British Ambassador Mark Bryson-Richardson, Melanie Everett, and Mark Howard with representatives from the Egyptian side
Unveiled during a high-profile event at the British Embassy in Cairo, the initiative — titled “Advancing Achievement in Egypt” — marks the first rollout in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region of a global collaboration between the two education giants.
The launch event brought together education stakeholders from across Egypt, senior representatives from both organisations, and the newly appointed British Ambassador to Egypt, Mark Bryson-Richardson.
Melanie Everett, Regional Director at Macmillan Education and Mark Howard, British Council Director in Egypt, at the event
Education at the heart of UK-Egypt relations
“Education is a cornerstone of the UK-Egypt relationship,” said Ambassador Bryson-Richardson. “Advancing Achievement in Egypt” programme from Macmillan Education and the British Council will empower learners to thrive in a globalised world, providing high-quality English language education and developing the confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills needed to shape their futures.”
The partnership combines Macmillan Education’s interactive English language learning resources with the British Council’s internationally benchmarked assessments, including the Primary English Test, Secondary English Test, and Aptis.
Together, the organisations aim to offer a comprehensive model that tracks progress, supports teachers with actionable feedback, and reassures parents about the quality and outcomes of their children’s education.
Supporting Learners, Teachers, and Families
Speaking at the launch, Mark Howard, British Council Director in Egypt, emphasised the holistic nature of the collaboration.
“Through this partnership, we are combining the best in English language content with internationally recognised assessment,” Howard said. “For Egypt, this is not only about equipping learners with English, but also empowering them with the skills and confidence to become true global citizens.”
Melanie Everett, Regional Director at Macmillan Education, echoed the sentiment, describing the programme as a key step in transforming educational outcomes in the region.
“Advancing Achievement in Egypt” represents the next step in our mission to empower learners by combining innovative teaching resources with world-class assessments,” she said. “Egypt, as the first launch country in the MENA region, holds a pivotal role in this journey, and we are excited to support its students and teachers with solutions that build skills, confidence, and opportunity for the future.”
##
A strategic move in regional education
First announced globally in December 2023, the “Advancing Achievement” programme is the latest step in a growing education partnership between the UK and Egypt. With a combined 270 years of experience and a global reach, the British Council and Macmillan Education aim to redefine educational success through this initiative.
The partnership aligns with Egypt’s national goals of improving educational quality and accessibility while promoting international cooperation in education.
With its unique blend of innovative learning tools and internationally benchmarked assessments, “Advancing Achievement in Egypt” is set to create new pathways for learners while reinforcing the UK’s role as a trusted partner in the region’s educational development.
Short link: