Kivu carried out an evaluation of the Supporting School Reform project in Algeria which aims to improve learning outcomes in Algerian schools. Core to Kivu’s approach was carefully understanding the economic and political context in Algeria and where education fits into this. Our politically informed approach also led us to explore in detail the function of the Ministry of National Education (MoNE) and key personalities within it. Using these insights, we developed recommendations for the final two years of the programme, focusing specifically on maximising the potential for influencing the wider education system and achieving impact.