Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to encourage secondary schools and their pupils to take part in student exchange programmes with schools in other countries.

In January, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education announced a new £2.5 million programme to provide more opportunities for young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to take part in an international school exchange.

State schools in England can apply for grants to take pupils aged 11 and above to visit partner schools around the world, giving them the chance to experience different cultures, improve language skills and build independence, character and resilience.

​Some of the first exchanges have already taken place, to destinations including Toulon in France, and Heinsberg in Germany. More information about the programme is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/25-million-to-boost-international-exchanges-for-schools.