Today, international schools are a familiar presence in numerous cities around the world. As of July 2023, ISC Research data recorded a total of 13,614 English-Medium international schools around the world enrolling close to 7 million students and employing 649,960 teaching staff. The sector continues to demonstrate resilience, generating over $58 billion USD, a growth of 18% in the last five years.
The growing presence of international schools contributes to increased awareness and accessibility for more families. As a result of these factors and others, the demand for admissions at many international schools has significantly surged. Therefore, in many developing countries, access to an international school is fuelling the demand.
International schools vary extensively in the standard of their educational provision, facilities and tuition fees, but aspirational parents with the financial means are driven by their hopes and dreams for their children, and many now turn to an international school to provide that.
Parent and student aspirations
Enrolment within the global international schools market continues to grow, with the number of students rising by almost 1 million from July 2022 to July 2023: a 14% growth rate in just one year. July 2023 data released by ISC Research shows that 6.7 million children between the ages of 3 and 18 are currently enrolled at international schools around the world: a 53.5% growth in the market since 2013. The surge in demand for international education suggests the increasing importance of diverse learning opportunities and highlights the growing preference for a well-rounded education experience for children across the globe.
While each family’s requirements differ, common recurring factors contribute to the decision to choose an international school. The primary allure of these schools lies in the opportunity for learning in English and the ability to take globally recognised exams, which provide reliable access to global career opportunities.
Popular international school qualifications
Among international schools serving senior students, the British A and International A Levels continue to be the most popular exit qualifications, offered by 35% of these schools. The International Baccalaureate Diploma follows closely behind, offered by 28% of the schools. Additionally, the Advanced Placement remains a popular choice, offered by 16% of international schools.
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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