Growth in the international schools market
Continued growth is the overarching trend in the international schools market. As of July 2024, ISC Research collects data on 14,457 K-12 international schools, with 447 schools having been added to our database since January 2024. Currently, 7.3 million students are enrolled, and 693,630 teaching staff are employed in international schools worldwide. Accordingly, the market now generates $64 billion in total fee income per year. To put this growth into greater perspective, the fee income has risen by $4 billion in the span of six months.
For comprehensive analysis into this shifting market landscape, our upcoming report, ‘International Schools Global Market Overview 2024’ will be published in August and is available to pre-order now. This is our most popular report of the year, detailing the market landscape across continents and giving insight into future developments.
Student enrolment in international schools
Student enrolment has risen by 13% in the past 5 years, with the number of international schools growing by 10% since 2019 to meet this rising demand. Parents select English-medium international schools due to the promise of their children learning the English language and attaining globally recognised qualifications. Such opportunities provide students with access to a wide range of higher education options and diverse future pathways.
Teacher recruitment at international schools
With increasing numbers of students and schools, recruiting experienced teachers and educational leaders is of paramount importance in the international schools sector. From July 2014 to July 2024, the sector has seen a 60% global increase in the number of teachers hired for full-time positions at international schools. Teachers are choosing the sector for a multitude of reasons: travel and cultural exploration, improved salary, lower cost of living, and the opportunity to work at respected, world-leading schools.
In February 2024, ISC Research conducted a 12-week survey in collaboration with world-renowned international schools associations. Reaching 59 countries and 2,539 respondents, the survey asked teachers to detail their career aspirations, current satisfaction levels, and future prospects. This information will be presented in ISC Research’s ‘Teacher Movement Report 2024’. Due for publication in August, the report offers exclusive insight into the patterns of teacher mobility based on the topics outlined above.
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.
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