7 interesting facts about international schools

1. Around the world, there are over 7,600 English-medium international schools

With international schools in almost every country, there are opportunities all over the world for your child to study at an international school.

2. There are nearly 4 million students enrolled in international schools

This is 400% more students than in the year 2000 – that’s a huge increase! This is also partly because more and more international schools are drawing in local children as well as expats.

3. International schools have trebled since 2000

As you may have guessed from this student growth, international schools are constantly increasing in popularity. The number of international schools is expected to double again by 2025.

4. Asia has the highest number of international schools than any other continent

The Middle East, China and Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam, all have an extensive number of international schools, offering exceptional standards of learning and teaching. Alice Smith School is proud to be one of these outstanding institutions offering exemplary opportunities for students and staff.

5. The English National Curriculum is the most popular curriculum choice for international schools

International schools usually adapt the English National Curriculum to better suit its student population and location. At Alice Smith School, we take an innovative approach to the English National Curriculum, replicating the same success for our students but in an internationally diverse setting.

Other popular curricula are a US-oriented curriculum and leading international options such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC).

6. International schools offer a holistic educational experience for students

Students at international schools can learn amongst and engage with peers from all over the world. This helps encourage communication across language and cultural barriers, as well as respect and mindfulness of different customers and cultural norms. It teaches them to be tolerant, empathetic and understanding whilst broadening their horizons, emboldening them to be global citizens.

7. Reputable international schools are members of international school associations

International schools are not assessed or standardised by one single body, but there are a range of highly respected international school associations that represent specific groups of schools, for example COBIS (the Council of British International Schools), EARCOS (the East Asia Regional Council of Schools) and BSME (British Schools of the Middle East), amongst others.Often they will be members or accredited by multiple associations.

The Alice Smith School is an accredited member of the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) and a founding member of the Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA). Additionally, it is a member of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), the East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS) and the Council of International Schools (CIS).

The Alice Smith School is an international school based in Kuala Lumpur.