The project is looking for UK schools that are excited about 2012, and want the chance to link with schools in other countries or elsewhere in the UK.

Over the next two years it will support teachers to develop school-to-school partnerships and encourage pupils to share creative work inspired by the London Olympics with the organisations' global audiences.

Winning schools will be partnered with schools attended by athletes from around the world who are part of the BBC’s World Olympic Dreams project, which is fronted by four-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Matthew Pinsent.

Potential matches could be with a match a school in Kosovo or Kenya, Ulan Batur or Belgium, Bradford or Brazil, the United States or the Middle East. 

World Class is a sister project to the BBC’s World Olympic Dreams, which is following 26 stories about 46 athletes for the next two years as they strive for glory at London 2012.

Amanda Farnsworth, BBC London 2012 Project Executive said: "We want to put young people right at the heart of our coverage of London 2012 and this is a great way for schools to get involved and make an inspirational connection to other schools overseas."

Olga Stanojlovic, Head of Schools at the British Council said: "We are delighted to be working with the BBC to connect schools in partnerships inspired by the biggest international event the UK has ever hosted.

"School twinning builds cultural understanding and trust between young people in different societies and develops in them the skills they will need for life and work as global citizens.

"With this project we hope both to engage schools in the values, energy and excitement of the London 2012 Olympics and to leave a legacy of lasting partnerships between schools around the globe and friendships between the many pupils and teachers involved."

More details are available by clicking here. 


Related stories
April 2010: Sir Matthew Pinsent to front new BBC project featuring Usain Bolt