3 international schools in Asia offering bright futures for young learners

The best international schools prepare children for success not just in class, but for university and beyond. Some of these institutions can be found in Asia, an ideal setting for a globalised education that turns your child into a well-rounded individual set to thrive in university and beyond.

The numbers speak for themselves. ISC Research, the leading provider of English-medium K-12 international school data, trends and intelligence, recorded a total of 14,010 English-medium international schools worldwide. As many as 57% can be found in Asia alone, with four of the top five countries with the most international schools located there. 

The reason? They offer a quality, English education that puts students on a path to a global future, while running extracurricular activities and other initiatives that develop life skills and character. They learn to communicate effectively, listen emphatically, and practise cultural sensitivity – values crucial for shining brightly as future leaders and changemakers – all whilst benefiting from being based in one of the most consequential regions in the world today.

If this is the future you envision for your child, here are three international schools in Asia that have transformed children into future leaders:

Nexus learners develop the skills and confidence to thrive in a world that demands flexible thinking and fresh perspectives. Source: Nexus International School (Singapore)

Nexus International School (Singapore)

Nexus International School (Singapore) is where learners are raised to be future-ready leaders. A holistic approach to education and numerous opportunities ensure they’ll have a CV set to impress universities and prepare them for a fast-changing world.

Within Nexus’ state-of-the-art campus and beyond, your child will have many opportunities to grow into a well-rounded leader as they explore various pathways and gain the skills to succeed.

Immersive learning experiences allow learners to roleplay in various professions – for example, some Year 12 learners did their science coursework in Malaysia as they did actual data collection in the outfield. Outside the curriculum, there’s a diverse range of Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) that help learners discover new passions and hidden talents. Then, there are practical initiatives that give learners the opportunity to develop essential leadership qualities, such as the Secondary Learner Council and the Care for World Ambassadors programme. The International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum that Nexus offers includes rigorous academic challenges while also engaging learners in service learning and creative projects, encouraging them to make a positive impact outside the classroom.

The result? The transformation of learners into active changemakers, armed with critical thinking, conceptual understanding, and a heart for service. Most importantly, they graduate knowing what interests them and can make informed choices about their academic subjects and dream jobs early in life.

Research has found that starting early on career guidance can greatly benefit teenagers– which is why the school runs programmes such as the NexSteps Careers Workshop and the Entrepreneurship BootCamp for Year 9 to 13 learners. During these events, learners meet industry professionals, develop business ideas, and practise interview skills. Some learners also participate in the Junior Achievement Award Company of the Year as a CCA, impressively gaining the interest from established companies, opening pathways for internship opportunities.

These are valuable experiences, the kind that give your child an edge when applying to university and competing for jobs. The results are in the books – many Nexus graduates have gone on to their first choice of university among 100 leading institutions globally. Thirty-six percent of graduates are in top QS ranked universities across Asia and Australia, with another 30% studying in leading Russell Group universities in the UK.

Book a tour to visit Nexus International School (Singapore) today.

At The Alice Smith School, students develop physically, personally, socially, and emotionally. Source: The Alice Smith School

The Alice Smith School

Alice Smith School is the first British international school in Malaysia and is the only “not-for-profit” British international school in the nation’s fast-rising capital. Growing from strength to strength since Alice Fairfield-Smith, a biology graduate from Harvard University and an experienced teacher, first set up the school in her home in Jalan Eaton, today the school is synonymous with the phrase “outstanding international education.”

Step into any class, and you’ll find interaction and collaboration between the teacher, the students, and their peers. In small tutor groups, coaching and reflection exercises take place — sometimes led by expert guests — so students get the most from their education. Enriched, challenging and holistic, it’s a curriculum that nurtures young minds into critical and analytical leaders, ready for university and beyond.

It all kicks off in the Foundation Stage, where students between the ages of three and five follow the English National Curriculum. Teachers guide according to a number of recognised approaches as to how children best learn at this age, such as Reggio Emilia, Anna Ephgrave, Maria Montessori and Alistair Bryce-Clegg.

Across Primary, Secondary, and Sixth Form programmes, older students combine their academic achievements with their unique strengths, aspirations and needs. Students take GCSE and A Level, customising their own pathways with enrichment activities, including leadership, service and physical activity.

Two features of Bangkok Patana School are instrumental to its success: a British-based, international curriculum and Bangkok’s bustling benefits. Source: Bangkok Patana School

Bangkok Patana School

As one of the most respected educational establishments in South East Asia, Bangkok Patana School knows what future-proof education is. From Foundation Stage right through Senior Studies, over 2,200 students from around 60 countries are nurtured to become lifelong learners who can adapt to an ever-changing world.

The school understands that every learner is on a unique journey. Each student needs and thrives on tailored training plans – it’s why differentiation is a big part of their approach to education. It is for this reason that the school offers two excellent programmes — the English National Curriculum and International Baccalaureate. With these, students are getting the best intellectual, physical and social preparation for their futures.

Of course, they aren’t alone. Teachers are committed to helping students reach their personal and academic goals, not just through simple direction, but also by working alongside them in open classroom environments. This encourages children to find meaning and value in their interests, which in turn gives them the confidence to share ideas and thoughts.

This practice extends beyond the classrooms. Student welfare is a key priority – the school provides a wide range of extra-curricular activities that offer a holistic approach to learning. This ensures that their students graduate as well-rounded individuals ready for higher education and to positively impact society.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International