Kenyan ministers learn about Wales' approach to school inspection

The visit, which took place from January 25 to 31, was part of a study programme organised by the British Council.

It aimed to give Kenyan delegates first-hand experience of Welsh education policy, inspection frameworks, and school-level practices.

The officials, from Kenya’s Ministry of Education and Teacher Service Commission, visited schools across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan to see how quality assurance and leadership are applied in different settings.

Ruth Cocks, director at British Council Wales, said: "Wales has a strong and distinctive story to tell about how inspection can support improvement, professionalism, and equity across an entire education system.

"This programme was designed to be practical and hands-on, connecting Kenyan education leaders directly with Welsh inspectors and policy makers.

"By opening our doors to international partners like Kenya, we’re not only sharing Welsh expertise, we’re also building lasting relationships that strengthen education globally.

"This exchange shows how Wales can act as a confident, outward-looking nation, contributing practical solutions to shared challenges in education."

As Kenya reviews its National Education Quality Assurance and Standards Framework, lessons from Wales are expected to inform the country's ongoing education reforms.

The delegation toured Fitzalan High School in Leckwith, Stanwell School in Penarth, Ysgol Gymraeg Dewi Sant in Llantwit Major, and Hywel Dda Primary School in Cardiff.

They also met with Estyn, the Welsh education and training inspectorate, to discuss inspection frameworks, data use, and professional standards.

Owen Evans, chief inspector of education and training in Wales, said: "The dialogue with Kenya’s delegation reinforced the value of international collaboration.

"By sharing practice and reflecting together, inspection systems can better support improvement and positive outcomes for learners."

The government is recruiting additional quality assurance officers who will benefit from insights gained during the visit.

Ambassador Prof. Julius Bitok, Principal Secretary, State Department of Basic Education Kenya, said: "Quality assurance sits at the centre of Kenya’s Education Reform; it informs decisions which shape pedagogy, curriculum alignment with national priorities, and ultimately learning outcomes. As a government, we are recruiting and inducting more Quality Assurance and standards officers who will benefit greatly from the outcomes of this study visit to Wales."