Policy into practice
We support ministries to turn education reform priorities into practical decisions on delivery, financing, and implementation.
Across the world, governments are investing in education reform. Yet too many systems still struggle to deliver consistent improvements in teaching and learning outcomes.
Policies may set direction. But the practical decisions that determine success – how to prioritise, finance, and deliver in specific local contexts – are harder to make, and often come too late.
This is where reform breaks down. When these decisions are unclear, delayed, or not evidence-informed, ambition cannot translate into better outcomes for learners.
Our vision
We want education reforms to deliver meaningful improvements for learners, not remain ambitions on paper.
The most successful reforms are shaped by local realities, owned by the people responsible for delivering them, and supported by the systems needed to sustain change over time.
We believe technical assistance should do more than provide advice. It should build local capability, strengthen institutions, and create the conditions for lasting improvement.
How we add value
We combine technical expertise with practical delivery experience to help governments and partners turn reform ambitions into lasting improvement.
Our work focuses on four areas:
- localising evidence and reform approaches so solutions reflect local priorities, capacity, political realities and delivery contexts
- providing targeted technical assistance that helps partners make informed decisions and navigate complex implementation challenges
- strengthening systems and institutions by building the capability, leadership, and structures needed to sustain change over time
- scaling what works by supporting the adoption, adaptation, and expansion of effective approaches so they can deliver impact more widely.
We believe that effective reform depends on practical delivery.
Through targeted technical assistance and close partnership, we’ve helped governments and partners translate policy into sustained improvements in teaching and learning at scale.
Technical assistance
Through the SCALE (Scaling Access and Learning in Education) programme, we lead the design and delivery of the technical assistance component. This has so far reached systems across 11 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as south and central Asia, and the Middle East.
1.2 million
We have supported the Rwandan government’s Learning Through Play initiative, in partnership with UNICEF, with strategies, frameworks, and sustainability analyses. This initiative is expected to impact the learning of 1.2 million children.
System resilience
Partnering with GPE KIX, edt developed a framework for a shared understanding of what education system resilience entails and to inform national policies and plans.
Engeza: Delivering lasting impact through technical assistance across sub-Saharan Africa
In partnership with the Gates Foundation, we worked with ministries of education across sub-Saharan Africa on policy challenges such as school curriculum improvement, teaching and learning materials, and book supply chains – reaching over one million learners.
Latest insights and research
All of our work is driven and informed by evidence. We invest in research, generate deep insights, and apply evidence to shape better decisions in policy and practice, drive impact, and improve outcomes globally. We combine our respected research with real-world experience and extensive programme and impact evaluations to share insights on what works and to contribute to the dialogue on improving education and skills provision worldwide.
Building effective education systems for scaling: frameworks, ingredients, and implementation
Reflections from the Education World Forum: What partnering with purpose really means in education reform
Licensing teachers: a global policy lever for educational quality and professionalism
Evidence-based policy levers for school improvement
Transforming education systems: lessons from Global Dialogue 2025
Using cognitive load theory as a touchstone for curriculum reform: recommendations for policymakers
EDT leads research on education system resilience for GPE KIX and IDRC
Reconfiguring teacher collaboration
The ‘missing middle’: creating an environment for the middle tier to drive change in education
Covid-19 and the non-state education sector
The role of evidence in the improvement of school systems
EDT champions partnering with purpose at the Education World Forum 2026
Our policy into practice work
CfBT Education Services
SCALE
INSPIRED
Strengthening systems and policy in Sierra Leone so more children can learn
Creating a stronger, more responsive education system in Zimbabwe through TEACH
TARGET and the power of government-led education system reform in Ethiopia
How Building Learning Foundations improved lower primary outcomes across Rwanda
Let's work together
If you are looking to strengthen delivery and achieve better outcomes for learners, we would be glad to explore how we can support your reform priorities.
Speak to our specialist
Dr Clare has deep experience driving education reform around the world. She works with governments to expand equitable learning through catalytic technical assistance, stronger, system-embedded teacher and school leader development, as well as adaptive, outcomes-focused implementation.