The Schools Standards Minister, Estelle Morris, has announced the allocation of £1.6m in funding for 56 projects which will build links between independent and state schools.

Independent schools are encouraged to work with their comprehensive neighbours

The scheme, which involves 200 schools in England, is intended to encourage a greater sharing of experiences and facilities between state and private sectors.

"It is important that if we are to raise standards across the board that both sides of the education service work together, develop links and share best practice," said Estelle Morris.

Among the projects to be supported, Charterhouse, the Surrey public school, will organise sixth form exchanges with Sedgehill School in south London and will work on a joint scheme for gifted pupils.

Westminster public school will be working alongside Westminster City School, currently on special measures, in supporting maths and A-level economics.

In the London Borough of Southwark,Charles Dickens, a primary school on special measures, serving an area of social deprivation, will work on a project to raise maths standards with a prep school, James Allen's. A specialist maths teacher will be employed to work in both schools.