The projects bring together pupils from different schools

Education Secretary Charles Clarke has announced that �1.4m is being given to fund 40 new partnership schemes.

Groups of schools are linked together with the aim of raising standards and sharing best practice.

The scheme, which has been running running for seven years across England, could involve pupils from the state sector having lessons in private schools and vice versa.

Charles Clarke said private schools should work with the state sector "to help the many, not the few".

Speaking to independent school headteachers at a conference at Brighton College, he called for a move away from old policies of offering scholarships to a "few, very able pupils" from the state system.

He said: "There are two possible approaches which independent schools could take in forging links with the maintained sector: a separate independent sector, offering scholarships to a few, very able pupils from the maintained sector.

"Or working in partnership to reach the many not the few, valuing difference, tradition and excellence.

"Of course it is for you to decide but I urge you to take the latter route.

"To reinforce this I am announcing today the next steps in breaking down the old-fashioned barriers between independent and state schools."

Among the new projects announced was one involving Ashby Grammar School in Leicestershire.

It is being linked to all the state primary and secondary schools in the area and to a local preparatory school.

The aim is to boost learning and motivation among gifted and talented 11 to 14 year olds through a summer school with a wide range of activities.

The government insists the scheme is not about the "rich school helping the poor school".