Jordanian school leaders translated UK insights into practical plans for quality assurance, inclusion and inspection readiness.
The British Council successfully hosted the MENA UK Study Tour 2026, welcoming a delegation of 17 Jordanian partner schools to the UK for a week-long programme designed to deepen education collaboration and share best practice.
Delivered from 18–24 January in London and Cambridge, the tour brought together 46 senior education leaders and Ministry of Education representatives from Egypt, Jordan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Morocco and Lebanon. Participants engaged in expert sessions at British Council HQ, alongside curated school immersions and leadership workshops translating UK insights into practical school improvement.
This year in its 12th edition, and themed: ‘Where Vision Meets Practice: Leadership, Wellbeing and AI for Safer, Smarter Schools,’ the programme explored whole-school self-evaluation and continuous professional development frameworks that align global standards with local priorities.
Building Leadership for a Changing Educational Landscape
Key priorities included:
- AI in teaching and school operations
- Teacher recruitment, retention and wellbeing
- Inspection readiness and school improvement
- Inclusive teaching and whole-school leadership
- Governance, safeguarding and quality assurance
Delegates visited leading UK schools, observing inclusive teaching practices, safeguarding systems and whole-school leadership cultures in action.
Leadership Perspectives
Mark Walker, Director English and Exams at the British Council, said: ‘The British Council remains deeply committed to supporting schools to navigate rapid change, from digital transformation to new regulatory expectations. The 2026 tour created space for learning, reflection, and co-creation of solutions that will directly strengthen teaching, leadership and student outcomes across the region.’
Ameera Mannaa, Exams Director MENA North at the British Council, added: ‘Jordan’s participation in the MENA UK Study Tour reflects our commitment to leadership excellence, safeguarding and innovation. By connecting Jordanian school leaders with UK best practice, we are supporting stronger, safer and more future-ready schools.’
May Goussous, Principal at The National Orthodox School, Jordan, noted: ‘This was not my first time joining the UK Study Tour, yet it introduced me to new 21st-century concepts, insights and skills, both academic and practical, despite my long educational experience. Meeting inspiring leaders added to what was a genuinely enriching educational and cultural experience. Truly grateful for this opportunity.’
Suha Jouaneh, General Director at Amman Baptist School said: ‘The MENA UK Study Tour offered firsthand insight into how leading UK schools approach leadership, governance and best practice. It strengthened our leadership skills, expanded our global professional network, and provided practical strategies, particularly around AI, safeguarding and staff wellbeing, that we can apply to improve school culture, teaching quality and student outcomes.’
Programme Highlights
- British Council HQ: Expert briefings on AI in education, safeguarding and teacher retention
- UK school visits: Lesson observations, leadership meetings and pastoral systems
- Workshops and roundtables: Ofsted preparation, digital literacy and inspection frameworks
- Cultural experiences: Exposure to UK heritage and education traditions
- Networking: Cross-regional peer learning and emerging partnerships
The British Council will continue to support Jordanian delegates through post-tour engagement, regional school leaders’ forums, our Partner Schools network and professional development pathways, ensuring learning from the tour translates into long-term school improvement.
ENDS