Following the news that the United Kingdom will rejoin Erasmus+ in 2027 (see ACA Newsletter – Education Europe, December 2025), the UK’s Department for Education has announced that the British Council is set to take on the role of the National Agency for the programme. 

The development follows the political agreement reached between the UK and the EU on 17 December 2025, which has now been legally formalised under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The UK’s reassociation will restore participation in Erasmus+ across education, training, youth and sport, enabling UK organisations and participants to access the programme’s mobility and cooperation opportunities once again. 

Scott McDonald, Chief Executive of the British Council, highlighted the role of Erasmus+ in opening up learning experiences, building intercultural understanding and supporting global citizenship, not only in higher education, but also across schools, non-formal education, technical and vocational education and training, and sport. 

The British Council has previous experience in this role, having been a lead partner in the Erasmus+ UK National Agency from 2014 to 2020. The announcement marks a further step in preparations for the UK’s return to Erasmus+, with the programme expected to offer renewed opportunities for learners, staff and organisations across the country from 2027. 

Read the press release in full here.