Key Data Points in 2025

The international schools market is expanding rapidly. Over the past five years, global school numbers have grown by 8% and student enrolment has increased by 13%, driving a total annual fee income of £67.3 billion USD. Through key data points, the white paper uncovers where this growth is taking place and how sector dynamics are evolving: • Western Asia and South-Eastern Asia are the leading regions in terms of international school numbers, each experiencing 11% growth over the past five years.
• By country, China leads the market with 1,124 international schools.
• ISC Research is aware of 283 future schools, 60% of which will be in Asia.
• The International Baccalaureate is the market’s most popular curriculum, offered in 37% of schools.

High Potential Markets

ISC Research presents the latest intelligence on accelerating markets, exploring the country-level nuances driving expansion and the challenges schools face: • Saudi Arabia: A steadily growing education sector driven by Vision 2030 and rising local demand – yet schools must navigate localisation pressures amid a global teacher shortage.
• Spain: Schools across Madrid, Valencia, and the Costa del Sol are expanding their facilities and programmes, often blending national and international curricula to widen students’ future pathways.
• Vietnam: Premium-fee schools in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are facing enrolment pressures, but those with strong reputations and established track records continue to perform competitively.
• Brazil: Investments in modern infrastructure, student wellbeing, and academic excellence is positioning Brazil’s international schools market as vibrant and future-ready on the global stage.

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Trends Shaping International Education

Identifying trends early is essential for informed decision-making and long-term strategic planning. Discover key market shifts including the growth of school groups and hybrid curricula, independent school expansion, and a rising focus on extracurricular offerings:• 38% of international schools belong to a school group
• 78% of international schools offer more than one curriculum
• 72 branded independent international schools are planned for opening
• 15% of schools have a robotics labRead the Full White Paper: Visual White Paper: Mapping Global Growth in the International Schools Market - ISC Research

About ISC Research

ISC Research is the leading provider of data and intelligence on the global international schools’ market. Our data is primary, collected directly from international schools, and constantly updating. This enables us to produce a comprehensive range of reports and provide expert advice to inform market decisions. Learn more at iscresearch.com.

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