Internationally Local - How International School is Becoming a Preferred Choice

Across the world the demand for international schools has been growing exponentially for years.  According to ISC research, there are now over 11,600 international schools around the world, educating more than 5.9 million children. 

But what exactly is international education - why does the world economy need it and what might it have to offer your child?

Why did international schools come to exist?

First established to meet the needs of the expatriate market, international schools were initially few and far between - and often in remote locations targeting small specific markets.  Think of Miri in Borneo where Shell established one of its first schools in 1922. Others were established to support the staff of embassies or small expatriate groups in countries where the local education was unsuitable, either because of the language of learning, the quality of the teaching, or the qualifications obtained.

How have they changed?

But these early international schools bear little resemblance to many international schools of today. The demographic breakdown, learning approach and business model have all changed and it is certainly no longer a small market catering to a niche group.

​Understandably dominated by their expatriate intake, they were based on the national curriculum prioritised by their founders.  But, as new international schools have been established and developed over time, the curricula offered have changed too. Although almost half of the international school market still uses the UK or American curricula, the International Baccalaureate programme is now the choice of 45% of today’s international schools. We are clearly in good company with our combination of the IB PYP and MYP and US Diploma / AP programme.

Who goes to an international school?

Perhaps the biggest change in the international schools market - other than the overall growth - is the demographic breakdown of the student population. While today’s market still caters to expatriate families - with the total number of expatriate students continuing to grow year on year - demand for places is often fuelled by local families.

Many international schools today combine local heritage within an international or global bilingual learning approach and local parents have become increasingly aware that their country’s state education, local private education, or a foreign boarding school, were not the only options available for their child. 

This education movement has increased as many economies have improved, and now an English-medium, international school education is high on the list of priorities for many families. The result of this is that today, - as a worldwide average - local children fill 80% of international school places; a complete reversal of 30 years ago when 80% were filled by expatriate children.

What are the benefits of international education?

It is widely accepted that students who have attended international schools are exceptionally well prepared for the requirements of higher education. This is a result not only of academic standards but the approach that international schools take to teaching and learning. International schools produce students who are independent, collaborative, creative, internationally-minded learners. 

Children from international schools are purposefully prepared for living in, and contributing to, an interconnected world.  By their very nature, international schools are culturally inclusive - often described as a ‘mini united nations’ by their community. Students not only benefit from achieving qualifications that are globally recognised (both at university and in the workplace) but they also learn the value of retaining and celebrating their local language and culture. 

Have a look at the ISPS Programs.

What lies ahead for international schools?

The current pandemic has brought many challenges to the world economy, and the international school sector will not be immune to the challenges that lie ahead. But, this is a dynamic sector that has a tremendous amount to offer both locals and expatriates. 

Exactly what the future of international education looks like, we don’t totally know yet, but we do know that the need for engaging, child-centered, holistic, international education will not change. There will always be a place for high-quality international education like that offered at ISPS.

Helen Brocklesby, Director

International School of Port of Spain