The strategy is built around three core ambitions:
- Strengthening the UK’s international standing as a trusted global partner in education at every stage of learning;
- Continuing to sustainably recruit high-quality international students from a diverse range of countries who go on to become global changemakers and lifelong advocates for UK values;
- Delivering a bold ambition for the sector to collectively grow UK education exports to £40 billion per year by 2030.
Leadership of the strategy now sits firmly across Government, with the Department for Education joined by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Department for Business and Trade as co-owners. A new diplomacy-led approach will see Heads of Mission driving education-industry collaboration overseas, while UK diplomatic levers will continue to be used to protect and promote women’s and girls’ right to education globally. Delivery will be supported by a new Education Sector Action Group, working alongside the International Education Champion and key partners such as the British Council to remove barriers and amplify the global impact of UK education.
Commenting on the publication, COBIS CEO Colin Bell said:
“This strategy sends a strong and positive signal about the UK’s long-term commitment to international education. For COBIS schools and our wider membership, the emphasis on partnership, quality, safeguarding, teacher supply and global collaboration is particularly welcome. We are encouraged by the joined-up approach across Government and the recognition of the education sector as a key driver of shared prosperity, skills development and opportunity worldwide.”
COBIS will continue to engage with policymakers and partners as the strategy moves into delivery, ensuring the voice and expertise of our global school community contributes to shaping the UK’s future role in international education.