Europe adds 32.3% more international schools in last decade
Europe's international schools have seen a 23% increase in their student intake in the last 10 years, according to a new report by educational consultants ISC Research. Source: Alain Jocard/AFP

Europe’s international schools have seen a 23% increase in their student intake in the last 10 years, according to a new report by educational consultants ISC Research.

In 2018, there were 598,400 students in Europe’s international schools. That figure has grown by 4% to 621,200 in January 2023.

This trend reflects a global “flourishing” of international schools. The last decade saw the number of international schools around the world growing to 13,190 — a hike of over 50%.

There are now 6.5 million students enrolled in international schools worldwide.

The “Why International Schools Keep Opening” looks into the macro and micro-environmental factors influencing growth in the international schools market.

It examines government-led regulations and more micro-environmental factors like competition and student or parent needs.

“In terms of ability, schools aren’t just for the high-performing academic students. Some schools may have a certain selection process, but my belief is that schools should also attract students from all types of different academic backgrounds and neurodiversities as well,” CEO of COBIS, Colin Bell, told The PIE.

“As for admissions and marketing, it’s fundamental how schools promote themselves; what images they use of children, of teachers so that it does represent the diversity [in the schools],” he added.

Europe's international schools

There were 621,200 students in Europe’s international schools in January 2023. Source: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP

Why more families are choosing Europe’s international schools

There is a range of factors behind the positive growth in the number of Europe’s international schools, according to ISC’s field research.

The region is admitting more expatriates from China, Rusia and Ukraine. Compared to Asia, there is a small number of local families preferring international schools to local public schools.

“National education standards across many countries in Europe are considered good enough by local parents to satisfy their educational choices, along with a perception that good education is a government provision,” the report wrote.

There is also “a high demand”  from very wealthy families from Russia and China for “exclusive” international boarding schools.

Other factors fueling the global demand for international schools include more families being able to afford private schooling, a greater desire to study at universities abroad and bigger demand for qualifications recognised and valued by respected universities and employers around the world.