The late 1990s saw a shift in many funding agency education support packages from relatively small, often stand-alone education projects towards sector wide approaches (SWA or SWAps). When and how are such larger, broad-based system support programmes effective? Recent research by Ratcliffe Macrae Associates looks at the strengths and limitations of SWA to education, drawing on international evidence. The report examines the lessons learned from current funding approaches that strengthen effectiveness of the education sector by promoting partnerships to achieve national and international policy objectives.