Glasgow teachers to explore sport and learning in India

The team will travel from Glasgow to Gujarat, India, as part of a British Council programme focused on education, culture, and the role of sport in schools.

The Glasgow-Gujarat Teacher Mobility Programme aims to strengthen international links across the Commonwealth.

The programme was inspired by the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and looks ahead to the Games in Gujarat in 2030.

Shaun Donnelly, Haghill Park Primary School. (Image: Supplied)

Claire de Braekeleer, director of British Council Scotland, said: “The Glasgow-Gujarat Teacher Mobility Programme is a unique opportunity for teachers from Glasgow to share learnings and ideas from the 2026 Commonwealth Games with teachers and educators across the state of Gujarat.

Samir Shah, Education Services, Glasgow City Council. (Image: Supplied)

“Sport has the power to do much more than bring people together on the playing field.

“It can support learning, inclusion, wellbeing and leadership, helping young people develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive in an increasingly inter-connected world.”

Ruth Cockburn, Highpark Primary. (Image: Supplied)

The group from Glasgow includes teachers from Highpark, Haghill Park, Cranhill, Carmyle, Pollokshields and St Patrick’s primary schools, along with Samir Shah from Glasgow City Council’s Education Services.

Carol Fawkes, Carmyle Primary School. (Image: Supplied)

During their visit, they will take part in school visits, professional exchanges and meetings with senior government, education and sport stakeholders.

They will explore areas including sports education, inclusive teaching methods, and digital learning tools.

Lewis Pollok, Pollokshields Primary. (Image: Supplied)

A key part of the programme is its focus on two-way learning.

Teachers from Glasgow and Gujarat will share ideas and approaches, including how the Commonwealth Games can be used as a catalyst for learning.

The goal is to help both communities benefit from fresh perspectives and creative educational practice.

The trip forms part of a wider Glasgow 2026 legacy designed to help "pass the baton" from Glasgow to Gujarat and ensure that the benefits of the Games extend far beyond sport.

It follows the British Council’s Commonwealth Games Classroom Resource Pack, which helps young people explore themes of connection, fairness and inclusion through classroom activities.

Nadine Fitchie, Carnhill Primary. (Image: Supplied)

The enduring impact of this year’s Commonwealth Games will equip the Scottish teachers with a deeper understanding of education and culture in India, enabling them to build lasting professional relationships with their Indian counterparts.

These connections could lead to future collaborations within their own schools and across Scotland’s education sector.

de Braekeleer said: “At the heart of this programme is a commitment to mutual learning, and we hope the teachers in both Glasgow and Gujarat will gain fresh perspectives and share innovative approaches to benefit their own schools and communities.

“By bringing together schools, teachers and educators from across the Commonwealth, we can help create lasting connections that extend well beyond the classroom and contribute to the wider legacy of the Games.”

Shaun Donnelly, a principal teacher from Haghill Park Primary School, said: “I was absolutely delighted to be chosen by the British Council for this experience.

“This is a brilliant opportunity to learn from practitioners in Gujarat ahead of the 2030 Commonwealth Games and to bring that learning back to my pupils in Glasgow.”

Nadine Fitchie from Cranhill Primary School was also thrilled to take part.

She said: “I was absolutely delighted and incredibly honoured to be selected for the Commonwealth Games Teacher Mobility Programme.

“It is a unique opportunity to learn from colleagues in India, develop international partnerships and bring innovative ideas back to my school.”

The Glasgow-Gujarat Teacher Mobility Programme is part of the British Council’s wider work building connections, understanding and trust between the UK and countries worldwide through arts and culture, education and the English language.