Results of NFER independent review of GSP

Global School Partnerships has positive impact on UK pupils’ global learning

Independent research carried out by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) confirms that the Global School Partnerships (GSP) programme successfully supports schools in developing UK pupils’ understanding of the big global issues.

“The evidence from this research indicates that the GSP programme has made a significant positive impact on the learning and attitudes of girls and boys in primary and secondary schools throughout the UK.”

The report highlights that the nature of the relationship with the partner school as ‘a two-way exchange, working and learning together rather than simply providing charitable support’ is, perhaps, the most important difference between GSP schools and those with no involvement in the programme.

Positive impact was evident across the range of GSP schools, and the most significant differences were seen in well-established school partnerships where the principles and values of the programme had become embedded in whole-school policy over time.

“Pupils in GSP schools had a clearer understanding of interdependence, and were able to give specific examples of how our actions impact on poorer countries… They were also more informed about the factors that contribute towards inequality amongst different countries.”

Teachers in GSP schools said that the programme had not only benefitted their schools and pupils, but also their own personal and professional development. Many have taken part in global learning courses and are actively teaching themes of global citizenship, sustainable development, interdependence and conflict resolution. They report that global education has brought ‘vibrancy and relevance to the learning in their classrooms’ and they believe that their partnerships will continue to develop. Read further details of this research.

The National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) is the UK’s largest independent provider of research, assessment and information services for education and children’s services. Its purpose is to make a difference to learners of all ages, especially to the lives of children and young people, by ensuring that its work improves the practice and understanding of everyone who works with and for learners.