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 2023
- 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 13,000 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
%
8,944 in July 2013
13,614 in July 2023
STUDENTS
%
4.4m in July 2013
6.7m in July 2023
STAFF
%
406,000 in July 2013
649,960 in July 2023
FEE INCOME
%
$33.4bn in July 2013
$58.4bn in July 2023
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.
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
Japan 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 Japan. 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
Africa Market Intelligence Summary
TitleSEPTEMBER 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 Africa. 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
Nigeria 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 Nigeria. Read more
Indonesia 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 Indonesia. Read more
Brazil 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 Brazil. Read more
Mexico 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 Mexico. Read more
Oman 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 Oman. Read more
Kuwait 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 Kuwait. 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
Cambodia 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 Cambodia. Read more
Bahrain 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 Bahrain. 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
India 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 India. Read more
Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia. Read more
United Kingdom Market Intelligence Summary
TitleMAY 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 United Kingdom. Read more
France Market Intelligence Summary
TitleMAY 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 France. Read more
Spain Market Intelligence Summary
TitleMAY 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 Spain. Read more
Switzerland Market Intelligence Summary
TitleMAY 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 Switzerland. Read more
Portugal Market Intelligence Summary
TitleMAY 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 Portugal. Read more
Germany Market Intelligence Summary
TitleMAY 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 schools market in Germany. Read more
Netherlands Market Intelligence Summary
TitleAPRIL 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 Netherlands international school market. 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
Philippines Market Intelligence Summary
TitleAPRIL 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 Philippines. Read more
Pakistan Market Intelligence Summary
TitleMARCH 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 Pakistan. Read more
Egypt Market Intelligence Summary
TitleMARCH 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 Egypt. Read more
Malaysia Market Intelligence Summary
TitleMARCH 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 Malaysia. Read more
Qatar Market Intelligence Summary
TitleFEBRUARY 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 Qatar. Read more
Taiwan Market Intelligence Summary
TitleFEBRUARY 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 Taiwan. 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
Vietnam Market Intelligence Summary
TitleDECEMBER 2022
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 Vietnam. 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
Thailand Market Intelligence Summary
TitleNOVEMBER 2022
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
Hong Kong Market Intelligence Summary
TitleNOVEMBER 2022
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 Hong Kong. Read more
Singapore Market Intelligence Summary
TitleNOVEMBER 2022
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 Singapore. 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.
Diane Glass, Commercial Director, is available to discuss your needs.
CASE STUDIES
Our support for higher education institutions
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
Leiden University
Leiden University is a public research university located in Leiden and The Hague in the Netherlands. One of the things they find most valuable is the ISC Research database itself allowing them to have a very targeted approach. This allows ... 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.
