Advancing Equity and Quality in Education: A Study of the Punjab Education Foundation’s Public–Private Partnership Model in Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

This research examines the educational landscape of Punjab, Pakistan, where both public and private schooling systems have struggled to deliver equitable, accessible, and high-quality education. Public schools continue to face challenges related to limited resources, weak governance, and inadequate teaching capacity, leading to persistent disparities in enrolment and learning outcomes. Conversely, although private schools have expanded across the province, their services remain largely inaccessible to low-income households due to financial constraints and varying instructional quality. In response to these systemic gaps, the Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) has introduced an innovative public–private partnership model aimed at expanding access to quality education for disadvantaged populations. This study analyzes the role of PEF in enhancing enrolment, strengthening accountability structures, and improving the overall learning environment in partner schools. The findings indicate that PEF has effectively leveraged the strengths of both sectors to promote inclusivity and raise educational standards. The research concludes that PEF represents a viable and scalable model for addressing educational inequities and offers valuable policy insights for regions facing similar challenges.