We are breaking new ground, by inviting applications on sport and citizenship in addition to the general scheme of the last three years

Estelle Morris

But for 2001-02 - the fourth year of the partnership - the government wants schools to bid specifically for funds for citizenship and sports initiatives.

The decision to include citizenship as a topic marks its introduction to the secondary school national curriculum from September 2002, encouraging young people to develop a greater sense of social responsibility.

Grants for the partnership initiative are available to all schools in England and will be allocated in June so that partnerships can commence in the new school year in the autumn.

The scheme is funded by the government and the Youth Sport Trust - to the tune of �850,000 for all schemes in 2001-02.

Lord's launch

Details of the next round of link-up schemes were launched at Lord's cricket ground on Wednesday.

Speaking at Lord's, the Schools Standards Minister, Estelle Morris, said she valued the "spirit of co-operation" between the two sectors and urged schools to bid for the schemes.

The different experiences and expertise that both sectors have in sport will be maximised to the benefit of everybody involved

Kate Hoey, Sports Minister

"I am pleased to announce that this year we are breaking new ground, by inviting applications on sport and citizenship in addition to the general scheme of the last three years," she added.

Sports Minister Kate Hoey said: "This alliance will help pupils from both state and independent schools to fulfil their sporting potential.

"The different experiences and expertise that both sectors have in sport will be maximised to the benefit of everybody involved."

The Independent Schools Council (ISC) has been closely involved with the partnership.

Its chairman, Ian Beer, said he hoped the initiative would "genuinely benefit" young people, whatever kind of school they attended.