WHAT WE DO
Services for higher education institutions
Build strong relationships with international schools and identify contacts to recruit good fit international students for your programmes.
OUR EXPERTISE
Market experts for 25+ years
ISC Research is the leading provider of English-medium K-12 international school data, trends and intelligence. We have been collecting market intelligence and data on international schools throughout the world since 1994.
We identify international schools using these criteria:
- a privately operated school that has chosen to deliver a curriculum wholly or partly in English to some or all of its students between 3 and 18, in a country where English is not an official language; or
- a privately operated school that delivers a curriculum other than the host country’s national curriculum wholly or partly in English to some or all of students between 3 and 18, in a country where English is an official language.
Regional breakdown of international schools
July 2024
- Asia 57%
- Europe 14%
- Americas 15%
- Africa 12%
- Oceania 2%
LIVE DATA PORTAL
Build relationships with international schools
ISC Outreach is the easiest way to enhance your knowledge of the international schools market. Our live data portal can help you identify influential organisations and contacts to recruit good fit international students, in terms of language and independent learning skills and mobility aspirations.
The portal provides access to a searchable database which includes data on over 14,000 international schools, contact details of 70,000 school staff including college and career counsellors, and details of school associations and accreditations, including their member schools. Find out more about ISC Outreach.
Already an ISC Outreach user? Click the button below to access the portal.
THE MARKET TODAY
International schools market growth
10 year comparison
SCHOOLS
%
9,615 in July 2014
14,457 in July 2024
STUDENTS
%
4.7m in July 2014
7.3m in July 2024
STAFF
%
432,970 in July 2014
693,630 in July 2024
FEE INCOME
%
$36.5bn in July 2014
$64bn in July 2024
INTELLIGENCE
International schools market reports
Whether you need global intelligence to inform your strategy, or country-specific commercial intelligence to adjust your plans, we offer a broad range of off-the-shelf reports based on in-depth research. Our specialist reports also share insights into current practices and market needs, covering topics including student pathways to higher education.
How do International Schools Prepare Students for Higher Education?
TitleSEPTEMBER 2024
With insights from students, university counsellors and education suppliers, as well as the most current market intelligence and data from ISC Research, this white paper will explore how international schools prepare students for higher ... Read more
Purchasing and Resourcing 2024 report
TitleMAY 2024
This report aims to explore the decision making within K-12 international schools post pandemic, delving into the processes international schools have in selecting and procuring resources and supplies. Read more
AI Reports 2024
TitleJULY 2024
AI is increasingly being recognised for its transformative potential in the education sector. In our latest specialist reports; AI Report: Foundational Elements and Current Landscape and AI Report: Strategic Implementation and Future ... Read more
Teacher Movement Report 2024
TitleAUGUST 2024
This survey asked teachers to provide insight into their career goals, satisfaction and future prospects with the aim of gaining insight into the patterns of teacher mobility within the international schools sector. Read more
Sustainability 2024 report
TitleMAY 2024
This report endeavours to highlight the various environmental sustainability initiatives undertaken by international schools who participated in this report, and explores the impacts of schools’ sustainability initiatives on the school, on ... Read more
What is PedTech and why it matters to international schools?
TitleJUNE 2024
With perspectives from EdTech suppliers, international school educators and PedTech experts, this white paper will explore some common misconceptions of PedTech, why pedagogy is about more than teaching and classroom practice and why PedTech ... Read more
International Schools Global Market Overview 2024
TitleAUGUST 2024
This report aims to equip you with valuable insights into the shifting market landscape that influences the development and growth of international schools. Read more
How administrative edtech solves problems and poses challenges for international schools
TitleAPRIL 2024
Edtech is no longer a ‘nice to have’ for international schools, it is embedded in every aspect of school operations, supporting both administrative and pedagogical needs. Explore the role that edtech plays in international education and how it ... Read more
Curricula reports 2023
TitleMARCH 2024
The Curricula - Global Overview 2023 and Curricula - Global Overview by Age Range 2023 reports present a comprehensive analysis of the international schools market, focusing on key global curricula and frameworks such as the International ... Read more
Age range and demographics 2023 report
TitleFEBRUARY 2024
This report aims to provide insight into the age range and demographics of international schools worldwide. Understanding these aspects is crucial as they not only reflect the current state of the market but also hint at potential opportunities ... Read more
What data tells us about the international schools market
TitleFEBRUARY 2024
The international school market is growing. In the last 5 years, the number of schools has increased by 8% and the number of students attending by 10%. This equates to a rise in fee income of over $9 billion globally. Read more
Edruptors 2023: international education influencers of the year
TitleJANUARY 2024
Find out who's been recognised as an Edruptor of 2023. Our white paper includes a list of international education influencers who share good practice and social media advice for their peers. Read more
Thailand Market Intelligence Summary
TitleJANUARY 2024
Access must-know data and intelligence to inform your marketing and development strategy. Our commercial intelligence report provides condensed, yet essential research into the international school market in Thailand. Read more
International teacher recruitment and retention 2023
TitleNOVEMBER 2023
This specialist report analyses conversations with international school leaders and teachers over the past two years, on the shifts in teacher recruitment and retention patterns. Read more
International online schools
TitleOCTOBER 2023
In recent years, many brick and mortar schools are making the leap from traditional in-person classrooms to blended learning. Learn more about the unprecedented growth of the online schools market. Read more
International Schools Global Market Overview 2023
TitleAUGUST 2023
This report aims to equip you with valuable insights into the shifting market landscape that influences the development and growth of international schools. Read more
Europe Market Intelligence Summary
TitleJULY 2023
Access must-know data and intelligence to inform your marketing and development strategy. Our commercial intelligence report provides condensed, yet essential research into the international school market in Europe. Read more
China Market Intelligence Summary
TitleJUNE 2023
Access must-know data and intelligence to inform your marketing and development strategy. Our commercial intelligence report provides condensed, yet essential research into the international school market in China. Read more
UAE Market Intelligence Summary
TitleJUNE 2023
Access must-know data and intelligence to inform your marketing and development strategy. Our commercial intelligence report provides condensed, yet essential research into the international school market in the UAE. Read more
Listening to international student voices
TitleAPRIL 2023
International schools are recognised for the globally minded thinking they develop within students, but are they valuing the student voice to inform change within their community? Explore the outcomes of our research in this specialist report. Read more
Why more international schools keep opening
TitleFEBRUARY 2023
As new international schools keep opening year on year, we've explored the macro and micro-environmental factors influencing growth in the international schools market. Read more
Where is the international schools market growing?
TitleFEBRUARY 2023
This exclusive white paper explores where growth is occurring within today’s international schools market. Read more
South Korea Market Intelligence Summary
TitleJANUARY 2023
Access must-know data and intelligence to inform your marketing and development strategy. Our commercial intelligence report provides condensed, yet essential research into the international school market in South Korea. Read more
Edruptors 2022: international education influencers of the year
TitleJANUARY 2023
Find out who's been recognised as Edruptors of 2022. Our white paper includes a list of international education influencers who share good practice and social media advice for their peers. Read more
International school governance practices
TitleOCTOBER 2022
This specialist report highlights changes in governance practices in international schools in 2022, but also calls for further support of the school community. Read more
What makes the international schools market different?
TitleAUGUST 2022
How do English-medium international schools differ from domestic K-12 educational offerings and what does that mean for school admissions and education suppliers? Read more
International Schools Annual Market Report
TitleAUGUST 2022
A trusted reference for data, trends and intelligence on the global international schools market in 2022. Read more
Future of Assessment in International Schools
TitleMARCH 2022
This exclusive specialist report highlights the latest trends in K-12 international schools assessment and includes advice from experts and case studies highlighting opportunities and challenges. Read more
Edruptors 2021: the top international education influencers of the past year
TitleJANUARY 2022
Who are the opinion shapers within international education today? ISC Research has explored this question for the first time, identifying the key education influencers followed on social media platforms by people around the world. Read more
Purchasing plans: the decisions international schools make and how
TitleNOVEMBER 2021
This white paper summarises the outcomes of our research into the ways international schools make purchasing decisions, and provides education suppliers with insights to develop a strategic approach. Read more
The International School Student Profile
TitleNOVEMBER 2021
Based on research conducted with international school students, alumni and staff over the summer, this report explores the profile of students that international schools attract and how this has resulted in market shifts. Read more
Recruitment and CPD in international schools
TitleOCTOBER 2021
ISC Research explored international school staff recruitment and continuous professional development through research conducted with international schools, recruiters and providers. Learn the outcomes in our exclusive specialist report. Read more
International school college counsellors share views on student pathways to higher education
TitleSEPTEMBER 2021
This white paper complements our latest research report on the pathway from international schools to higher education by sharing the views of international school college counsellors on the research results. Read more
The Pathway from International School to Higher Education
TitleSEPTEMBER 2021
Research on the impact of recent macro-environmental factors on the international school student pathway to higher education, exploring changes institutions have made to their undergraduate admissions processes. Read more
Teaching and learning in international schools
TitleJULY 2021
ISC Research has conducted research into teaching and learning practice within international schools to identify if it will experience noticeable shifts within the next two years due to the impact of COVID or other factors. Read more
The growing demand for international schools within a mid-market fee point
TitleMAY 2021
Our team has done further research to help you better understand this growing segment of the global international schools market. Read more
Wellbeing in international schools
TitleMARCH 2021
A report highlighting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the wellbeing of students and staff in international schools. Read more
Why parents select an international school and the impact of COVID-19 on school choice
TitleFEBRUARY 2021
This white paper explores the common reasons why parents select an international school for their child and the impact of COVID-19 on their selection. Read more
Why and how independent schools open sister schools overseas and what next for this education sector?
TitleNOVEMBER 2020
Independent schools in the UK and United States are looking at diversification for alternative sources of income, one of which is foreign development. Read more
Inclusion in International Schools
TitleAUGUST 2020
This report uncovers research into inclusion in international schools over a period of 4 years. It sheds light on current inclusion practices, and provides understanding of how the international schools market has been adapting to the needs of ... Read more
Analysis of the historic response of the international schools market to local and global crises
TitleAPRIL 2020
In the light of COVID-19, this white paper highlights how the international schools market responded in times of crisis. Read more
Governance in international schools
TitleNOVEMBER 2019
ISC Research collaborated with the Principals Training Center to produce this first research published in 2019 into governance practices within international schools. Read more
SPONSORSHIP
Raise further awareness of your brand
ISC Research offers sponsorship opportunities for higher education institutions wishing to improve the recognition of your brand within the international schools market. These may include advertising in International School Leader Magazine, sponsoring International School Awards or other ISC Research events, or supporting the production of specialist reports.
Katie Hebbes, Business Development Manager, is available to discuss your needs.
CASE STUDIES
Our support for higher education institutions
Minnesota State University, Mankato
In 2023, Minnesota State University, Mankato ranked 8th in international student population among master’s institutions in the United States. Hear from Alissa Morson, the Director of International Recruitment and Communications, on how ... Read more
Esade – global higher education institution
Esade is an international institution that offers undergraduate programmes in Business Administration, Global Governance, Economics & Politics, Artificial Intelligence for Business and also Business Leadership for Social Impact. Read more
GET IN TOUCH
Let's discuss your needs
We are dedicated and committed to supporting the broader international schools community by providing data, trends and intelligence. Since 1994, we have guided schools with their growth plans, informed investors on new school development, helped universities to engage with international schools, and advised education suppliers that are supporting the market.
