Opportunities for reform and positive change within the education sector often arise during and after conflict, despite the violence experienced through war and instability. This brief, based on findings presented in the book Opportunities for change: education innovation and reform during and after conflict (Nicolai, Ed. 2009), explores some of the prospects for education transformation in such contexts. It presents recommendations for ministries of education and other partners on how to seize opportunities to introduce innovation and reform to education systems. The book and policy brief are the result of a research partnership between IIEP-UNESCO, the Amsterdam Inst i tu te for Metropolitan and International Development Studies of the University of Amsterdam and the International Rescue Committee. They are produced with support from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.