WHAT WE DO

Services for educational investors

ISC Research can help you overcome the challenges faced in your search for a school partner.

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% 57%
  • Europe 14% 14%
  • Americas 15% 15%
  • Africa 12% 12%
  • Oceania 2% 2%

PARTNERTSHIPS

Partner with ISC Research

Investor partnership

If you are wishing to invest or raise funds for new school development, a partnership with ISC Research will provide you with the advice, introductions, market reports, data and intelligence you need.

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Research partnership

ISC Research provides school groups or consultancies the market data, intelligence and expertise needed to understand market position and potential, or to inform plans to acquire more international schools.

INVESTMENT

The demand for international education

High quality, English-speaking, international education is in demand in many non-English-speaking countries of the world. As economies develop, more local families choose to pay for private education that will prepare their child for global higher education and careers.

International school investment offers:

  • Long-term and consistent revenue potential
  • Educational progress for young people
  • Prosperity potential for a country, led by well-educated, internationally-minded individuals
  • A stable and viable investment option

INTELLIGENCE

Support for educational investors

ISC Research can supply the data, experience and expertise to support your decisions. Whether you need global intelligence to inform your strategy, market-specific intelligence to find out more about a targeted segment, or specialist intelligence to learn more about market needs, we offer a broad range of off-the-shelf reports based on in-depth research. And if you need something more tailored to your needs, we also produce bespoke reports. Bharati Thakore, our Head of School Development, is available to discuss your needs.

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

International Schools in South Korea Report

TitleFEBRUARY 2024

The report provides an in-depth analysis of international schools in South Korea, including data and detailed intelligence gathered from our Field Research experts. Read more

International Schools in Japan Report

TitleFEBRUARY 2024

The report provides an in-depth analysis of international schools in Japan, including data and detailed intelligence gathered from our Field Research experts. Read more

International Schools in India Report

TitleJANUARY 2024

The report provides an in-depth analysis of international schools in India, including data and detailed intelligence gathered from our Field Research experts. 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 Schools in Hong Kong Report

TitleMARCH 2024

The report provides an in-depth analysis of international schools in Hong Kong, including data and detailed intelligence gathered from our Field Research experts. Read more

International Schools in Thailand Report

TitleDECEMBER 2023

The report provides an in-depth analysis of international schools in Thailand, including data and detailed intelligence gathered from our Field Research experts. Read more

International Schools in Malaysia Report

TitleDECEMBER 2023

The report provides an in-depth analysis of international schools in Malaysia, including data and detailed intelligence gathered from our Field Research experts. 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 in Singapore Report

TitleNOVEMBER 2023

The report provides an in-depth analysis of international schools in Singapore, including data and detailed intelligence gathered from our Field Research experts. 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 Intelligence Report

TitleAUGUST 2023

The report compiles comprehensive research into the international schools market to inform strategic plans required by leadership teams, consultants or investors, and to identify development opportunities. Read more

South-Eastern Asia Intelligence Report

TitleJULY 2023

The report compiles comprehensive research into the international schools market to inform strategic plans required by leadership teams, consultants or investors, and to identify development opportunities. Read more

International Schools in the Netherlands Report

TitleAPRIL 2023

The report provides an in-depth analysis of international schools in the Netherlands, including data and detailed intelligence gathered from our Field Research experts. 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

International Schools in Qatar Report

TitleFEBRUARY 2023

The report provides an in-depth analysis of international schools in Qatar, including data and detailed intelligence gathered from our Field Research experts. 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

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 Schools in UAE Report

TitleMAY 2023

The report provides an in-depth analysis of international schools in UAE, including data and detailed intelligence gathered from our Field Research experts. Read more

International Schools in Saudi Arabia Report

TitleAPRIL 2023

The report provides an in-depth analysis of international schools in Saudi Arabia, including data and detailed intelligence gathered from our Field Research experts. Read more

International Schools in Vietnam Report

TitleMARCH 2024

The report provides an in-depth analysis of international schools in Vietnam, including data and detailed intelligence gathered from our Field Research experts. 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

International Schools in China Report

TitleAUGUST 2022

The report compiles comprehensive research into the international schools market to inform international schools and education investors for strategic plans, and to identify opportunities for development or expansion. 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

Western Asia Intelligence Report

TitleAUGUST 2022

The report compiles comprehensive research into the international schools market to inform strategic plans required by leadership teams, consultants or investors, and to identify development opportunities. Read more

Eastern Asia Intelligence Report

TitleAUGUST 2022

The report compiles comprehensive research into the international schools market to inform strategic plans required by leadership teams, consultants or investors, and to identify development opportunities. 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

The Online International Schools Report

TitleJUNE 2022

Although not new, online schools have gained popularity through the COVID-19 pandemic. As brands have established themselves within the international schools market, our team has delved into the specific nature of online schools in this report. 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

International Schools Intelligence Report

TitleAVAILABLE TO ORDER

Identify opportunities in your target market. This bespoke report compiles the latest data and analysis of international schools within your chosen segment. 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

Benchmarking Report

TitleAVAILABLE TO ORDER

Find out where your school stands in relation to other international schools to strengthen your market position and refine your school’s key selling points. 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

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.