To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much funding for school children to visit developing countries his Department allocated to pupils who attended National Challenge schools in (a) 2008-09 and (b) 2009-10; and if he will make a statement. (312735)

The following table shows how much funding for school children to visit developing countries the Department for International Development (DFID) provided to National Challenge schools in 2008-09 and 2009-10.

In 2009-10, fewer National Challenge schools applied for Global Curriculum Project grants compared to 2008-9. There were no unsuccessful applications from National Challenge schools in either 2008-09 or 2009-10.

This funding was provided through the Global School Partnerships programme implemented by the British Council.