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Read our news to keep informed of the latest developments happening in the international schools market.
Find out more about the Heads Up series.
How can international schools prepare for a crisis?
We recently hosted an online panel discussion addressing the challenge of crises management in international schools. Our panel of experts share advice on how to approach the stakeholder communication flow at a time of crisis, the importance of the whole school community’s wellbeing and much more. Read more
Recruitment challenges hit international schools
Many international schools are facing recruitment challenges this year as the incoming teaching pool remains low and teachers within the sector have more choices due to the expanding market. Read more
What’s driving growth within the international schools market?
January 2023 data released by ISC Research shows that 6.5 million children between the ages of 3 and 18 are currently enrolled at international schools around the world: a 53% growth in the market since 2013. Read more
International School Awards 2023 Winners Revealed
The winners of the International School Awards 2023 were announced during a live online event on Tuesday 24th of January. 291 applications were received this year from international schools in 61 countries including schools in Poland, the United States of America, Thailand, Belgium and China. Read more
Submitting a quality application: Advice from the International School Awards judges
The aim of the International School Awards is to share some of the outstanding initiatives that address common needs for learning and for community action that are being implemented by international schools. Here is some advice from the International School Awards judging panel to guide schools when preparing their awards application. Read more
Exploring the contemporary pathways international school students are selecting
The results of a survey conducted with international schools by ISC Research in November (2022) suggest that students from an early age are now considering alternative pathways but university offerings remain a significant choice. The results of the survey, and what this looks like at school level, are addressed by college counsellors from Indonesia, Bulgaria and China in our latest Heads Up episode. Read more
New shifts in the future pathways of international school students
Are international school students considering different pathways and taking alternative routes towards their future goals when they leave school at age 16 or 18? Latest research will be discussed at a webinar in December with career guidance and college counsellors at international schools. Read more
Students take action and speak out in shortlisted sustainability initiatives
Sustainability is increasingly a central pillar of many international schools and this was reflected in the wide range of applications and initiatives for the Sustainability category of this year’s International School Awards. Read more
Student, staff and whole school wellbeing initiatives shortlisted for the International School Awards
The applications submitted for this year’s International School Awards wellbeing category reflect the breadth and depth to which wellbeing is being addressed by many international schools today. Read more
Schools developing ethical values in students
The Ethical Values Education category in the International School Awards recognises school initiatives that support students in their development of ethical values, encouraging students to think and act as good citizens. Read more
Strategic leadership initiatives shortlisted for International School Awards
There were a wide range of initiatives submitted for the Strategic Leadership category of this year’s International School Awards. They ranged from implementing a culture of care, creating a sensory space, and developing a bullying-free school, to embedding a house system, improving governance, and building middle management capacity within a school. Read more
Future pathway initiatives for this year’s International School Awards
Three initiatives that support international school students with their future pathway decisions have been shortlisted for the 2023 International School Awards. The judges commended all three initiatives and shared a message for many other international schools that submitted an application for this award category. Read more
Celebrating DEIJ as a school-wide mission
The DEIJ International School Award highlights some of the inspiring initiatives being delivered by international schools with the goal of developing diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (DEIJ) throughout their school, for students and all other stakeholders. Read more
Governance practice to enhance a school’s culture
ISC Research has published a new specialist report into governance practice in international schools. The report shares insights into governance practice and responsibilities from 129 survey respondents in 59 different countries. It offers international schools a chance to benchmark their own governance structure against the results. Read more
Safeguarding initiatives confront societal challenges
Applications in this year’s International School Awards Safeguarding category reflect some of the challenges that international school communities and wider society are facing today. Read more
How digital technology is supporting student learning
Digital technology can support the teaching and learning of all subjects in an abundance of ways. The schools that were shortlisted for the Digital Technology in Learning International School Award 2023 shared passion for the innovative use of technology and how it can support learning. Read more
International schools bring local communities together
The Community Partnership category for the 2023 International School Awards attracted many inspiring applications from international schools in a range of contexts. Read more
Shortlisted initiatives for the innovation and creativity award provide inspiration
The Innovation and Creativity category for the 2023 International School Awards attracted some outstanding applications from international schools in a range of contexts. These embraced green, STEAM, wellbeing, and outdoor learning initiatives. Read more
International School Awards 2023 Shortlisted Schools Announced
The shortlisted schools have been announced for the International School Awards 2023 hosted by ISC Research. Read more
The international schools market in a regional context
If you had a granular view of the international schools market, how could it support you with your international school growth strategy, development planning, or admissions? Our most recent white paper highlights key factors and trends to be aware of. Read more
A kinder, better place
The International School of Zug and Luzern was honoured with two 2022 International School Awards in January: the International Impact Award for its Global Changemakers Project and the Environment Award for its Aquaponics Programme. Both initiatives highlight work by students and for students towards realising a vision for a better, kinder world as Head of School Barry Dequanne explains. Read more
Supporting SEN in all environments
Identifying, planning for and meeting the needs of SEN students in an international setting throws up an array of unique challenges. Recognising SEN in countries such as Thailand, where a stigma around those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities still exists, is often the first hurdle to overcome. Read more
How do international schools differ from local schools in 2022?
What are the key factors in which international schools differ from local schools? A recent ISC Research white paper shares insights into how to better understand how this growing market is differentiating itself from other K-12 educational offerings. Read more
The new international school data for 2022
As of July 2022, ISC Research data recorded a total of 13,180 English-Medium international schools around the world enrolling 5.8 million students aged between 3 and 18 and employing 571,000 teaching staff. The sector emerged from the pandemic stronger than ever and continues to demonstrate defensive resilience, generating over $53.8 billion USD in annual school fees. Read more
Implementation of an innovative school strategy
Why should you implement an innovative strategy within your school? International education expert and guest panelists addressed this question through the lens of three emerging aspects of school life during the ISC Research Edruptors@School conference in June. Read more
How to bring a school community on a strategic journey
How do you mobilise your school community on a strategic journey? This question was addressed during the ISC Research Edruptors@School conference in June. Read more
International school leadership for long term strategy
The ISC Research Edruptors@School conference, which took place in June, explored innovation, transformation, and balance in international school leadership. Day one of the conference focused on international school leadership for long term strategy. Read more
Spotlight on Online International Schools
Latest data and trends published by ISC Research in a new report of the online international schools market suggest the sector has seen an acceleration in growth as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, creating alternative pathways to education founded on inclusion and innovation. Read more
International School Awards act as a stepping stone towards the World’s Best School Prizes
We’re delighted to announce the success of the innovative and inspiring initiatives shortlisted for the 2022 International School Awards that have also been confirmed as short listers for the 2022 World’s Best School Prizes. Read more
International school groups gain international school market share
School groups are gaining a greater share of the expanding international schools market. In 2017, 23% of the schools within the global international schools market were part of a school group. In 2022, that percentage has increased to 38%. Read more
A strategic approach to wellbeing within an international school community
Marlborough College Malaysia won the strategic leadership award at the 2022 International School Awards for a whole-school positive psychology and wellbeing initiative for students and staff, involving a wellbeing researcher-in-residence and peer group mental health first-aiders for staff. Read more
Creativity on a roll – Bringing innovation and creativity into the international school curriculum
The Design, Innovation, Computing, Enterprise (DICE) curriculum at Nord Anglia International School Dubai (NAS Dubai) recently won the International School Awards (ISAs) Innovation and Creativity in Learning category for its novel and creative approach. The award is testament to the work and dedication of the staff, students and school community. Read more
Award-winning digital tech-centred project-based problem-solving
Colegio Panamericano in Colombia won the Digital Technology in Learning International Schools Award 2022 for an interdisciplinary project-based approach to problem-solving that integrates digital technology. Read more
Name changes, foreign textbook bans, and strict regulations impact schools in China offering international education
Recent education policy changes in China are impacting schools in the country, notably the schools that offer an international education. Several government changes in the last 18 months are gaining public attention as impact of the regulations is becoming visible. Read more
How are international school groups developing?
As the international schools market has expanded, and investment potential has increased, so brands are emerging within this sector that are considered influential across the global education market. ISC Research has released a white paper as a guide to current trends and developments. Read more
International School Awards 2023: Applications now open
The International School Awards 2023 are now open for nominations. Not only are the awards a chance to share and learn from innovative practice, but shortlisted and award-winning schools receive an award logo, extensive recognition of their initiative, and winners receive a prestigious trophy. Read more
Empowering students to disclose abuse
The International School Ho Chi Minh City – American Academy won the Safeguarding awards at the 2022 International School Awards for an initiative that protects students from abuse and trains international schools in child protection practices. Michael Tower, the school’s Safeguarding Lead, shares details. Read more
Assessment in international schools report and podcast share advice
A new report on the future of K-12 assessment practice in international schools highlights the changes many international schools are currently making. Read more
School initiatives help students develop ethical values
School initiatives that support students in their development of ethical values, which encourage them to think and act as good citizens, are recognised in the International School Awards through the Ethical Values Education Award. Read more
Investigating value through storytelling and fantasy
Berlin Brandenburg International School won the Ethical Values Education Award at this year’s International School Awards and explains their award-winning initiative here . The judging panel considered it a model for all schools as judge Paul Regan explains. Read more
Growing the change-makers of tomorrow
Berlin Brandenburg International School won the Ethical Values Award at the International School Awards 2022 for its Growing Up initiative. The project was piloted in the Early Education Programme and received widespread acclaim from the judges who proposed it as an approach that “all schools could model”. Read more
Pioneering a culture of inclusion
Al-Bayan International School received a special commendation at the 2022 International School Awards for introducing extensive inclusive education in Kuwait. Read more
Make waves in your curriculum
At this year’s International School Awards, The Harbour School, Hong Kong received the Teaching and Learning Award for its place-based experiential learning initiative. Read more
Connecting the community through big and small talk
Rugby School Thailand won the Community Wellbeing initiative at the 2022 International School Awards. Read about their initiative and advice here. Read more
Leading comfort and purpose during uncertain times
At this year’s International School Awards, the European Azerbaijan School received a special commendation for delivering educational support to students who are living in the Nagorno Karabakh war zone. CEO and Director, Francesco Banchini, shares the school’s story. Read more
Celebrating DEIJ initiatives of international schools
The DEIJ International School Award highlights some of the exceptional initiatives international schools are now delivering to develop diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (DEIJ) throughout their school, not just for students but for all stakeholders. Read more
International schools tackle environmental challenges
Student activism in support of environmental change was visible in all of the initiatives shortlisted for the Environmental Award within this year’s International School Awards. Read more
How digital tech is impacting student learning
There are now so many opportunities where digital technology can support the teaching and learning of all subjects. The schools that were shortlisted for the Digital Technology in Learning International School Award 2022 demonstrated this in abundance. Read more
The Importance of Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Justice in Recruitment
ISC Research recently hosted an online panel discussion addressing the challenge of recruitment and staff development in international schools. Our panel of experts from international schools and expert partners highlighted the rising importance of diversity, equality, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) when recruiting new employees in international schools. Read more
Celebrating Digital Edruptors on Digital Learning Day
Digital Learning Day shouldn’t pass without acknowledging some of the most influential people in international education technology - and sharing some of their advice to educators. Read more
Don’t leave your international brand development to chance
A recent ISC Research white paper, on the purchasing decisions of international schools, highlighted research identifying the good practice from education suppliers that schools most value when selecting new products and services. Read more
What matters most to educators in 2022?
ISC Research spoke with several international education influencers about what they believe will matter most for educators in 2022. Read more
How international schools define and understand international mindedness
We recently hosted an online panel discussion addressing international mindedness within an international school setting. Discover what international mindedness means to our panelist and their advice on how to develop international mindedness in schools. Read more
How International Schools support community wellbeing
It is important that schools contribute to the wellbeing of their community. The International School Awards acknowledges this with the Community Wellbeing award which provides recognition to initiatives that support school community wellbeing including the pastoral care of students. Read more
International Schools and how they build communities
The value of community building cannot be overemphasised, especially when people come together to fulfil a common goal. Schools play a crucial part in developing lifelong skills for students, and it is that part that we celebrate with the International School Awards every year. Let’s take a closer look at one of these award categories; the Community Building Award. Read more
How to write a good award application
The International School Award nominations include many excellently written applications. But there are others that suffer during the judging process because the content of the application has missed the mark. Here is some advice from the International School Awards judging panel to guide schools when preparing their awards application. Read more
International School Awards 2022 Winners Revealed
The International School Awards 2022 were announced during a live global online event on Tuesday 18th January. 261 eligible applications were received this year from international schools in over 40 countries including schools in Kenya, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, Colombia, Malaysia, and China. Take a look at our winners and their initiatives! Read more
Practical recruitment and CPD advice for international schools and staff
ISC Research hosted an online panel discussion addressing some of the key challenges currently impacting recruitment and staff development in international schools. Here are just a few of the key messages and advice to take away from our expert panel. Read more
UAE schools get going on a new school week
Despite remote learning featuring once again for some schools in the UAE, the beginning of the new school term has begun with the successful adoption of a new working week across the country. Read more
Addressing anti-bias in our content
Increased understanding of DEIJ (diversity, equity, inclusion and justice) calls us to account. In our continual effort to address and respond to unconscious bias in our content, we have amended one section of our International School Student Profile Report to provide historical context of the international schools market from an anti-racist viewpoint. Read more
Does international education deliver what it promises?
ISC Research has published a new report on today’s international school student profile and how the promise of an international education has resulted in the dramatic growth in the market. Read more
A view of student international mindedness by Nelson Graves
Nelson Graves, Founder and President of News Decoder, gives an insightful response to our latest specialist report on the international student profile. Read more
International School Awards 2022 Shortlisted Schools Announced
The shortlisted schools have been announced for the International School Awards 2022. Read more
Hacking education to inspire innovators
American Community School of Abu Dhabi won the future-thinking innovators award at the 2021 International School Awards last January. Here Superintendent, Monique Flickinger tells their award-winning story. Read more
How sustainability inspires the international school community
Educators Sal Gordon from Green School Bali, and Anthony Copeland from Fairgreen International School, along with student, Aliza Kabani from Sigtunaskolan Humanistiska Läroverket (SSHL), contributed experienced and diverse viewpoints around the topic of sustainability in an inspiring discussion at our recent Edruptors Conference. Read more
Key shifts in recruitment and CPD in international schools
ISC Research has conducted research into current recruitment and CPD practice within international schools, identifying shifts within the market and exploring the factors influencing change. Let’s highlight some of the key findings. Read more
The state of wellbeing in international schools – insights from outsiders
Wellbeing has become a key talking point worldwide. This has resulted in new initiatives and breakthroughs within the education sector. The recent ISC Research Edruptors conference delved into this subject in a discussion led by Nalini Cook, Head of EMEA Research at ISC Research, alongside a panel of four popular education podcasters. Read more
2022 International School Awards partner with new World’s Best School Prizes
We’re pleased to announce that the most promising initiatives shortlisted for the 2022 International School Awards will also be considered for the 2022 World’s Best School Prizes. Read more
The Edruptors Conference Political Session: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice
In our political session during the ISC Research Edruptors Conference in July, educators and international school alumni discussed how they are taking action to support diversity, equality, inclusion and justice (DEIJ). Read more
New report highlights change to international undergraduate recruitment and admissions
To better understand how the world’s universities are currently adapting international undergraduate pathways, ISC Research conducted research this summer. 165 higher education institutions from 23 countries participated in the research. A free report is now available, along with a white paper containing reactions from international school college counsellors to the research results. Read more
Celebrate your school at this year’s ISAs
The annual International School Awards (ISAs), hosted by ISC Research, bring the world’s international schools community together, sharing and celebrating great learning, innovation, and community participation. Read more
New school year begins with the international school sector looking stronger than ever
As of July 2021, ISC Research data recorded a total of 12,373 international schools around the world enrolling 5.6 million students and employ 550,846 teaching staff. The sector has demonstrated defensive resilience throughout COVID-19, generating over $53 billion USD in annual school fees, and looks set to emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever. Read more
Introducing progressive child protection
The English School, Kuwait won the International School Awards Safeguarding Award 2021 for a safeguarding initiative that supports its entire international community and that of the wider schools network throughout the country. Read more
Could your school be a winner?
Nominations are open for the 2022 International School Awards (ISAs). The awards, hosted by ISC Research, provide international schools with the chance to share and be recognised for great practice and successful initiatives within a range of categories. Read more
What are the key shifts in Teaching and Learning?
The new Heads Up series hosted by ISC Research kicks off with an insightful discussion about shifts in teaching and learning practices at international schools. Read more
More students, bilingual education, school groups and UK curricula in the international schools market this year
At the ISC Research Edruptors Conference, ISC Research released new data and shifts happening within the world’s international schools market. Read more
New report helps inform the shifting international schools market
Latest trends published by ISC Research in a new Summary Report of the international schools market suggest the sector has remained resilient through the massive impact of COVID-19. Read more
How sustainability inspires the international school community
The international school community has proactively inspired students to care about their local and global environment and learn to act in a sustainable way. Read more
Data Mining in the Early Years
Fiona Carter, Director of Academics at Wellington College China and Matthew Savage, educational consultant and trainer Savage Education share some best practices on Early Years data. Read more
Demand for affordable international schools increases
The international schools market has seen a notable growth in demand for schools at a fee point affordable by more families. Read more
New China regulations and their impact on schools in China
In what appears to be a significant move, the Chinese government has announced greater controls on private schools from the start of the 2021-2022 school year which begins this September. Read more
Your wellbeing questions answered
Our webinar panellists have given their expert feedback to many of the questions asked during our recent wellbeing webinar, and we share their responses here. Read more
Why does authentic care and belonging in international schools matter?
Last month I presented about wellbeing in international schools at the World Education Summit. Afterwards, I received many comments ... Read more
Parents are selecting schools in different ways and for different reasons
It was very insightful leading the research of international school admissions directors and school marketing leaders for the new white paper that ISC Research has just published. Read more
International schools impacted by staff and student wellbeing during COVID-19
ISC Research has launched a new report of research into how the wellbeing of students and staff at international schools has been affected by COVID-19. Read more
New international school data at the TAISI conference
Some school campuses in India now have permission to open for selected year groups after eight months of distance learning due to COVID-19. Read more
International School Award Winners 2021 Announced Today
The International School Awards 2021 were live streamed today to schools around the world. The International School of the Year 2021 was awarded to Branksome Hall Asia, South Korea. Read more
New Shifts in the World’s International Schools Market
There are notable shifts in the international schools market as new trends are emerging, according to the latest research by ISC Research. Read more
The questions university international officers ask to international school college counsellors
The webinar about university pathway support for international school students provided some excellent advice for international officers, who also asked a range of questions. Read more
The future of education in a post-COVID landscape: Your questions answered – Part 1
Over 1,000 questions were posed to a panel of experts on the Education Perfect and ISC Research webinar: The future of education in a post-COVID landscape. Read more
More than 12,000 international schools in the world
There are now over 12,000 English-medium international schools around the world. This includes 132 brand new international schools and campuses which have opened their doors for the first time this calendar year (from January 2020 onwards). Read more
Your international schools global update questions answered
In the ISC Research global update webinar about the world’s international schools market (October 2020), many questions were asked by attendees. We did not have the time to answer these during the webinar, so now here are answers to them. Read more
Questions from education suppliers on the impact of coronavirus for international schools by Diane Glass
The leaders of COBIS and ECIS joined me on a webinar last week and shared news about the impact of coronavirus on their member schools. Read more
2020 International School Awards Winners
The International School of the Year 2020 was awarded to St Andrews International School Bangkok (Primary School), Thailand for its exceptionally powerful environmental initiative. Read more
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IN THE NEWS
Hot off the press
ISC Research provides data and intelligence for the world's leading media and publications. Here is a list of our most recent mentions in the press.
- International schools see uptick in admissions post-Covid, The Times of India
- Emerging trends of best practice from the international schools sector, BETT Community Hub
- International schools shift to new markets after China boom stalls, Financial Times
- International schools market is "flourishing" - ISC Research Report, The PIE
- 2023 ISC Research's International School Awards Winners, The International Educator
- Top UK schools in SE Asia help fuel enrolments boom, School Management Plus
- Education Influencers 2022, International Teacher Magazine
- Escaping Our Confines of Fear: A Call to Develop Courageous Learning Communties, The International Educator
- International School Awards winners announced, School Management Plus
- Is your governing body representative? School Management Plus
- Who are the top influencers in international education? School Management Plus
- Wellington Shanghai is getting recognized for its achievements in education, Digital Journal
EVENTS
Let’s meet!
Developing a school counselor network
Event date - March 28, 2023
Join two veteran Myanmar counselors for a fireside chat within the ISC Research community, on the 28th March at 12:00PM BST (GMT +1), as they discuss the challenges and advantages of developing a school counselor network from scratch. Find out more
Fostering relationships with international schools in 2023
Event date - June 20, 2023
Explore the latest trends in the international schools market and gather new ideas to develop the international plans for your organisation. This in-person, London-based conference is for organisations wishing to better understand their opportunities and new business potential within the global international schools market. Find out more
CASE STUDIES
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Canterbury Christ Church University
Richard Venner is the International Development Manager at Canterbury Christ Church University in the UK. He explains how the ISC Outreach portal supports the university. Read more
EducatorsAbroad
Since 1978, a global network of professional educators at EducatorsAbroad have provided professional development for pre and in-service educators in over 1,650 national and international English medium schools in 95 countries. Read more
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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.
