The Turing Scheme is the UK Government's programme funding study and work placements abroad for students. It launched in 2021 to replace UK participation in Erasmus+ and supports Further Education colleges, schools, universities and apprenticeship providers travelling to destinations worldwide.

Question 2

What is Erasmus+?

Accepted Answer

Erasmus+ is the European Union's flagship education, training, youth and sport programme — running since 1987. It funds two-way mobility (outbound and inbound) plus long-term partnerships and staff exchanges across EU Programme Countries and selected partner countries.

Question 3

What's the difference between Turing and Erasmus+?

Accepted Answer

In short: Turing is UK-funded, outbound-only and global; Erasmus+ is EU-funded, two-way and EU-focused. Turing is the simpler annual route for most UK FE colleges. Erasmus+ adds long-term partnerships, inbound learners, and staff mobility.

Question 4

Can UK colleges still access Erasmus+ after Brexit?

Accepted Answer

Yes — through two routes. Northern Ireland-based providers participate directly via the Republic of Ireland's national agency. Colleges in England, Wales and Scotland can take part as a third country in international cooperation strands, usually through partner organisations in EU member states. We help colleges identify and broker the right partners.

Question 5

Does the funding cover the whole trip?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes. Turing and Erasmus+ both cover travel, accommodation, food, insurance and a daily living grant. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds receive enhanced funding under Turing to make sure cost is never a barrier.

Question 6

Do parents have to contribute?

Accepted Answer

On fully-funded Turing or Erasmus+ trips, parents typically pay nothing. We'll always be transparent up-front if there are any optional extras (e.g. spending money for souvenirs).

Question 7

Who writes the funding bid?

Accepted Answer

We do. Our team has secured millions in funding across both schemes for partner colleges. We handle the application, budgeting and reporting from start to finish.

Question 8

What if our college's bid is unsuccessful?

Accepted Answer

Our bid-to-trip success rate is 100% to date. In the unlikely event a bid is unsuccessful, we'll work with you on alternative funding routes — often switching between Turing and Erasmus+ partner-led options — or a re-submission for the next round.

Question 9

Which students are eligible?

Accepted Answer

Any FE learner enrolled at a partner college on an eligible programme (BTECs, T Levels, apprenticeships and most Level 2/3 courses) can apply under both Turing and Erasmus+. There's no minimum grade requirement.

Question 10

Are there age restrictions?

Accepted Answer

Most trips are designed for learners aged 16+. We can run programmes for younger groups under both schemes with additional safeguarding measures and parental consent.

Question 11

Can students with EHC plans take part?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely — inclusion is one of our core values, and both Turing and Erasmus+ explicitly support disadvantaged and SEND learners. We design itineraries around individual EHC plans and provide extra support staff, accessible accommodation and tailored activities as needed.

Question 12

Do students need a passport or visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a valid passport is required. For most European destinations, UK students don't need a visa. We guide families through any documentation well before departure.

Question 13

What if a student has never travelled abroad?

Accepted Answer

Many of our learners are first-time flyers — that's the whole point! We run pre-departure sessions covering everything from airport security to packing.

Question 14

Who supervises students on the trip?

Accepted Answer

Every trip has a mix of college staff and DBS-checked Global Horizons leaders. Our standard ratio is 1 adult per 8 learners, increased for groups with additional needs.

Question 15

What safeguarding training do leaders have?

Accepted Answer

All on-trip leaders hold up-to-date safeguarding (Level 2 minimum), first aid and mental health first aid certifications. Staff working with under-18s are enhanced DBS-checked.

Question 16

What happens in an emergency?

Accepted Answer

We provide 24/7 on-trip support with a duty phone answered by a senior member of our team. Every trip has a documented emergency plan shared with the college and parents before departure.

Question 17

Is the accommodation vetted?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We only use accommodation that has been site-visited by our team, meets UK safeguarding standards, and has appropriate fire and safety certifications.

Question 18

How are risk assessments handled?

Accepted Answer

We produce a full risk assessment pack for every trip, signed off by the college's designated safeguarding lead. This covers transport, activities, accommodation and country-specific risks — and meets the documentation expected by both Turing and Erasmus+ reporting.

Question 19

What does a typical trip include?

Accepted Answer

Return travel, accommodation, breakfast and most meals, all programmed activities, local transport, comprehensive travel insurance, 24/7 on-trip support, and pre-departure briefings for students and parents.

Question 20

Is travel insurance included?

Accepted Answer

Yes — comprehensive travel and medical insurance is included for every learner and member of staff on every trip we run. Documentation is shared with the college before departure.

Question 21

What about food and dietary needs?

Accepted Answer

Most meals are included. We cater for all dietary requirements including halal, kosher, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and allergy-specific needs — just let us know in advance.

Question 22

Do students get free time?

Accepted Answer

Yes — supervised free time in safe, agreed zones is built into every itinerary. It's a key part of building independence and confidence.

Question 23

Is there support after the trip?

Accepted Answer

Definitely. We run re-entry sessions to help learners reflect on their experience, update their CVs, and capture impact for college reporting and Ofsted evidence.

Question 24

What support do college staff get?

Accepted Answer

Staff travel free, get full briefing packs, access to our 24/7 duty line, and a dedicated programme manager from initial enquiry through to post-trip evaluation. Erasmus+ also funds dedicated staff mobility — ask us how to layer it in.

Got questions? We've got answers.

Turing & Erasmus+ Funding

Eligibility

Safeguarding & Safety

What's Included

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