The British Council has completed the pairing of 50 schools across the UK with 50 Ukrainian schools, as part of a landmark programme celebrating the historic 100-year partnership agreement between the two countries.
The UK–Ukraine Schools Partnership Programme, funded by the UK Government, connects around 3,000 pupils and 100 teachers in both countries. Through a shared love of reading, the initiative develops cultural understanding, builds resilience, and supports emotional wellbeing.
Schools from all four UK nations are involved, stretching from Orkney in the north to Devon in the south, Glamorgan in the west to Essex in the east, and County Antrim in Northern Ireland.*
The Prime Minister is writing to UK schools and the parents of participating students to thank them for their support of the programme.
Launched in January at All Saints Catholic Primary School in Liverpool, with authors Michael Morpurgo and Frank Cottrell-Boyce in attendance, the programme drew over 750 applications for just 100 partnership places in its first few weeks.
It comes at a time when thousands of schools in Ukraine have been severely impacted by the ongoing conflict. Many children are forced to learn under difficult
conditions, with air alarms frequently interrupting their education, and a significant number of pupils and teachers experiencing heightened anxiety and stress.
On Friday 25 April, pupils from Warwickshire and Swansea visited 10 Downing Street to deliver letters of hope and solidarity to their Ukrainian partner schools. Charlotte Miller, Executive Principal at St Marie’s and English Martyrs Catholic Primary School in Rugby, called it a “once in a lifetime experience” for the children.
St Marie’s pupils began collaborating with Vinnytsia Primary School No. 25 after Charlotte met her Ukrainian counterpart during a special link-up trip to Poland, organised by the British Council.
The schools kicked off their collaboration by reading Mermaids, a children's book by Ukrainian author Oksana Lushchevska. The story follows Sonia and Nika, two girls living on opposite sides of the Dnipro River. To see each other more often, they create mermaid tails and swim to an island, where they build a shared fantasy world.
“That was our starting point, for the children to design their own islands built on their hopes, dreams, wishes and aspirations for the future for both countries from a personal point of view,” Charlotte explained.
She continued: “Our children are just so in awe of how the children in Ukraine have adapted to their circumstances. It’s been incredibly humbling for our pupils, it’s something tangible for them, something they’ve got a personal connection with so it’s more meaningful.”
Reflecting on the broader significance of the programme, she added: “It’s been such a powerful experience and we see it as a permanent link, not just a programme that we’re going to do for six to twelve months, but that we will continue going into the future.”
Jeff Scott, Principal of Kilmoyle Primary School in Ballybogey, County Antrim—one of the 50 UK schools selected—said the initiative was a natural fit:
“When we welcomed 14 Ukrainian pupils in May 2022, our school began to change. The arrival of Ukrainian families brought real diversity, and this partnership is a way to deepen that connection—it’s become part of our school’s identity.”
The UK-Ukraine School Partnerships Programme is part of the broader UK-Ukraine 100-Year Partnership, a long-term commitment to deepening cooperation in education, defence, trade, and community ties. In a world gripped by conflict and uncertainty, cultural and educational exchange is a powerful force for peace and understanding.
For 90 years, the British Council has worked globally to promote mutual understanding through arts, culture, education, and the English language—including with conflict-affected or fragile states, where it plays a vital role in reaching long-term security and stability, grounded in mutual respect and collaboration.
Shannon West, Head of UK Schools at the British Council, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to announce that all 100 schools are now officially partnered in this important programme. It’s inspiring to see pupils and teachers so engaged—building friendships, sharing a passion for reading, and gaining the skills and outlook to thrive in an interconnected world.”