​This report synthesises the findings from two rigorous literature reviews: 

• The role and impact of private schools in developing countries
• The role and impact of philanthropic and religious schools in developing countries

It aims to bring together and compare and contrast key findings from the two reviews, and to identify areas of research needed to fill gaps in the knowledge base on non-state schools, in an attempt to contribute to working towards a more evidence-informed approach to policy in this area.

The report should be read alongside the original reviews which fully describe the conceptual framework and methodology, and provide explanations and detailed narratives relating to the assessments of bodies of evidence.

Laura Day Ashley and Joseph Wales