Oxford GO Lab Releases Research Playbook on Education System Change

On September 24, 2026, in Bengaluru, Karnataka, the Government Outcomes Lab (GO Lab) at the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government published a new research playbook titled "Orchestrating Education System Change: Insights from the Shikshagraha Movement". The playbook examines how government and civil‑society actors can collaborate to drive large‑scale education reform in India.

The research identifies three core considerations for effective partnerships: clarity of roles, working with the system, and building trust among different actors. It cautions that partnerships must avoid over‑dependence on external organisations, the burden of multiple initiatives on schools, and competition or rigidity among partners, as these factors can undermine systemic change.

Key quotations:

  • Khushboo Awasthi, Chief Curator of Shikshagraha, stated that “India does not have an education‑solutions problem; it has a system‑change problem… The real challenge is creating the conditions for these efforts to connect, learn from one another, adapt to local contexts and contribute to lasting change at scale.”
  • Harry Bregazzi, Postdoctoral Research Fellow and author of the playbook, emphasized that “System change is not achieved by working around public systems. It requires actors to work with the system—understanding how it operates, navigating its constraints, while also challenging and reshaping practices that stand in the way of better outcomes.”

About Shikshagraha

Shikshagraha is a people‑powered movement aiming to improve all 1 million public schools in India, placing the child at the centre of learning, confidence, well‑being, and aspirations. The movement enables parents, women, and youth to demand and support quality education and equips teachers, school leaders, and officials with tools for micro‑improvements toward systemic change. Currently, 35+ civil‑society, industry, and philanthropic partners in the Shikshagraha network are collectively strengthening 1,17,000+ schools across 33 districts in 14 states and Union Territories. The initiative focuses on schools with the greatest need, supports on‑ground leadership, and seeks to shift norms that impede education.

Contact and Disclaimer

For media enquiries, contact Kashissh R Bhambri at 8130611211. The content is a press release; PTI takes no editorial responsibility. More information is available at shikshagraha.org/.