10 Things Parents Should Know About International School Groups

In recent years, international schools have gained significant traction across Asia—not just among expatriate families, but increasingly among local parents seeking globally recognised education for their children. According to the latest data from ISC Research, there are nearly 15,000 international schools worldwide, and Asia accounts for more than half of that number. The sector is no longer just a niche offering for diplomats and multinational executives; it has become a viable and often desirable pathway for students preparing for universities abroad.

One of the defining features of the international school sector today is the increasing role of school groups or networks. These large-scale operators manage multiple schools across different countries, providing consistency, shared resources, and often a premium educational experience.

In this article, we take a closer look at some of the key players in the international school market—especially those with a footprint in Asia—and what parents should consider when evaluating them.

1. What Are International School Groups?

School groups are organisations that operate multiple international schools globally or regionally. These can range from corporate-owned entities to nonprofit foundations. Some school groups operate under a single brand (e.g. Nord Anglia), while others offer a portfolio of schools with different names and educational philosophies.

These groups provide economies of scale, consistent teacher training, shared curricula frameworks, and often better facilities thanks to shared investment. They also tend to offer smoother transitions for students who need to relocate across countries—an advantage for globally mobile families.

2. Cognita: A Balance of Local and Global

With over 100 schools in 16 countries, Cognita is one of the most prominent international school groups globally. In Asia, Cognita has a notable presence in countries like Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Singapore-based schools include:

Stamford American International School
Brighton College (Singapore)
Australian International School

Cognita schools often adopt globally recognised curricula like the International Baccalaureate (IB) or British National Curriculum, but they also prioritise local cultural integration. The group is known for emphasizing well-being, which aligns with the Singapore Ministry of Education’s growing focus on social-emotional learning.

3. Nord Anglia Education: Academic Rigour and Global Citizenship

Nord Anglia operates over 80 schools worldwide, with several based in major Asian cities like Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Hanoi. Its partnership with institutions like MIT and Juilliard brings unique STEAM and performing arts experiences into the classroom.

Examples of Nord Anglia schools in Asia:

Dover Court International School (Singapore)
The British International School Shanghai
Northbridge International School Cambodia

The group promotes high academic achievement while embedding global citizenship and sustainability through initiatives aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

4. GEMS Education: A Middle Eastern Powerhouse with Asian Reach

Founded in the UAE, GEMS Education operates more than 60 schools globally. In Asia, GEMS has schools in countries like Singapore and Malaysia.

In Singapore:

GEMS World Academy (Singapore) (now rebranded/absorbed into another network)

GEMS schools offer a variety of curricula—British, IB, American—and are known for offering a strong sense of community and inclusivity. Fees tend to be on the higher end, but they offer state-of-the-art facilities and robust co-curricular programmes.

5. International Schools Partnership (ISP): Rapid Expansion with Student-Centric Approach

International Schools Partnership (ISP) is a relatively newer player with over 100 schools in its portfolio, growing rapidly in Southeast Asia.

Schools in Asia:

Tenby Schools (Malaysia)
The Hamilton International School (Qatar, Middle East)
Asia Pacific International School (Korea)

What sets ISP apart is its focus on personalised learning and cultural sensitivity, which appeals to families looking for schools that cater to local and expat students alike.

6. Inspired Education: A Premium Experience

With over 110 schools globally, Inspired Education positions itself as a premium education provider, combining academic excellence with innovation and the arts.

Asian schools include:

Australian International School (Malaysia)
British International School of Kuala Lumpur

Inspired schools generally offer low student-to-teacher ratios, personalised learning pathways, and strong boarding options—particularly attractive to parents of teens preparing for universities abroad.

7. Globeducate: Preparing Students for a Changing World

Globeducate has 65 schools across the globe, including Europe and Asia. Its presence in Asia is still growing, and its schools are often aligned with the IB and European curricula, preparing students for higher education in global destinations.

Their ethos is centred around sustainability and digital literacy, preparing students to adapt to future job markets.

8. Brand Licenses and Franchises: Harrow, Dulwich, and Wellington

Some elite UK independent schools have expanded internationally through franchise or partnership models.

Examples in Asia:

Dulwich College (Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai)
Harrow International School (Bangkok, Beijing, Hong Kong)
Wellington College International (Shanghai, Tianjin)

These schools bring the heritage of British boarding schools with modern pedagogical practices. While management structures vary, many offer close oversight and shared teacher training programmes with the founding institutions.

9. What Does This Mean for Parents?

When evaluating an international school in Asia, it’s not just about the curriculum or fees. School groups play a significant role in shaping a school’s leadership, ethos, and investment in resources.

Key considerations for parents:

What values does the school group promote?
How experienced is the school in working with multicultural student bodies?
Are there opportunities for international mobility across campuses?
Does the group provide ongoing professional development for teachers?
What is the group’s track record for academic outcomes?

10. Choosing With Confidence

International school groups have become integral to Asia’s educational landscape. While the number of options can seem overwhelming, understanding the structure and strengths of each school group can help parents make informed decisions.

As you explore international schools in Asia, consider browsing reviews, school tours, and curriculum fit. A great starting point is our curated list of international schools on Parents’ Guide Asia, which includes schools from many of the groups mentioned above.

With the right information and clarity about your child’s educational goals, you can find a school that not only meets academic standards but also nurtures character, confidence, and global citizenship.