Quality Preschool Can Improve Learning in Togo if Expansion is Matched with Targeted Support

Preschool education is associated with stronger learning outcomes in Togo, particularly in reading and mathematics. Students who attended preschool consistently outperformed those who did not, with positive effects observed in both Grade 2 and Grade 6. While all groups benefited, higher-performing students experienced the greatest gains, suggesting that expanding access alone is not enough to reduce learning inequalities.

The study also finds that school quality plays a critical role in sustaining the benefits of preschool. Better infrastructure, adequate classroom resources, access to electricity, and positive teacher characteristics were all associated with improved student performance, while larger class sizes were associated with poorer learning outcomes. Rural children remain at a disadvantage due to more limited access to preschool and weaker learning environments, highlighting the need for targeted investments in underserved communities. The findings suggest that expanding high-quality preschool alongside strengthening primary education is essential to maximise learning gains and improve equity.