The incoming review was revealed in a statement announcing the reappointment of the UK’s international education champion, Sir Steve Smith. “More widely, with the change in government, officials will conduct a review of the international education strategy, which will ensure that it continues to be an effective tool in increasing the value of education exports, promote policy dialogue and reflect the priorities of education stakeholders, businesses and ministers,” the statement read.
A Department for Education spokesperson told The PIE News it will be engaging with stakeholders throughout this process. “Education is a vital export for the UK, and the International Education Strategy has helped to strengthen our global reputation for excellence in education,” the spokesperson continued.
“Ministers are currently reviewing what has been achieved and are looking to ensure that the strategy aligns with current priorities.”
The UK’s first international education strategy was launched under the Conservative government in 2019 and set out to increase education exports to £35 billion per year and increase the numbers of international higher education students studying in the UK to 600,000 per year by 2030. Commenting on his reappointment, Smith said: “I am absolutely delighted to be continuing in my role as the UK’s international education champion, working with the government, both at home and overseas, to ensure that the UK makes the very most of international opportunities, across the breadth of the UK’s world-leading education sector.
It’s a critical time for the education sector Sir Steve Smith, UK international education champion
“It’s a critical time for the education sector, and I look forward to building on the trusting relationships we have with our partners around the world.”
Meanwhile, exports minister Gareth Thomas commented: “I want to see more UK educators exporting their brilliant services around the world, and promoting our high standards, that’s why Sir Steve’s work is so important.”
In August 2024, Labour’s education minister, Bridget Phillipson, sent a welcoming video message to prospective international students and spoke about the benefits of the Graduate Route visa and the strengths of the British education system.
