Shape your Schools’ Future with Expert Insights and Guidance
Gain a strategic path to growth, brand building, and long-term sustainability, with the help of .data and intelligence on the international schools market. We support independent schools in expanding internationally to drive long-term success.
HOW CAN WE HELP?
How ISC Research Supports Independent Schools?
- Financial Pressure from VAT Changes: Establishing international campuses diversifies revenue streams, reducing reliance on fee-paying families in the UK. Schools can tap into high-demand overseas markets where parents actively seek British education.
- Slowing Growth in the Domestic Market: ISC Research helps schools identify high-growth international markets, allowing them to capture demand abroad that isn’t available domestically.
- Increasing Competition Among UK Schools: Expansion enhances brand differentiation. By positioning themselves as international players, schools boost prestige at home and abroad, strengthening their appeal to globally minded parents.
- Sustainability and Long-Term Viability Concerns: International schools build resilience. Establishing a presence in multiple geographies provides insurance against UK-only risks and supports long-term sustainability.
- Legal and Operational Challenges in Maintaining Growth Locally: ISC Research provides strategic presentations, targeted follow-up, and advisory support to help schools manage the legal, contractual, and operational complexities of overseas ventures — challenges that their advisors have direct experience solving.
READY TO BEGIN?
Ready to Explore International Expansion?
Speak with our team about your priorities and challenges. Learn how ISC Research can provide you with expert insight and guidance you need to take your first confident steps into global markets.
CASE STUDIES
Proven Results for Independent Schools
Learn how international schools are using ISC Research intelligence to drive successful expansion and strategic development.
Wellington College International
Clare Hillman is Director of Licensing for Wellington College International (WCI), a subsidiary of Wellington College which is a major public school in the UK. She explains how ISC Research supports WCI. Read more
King’s College School, Wimbledon
King’s College School, Wimbledon, one of the academically most successful schools in the world, is partnering with investors for new school projects internationally. King’s first two international sister schools in Wuxi and Hangzhou, ... Read more
STAY INFORMED
Your First Steps to International Expansion
With recent VAT changes impacting UK independent schools, international expansion offers a strategic path to growth, brand building, and long-term sustainability. ISC Research provides the expert insight and guidance you need to take your first confident steps into global markets.
ISC Research’s UK Independent School Service:
- Strategic Presentation: A comprehensive session for senior leaders and governors covering how to establish a school abroad.
- Targeted Follow-Up: Region-specific insights to help you avoid common pitfalls and make smart, timely choices.
- UK International Schools Data: Understand the global competitive landscape and benchmark successful models to identify gaps and opportunities.
- Global Market Overview Report: Gain a clear sense of international education trends and high-potential regions.
- Sub-Regional/Country Report: Once a region is identified, receive detailed local intelligence to guide confident, strategic decisions.
Get in touch with our expert teams so we can better understand your challenges and select the best solution for you.
OUR EXPERTISE
Trusted Market Experts for Over 30 Years
ISC Research is the leading provider of data, trends, and intelligence on English-medium K–12 international schools. Since 1994, we’ve been helping schools make informed, confident decisions with evidence-based insights.
Meet our Experts Behind the Intelligence
Our people set us apart. ISC Research’s dedicated team of over 20 data analysts and field researchers work year-round to collect, validate, and analyse both quantitative and qualitative market intelligence. By engaging directly with school leaders and decision-makers worldwide, our team delivers the in-depth insights your institution needs to navigate the complex and evolving international school.
Regional breakdown of international schools
July 2025
- Asia 58%
- Europe 14%
- Americas 15%
- Africa 12%
- Oceania 1%