The Challenge
To produce a new International Education Strategy (IES) that sets out the United Kingdom’s world class strengths in education and boosts exports, economic growth and opportunity internationally while serving the national interest.
The Approach
Structured facilitated sessions with leaders across the whole education sector and government combined with evidence gathering, including internationally, to build a shared understanding of key issues, challenges and opportunities.
The Outcome
The IES, published in January 2026, demonstrates UK capability from early years, schools and special educational needs to universities, colleges, skills providers, English language training and educational supplies and technology. Its core ambition are:
1) to increase the UK’s international standing through education and make the UK the global partner of choice at every stage of learning;
2) to continue to sustainably recruit high-quality international students from a diverse range of countries, helping them to become global changemakers and lifelong advocates for UK values;
3) to collectively grow UK education exports to £40bn per year by 2030.
The Impact
The education sector is galvanised. In September 2026, it has delivered industry-led action plans to increase education exports and the UK’s reputation overseas. It is working collectively with the UK government and its International Education Champion, sharing market intelligence, resolving barriers and creating new opportunities for growth.