<p>Despite a growing body of evidence on the role and impacts of private schooling, there is much less analysis of other types of non-state providers. The available literature focuses on philanthropic and religious providers, but is highly fragmented by provider and limited in geographic scope. Where evidence exists, it finds that philanthropic schools in particular have learning outcomes that are comparable to those in state schools and can play useful roles in complementing state education, by expanding access to marginalised groups and improving school readiness.</p>
<p>This brief is designed to provide an overview of the key evidence discussed in the rigorous review, <em><a href="http://www.heart-resources.org/doc_lib/the-role-and-impact-of-philanthropic-and-religious-schools-in-developing-countries/" target="_blank">The role and impact of philanthropic and religious schools in developing countries,</a> </em>to assist policy-makers and researchers in assessing the evidence in this field. It summarises key findings and indicates the country contexts from which evidence is drawn. The evidence is deeply contextual and this evidence brief provides only a broad overview. It is not designed to provide advice on which interventions are more or less appropriate in specific contexts.</p>