1. Global K-12 International Schools Market Analysis
The global K-12 international schools market will be $106.88 billion by 2025 with a CAGR of 8.42% from 2025 to 2029. The TOP3 companies in this industry are GEMS Education, Nord Anglia Education, and Cognita Schools, accounting for a market share of 5.93%.
With the development of globalization, the degree of social and cultural exchanges is getting deeper and deeper. The emergence of multinational companies has also made society aware that talents who can respond to multiple cultures will take the initiative in the workplace. Therefore, some parents let their children participate in K-12 international school education and prepare for studying abroad.
For many parents, K-12 International School is their first choice when their children may not be mature enough and they cannot live independently under a completely different cultural background. With the development of the economy, the number of the middle class has greatly increased, and the number of people capable of sending children abroad has increased. The strong downstream demand has promoted the development of the industry.
Global K-12 International Schools Market Size (Billion USD)
2. K-12 International Schools Market Driving Forces
The Introduction of New Technologies and Concepts
With the emergence of new technologies, international schools tend to accept innovative teaching methods. The new method applies to courses designed and developed by educators in the institution. International schools are using various methods to help students learn through interaction and collaboration. International schools are pioneers in the use of educational technology for teaching. The teaching process includes new technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality, 3D printing, wearable technology, and drones. These technologies can make the classroom lively, attract students’ attention, strengthen classroom interaction, and improve learning efficiency. The introduction of new technologies and concepts has not only enriched the teaching strength of the school but also strengthened the credibility of international schools. In terms of introducing new technologies and teaching methods, the prevailing belief is that international schools will outperform ordinary schools. This is why international schools are more attractive to parents than ordinary schools. Therefore, the introduction of new technologies and concepts is also one of the driving forces to promote industry progress.
The policy has a great impact on the industry. Schools are created to cultivate talents to promote social development. Therefore, national policies often whether schools perform their functions correctly. Some schools do not meet international school standards. However, it has achieved short-term success due to information inequality and a large amount of induced marketing. To combat various bad business practices, the government has issued a series of policies. For example, China issued “China Education Modernization 2035”, which explicitly prohibits compulsory education schools from recruiting students under the name of “International Department”, “International Courses” or “Overseas Classes”; at the same time, schools for children of foreign personnel are not allowed to recruit Chinese students. China’s measures have raised the threshold for the industry and eliminated many unqualified international schools.
3. K-12 International Schools Restraining Factors
Government Policies
The policy has a great influence on the industry, and the establishment of the school is to cultivate talents and promote social development. To crack down on all kinds of bad business practices, the government has introduced a series of policies. China issued “China’s Education Modernization 2035”, which explicitly prohibits compulsory education schools from enrolling students under the name of “international department”, “international curriculum” or “overseas class”. At the same time, schools for children of foreigners are not allowed to enroll Chinese students. China’s measures have raised the bar for the sector and eliminated some substandard international schools.
4. K-12 International Schools Market Segment
Among different product types, the English Language International School segment contributes the largest market share.
Based on types, the market is segmented into English Language International School and Other Language International School. As English become the most popular language, some parents believe that learning English will bring more opportunities and possibilities for their children’s future, so the English language international schools are in dominant place. In addition, the world is developing in the direction of diversification, so other languages are gradually being noticed, especially the languages of rapidly emerging economies, such as China. The English Language International School segment market size is expected to grow to $73.05 billion by 2025 and the Other Language International School market size will reach $33.82 billion by 2025.
By application, the Primary School segment occupies the biggest share.
Pre-primary School: A preschool, also known as nursery school, pre-primary school, playschool, or kindergarten, is an educational establishment or learning space offering early childhood education to children before they begin compulsory education at primary school. Primary School: A primary school is a school in which children receive primary or elementary education from the age of about six to twelve, coming after preschool, infant school, and before secondary school. This application leads the market with a market size of $47.66 billion by 2025.
Middle School: A middle school is an educational stage that exists in some countries, providing education between primary school and secondary school. The concept, regulation, and classification of middle schools, as well as the ages covered, vary between, and sometimes within, countries. Normally, grades 7 to grade 9 can be classified into middle.
High School: HighSchool refers to schools that provide education just before undergraduate study. It normally covers grade 10 to grade 12 study, the age of students is between 16 and 18 years old.
Primary school is a key period for children to form a worldview and values, so parents are more inclined to let their children begin to receive international education in primary school. The diverse environment provided by the International School allows students from different nationalities to gather together, creating a multicultural learning atmosphere and broadening students’ worldviews. Exposure to multiculturalism at the elementary school level helps children better prepare for the globalized job market of the future. K-12 International Schools focus on providing quality educational resources and personalized educational services, which meet the needs of parents for their children’s all-round development and personalized education. Students at the elementary level need more personalized attention and education, and international schools can provide this service. With the development of society and the change in educational concepts, the needs of parents and students for international education are constantly changing, especially at the primary school level.
Market Size by Segment
| Market Size in 2025 | ||
| By Type | English Language International School | $73.05 billion |
| Other Language International School | $33.82 billion | |
| By Application | Pre-primary School | $0.99 billion |
| Primary School | $47.66 billion | |
| Middle School | $27.28 billion | |
| High School | $18.87 billion |
5. K-12 International Schools Regional Market
Description Growing Market Europe, the Middle East, and Africa are the largest markets in this industry. Europe, as an established developed country, is at the forefront of the world in terms of spending power and educational philosophy. It pays more attention to children’s education and is willing to pay for a good education. The economy of the Middle East and Africa is in a stage of development, and there is a huge demand for talent. Capable parents hope that their children can grow up in an international and diversified atmosphere from an early age. The huge gap between the rich and the poor may hinder the development of the market in the region, but because the Middle East and Africa’s future economy is very promising, the rich natural resources and cheap labor may promote the economic development of the region and create more parents with the ability to send children to international schools, so the region may bring opportunities for the industry. The market size of Europe will be $18.17 billion by 2025 and the market size of the Middle East & Africa will be $25.15 billion by 2025.
With the continuous opening and internationalization of China’s education policy, international schools have received policy support and encouragement, which has promoted the rapid development of the market. With the development of China’s economy and the increase in family income, more and more families can afford the high tuition fees of international schools, driving the growth of market demand. The market size of China will reach $19.05 billion by 2025.
Global K-12 International Schools Market Size ( Billion USD) by Region in 2025
6. K-12 International Schools Market Competition
The industry is highly competitive. The current low market concentration in this industry means that there are already many international schools in operation, and schools are striving for more market share. Companies that already have loyal customers, mature teams, and a comprehensive understanding of customer needs may be less affected. The school may compete in aspects such as hardware facilities, teaching ability, class size, student experience and feedback, and so on. If the newly entrant company does not have certain practical experience, sufficient funds, and mature promotion channels, it would be difficult to maintain a firm position in the market.
GEMS Education: GEMS Education is one of the major players operating in the K-12 International Schools market, holding a share of 2.35% in 2024. GEMS Education operates schools and provides education services to public and private clients in the United Arab Emirates and internationally. It provides education for students from kindergarten (age 5) to Grade 12 (age 17) in the Middle East and North Africa, Africa, the Americas, the Asia Pacific, and Europe.
Nord Anglia Education, Inc.: Nord Anglia Education, Inc., an investment holding company, operates premium international schools. As of November 29, 2016, it provided education services to approximately 37,000 students from kindergarten through to the end of secondary education at its 43 international schools in China, Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and North America. The company was founded in 1972 and is headquartered in Central, Hong Kong. Nord Anglia Education, Inc. is a subsidiary of Bach Finance Limited.
Cognita Schools: Cognita Schools Ltd. oversees the schools in Milton Keynes. The District regulates student enrollment requirements and establishes educational standards, procedures, and curriculum. Cognita Schools also manages school funding and addresses school-related issues.
7. K-12 International Schools Market Recent Development
In October 2024 Swedish private equity firm EQT, Neuberger Berman Private Markets, and the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Investment Board agreed to acquire international schools’ operator Nord Anglia Education in a deal worth $14.5bn including debt. The deal will see the EQT-led consortium acquire a majority stake in Nord Anglia, which operates over 80 schools in 33 countries and educates more than 85,000 students worldwide.
In July 2024, Dubai Islamic Bank provided $3.25 billion in financing for GEMS Education, the world’s largest private K-12 education provider.
Major Players
| Major Players | Business Distribution Regions |
| GEMS Education | Middle East and North Africa, Africa, the Americas, the Asia Pacific, and Europe |
| Nord Anglia Education | China, Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and North America |
| Cognita Schools | Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Spain, UK, Brazil, Chile |
| Dulwich College International | China, Singapore, South Korea, Myanmar |
| Yew Chung Education Foundation | Hong Kong, mainland China and Silicon Valley in the US |
| Wellington College | China, Thailand |
| Maple Leaf Educational Systems | North America, Asia Pacific |
| Esol Education | Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Cairo, Nicosia, and Aley. |
| Braeburn Schools | Kenya and Tanzania |
| Yew Wah International Education School | China, UK |
| EtonHouse International Education Group | Singapore, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar and Middle East |
| Harrow International Schools | Thailand, China and UK |
| ACS International Schools | England and Qatar |