Written by Admin
International schools are expanding their reach and enabling break barriers between countries. In the past, globetrotting expatriates preferred international schools. However, an increasing number of local parents are also selecting international schools for their children, seeking an education that is high in quality and would help their children to cross national boundaries easily.
International education not only facilitates entry to global universities, but it also helps students network with other professionals that would boost their careers in an increasingly global economy. International schools have witnessed outstanding growth in recent years.
As per international school data experts - ISC Research, “rather than the expatriate-dominated schools of the past, four in five of those students are the children from local families.” Asia has the maximum demand for international schools, thanks primarily to its booming economy.
The international schools market in India is on the cusp of substantial expansion as per data from ISC Research. Key facts from the report indicate that “within the last five years, the number of international schools in India has grown by over 45%, while student enrolment has increased by over 70%.”
At present, there are 469 international schools spread throughout the nation, attended by 268,500 students aged between 3 and 18. The capacity utilization is high despite the fees.
There is a marginal decrease in enrolment at India’s private schools as a section of the students move to international schools. Many schools in India are transitioning from state examination boards (such as the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education) to international boards (such as Cambridge International Examinations and the International Baccalaureate). It is in response to increasing demand for globally-recognized academic credentials.
A significant percentage of enrolment are local Indian students. Expatriates, especially from the US, South Korea, and the UK, make up the remaining student demographic. Concerning the curriculum, the predominant program is the International Baccalaureate.
There are many reasons in favour of the growth of an international school in India. Due to economic liberalization, India has seen a rise in a generation of relatively affluent parents who want the best education for their children. According to management consultancy firm Technopak, “by 2020, India’s private education market will have doubled in value within the space of just four years.”
All existing data indicate further expansion of international schools in India in the coming years. Especially in mid-range-fee schools where demand would be high. Prominent school groups such as GEMS and Maple Bear Canadian Pre-Schools are planning to expand further in the country. Two British independent schools - King’s College India in Rohtak and Repton School in Bengaluru have established their presence in the country.
Of course, most of the children in India still go to local schools, and this would not change shortly, because intentional education is expensive. However, the rise in domestic demand for international schools is substantial since it reflects a change in aspirations, even if it is only among the affluent section of society.
