Real-world and applied learning
Island
Education
Network
A collaborative initiative co-led by the Edge Foundation and Island Innovation, bringing together educators, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners working to strengthen education systems in island and coastal communities.
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The Network builds on several years of collaboration through platforms such as the Virtual Island Summit, where education systems, skills development, and youth opportunity have been recurring themes.
IEN provides a dedicated space to connect this growing community, share learning, and support practical change.
Our Work So Far
Since its inception, the Island Education Network has convened conversations and collaborations across island regions focused on:
Education systems fit for the future
Skills for sustainable and green economies
School and Further Education curriculum
Youth pathways to opportunity and resilience
Featured Sessions
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.
Bridging Research, Practice, and Policy
The IEN works alongside Island Innovation's Academic Council, which connects academic research with real-world education practice.
Academic Council members contribute:
Academic Council Contributions
- Research insights and evidence-based perspectives
- Case studies from island contexts
- Thought leadership through events, articles, and multimedia content
This helps ensure IEN's work is grounded in both local experience and global evidence.
Connecting global research with island realities to strengthen education systems worldwide
Partnership & Leadership
The Island Education Network reflects a formal partnership between The Edge Foundation and Island Innovation. Together, the partners work to elevate island education within global conversations on sustainability, resilience, and opportunity.
Education Policy Reform
Deep expertise from Edge Foundation
Global Convening Power
Island Innovation's worldwide network
Community Connection
Bridging educators and policymakers
Research & Practice
Evidence-based island education
Leadership Team
Olly Newton
Executive Director, Edge Foundation
Education PolicyCurriculum DesignIsland Communities
ContactOlly's professional background is in education policy making, having spent 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
Strategic CommunicationsMedia RelationsGlobal Perspective
ContactSusan is a senior communications and media relations specialist who has led high-impact strategic communications across complex organisations in education and beyond.
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
Youth LeadershipClimate JusticeCommunity Empowerment
ContactArianna designs and leads initiatives that empower frontline communities and emerging leaders to drive climate-resilient and inclusive development.
Looking Ahead
Over the coming year, the Island Education Network will:
Expand membership
Welcoming more secondary and further education institutions from island regions
Convene global webinars and sessions
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
IEN aims to support education systems that are relevant, resilient, and rooted in island realities.
Get Involved
We welcome educators, institutions, researchers, and partners interested in contributing to the Island Education Network.
To learn more, collaborate, or join the Network, please contact us:
The Island Education Network is co-led by Edge Foundation and Island Innovation, reflecting a shared commitment to education systems that are relevant, resilient, and rooted in island realities.