Join the Network of European Blue Schools

Join a growing pan-European community of schools working to embed ocean literacy in formal education. Whether your pupils are exploring a local river or the open sea, becoming a European Blue School recognises your work and connects you with schools

Apply now

Application process

Have you developed a project that meets the 4 mandatory criteria and carried it out with your pupils? Then you are ready to apply for the European Blue School Certificate. 

Applying does more than earn your school formal recognition — it also makes you part of the Network of European Blue Schools, giving you access to exclusive benefits including training, partnerships, and a pan-European community of educators. See the full range of member benefits → 

The European Blue School initiative is open to all schools in the European Union and in countries associated with Horizon Europe, which can receive an associated Blue School recognition. Eligible schools can apply for certification and take part in the online European Blue School Community. 

Before you apply: 

• The application form is available in English only, and must be completed in English. Applications submitted in another language will not be considered. 

• Your project must be ongoing or already completed — projects that have not yet started before the application period will not be considered. 

   

Application periods: Applications open twice a year, from mid-September to 15 December and from mid-January to 15 July. They are reviewed by the European Blue Schools coordinating team on a rolling basis at the start of each month — October, November, December, February, March, April, May, June and July — with a final assessment following each deadline (15 December and 15 July). 

During the evaluation, teachers may be contacted for additional information. Once the review is complete, you will receive the results by email: 

• If approved, you will receive your European Blue School Certificate and become a member of the Network of European Blue Schools  
• If declined, you are welcome to revise your project to meet the requirements and resubmit. 

Apply now → 

Criteria

The European Blue School educational model is built around 10 criteria. Use them as guidelines while designing a new project, or as a checklist to self-evaluate a project already underway or recently completed. The first 4 criteria are compulsory, every project needs to address these criteria to obtain the European Blue Schools certification. Remaining criteria are optional. 

Compulsory criteria (all 4 must be met for certification): 

1. Develop a project with interlinked activities 
2. Produce a clear output 
3. Ensure meaningful participation of all students involved in the project 
4. Communicate project results 

Optional criteria: 

5. Collaborate with a local partner 
6. Provide authentic learning experiences 
7. Work in a multi-disciplinary manner 
8. Mobilise beyond the classroom 
9. Foster land-sea interaction 
10. Bring in a European dimension 

For more detail on these criteria, and support with designing and running your project, visit the How to develop a project page. 

Related links

Why become a European Blue School                             Frequently Asked Questions 

The Blue School Certificate                                              Memebers of the Network of European Blue Schools