This network brings together colleagues leading education transformation on islands around the British Isles and in British Overseas Territories. Members include Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man, the Western Isles of Scotland, the Orkneys, the Shetlands, Virgin Islands, Montserrat and the Falkland Islands.
Island Education Network provides a dedicated space to connect this growing community, share learning, and support practical change.
Timetable – Termly meetings (virtual)
If you'd like to know more about the Island Education Network, please contact Olly Newton or subscribe to the weekly newsletter.
The Network builds on several years of collaboration through platforms including the Virtual Island Summit, where education systems, skills development, and youth opportunity have been recurring themes.
Featured webinars
A Growing Island Network
The Island Education Network connects organisations and individuals across a wide range of island and coastal regions. Members include:
- Secondary schools and further education colleges
- Education practitioners and policymakers
- Researchers and academic institutions
- Youth leaders and education innovators
The Network continues to grow, with a focus on welcoming new education institutions at each convening.
Leadership Team
Olly Newton, Executive Director, Edge Foundation
Olly's professional background is in education policy making, after spending a decade working in the UK Department for Education on areas including school curriculum, support for disengaged young people, apprenticeships and vocational education.
Susan Higgins, Director of Communications, Edge Foundation
Susan is a senior communications and media relations specialist who has led high-impact strategic communications across complex organisations in education and beyond.
James Ellsmoor, CEO, Island Innovation
James is CEO of Island Innovation and an advocate for sustainable island development, with experience working with island communities on every continent.
Arianna Abdul-Nour, Sustainable Development Manager, Island Innovation
Arianna designs and leads initiatives that empower frontline communities and emerging leaders to drive climate-resilient and inclusive development.
Partnership and Leadership
The Island Education Network reflects a formal partnership between Edge Foundation and Island Innovation. Together, the partners work to elevate island education within global conversations on sustainability, resilience, and opportunity.
Looking Ahead: Over the next year the Island Education Network will:
Expand membership
Welcome more secondary and further education institutions from island regions
Convene global webinars and sessions
Convene regular online events bringing together island educators and policymakers
Strengthen collaboration
Building connections between educators, researchers, and policymakers
Showcase innovative practice
Highlighting successful education initiatives from island contexts
Some of our previous work
Get Involved
We welcome educators, institutions, researchers, and partners interested in contributing to the Island Education Network. If you'd like to find out more, collaborate, or join the Network, please contact us Olly Newton or Arianna Abdul-Nour