At LEO Academy Trust, we believe that education should open doors to the world. This year, thanks to the continued support of the Turing Scheme, 100 of our children experienced life-changing international visits to Finland and Singapore - two countries globally recognised for educational excellence and innovation.

These extraordinary opportunities have not only broadened horizons but have left a lasting impact on every pupil who took part.

Learning Without Borders

Our pupils immersed themselves in the Finnish education system, visiting local schools and spending time learning alongside their Finnish peers. In classrooms across Finland, they experienced first-hand the country’s highly regarded child-centred approach to education - an approach often associated with Finland’s strong performance in the Programme for International Student Assessment rankings.

Similarly, in Singapore - one of the world’s highest-performing education systems - our children took part in dynamic lessons, collaborative projects and enriching cultural experiences. Observing and participating in lessons in Singaporean schools provided invaluable insight into high expectations, purposeful curriculum design and the power of global citizenship in action.

A True Cultural Exchange

Central to both visits was genuine cultural exchange. These were not simply tours - they were partnerships.

Our pupils learned alongside their hosts in Finland and Singapore, sharing ideas, discussing their lives in the UK, and working collaboratively in classrooms. They introduced elements of British culture, explored local traditions, and built friendships that transcended geography. Through shared lessons, joint activities and informal conversations, our children developed empathy, confidence and a deeper understanding of the world beyond their own communities.

The opportunity to be welcomed into schools, to sit at desks together, and to learn from one another embodies the very spirit of international collaboration that the Turing Scheme seeks to promote.

The Wider Impact of the Turing Scheme

The Turing Scheme is the UK government’s global programme for international study and work opportunities. Its core aims are to:

• Provide young people with access to life-changing international experiences

• Promote social mobility and ensure opportunities are accessible to all
• Develop essential skills such as resilience, independence and cultural competence
• Strengthen international partnerships and collaboration

For many of our pupils, these visits represented their first time travelling abroad. The confidence gained from navigating new environments, communicating across cultures and representing their schools internationally cannot be overstated.

Staff have already reported noticeable changes: greater independence, enhanced curiosity, improved communication skills and a renewed sense of ambition. Parents have shared how their children returned home inspired - more globally aware, more aspirational and more appreciative of the diversity that enriches our world.

100 Children, 100 Transformations

Across the Trust, all 100 children who participated have returned with broadened perspectives and powerful memories. Whether reflecting on collaborative classroom debates in Helsinki, innovative teaching practices in Singapore, or the simple joy of forming new friendships across continents, each pupil has experienced meaningful personal growth.

These visits exemplify LEO Academy Trust’s commitment to providing exceptional opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom.

Looking Ahead: California and Billund 2026

Building on the success of our Finland and Singapore exchanges, we are already preparing for our next Turing Scheme adventures. In May 2026, pupils will travel to California to explore innovation, technology and educational practice in one of the world’s most dynamic regions. In June 2026, another cohort will visit Billund, Denmark — a global hub of creativity and play-based learning.

As we plan these next exciting chapters, we remain deeply grateful for the opportunities made possible through the Turing Scheme. Through international collaboration and cultural exchange, we continue to equip our children with the knowledge, skills and confidence to thrive as global citizens.

At LEO Academy Trust, the world truly is our classroom.