Parents’ guide to choosing an international school  

Choosing a school for your child is a decision that significantly impacts their future. This choice is even more complex when deciding between schools that offer international qualifications, as these schools often have different educational systems and curricula. 

Understanding these differences is critical to selecting the right school for your child. Especially as some schools will do a better job of equipping your child with the skills and confidence to attend a sought-after university or pursue a successful career. 

In this article, we explore the differences between schools that offer international school qualifications. By the end of the guide, you should have a well-rounded understanding of your options. 

What is an international school?

International schools generally teach using a globally recognised international curriculum, such as the UK, American, or International Baccalaureate (IB). These curricula have gained respect for their rigorous standards and frequent updates to align with evolving educational landscapes.  

In addition to these schools, many bilingual schools now combine international curricula with local educational frameworks, providing a unique blend of global and local perspectives. This approach equips students with a broader understanding and appreciation of both global and local contexts. 

The best schools offering international school qualifications are known for their: 

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Global relevance

Schools working with UK-based awarding bodies and or with reputable global educational partners like the British Council, have proven that they provide high-quality and globally relevant education. 

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Diverse student body

International schools tend to have students and staff from diverse backgrounds. This prepares students for a globalised world. 

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Global perspective

Students are encouraged to engage with different cultures, traditions, and viewpoints through access to a wide range of programmes and activities that broaden their horizons and deepen their understanding of the world. 

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Excellent teachers

Teachers in international schools are often provided with continuous professional development. This ensures that educators use the latest educational methods and technology. 

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Strong safeguarding policies

These schools have measures for student protection, including staff training in child safety and policies that prioritise the welfare and security of students. The British Council supports Partner Schools in maintaining a safe, nurturing, and inclusive educational environment. 

Language considerations when choosing a school

The language of instruction plays a pivotal role in shaping your child’s educational journey as it can also impact their professional and academic options. 

For many international schools, English is a key language of instruction, serving not only as a way to teach but also as a critical tool for upskilling students. By teaching in English, these schools equip students with a core skill essential for higher education and employment in various parts of the world. 

As mentioned, many schools also offer bilingual or multilingual education. Students immersed in such educational settings often demonstrate heightened creativity and achieve success within and beyond their communities. For example, the British Council school in Spain guides students from primary-level Choral Speaking to secondary-level Declamation Speech. This progression enhances their public speaking skills and fosters their ability to articulate thoughts in multiple languages — English, French, German, and Chinese — showcasing the advantage of multilingual education.  

For instance, schools offering UK international school qualifications enjoy the flexibility of being able to teach an international qualification, while still being able to bring in local perspectives through local language inclusion into the curriculum, ensuring a comprehensive linguistic exposure for students. 

When considering a school, especially those offering UK international school qualifications, note that the medium of instruction is predominantly English. This alignment with your child’s language proficiency and educational goals is important. 

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Choosing between international school curricula

International schools that teach primarily in English tend to offer either the UK, US, or International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. Each curriculum has its own qualifications and strengths. Let’s unpack your curriculum choices in detail. 

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UK international school qualifications

In the UK, the education system varies across nations, with England, Northern Ireland, and Wales having similar structures. Schools offering a UK international school qualifications follow globally trusted international qualifications developed by UK-based awarding bodies, known for its consistency, structured approach, and strong focus on providing a balanced, well-rounded education. Currently, UK international school qualifications are delivered by over 12,000 schools worldwide, across 160 countries. 

Under this system, students aged 14 to 16 take the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (International GCSE) or International O Level exams. Students aged 16 to 18 then progress to International Advanced Subsidiary Level (International AS Level) and International Advanced Level (International A Level). These qualifications are approved by prestigious UK-based awarding bodies that ensure your child receives a high-quality education that’s recognised all over the world. To learn more about the strengths of a UK international school qualifications, read our Guide to UK International Schools Qualifications. 

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The US curriculum

Like the UK system, the US curriculum focuses on providing a well-rounded education. Generally, students can explore a range of subjects before specialising in a chosen field. While many American schools are excellent, different schools and American states rely on different standards. This can lead to inconsistencies in teaching and methodology for American international schools.  

Many American international schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses, additional university-level courses that help students transition into higher education. Upon graduation, students are awarded a US High School Diploma. According to ISC Research, roughly 15% of international schools offer AP qualifications.  

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International Baccalaureate (IB)

The International Baccalaureate (IB) operates as a private organisation, offering a range of programmes for students at different educational stages. The IB Diploma Programme, aimed at students aged 16 to 19, is offered in over 5,700 schools across 160 countries. 

Beyond the Diploma Programme, the IB includes the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP), catering to younger learners. While the Career-related Programme (CP) combines academic study with career-oriented learning, it is not as widely recognised as the Diploma Programme.

Both the IB and the UK international school qualifications are renowned for their academic rigour. To learn more about IB and UK international school qualifications, read our article that unpacks the academic rigour of each qualification. 

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How do UK international school qualifications
compare to the IB?

While both UK international school qualifications and the International Baccalaureate (IB) are globally recognised qualifications, pursuing UK international school qualifications like International GCSEs and International AS and A Levels offers unique benefits.

Read our blog

Understanding school approval and affiliations 

How can you be sure that a school provides high-quality education? One strategy is to only choose between schools that are affiliated with reputable, globally recognised organisations. These affiliations and certifications act as proof that a school is committed to educational excellence.

This is because established UK-based awarding bodies have rigorous standards that schools must meet to be allowed to offer international school qualifications. These standards typically cover school infrastructure, teacher qualifications, student support services, and school governance. UK-based awarding bodies also continually monitor the schools they work with. That way, a qualification earned in a Kenyan international school will be as credible as the same qualification earned at a school in Pakistan. UK international school qualifications, for instance, are awarded by prestigious bodies including Cambridge International Education, OxfordAQA, and Pearson Edexcel.

Many schools are also affiliated with organisations that provide resources, professional development, and networking opportunities, such as those in the British Council. These affiliations keep the school connected with the latest educational trends, technology, and best practices. By keeping pace with change, these schools consistently improve the education they provide.

To verify a school’s certification status and affiliations, visit their website. 

How the British Council supports Partner Schools

The British Council collaborates with UK-based awarding bodies to support and promote UK education globally. We work closely with schools that offer UK international school qualifications to enhance the learning experience and improve educational outcomes. This collaborative approach ensures that schools are recognised through their certification and supported comprehensively in delivering high-quality education.

Extracurricular activities

Extracurricular activities provide opportunities for your child to explore their interests, develop talents, and build skills outside the classroom. Playing a sport and taking part in extracurricular programmes helps create a well-rounded educational experience.

When assessing schools, look at the range of extracurricular activities on offer. Ideally, schools should provide a mix of sports, arts, and cultural activities. The more activities they offer, the greater chance your child has to explore different interests and discover their passion.

For instance, the British Council's Your World competition encourages students to explore global themes and express their creativity. To see how the competition complements the academic curriculum by providing a holistic educational experience, read our article Why learners should take part in the Your World competition.

In addition to individual school offerings, the British Council's Partner Schools Connect platform enhances the extracurricular landscape by providing an interactive, collaborative space for students across the global network of Partner Schools. This platform allows students to engage in cross-cultural exchanges and collaborative projects, broadening their horizons and fostering a sense of global citizenship. Partner Schools Connect is an invaluable tool for students to connect, learn, and grow with their peers worldwide, enriching their educational journey beyond the traditional classroom environment. 

Safeguarding and well-being

When selecting a school, the safety and well-being of your child are essential. Schools committed to creating a secure and supportive environment typically offer:

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Small student–teacher ratios

Smaller classes allow for more individualised attention and a better understanding of each student's needs. This can lead to an environment where teachers can quickly address any concerns or issues that arise.

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Holistic safety

This includes secure campus facilities, clear emergency procedures, and comprehensive e-safety protocols. Regular safety drills, controlled access, and trained security staff, along with rigorous online safety practices, provide a secure learning environment.

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Child protection measures

Should include extensive checks when recruiting staff, strong child protection systems and procedures, and ongoing faculty training on child protection issues. The British Council provides resources and training to all Partner Schools to ensure children are protected fully. 

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Pastoral care

School pastoral care programmes support the emotional and social well-being of students. This includes counselling services, peer support programmes, and a nurturing school culture that prioritises mental health. 

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Anti-bullying policies

Effective anti-bullying measures and a culture of respect and inclusion are crucial for emotional safety. Schools should have clear procedures for addressing and preventing bullying, and making students feel safe and respected. 

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Health services

Easy access to a school nurse or counsellor ensures your child can get immediate care in case of illness or injury, including support for ongoing health challenges. 

School fee structure

Beyond tuition, parents must be aware of any supplementary costs such as uniforms, textbooks, technology, extracurricular activities, school trips, and even transportation. Building a comprehensive breakdown of all fees will help you to accurately budget for your child's education.

Some schools offer scholarships and financial aid to help offset these costs. Financial aid may be provided based on merit-based scholarships, need-based aid, and grants for students with specific talents or backgrounds. Research and understand the application process for these opportunities, as they are often competitive and limited but can significantly offset the overall cost of education. 

Questions to ask prospective schools

Here’s a list of questions to ask when looking for the right school. The answers will give you deeper insights into the school's culture, values, and qualifications.

Curriculum and academic excellence

  • What curriculum does the school follow, and how does it prepare students for higher education and future careers?

  • How does the school assess student progress and academic achievement?

Language of instruction and support

  • What is the primary language of instruction, and how does the school support non-native speakers? 

  • Are there additional language programmes or support for students to become multilingual?  

Faculty qualifications and development

  • What qualifications and experience do the teachers have?

  • How does the school support ongoing professional development for its staff? 

Extracurricular activities and facilities 

  • What extracurricular activities are available, and how do they enrich the curriculum? 

  • What other facilities are available for extracurricular activities? 

  • Does the school provide extra lessons, projects, or assignments to help students learn beyond the curriculum?  

Safeguarding, well-being, and pastoral care

  • What measures are in place to ensure the physical safety of students? 

  • How does the school support the emotional and social well-being of its students? 

Community and values: 

  • How would the school describe its community and core values? 

  • How are parents involved in the school community, and what opportunities are there for engagement? 

Approval and continuous improvement: 

  • Is the school approved, and by which organisations? 

  • How does the school pursue continuous improvement in its educational offerings?  

Financial considerations and scholarships: 

  • What is the total cost of attendance, including any additional fees or costs? 

  • Are there scholarships or financial aid programmes available, and what is the application process? 

Choosing the right school for your child

Picking the right school requires research and guidance. Hopefully, the information shared here can help guide you in choosing a school that best fits your child's needs.  

As we explored earlier, the qualifications and curriculum an international school offers are key to setting your child up for success. UK international school qualifications, in particular, are globally recognised for their high standard of education. UK international school qualifications can unlock doors to higher education opportunities while equipping students with the skills they need to succeed in the professional world. 

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