OUR INTELLIGENCE
Market intelligence
Because we have been collecting and analysing international schools data for more than 25 years, ISC Research is able to produce a broad range of valuable intelligence reports.
PUBLICATIONS
International schools market reports
Whether you need global intelligence to inform your strategy, market-specific intelligence to find out more about a targeted segment, commercial intelligence to adjust your plans, or specialist intelligence to learn more about practices and 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.
The brands and groups leading the world’s international schools sector
TitleAPRIL 2022
This white paper highlights the K-12 school groups and education brands that are emerging as major influencers within international education. 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
UAE Market Intelligence Summary
TitleCOMING IN 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the UAE international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
China Market Intelligence Summary
TitleCOMING IN 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the China international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Switzerland Market Intelligence Summary
TitleCOMING IN 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Switzerland international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Philippines Market Intelligence Summary
TitleCOMING IN 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Philippines international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Cambodia Market Intelligence Summary
TitleCOMING IN 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Cambodia international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Egypt Market Intelligence Summary
TitleCOMING IN 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Egypt international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Pakistan Market Intelligence Summary
TitleCOMING IN 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Pakistan international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Nigeria Market Intelligence Summary
TitleCOMING IN 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Nigeria international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Kuwait Market Intelligence Summary
TitleCOMING IN 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Kuwait international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Japan Market Intelligence Summary
TitleCOMING IN 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Japan international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Portugal Market Intelligence Summary
TitleCOMING IN 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Portugal international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Netherlands Market Intelligence Summary
TitleCOMING IN 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Netherlands international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Indonesia Market Intelligence Summary
TitleCOMING IN 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Indonesia international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Germany Market Intelligence Summary
TitleCOMING IN 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Germany international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. 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
Spain Market Intelligence Summary
TitleAPRIL 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Spain international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Thailand Market Intelligence Summary
TitleJANUARY 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Thailand international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Bahrain Market Intelligence Summary
TitleCOMING IN 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Bahrain international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Saudi Arabia Market Intelligence Summary
TitleJANUARY 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Saudi Arabia international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Brazil Market Intelligence Summary
TitleCOMING IN 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Brazil international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Mexico Market Intelligence Summary
TitleCOMING IN 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Mexico international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
France Market Intelligence Summary
TitleMARCH 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the France international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
South Korea Market Intelligence Summary
TitleNOVEMBER 2021
Headline data and intelligence on the South Korea international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
India Market Intelligence Summary
TitleCOMING IN 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the India international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Malaysia Market Intelligence Summary
TitleNOVEMBER 2021
Headline data and intelligence on the Malaysia international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Taiwan Market Intelligence Summary
TitleCOMING IN 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Taiwan international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Singapore Market Intelligence Summary
TitleNOVEMBER 2021
Headline data and intelligence on the Singapore international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Vietnam Market Intelligence Summary
TitleJANUARY 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Vietnam international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Qatar Market Intelligence Summary
TitleNOVEMBER 2021
Headline data and intelligence on the Qatar international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Europe Intelligence Report
TitleAPRIL 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
Western Asia Intelligence Report
TitleDECEMBER 2021
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
TitleDECEMBER 2021
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
TitleDECEMBER 2021
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
Hong Kong Market Intelligence Summary
TitleNOVEMBER 2021
Headline data and intelligence on the Hong Kong international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Positioning Report
TitleAVAILABLE TO ORDER
A comprehensive analysis of your school’s competitive positioning based on the very latest data and intelligence collected by ISC Research directly from international schools. 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 country. This bespoke report compiles the latest data and analysis of international schools in a specific country. 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
International Schools Annual Market Report 2021
TitleSEPTEMBER 2021
A trusted reference for data, trends and intelligence on the global international schools market in 2021. Read more
China Market Intelligence Report
TitleAUGUST 2021
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
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
Summary Report
TitleMAY 2021
Our ISC research team analyse data throughout the year to help track development opportunities in the international schools market. This global intelligence report, offers you more flexibility to adapt your plans. 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
The impact of COVID-19 on Education Technology in International Schools
TitleAUGUST 2020
In June 2020, 82 international schools from 41 countries were researched about their use of technology during campus closures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 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
DATA APPLICATION
You can't have intelligence without data
The comprehensive research presented in our market intelligence reports relies on the international schools data continuously collected, verified and analysed by our expert team.
RESEARCH
Schools included in our research
For our market research purposes, we include an international school if the school delivers a curriculum to any combination of pre-school, primary or secondary students, wholly or partly in English outside an English-speaking country.
or;
If a school is in a country where English is one of the official languages, it offers an English-medium curriculum other than the country’s national curriculum and the school is international in its orientation.
PROCESS
Process and
quality control
We collect international schools market intelligence to complement the raw data we capture throughout the year. Our Field Research team both maintains close relationships with international school leaders and refers to local trusted sources for qualitative research purposes. They gather information on national education systems, government regulations and policies, growth areas and new developments. The raw data and intelligence is then verified and analysed to produce the most reputable, current and comprehensive research on the international schools sector.
The wellbeing support most beneficial for staff this year
Wellbeing in international schools, March 2021 report
- There is no wellbeing support for staff at my school 12%
- Wellbeing activities funded by the school 17%
- One to one specialist support 25%
- Resources enabling staff to have a voice about their wellbeing 31%
- Wellbeing activities organised by the school 38%
- Staff group events 40%
- Active support of the senior leadership team 57%
- Active support of colleagues 70%
MEET THE TEAM
Teams involved

Henry Acheampong
Job title - Data & Reports Executive
I joined ISC as a Data and Report Executive in July 2019. I have a background in statistics and Mathematics. I have been involved in various organisations of the years. Mathematics Teacher for one year in Ghana after which I came to the UK. ... View profile

Linda Bonney
Job title - Head of Desk-Based Research
I have worked for ISC since 2006 as a researcher and I now head up our team of desk-based researchers. I work closely with the field researchers and data analysts, as well as our desk-based team, quality checking the data we collect. I also ... View profile

Scott Cherry
Job title - Senior Report Writer
I’m an academic by trade. I’ve travelled the well-trodden path of a young intellectual: exciting doctoral research, a slightly underwhelming post-doc and, along the way (and retrieving some of that earlier excitement), collaborating with ... View profile

Nalini Cook
Job title - Head of EMEA Research
As Head of EMEA Research, I connect with international schools, school groups, associations, investors and regulators across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. I collect quantitative and qualitative data enabling the compilation of up to ... View profile

Constance Evans
Job title - Head of Finance
I started working as the Head of Finance for ISC in April 2020 and have really enjoyed learning more about International Schools. Prior to working for ISC I ran an Accountancy/Bookkeeping business with my husband Neil for approximately 16 ... View profile

Sam Fraser
Job title - Director of Research
I am originally from the United Kingdom where I gained a degree in Social Sciences, as well as financial and accountancy qualifications. My career has included work in the retail industry at head office level, and in the finance sector, as well ... View profile

Nicola Grafton
Job title - Senior Data Researcher
My role within ISC involves collating school data and creating a comprehensive foundation of data to inform our report writers. My career has predominantly been within the airline industry and my past and current experience has focused on ... View profile

Mike Graham
Job title - Data Integrity Manager
I joined ISC in 2012 to lead the Reports Team. I switched to a data analysis role in 2017, then I was appointed as ISC’s Data Integrity Manager in 2021. My main function is to ensure that the data in our reports, presentations and any other ... View profile

Penny Halsall
Job title - Senior Data Researcher
I joined the Desk Based Research team at ISC in 2018. Collecting and ensuring data is correct for the ISC database. Prior to joining the team I worked as a freelance graphic designer, working with a variety of publishing companies and design ... View profile

Georgina Jones
Job title - Operations Coordinator
I joined ISC in 2015 as part of the Reports Team and in early 2018 moved into Operations. The Operations role allows me to work closely with all other departments within the business, focussing on project management, KPIs, procedures and ... View profile

Sam Jones
Job title - Report Writer
I joined ISC in 2015 as a data researcher, searching for first-hand information from schools and becoming very familiar with the information we keep and how we use it. In 2019 I moved onto the reports team, where I now analyse, validate and ... View profile

Paola Leyson
Job title - Data Researcher
Before joining ISC Research, I worked for international schools in Qatar, mainly in admissions and administrative support. I also had experience working for an oil & gas company and an advertising company. I lived in Qatar for 11 years and ... View profile

Rosaida Loredo
Job title - Data Researcher
As a new addition to the Data Research Team, my task includes collecting and checking important information for the database. And before joining ISC, I worked as a School Administrator and Head Preschool Teacher for a private preschool and ... View profile

Candy Lu
Job title - China Research Coordinator
Prior to joining ISC Research, I worked for TMF group for 3 years as the office manager where I oversaw all the North China offices’ administrative requirements and led a number of integration projects for company merger and acquisition. I also ... View profile

Alison Martin
Job title - Data Researcher
Prior to joining ISC, my work experience was always administration based, with a significant proportion of this being in Human Resources although most recently working for Swindon Council updating data held by children’s centres. I have ... View profile

Pia Maske
Job title - Research Manager - East Asia
As part of ISC’s Field Research team, I connect with school leaders and other stakeholders and collect key data and intelligence about the international schools market in East Asia. Before joining ISC, I trained and qualified as a lawyer in ... View profile

Rhea Marie de Pedro
Job title - East & South East Asia Coordinator
I was living in Bangkok, Thailand, when I joined ISC Research in 2013 as part of the Schools Team and Sales & Business Development Team. As a Coordinator, I mainly do Data collection and Researching, and I work closely with other teams ... View profile

Tamas Perger
Job title - Data Analyst
I joined ISC Research in 2017. Previously I worked at Flextronics International in Hungary as Business Analyst and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) support for nine years. I was responsible for maintaining the site's ERP system and I managed ... View profile

Kateryna Repina
Job title - International School Research Assistant
I joined ISC Research in 2017 as a Data Researcher. I enjoy using my skills to contribute to the company's research and intelligence work. I hold a Master’s degree in journalism and spent four exciting years working as a correspondent in a ... View profile

Devon Sansom
Job title - Data Researcher
I began working for ISC Research in 2019 as a data researcher. My role involves collecting data for ISC Online and keeping the calendar of events up to date. I am currently a university student and enjoy competing in triathlons. View profile

Ghada Shaker
Job title - Research Coordinator
My name is Ghada Shaker. I am Egyptian and married with one daughter. I graduated with a Mass Communication degree and was able to work in many places and experience several fields. I worked in the hotel management field as the Food and ... View profile

Zoe Shakespeare
Job title - Operations Director
I have over 20 years of customer service and operational leadership, both in the UK and Europe, and always with an international context. I've worked in the ISC Research Head Office since 2014, providing training and expertise on the ISC Online ... View profile

Janelle Torres
Job title - Research Manager - South East Asia
My career journey started in writing and shifted to education. Being an educator with specialization in early childhood education since 2009, my career led me to varied teaching opportunities in the Philippines and in Singapore. Prior to ... View profile

Luke Walduck
Job title - Head of Reports
I joined ISC in March 2020. As Head of Reports, I am responsible for ensuring that our reports utilise the high standard of data that we hold. My team produce a variety of reports and work closely with the Commercial and Schools teams to ensure ... View profile
Ruby Wallis
Job title - Data Researcher
I started working for ISC Research in 2018 as part of the desk based researching team. My role consists of collecting and checking international school information for our database. Prior to joining ISC I worked for a well known ... View profile
TESTIMONIALS
Feedback from our clients
OUR SERVICES
Services tailored to your needs
For Schools
Whether you wish to grow your community, develop your peer network, keep informed of best teaching and learning practice, or refine your development strategy, we will adapt our data subscription services and market intelligence reports to your needs.
For Education Suppliers
Develop your marketing and business development strategy with reliable and trusted market data and intelligence to inform your segmentation, lead generation, content marketing, community and relationship building.
For Educational Investors
Overcome the challenges faced in your search for a school partner. We will support you through every step of your selection process, providing you with historic and current market data and intelligence, as well as expert advice.
For Higher Education
Enhance your market knowledge to build strong relationships with international schools. Identify influential organisations and contacts to recruit good fit international students, in terms of language and independent learning skills and mobility aspirations.
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.