Observers put the rise down to various factors: Chinese parents with more disposable income increasingly view US schools as a stepping stone to US higher education. Competition for places at top Chinese universities is also growing, and not everyone can pass the rigorous entrance exam. There are political considerations too.

High school enrolments climbed from 4,500 in 2008 to 23,795 last year

In a blog, the global consultancy firm McKinsey writes: “It has long been common knowledge that many of the offspring of China’s leaders study outside the country. More and more upwardly mobile people are now following suit.

“Parents are not motivated only by a desire to give their children an alternative to the rote learning that still characterises much of Chinese education; they are also creating additional options for their children should there be a discontinuity in China.”

The rise is good news for US private schools which are coming to rely on overseas enrolments as a revenue source (public high schools which face considerable restrictions on recruiting overseas also offer little competition). Private high schools fees can pass $50,000 a year, but total enrolment at private high schools has fallen from 6.1 million in 2005 to about 5.5 million according to the US Department of Education.

US universities looking to build overseas enrolments also see schools as a ripe recruiting ground, although some question whether a new influx from China – the country’s number one student source – will affect diversity. Chinese enrolments at US universities surged by 23% for the second consecutive year in 2011-2012 from 157,500 to 194,000.

NAFSA, a peak international education body, says it is aware of the influx and provides professional resources and forums to help educators meet enrolment challenges associated with large numbers of students from China. Its September webinar “Today’s Chinese Student: What Really Matters” was attended by more than 1,500, the largest audience it has ever had for a webinar.

“They are also creating additional options for their children should there be a discontinuity in China”

McKinsey believes the interest in schools will continue in 2013, and not just in the US. The UK has seen Chinese enrolments triple at its boarding schools in four years, and the Independent Schools Council, which represents around 50% of the UK’s independent schools, says enrolments have risen from 2,330 to 3,630 since 2008. Curbs to Tier 4 visas may hamper growth in 2013 though – the UKBA said visa applications for independent schools fell 17% last year.

Singapore, Canada and Australia are also thought to be targets, where big investments in real estate and other assets can also lead to permanent residency.

“Private-business owners have an opportunity to give themselves such options by making international investments and acquisitions outside China,” writes McKinsey. “With permanent residence on offer…in return for an investment of up to a few million dollars, many are taking advantage.”