International exchanges and study visits are on the agenda for up to 5,000 UK teachers annually by 2002. Estelle Morris, Britain's school standards minister, has launced a new initiative for "international professional development".

The programme is aimed not just at teachers but at other education professionals. It is the result of a pilot programme which included informative visits to Japan, the US and South Africa.

Morris highlighted her aims: "Most countries recognise that education is the key determinant of the success of nations as well as individuals, and that the sharing of education practice benefits everyone. I want every teacher to have access to a range of opportunities for professional development so that our children can benefit from world-class standards of success."