• agree a shared vision for collaboration
• establish mutually agreed educational goals
• survive changes in the staff involved or other circumstances
• evaluate the effectiveness of the partnership
• give a framework for issues of accountability and responsibility.

A partnership agreement will provide a firm foundation for your partnership and should:

• start small and set realistic aims
• build on the partnership year by year
• involve the active participation of both partner schools, each contributing and benefiting equally
• state how each of the partner schools will contribute to the development of the partnership and activities

• The aims of the partnership - you might start with a few classroom projects, but as these develop there could be initiatives that involve the whole school and additional partners. Do both schools have the same aims in mind?
• The objectives you wish to achieve - it is helpful to identify specific opportunities for staff development and particular groups of pupils that may benefit. If you can, mention curriculum areas, year groups and name the teachers that will collaborate. You may decide to work towards participation in a particular programme or to apply for funding.
• Support for the partnership - there may be value in involving community groups, local businesses and organisations in the process to raise your partnership's profile and enlist support.

More help

View example international policies from school in the ISA section.

There is a partnership agreement tool on the Global School Partnerships website, especially suitable for links with the Global South.

Oxfam has publication called Building Successful School Partnerships with a section, What does 'equal partnership' actually mean?

"Over the past seven years, the joint working has become more sophisticated and the staff involved have developed innovative ways to incorporate global projects into all curriculum areas."

Hendon School, King Alfred School & Whitefield School, London

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All you need to plan and run international links in your school!