Asian families showing “increased interest” in top private schools

Fresh from publishing its fifth annual global schools index – which lists the top 150 private schools around the world – Carfax Education head of education, Fiona McKenzie, shared withThe PIE News that there is “increased interest from families in countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Japan and Thailand, with more international schools opening to service the demands of the local market”.

“We are observing the impact of different situations playing out around the world, with families relocating to new destinations, which is why the schools index is such a valuable guide. The UAE has seen a significant growth in school enrolments and is forecasting the need for 150 new schools by 2030.

“The UK remains a top destination for a ‘gold standard’ education, as reflected in the schools index; families who are seeking a well-rounded, holistic education with excellent academics continue to have British schools as their top choice. The North American prep schools also remain popular and welcome international pupils who bring a different cultures and perspectives to their communities.” 

Split into different regions, the index features schools chosen by a “panel of education consultants led by Carfax Education”, the company said.

The index ranks schools on academic results and preparation for university, their ethos and their local and international reputation, as well as including information on fees, the curriculum and the travel times to local airports.

“Top schools listed for 2024 providing exceptional education for pupils include world-renowned British schools such as Eton College, Harrow, Wycombe Abbey, Rugby School and Brighton College, as well as those further afield, such as King’s College in New Zealand and Vienna International School.  New entries in The Schools Index this year include UK Senior School Haileybury and The American School in Japan,” Carfax Education said. 

New entries to the index include Epsom College, Malaysia and The British School of Bahrain, and North American schools have been included in the list for the first time.

There are fears in the UK’s K-12 sector that schools’ finances could be hit by a new policy that will see a 20% tax increase on private school fees from January 2025.

We are definitely seeing increase interest in UK-based families seeking alternatives in different parts of the world
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McKenzie told The PIE that schools are preparing for the change in different ways.

“This is still playing out at the moment and the full impact of this decision is still to be seen. Different schools are implementing the changes in different ways, with many trying to mitigate the change and make it as manageable for parents as possible. 

“However, we are definitely seeing increased interest in UK-based families seeking alternatives in different parts of the world. And there are certainly schools in the index from around the world who are actively advertising and recruiting families to come and join them as a more affordable alternative.”

Of the launch of this year’s schools index, she said: “The demand for excellent schools grows and remains fiercely competitive as parents strive to ensure their child receives the strongest foundations to set them up for a lifetime of success. The importance of parents having the schools Index has grown as families become more mobile and can choose to work from anywhere in the world.”