International schools are an invaluable source of recruitment for universities says ISC Research
A new white paper from ISC Research explores the emerging focus on holistic development and skills-based learning in international education. University admissions processes remain highly competitive, with international school students being well placed to succeed due to their rigorous academic qualification and broad extracurricular experiences.
17 October 2024
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International schools are a well-established pathway to high-ranking universities around the world, and this is due to their ability to offer globally recognised curricula and exam qualifications. The three leading exit examinations offered at international schools has remained static for many years, being A/ International A Levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), and the Advanced Placement (AP). Collectively, these alone are offered in 40% of international schools worldwide.Prior ISC Research analysis indicates that nearly 580,000 students exited international schools this summer, with 90% of the cohort opting for higher education as their next step.Students hoping to study at a UK or US-based university will typically select international schools offering A Levels or the AP due to smoother admissions processes. Alternatively, the IBDP’s focus on wide-ranging academic study offers a multitude of global higher education pathways.
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In recent years, international schools have gone far beyond academia in preparing their students for the future. Ben Mason, Founder and CEO of globalbridge, a revolutionary digital platform upon which young people can showcase their full skillset beyond exam grades, said:“Global research increasingly suggests that the signalling power of traditional academic grades is diminishing as employers adopt innovative skills-based recruitment strategies. This challenges how education systems evidence student outcomes beyond just academic credentials.”International schools worldwide are aiming to strike a balance between preparing students for university admissions, where the focus remains predominantly on exam performance, and ensuring they are well-equipped for a shifting economy and global marketplace that is placing increasing emphasis on practical skills. By addressing both academic and non-academic aspects of university life, as well as alternative options entirely, international school students are well-prepared for a broad range of future pathways. Carolyn Barr, Central International Relations and Recruitment Advisor at Leiden University in the Netherlands, said:"International school students tend to be very well-prepared for studying […] Also, many international schools have dedicated and highly knowledgeable university counselling staff who have full university preparation/choice programmes and support. As such, students are orienting themselves quite early, and have time to research and find the right fit for themselves.”
About ISC Research ISC Research is the leading provider of data and intelligence on the global international schools’ market. Processing close to 200,000 data points every year and spending 4,500 hours on verification, our data is primary, collected directly from international schools, and continuously updating. This enables us to produce a comprehensive range of intelligence reports and provide expert advice to assist and inform market decisions. Learn more at iscresearch.com.
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