Investing in the Next Generation to Secure a 100-Year UK–Ukraine Partnership

Aliona Hlivco, Founder and CEO of the St. James’s Foreign Policy Group (SJFG), has reinforced that the 100-year partnership between the UK and Ukraine must extend to the educational foundations of the next generation.

Following a consultation with Johanna Baxter MP, Aliona affirmed SJFG’s commitment to supporting St Mary’s Ukrainian School and Trust in their vital advocacy work. The Trust is leading the call to integrate Ukrainian language qualifications into the British education system, specifically through the introduction of a Ukrainian GCSE and the accreditation of National 5 qualifications in Scotland.

The discussion highlighted a pragmatic implementation strategy: utilising existing examination frameworks to accelerate delivery. This approach, championed by St Mary’s and supported by SJFG, aims to bypass the delays associated with creating new qualifications, ensuring immediate support for displaced students.

"Beyond academic progression, these measures are critical for preserving national identity and fostering resilience. Formalising such qualifications provides essential stability for the generation set to play a central role in the future bilateral relationship."

We are hoping that these policies will be advanced at APPG, a move vital for integrating Ukrainian educational standards into the broader strategic framework.