A survey of some 180 COBIS schools last year revealed that 56% had reported an increase on student numbers compared to 2024. Even more promisingly, 78% of respondents said they felt ‘optimistic’ or very optimistic’ about enrolment growth.
And more than half (53%) of respondents said they felt the demand for British international schools in their region had increased compared with two years ago.
COBIS represents British international schools from over 80 countries around the world, with 42% of respondents highlighting notable changes in the nationalities making up their student bodies over the past two years, up from 39% in 2024’s survey. While COBIS noted that these changes varied depending on individual schools’ region, increases in students from China was the most common response.
UK schools have long been popular among Chinese parents, with British education enjoying a solid reputation around the world.
However, results from the COBIS survey suggest that British schools based in the UK may be feeling the effects of a government policy charging private schools VAT on their fees – resulting in the majority of independent schools hiking up costs.
Some 18% of survey respondents said they had received admissions enquiries from families leaving the UK as a direct result of the policy. While the K-12 sector has fought extensively against the law change, three High Court judges ultimately dismissed a legal case positing that the policy was discriminatory and against human rights in a landmark decision last year.
Speaking about the results of the survey, COBIS CEO Colin Bell said that they pointed to “a lot of positivity and optimism” in the K-12 sector, including increased demand for British education.
“But more challenging trends are also highlighted around wellbeing and mental health, teacher supply, and the impact of geo-political conflict,” he said.
But more challenging trends are also highlighted around wellbeing and mental health, teacher supply, and the impact of geo-political conflict
Colin Bell, COBIS
Over half (55%) of school respondents said they felt current and recent geopolitical developments were having either a significant or moderate effect on their school or community. And more than a third (37%) said they had seen an increase in student anxiety as a result.
Meanwhile, the cost of UK higher education continues to be a barrier for international students, even those educated by British schools.
For those who chose to study in countries other than the UK, the cost – including the cost of living – was the top factor believed to have influenced the decision.
