There are a total of 283 new international schools due to be added to the market - with 167 of them set to open in Asia, according to a “visual white paper” from ISC Research.
ISC Research provides data and intelligence on the global international schools market.
The paper says that western Asia “dominates the market” with 57 new schools planned for opening; in South East Asia - which is described as “another key area of growth” - 53 new schools are planned.
A total of 106 international schools are expected to open by the end of 2025.
‘Highly competitive market’
The growth of the sector - which has seen global international school numbers grow by 8 per cent in five years and student numbers increase by 13 per cent - is leading to a highly competitive market in countries such as Vietnam, where there has been a 24 per cent rise in the number of international schools over the past five years.
The paper says that ”premium-fee schools” - a term to describe schools in sought-after locations that charge higher fees - in both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are facing “enrolment pressures”.
However, it adds that “schools with strong reputations and established track records have maintained steady enrolment despite market challenges” and that “prospects vary significantly depending on location, school type and evolving student demographics”.
Growth of school groups and brands
Currently, 38 per cent of international schools belong to a school group. However, the ISC Research paper says that 59 per cent of schools planned to open in the coming years will belong to a school group.
In recent years, there has also been a marked shift in the international development of Western independent school brands such as Wellington College, Harrow and Charterhouse.
The research finds that 72 branded independent international schools are in the pipeline. By country, China leads the market with 1,124 international schools.
Also this week, Tes published the second of its new “The View From…” series, this time looking at issues in the international school sector in Hong Kong, from teacher recruitment and retention to safeguarding and behaviour.
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