- The British Council has established itself as a key facilitator of international educational improvement by supporting Action Research as a platform that has delivered tangible progress in schools worldwide.
- Innovative educator-led research projects have improved teaching and learning in countries such as Pakistan, Egypt and Colombia, delivering measurable results in schools.
- An AI-based maths project enhanced students’ understanding and performance. 80% reported that using digital platforms strengthened their problem-solving skills through active learning and critical thinking.
HANOI – 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. The programme has already resulted in tangible improvements in participating schools and underscores the British Council’s commitment to evidence-based, forward-looking education.
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 to families and school leaders—proved essential to identifying needs and co-creating effective, lasting solutions.
"Twelve educators, empowered by the British Council, turned research into real-world impact—driving change in their schools and inspiring progress across the global education community", explains Thomas Evans, Education Support Manager for British Council Partner Schools.
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.
Building on its success, the British Council has launched the second year of the programme, awarding grants to thirteen new researchers. Visit our website to learn more..
"The British Council’s Action Research programme empowers educators to drive meaningful change in classrooms, fostering innovative teaching and enhanced student outcomes, as evidenced by projects in many countries. We warmly invite schools in Viet Nam to join this transformative initiative in the coming years, collaborating with our global network to shape a future-ready, evidence-based education system." – Samantha Lea Smith, Director Exams Viet Nam, British Council.
Action Research is one of the activities offered by the British Council to schools within its Partner Schools Network. Participating in this programme will provide opportunities for Vietnamese schools to collaborate with schools worldwide for Action Research. Currently, a number of public, private, gifted and international schools in Viet Nam are British Council Partner Schools. Visit our website for more information on how to join the network and contact the British Council team in Viet Nam 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. We support Partner Schools in over 40 countries, transforming the lives of over 250,000 students each year.
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