Transforming Students Through International Experiences: Turing Scheme 2026/27 Opens Today
Blog by Julia Felgate, Chief Marketing Officer, Challenges AbroadÂ
It is hard to believe it has been five years since we first started supporting schools and colleges to access Turing Scheme funding. In that time, we have helped thousands of students broaden their horizons, raise their aspirations, and access genuinely life-changing experiences, often opportunities they never thought possible.  Â
As Lizzie George, our Head of Further Education, reflects: “I don’t often shout about how proud I am of the work we do, but when I think back about what we have achieved so far, I cannot help but feel incredibly proud of the impact our programmes have had.”  Â
With the final round of Turing Scheme funding opening next week, we wanted to share what schools have told us about why these opportunities matter and how the right support makes them possible. Â
Why Schools Choose Turing Funding   Â
For many schools and colleges, the desire to offer international experiences exists, but the barriers feel significant, the application process is complex, compliance requirements are demanding and staff time is limited. Â
Yet when schools overcome these barriers, the results speak for themselves. Â
Ciaran, Head Teacher at Archbishop Ilsley Catholic School, has sent students on five international trips to Nepal, Cambodia, and Peru over the past four years. His focus is clear: reaching students who might not otherwise have these opportunities. Â
“These experiences are literally life changing for kids from deprived backgrounds who often think ‘that’s not for me.’ I tell them, ‘I am like you. I grew up in an area similar to you. I had never really been abroad. But then I did this.'” Â
The outcomes are tangible: “The three big outcomes are confidence, resilience, and communication skills. They come back taller. It is like a springboard that makes them socially and professionally mobile.” Â
Marcus Rutland, a Chemistry Teacher at Queen Mary’s College, has led four funded trips taking 68 students to Cambodia, Panama, Nepal, and India. He is now planning his fifth. Â
“The top thing the kids get out of it is a hugely expanded sense of what they are capable of,” Marcus explains. “They come home going, ‘Oh my gosh, there is this amazing planet full of people and things I cannot even imagine… and yet I have it within myself to go and get involved and to be part of something, and actually to succeed within it.'” Â
Removing the Barriers   Â
The challenge for many schools is not whether these experiences are valuable, but whether they have the capacity to navigate the application and delivery process. Â
Jess, Curriculum Manager at Bridgend College, describes how project management support removed this barrier: “The team is always on hand to answer any question, no matter how big or small, providing guidance exactly when we need it. We were particularly impressed with their proficiency in the complex area of bid writing, which has led to multiple successful project outcomes for us.”  Â
But the support extends well beyond the application itself: “Beyond securing the funding, the team provides compliant and effective management of the entire project lifecycle, handling everything from the submission of detailed reports and payment requests to the necessary collation of participant and placement data. The constant support, combined with seamless logistical planning, including all trip bookings and full group preparation, allowed us to focus entirely on our students’ educational outcomes.” Â
David Gartland, Principal and CEO at Darlington College, has partnered with us for several years: “The work you do is remarkable. We know what a positive impact these projects have had on so many students… and staff. Great to work with you.” Â
What Project Management Support Actually Means  Â
When schools work with us, we manage the entire process from application, trip delivery, through to final reporting. This includes application writing, budget development, compliance documentation, participant registration, travel and accommodation booking, in-country logistics, risk management, payment requests and reporting, and data collection. Â
Schools focus on what they do best: recruiting students, integrating the experience with their curriculum, and supporting students before and after their placements. Â
Marcus at Queen Mary’s College values this approach: “Challenges Abroad has been exceptional to work with, they are fixers, enthusiasts, giving personal attention to making sure things go well and making us feel known and cared about as a college.” Â
Ciaran agrees: “Challenges Abroad has an amazing mission to build more global citizens, and the team have been brilliant, very likeminded and really efficient.”
If you have been thinking about offering your students international experiences but were unsure how to fund them, or felt the process was too complex, now is the time to explore whether this could work for your institution. Book a free 30-minute consultation with our team to discuss or download our complete guide “Securing Turing Scheme & Funding for your Students”. Applications open on the 26th of January at 12pm, with a deadline of the 16th of March at 4pm. Â
Join Challenges Abroad in today.
Gain insights to a different culture, experience new things and begin your journey to global citizenship!Â