ACSI Hosts Global Exploratory Roundtable on the State of Christian Education in Oxford and London

Their footsteps echoed off the walls in Oxford, the same walls that had seen centuries of world-changing innovation and ideas. Christian school leaders representing Canada, Australia, Nigeria, Malaysia, and the U.S. joined together with ACSI President & CEO Dr. Larry Taylor and other organizational leaders for the Global Exploratory Roundtable on the State of Education Around the World.  

This roundtable, the first of its kind, took place June 7-12, 2026, and provided a unique opportunity for influential school leaders from various contexts to share perspectives, shape vision, and ensure a solid future for Christ-centered education. 

Dr. Steve Whitaker, Head of School at ACSI Exemplary-Accredited The First Academy (U.S.) and roundtable participant, shared, "We must recognize that the center of gravity in global Christianity has shifted significantly. Sub-Saharan Africa has surpassed both Europe and the Americas, now housing the largest Christian population in the world. From 2010 to 2020, the Christian population in sub-Saharan Africa grew by over 122 million people. As Luke 12:48 states, 'To whom much is given, much will be required.' This presents a strategic opportunity for those of us leading Christian schools in the U.S. to expand our vision and invest in the global movement of God represented by the 'I' in ACSI." 

Roundtable participant Shawna Wood serves as the Head of School at Dalat International School in Malaysia— ACSI’s first international Exemplary Accredited school. She shared how this time enabled her to feel connected to her peers and to the greater movement of Christian education. 

“The Global Exploratory Roundtable helped me to have a clearer picture of the global impact of Christian education today,” she said. “The highlight was spending dedicated time with so many others who are also committed to expanding the Kingdom of God through Christian education. Our work can be lonely, but the connections made with people across the world helped me to focus on the fact that we each do our own small part to expand the work.” 

One highlight of the roundtable experience was a visit to Thames Christian School, an ACSI member school in London. Leaders had the privilege of learning from Dr. Stephen Holsgrove and David Adkins about the landscape of Christian education in the United Kingdom. Participants reported that having the opportunity to see a Christian school in another country, hear their story, and spend time with them in prayer helped bring many of the prior discussions to life. 

The final sessions of the roundtable were held at Keble College in Oxford. The unique backdrop provided a space for continued conversations surrounding faith and how educators can advocate on behalf of Christian education. 

During the sessions in both London and Oxford, all eight of ACSI's global directors shared updates on the current state of Christian education across their divisions. The conversations focused on opportunities and challenges they are facing, with leaders sharing the realities of their work and reflections on God’s faithfulness. 

All leaders share a commitment to advocating on behalf of Christian education, expanding access to quality Christ-centered learning, and working together to advance the mission of Christian education. 

Taylor looks forward to continuing these conversations and roundtables in the future. 

“We are in a prime moment in the history of our world where we have the tremendous opportunity to shape future generations through Christ-centered education,” he said. “It has been a privilege to strategize and put into actionable next steps the ways we can equip Esthers and Daniels in various contexts across the globe to be ambassadors for Christ.”