The blue schools' program constantly evolves to meet the needs of teachers, students, and schools. As a bottom-up initiative, the Network of European Blue Schools started with a simple recognition and a certificate confirming the successful completion of a blue project. Over the years of working with teachers, networking meetings, conferences, and events this initiative gained interest from various types of schools and teachers from EU and non-EU countries resulting in a need to adapt the program to better reflect the state of Blue Education in Europe and beyond. After careful analysis and evaluation, in the summer of 2023 three types of blue schools were distinguished:
- European Blue School Certificate
Issued for schools that meet the criteria and are located in the EU country. - Associated Blue School Certificate
Issued for schools that meet the criteria and are located outside of the EU. - Partner Blue School Certificate
For VET schools that did not complete a blue school project but specialize in training in marine (blue) jobs and can support or collaborate with general education schools on their way to prepare their students for the blue market and maritime-related studies and jobs.
Additionally, to acknowledge schools' long-term involvement, and will to further develop their project, set up new collaborations, and the value that more experienced schools bring into the Network a gradation of certificates was introduced for European and Associated schools to reflect levels of involvement in the network.
 Blue School |
 Aquamarine Blue School |
 Ultramarine Blue School |