Plans to unite communities by building partnerships between state and independent schools in Oxfordshire have been given a £51,000 seal of approval by the Government.

The cash, from the Department for Education and Skills, will allow a project to be set up linking three independent schools and three state schools.

The scheme, which begins in September, follows an earlier citizenship project at the six schools, which gave young people a greater role in running their schools.

This year's project is designed to give pupils a voice in wider community issues by giving them access to councillors, council officers and MPs. The pupils will also be given a greater say in the planning process, and in improving community relations between people of different faiths and ethnic backgrounds.

The scheme will involve pupils at St Edward's School, in Woodstock Road, Oxford, Our Lady's Convent Senior School, Abingdon and Sibford School, Banbury -- all of which are independent, and comprehensives Cherwell School, Oxford, Burford School and Carterton Community College.

Karen Marshall, a co-ordinator for Oxfordshire's Independent/ State School Partnership scheme, said: "This will allow young people to identify areas within the community that they want to change, and to put forward their recommendations to people in power.

"Independent and state schools will work with each other, allowing young people to work with people they wouldn't otherwise know. It will break down barriers and build links."

School Standards Minister Stephen Timms said: "Our aim is that headteachers of schools in the state sector should be able to draw on skills and resources from whatever suits them best."