The British Council
Notable UK charityThe British Council creates friendly knowledge and understanding between the people of the UK and other countries. We do this by making a positive contribution to the UK and the countries we work with. We reach millions of people across the world, working with over 100 countries in the fields of arts and culture, English language, education and civil society.
Activities & Mission
The British Council creates friendly knowledge and understanding between the people of the UK and other countries. We do this by making a positive contribution to the UK and the countries we work with. We reach millions of people across the world, working with over 100 countries in the fields of arts and culture, English language, education and civil society.
Grants
The British Council makes grants as part of its work.
- Gives grants to
- organisations and individuals
- Grants paid (2025)
- £59,015,725
- Who it helps
- the general public
- What it supports
- education and training, overseas aid or famine relief, arts, culture, heritage, or science and other charitable purposes
As recorded with the Charity Commission. To ask about applying, use the contact details and check the trustees and latest accounts below.
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Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
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Country
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | £1,010,444,268 | £1,053,798,262 | £1,037,501,306 | £304,092,162 | £0 | 9446 / 0 |
| 2024 | £989,335,930 | £1,054,737,848 | £1,038,567,801 | £333,445,822 | £0 | 9490 / 0 |
| 2023 | £873,334,827 | £925,158,978 | £914,099,463 | £401,752,837 | £39,841,591 | 9209 / 0 |
| 2022 | £896,655,974 | £942,310,549 | £935,228,553 | £447,469,268 | £92,607,397 | 9861 / 0 |
| 2021 | £924,965,472 | £1,015,114,434 | £1,008,239,961 | £332,570,351 | £3,607,943 | 11131 / 0 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about The British Council
What does The British Council do?
The British Council creates friendly knowledge and understanding between the people of the UK and other countries. We do this by making a positive contribution to the UK and the countries we work with. We reach millions of people across the world, working with over 100 countries in the fields of arts and culture, English language, education and civil society.
How much income did The British Council report in 2025?
The British Council reported total income of £1.01bn and reported expenditure of £1.05bn for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
When was The British Council registered as a charity?
The British Council was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 3 January 1963 as charity number 209131. It has been registered for 63 years.
Who runs The British Council?
The British Council is governed by a board of 11 trustees. The chair of trustees is Dr Paul Thompson CBE. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does The British Council operate?
The British Council operates across 118 areas, including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria and 115 others. The full list is shown on its profile.
Is The British Council a registered charity?
Yes — The British Council is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 209131.
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Registry Information
Trustees
Also governs 1 other charity
Also governs 2 other charities
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 2 November 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated