As of January 2024, ISC Research data recorded a total of 14,010 English-medium international schools around the world enrolling 6.9 million students between 3 and 18 and employing 664,645 teaching staff. The sector continues to grow as parents seek educational choices for their children that guarantee quality and put students on a path to a global future.
The international schools market is both extensive and diverse and encompasses a wide breadth of school types. As of January 2024, ISC Research recognises 14,010 English-medium international schools that enrol 6.9 million students worldwide. These schools employ 664,645 teaching staff and generate $60 billion of total fee income per year.
To find out more about the sector and learn what this data tells us about the international schools market, look out for ISC Research’s newest white paper due to be published later this month.
Growth in the international school market
The international schools market continues to grow. The number of schools, students and staff have maintained a steady rise year on year. The total fee income too has shown no signs of slowing down, with a rise of 18% in the last five years and 71% over the last ten. With more schools opening and expanding across the world, all data points to continued growth in this market.
Where are international schools located?
International schools are now commonplace in cities all over the world with more and more opening each year. 57% of international schools are located in Asia, with four of the top five countries with the most international schools located there. Despite Asia’s dominance in the market, other regions are still displaying growth and emerging markets in Africa and Latin America continue to thrive.
Why are parents choosing international schools?
The factors influencing parents’ decisions on their child’s education are manifold. International schools offer globally recognised qualifications that provide students who aspire to an international higher education, a high chance of success. For many, a chance to study at a school with English as the main language of learning still has a huge appeal in an increasingly interconnected world.
ISC Research offers an array of reports and data solutions that provide comprehensive market data and intelligence. These resources are designed to assist and inform decisions regarding school planning, school improvement, and to support new school development and investment.
Later this month, ISC Research will publish the newest white paper “What does data tell us about the international schools market?” where the data behind the growth is examined in greater detail. It will look at where international schools are opening and thriving, which curricula are being taught, and how schools are positioning themselves in a competitive market.
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