International schools in Asia preparing students for a globalised economy

Diverse student bodies. Holistic focus. Beautiful campuses. These are some of the words to describe some of the top international schools in Asia. At these schools, an education encompasses more than just stellar grades, language skills and a pathway to university – it is an experience that nurtures a child as a whole.

In a globalised economy, these schools – many of which are set in countries with tiger economies – recognised the benefit of a globalised education, where children are not confined within the four walls of the classroom or even national borders. Instead, they learn through a curated curriculum that trains them to think out of the box and be part of a globalised generation.  

Such education lays the foundation to build a generation of young leaders who are dynamic, adaptable and prepared to tackle unexpected challenges. At the schools, students learn how to analyse a problem and execute solutions. It’s not about passive learning, but practically applying the theoretical concepts in the classrooms and bringing them to life. 

These young learners will soon become critical thinkers who can make precise and clear thoughts. They will grow up and understand reliance, significance and coherence. 

If this is the future you envision for your child, here are four top schools in Asia more than capable of providing that: 

Dover Court International School

Source: Children learn from a caring and community-orientated school that sets them up for lifelong success. Source: Dover Court International School

Diverse. Global. Success. These three words define Singapore’s Dover Court International School (DCIS). Situated in the heart of Singapore, the green 12-acre campus is home to children aged three to 18 who learn in a supportive and inclusive environment that sets them on a path to lifelong success.

Here, identity, equity and diversity are ingrained in the school’s culture and curriculum. Psychologists, speech and physical therapists, and teachers with qualifications in special needs integrate students with additional needs into main-school activities. Students from Nursery to Year 6 not only explore the origin of specific cultures, practices, and lifestyles, but also commit to individual and group projects that deepen the understanding of their research.

What sets DCIS apart is how it prepares students to thrive successfully in their journey beyond school. To achieve this goal, they modified the English National Curriculum to create an education with an international perspective – suitable for children who will grow up to be members of a global community. Young minds flourish through this combination of rigorous grounding in core subjects — like English, Mathematics, and Science — with international awareness, social responsibility, and language acquisition.

The best part? DCIS students benefit from global programmes like “Global Campus” (a virtual learning environment that connects DCIS students with peers in 79 Nord Anglia Education’s schools) and global collaborations with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), UNICEF, and The Juilliard School. If you are looking for a British international school in Southeast Asia where your child can excel academically, socially, and personally, arrange a personalised virtual with DCIS meeting here.

Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong

Source: Here, a promising education that will set your child up for success awaits. Source: Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong/Facebook

Located in Hong Kong, Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong (NAIS HK) has two beautiful Early Year campuses in Tai Tam and Sai Kung, with two additional campuses for children from Year 2 through to Year 13 in Lam Tin and Kwun Tong. 

The school focuses on delivering an individualised education that helps every child to be ambitious throughout their school life. Parents looking to start their young children off on the right foot will find NAIS HK’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Curriculum appealing.

The ages of three to five are critical moments in ensuring students become confident and well-rounded individuals who enjoy learning. No one understands this better than NAIS HK’s educators, who seize this opportunity to ensure students become purposeful, lifelong learners. Students are taught in nurturing and inspiring learning spaces by highly qualified UK trained teachers who support every aspect of your child’s learning.

Due to its connection to one of the world’s leading premium schools organisation, the campus benefits from collaborations with renowned institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Juilliard New York and Unicef, similar to many other Nord Anglia institutions around the globe. Tuition fees at NAIS HK are also more affordable than at schools in mainland China, further adding to the school’s appeal for a holistic education at an affordable rate.

Bangkok Patana School

Source: Bangkok Patana School is one of the most respected educational establishments in South East Asia. Source: Bangkok Patana School/Facebook

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

As they follow two excellent programmes — English National Curriculum (ENC) and International Baccalaureate (IB) — they are getting the best intellectual, physical and social preparation for their futures. The ENC has been modified to give a broad and balanced outcome. Their rigorous IB programme provides a robust learning environment that motivates students– academically and socially – to be at their best. 

Teachers here don’t merely give directions but work alongside the child in an open classroom. This encourages children to find meaning and value in their interests, giving them the confidence to share ideas and thoughts. 

Here, student welfare is a key priority. Their wide range of extra-curricular activities provides a holistic approach to learning to ensure that their students graduate as well-rounded individuals ready for higher education and to impact society positively. It also allows them to explore their passions, learn new skills, and make new friends – all building towards a vibrant and diversified learning environment.

Branksome Hall Asia

Branksome Hall Asia students have gained entry into the world’s top universities. Source: Branksome Hall Asia

It may be Asia’s only girls’ IB Continuum School, but Branksome Hall Asia nurtures both little boys and girls in its co-ed Junior School. The first stage is the Early Years Programme, which kickstarts the educational journey with a structured, play-based approach. It sets the foundation for problem-based, technologically-driven learning in later years.

The school welcomes students from Junior Kindergarten Prep to Grade 12. It is the mission of the school to develop students into globally-minded learners and leaders, prepared for the challenges and opportunities they’ll meet in a rapidly changing interdependent world. 

To reach these goals, the school delivers an academically rigorous curriculum, hires diverse and highly qualified professional staff, and maintains world-class facilities and state-of-the-art learning environments. Empowering lessons delivered in this learning environment will stay in the student’s minds as they head out into the real world, fully prepared for their future. 

A testament to their prowess, Branksome students have consistently enjoyed enviable results, placing them in the top echelon of international schools across the whole of North-East Asia. Meanwhile, many graduates have gained entry into the world’s top universities, including the University of Cambridge, Cornell University, Brown University and the London School of Economics, to name a few.

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