The British Council concluded its MENA UK Study Tour 2026 (photo credit of The British Council)
The MENA UK Study Tour 2026 brought 12 Egyptian partner schools to the UK for a week-long programme focused on education leadership and cross-border cooperation.
Held from 18 to 24 January in London and Cambridge, the tour brought together 46 senior school leaders and education ministry representatives from Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Morocco, and Lebanon.
The programme combined policy discussions, school visits, and leadership workshops focused on improving teaching and school management.
The tour comes as education systems across the region face growing pressure to respond to rapid technological change, evolving regulations, and increased attention to teacher wellbeing and student support. Organizers said the programme aimed to turn UK best practice into practical approaches that schools could adapt to their own national contexts.
Now in its 12th edition, the study tour was held under the theme “Leading with Vision: Innovation, Wellbeing and Quality in Schools.” Sessions covered school self-evaluation, leadership development, and professional development frameworks aligned with international standards while reflecting local priorities.
Participants attended expert briefings at the British Council’s headquarters and took part in structured visits to UK schools, where they observed classroom practice, leadership approaches, and pastoral systems. Workshops focused on inspection readiness, digital literacy, inclusive education, and safeguarding, according to the organizers.
Key priorities addressed during the programme included the use of artificial intelligence in teaching and school operations, teacher recruitment and retention, school inspection preparation, inclusive teaching practices, and governance and quality assurance frameworks.
Mark Walker, director of English and Exams at the British Council, said the organization aims to support schools in managing rapid change.
“The British Council remains deeply committed to supporting schools to navigate digital transformation and evolving regulatory expectations,” he said, adding that the tour created space for “learning, reflection, and co-creation of solutions” to strengthen leadership and student outcomes.
Hebatullah El-Ansary, business development director for Egypt at the British Council, said the programme highlighted the importance of international cooperation. “By connecting UK best practice with the real priorities of our partner schools, we are supporting leaders to build resilient, future-ready institutions.”
School leaders who took part said the programme offered practical insights that are not easily accessible elsewhere. Haidy Wagdy Louis, leader and vice chair of St Fatima International School–Al Hegaz, said observing UK approaches helped clarify how technology and wellbeing can be integrated across an entire school. “It gave us clear models to adapt in our own context,” she said.
Beyond formal sessions, the programme included cultural activities and networking opportunities, enabling participants from different countries to exchange experiences and explore future partnerships.
Through the MENA UK Study Tour, the British Council continues to support Egyptian schools through its Partner Schools network, leadership development programmes, and ongoing professional engagement aimed at improving education outcomes nationwide.
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