Through the Action Research programme, the British Council supports educational improvement worldwide. As the UK's organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, it plays a key role in facilitating global progress in education.

This initiative not only provides educators with funding, mentoring, and resources to implement research findings directly in their classrooms but also fosters the exchange of best practices among schools and teaching communities. Its impact cascades through local forums and Partner School events, reaching school leaders, teachers and ultimately students and has already resulted in tangible improvements in participating schools.

The British Council Partner Schools' Action Research programme supported twelve researchers from nine countries: Pakistan, Egypt, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Ghana, Jordan, Zimbabwe, Peru and Colombia on projects focused on leadership, continuous professional development (CPD) and technology, addressing shared global challenges in education.

The projects revealed key insights into technology, teacher development, and leadership as drivers of educational improvement. Many focused on digital learning, AI and online platforms, reflecting a keen global interest in technology to support education. In Colombia, 80% of students reported that digital tools improved their skills, especially in problem-solving and critical thinking. Research on CPD shows that group reflection on individually completed training leads to greater gains in teaching quality and student outcomes than isolated professional development.

Leadership was also key: in Pakistan, one of the four projects empowered female students through academic achievement, extracurricular engagement, and leadership roles that challenge gender norms and drive community change. Across all projects, inclusive participation, from students, families and school leaders, proved essential to identifying needs and co-creating effective, lasting solutions.

The new publication Action Research for Schools: Global Stories of School Improvement presents these findings and practical solutions to help schools worldwide address similar challenges.

"British Council Partner Schools drive innovation by empowering educators through accessible, research-led initiatives," affirmed Nii Doodo Dodoo, Country Director, British Council Ghana.

"Winning the British Council's Action Research grant transformed my teaching and professional growth. Through the Online Support for Schools platform, I saw how online development empowers teachers and improves classrooms. Now mentoring others, I am inspired to continue championing action research for meaningful educational change," reflected Lydia, the grant recipient from Ghana.

Building on its success, the British Council has launched the second year of the programme. Visit our website to learn more.

About British Council Partner Schools

British Council Partner Schools is a global community of over 2,300 schools, supported by the British Council, delivering UK qualifications. A trusted partner, we help improve education quality, supporting learners worldwide to achieve their potential through UK education and qualifications.

About the British Council

The British Council is the UK's international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. We do this through our work in arts and culture, education and the English language. We work with people in over 200 countries and territories and are on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2023-24 we reached 600 million people.