More parents than ever turning to international schools

According to data from ISC Research, 5.6 million children are attending English-medium international schools around the world. In 2000, there were fewer than a million

The number of children attending English-medium international schools has increased from 969,000 in 2000, to now 5.6 million.

The number of international schools has increased in that time from 2,584 to 10,937.

This is according to data from ISC Research, in its 2019 ISC Research Global Opportunities Report. The report, which informs schools, suppliers, universities and investors of the current state of the world’s international schools sector, analyses market trends by key regions, sub-regions and countries.

English-medium international schools are proving to be a popular option as for parents, selecting an international school means that their child can learn in English, follow a globally respected curriculum and work towards internationally recognised qualifications in preparation for university and careers.

In Dubai there are now 309 international schools, Shanghai has 168 international schools, Abu Dhabi has 164 international schools, Beijing has 151 international schools and Doha has 144 international schools.

At the top end of the international schools market are a number of western independent school brands that have established sister schools overseas; British independent schools currently dominate this sector of the market.

As the 2018-2019 academic year came to a close, 75 British independent school brands were enrolling a total of 44,000 students aged between three and 18 outside the UK.

Although demand for international education is particularly high in Asia where it has become an aspiration for a large number of wealthier families.

Several countries are expected to see significant new international school development in the near future including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Malaysia, Vietnam and Japan. The Global Opportunities Report projects that Eastern Asia will almost double its number of international schools in the next 10 years and increase its student enrolment to 1,225,000.

Source---Independent Education Today