For over eight decades, the British Council has been actively involved in supporting English language education across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). This work has been made possible by our collaborations with governments, educators, and international partners. Through these joint efforts, we contribute to informed decision-making in curriculum reform and teacher development, ensuring sustainable education systems built on shared expertise and mutual learning.
Effective English language education is crucial for broadening access to higher education, improving employability, and fostering international engagement. The British Council’s initiatives in MENA contribute to developing inclusive and effective education systems by working alongside local partners to integrate innovative teaching methodologies, digital resources, and policy development support. This commitment is reflected in our collaborations in Iraq, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt and Tunisia, where we support national efforts to enhance English language learning in ways that align with each country’s educational priorities and context.
Iraq: Advancing English Curriculum and Teacher Training
In partnership with the British Council, the Ministries of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Baghdad and Erbil have approved updated English language curricula for Colleges of Education and Basic Education. This follows research commissioned by the British Council into English Language Teaching (ELT) in Iraq, aiming to better equip pre-service teachers with the skills to enhance English learning in schools.
The revised curricula, developed through working groups from both regions, integrates improved ELT methodologies while maintaining essential literature, linguistics, and education components. These working groups were comprised of experts from the Ministries and Iraqi universities who were able to ensure that the new curricula would work in the Iraqi context across different universities. In 2024-25, a pilot phase will be implemented in five universities across Iraq, with full nationwide adoption expected by 2026-27. This initiative will strengthen teacher preparation, benefiting future educators and thousands of students across the country.
Palestine: Re-Imagining English Language Teaching
The Re-Imagining and Strengthening English Language Teaching in Palestine (RISE Palestine) project aims to transform English education to improve learning outcomes for Palestinian students. . In its first phase, RISE Palestine conducted a comprehensive review of the English education system, examining curricula, textbooks, teacher training, assessment frameworks, and related policies. These findings will inform a strategic roadmap that will be implemented through an ongoing partnership between the Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education and the British Council.
The evaluation followed a participatory approach that saw a co-design team made up of teacher educators and policymakers from the Ministry and UNRWA working alongside UK and Palestinian experts from the LearnJam consultancy team every step of the way. By working together, they will help shape an enhanced, inclusive English education system that aligns with the country’s aspirations and fits with its realities.
Jordan: Expanding Access to Teacher Development
Teaching for Success in Jordan is implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Education and is co-funded by both the Ministry of Education and the British Council. In Jordan, this partnership is enhancing English language teaching through the Teaching for Success programme, a nationwide initiative that equips public school teachers with the skills and
knowledge needed to improve learning outcomes. Running until 2027, the programme is set to benefit 3,000 teachers annually, with a strong emphasis on equitable access across urban and rural areas.
A key challenge has been shifting teachers from traditional in-person training to a blended learning model that incorporates EdTech solutions and live sessions. Through close coordination with the Ministry of Education, we have mapped and engaged teachers across Jordan, provided tailored support, and fostered a culture of continuous professional development.
By strengthening teacher capacity at scale, Teaching for Success aligns with Jordan’s Education Strategic Plan (ESP) and the Ministry of Education’s goal of strengthening teacher capacity through sustained professional development. This ensures that English teaching in Jordan’s public schools remains dynamic, inclusive, and future-focused.
Egypt: Developing a Future-Ready English Curriculum
Partnerships should drive progress beyond what individual organisations can achieve alone. This principle is at the heart of our newly established collaboration with UNICEF Egypt, a vital initiative to develop an advanced framework for the national English curriculum in Egypt. As part of the Minister of Education’s broader Education 2.0 reform vision, this partnership marks a key milestone in ensuring that educational standards evolve to meet modern needs.
By embedding twenty-first century skills, we aim to prepare students to become lifelong learners in an increasingly complex global landscape. Our joint efforts will support the Ministry of Education in aligning curriculum frameworks with contemporary educational demands, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond. Tunisia: Equipping Young People with English and Life Skills
In Tunisia, the Skills for Success project aims to improve English and life skills education, helping young people stay in school and gain the confidence to pursue further studies and careers. Funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Conflict, Stability and Security Fund, it runs from December 2023 to March 2026. It.
In partnership with the Ministry of Education, we are developing curriculum-linked multimedia toolkits for Year 7 English teachers and Second Chance Centres supporting out-of-school students. A tailored teacher training programme will ensure effective use of these resources, including in-person training for teacher educators.
Guided by a 2023 scoping report, the project seeks to equip young Tunisians with the skills and opportunities to build a more stable and prosperous future.
Collaborating to Strengthen English Learning and Teaching in MENA
The British Council remains committed to enhancing English language education across MENA by working closely with ministries, universities, and educators. Through these partnerships, we help shape policies, support teacher development, and expand access to quality learning.
By fostering inclusive and innovative education systems, we empower learners with the skills needed to succeed. Together with our partners, we are building a future where English learning drives educational and economic progress across the region.