As the global landscape of British boarding education continues to evolve, one truth remains clear: the international boarding parent is more engaged, data-aware, and aspirational than ever before.

At Next Step Education, through our ongoing research and collaboration with the Boarding Schools Association and our deep involvement with the Independent Schools Show, we’ve identified powerful trends shaping the decisions of boarding parents today. These trends are not just data points - they are signals, guiding schools on how to connect with the families that sustain our sector.

A Global Marketplace With Local Expectations

In 2024, over 57% of all new boarders came from overseas, a record high. Parents are no longer just “international” in name; they are savvy, well-informed, and driven by long-term academic outcomes. From Mainland China and Central Asia to Africa, the Middle East and Latin America, families are increasingly seeking direct engagement with schools before they commit.

These families are not just searching for league tables. They want the full UK boarding experience: authentic community, English immersion, and clear pathways to top-tier universities. Many are bypassing glossy brochures and instead attending in-person exhibitions to meet the schools, heads and admissions teams face-to-face.

Data-Driven Decision Making

The insights gathered in our latest “Contemporary Boarding Parent” research show that market fluctuations are significant but not random. Countries like India, the Middle East, and Spain have shown extraordinary growth in new enrolments since 2014, while others like Russia and Hong Kong have declined due to socio-political changes.

As a result, boarding schools must act with strategic precision: understanding regional churn rates, tailoring marketing, and investing in ROI-driven engagement. There's no better way to do this than by meeting parents in the markets where they're most active.

Join Us Overseas in 2025/26

In the 2025/26 academic year, the Independent Schools Show will be visiting key growth markets across the globe. Our overseas exhibitions bring together the world’s most forward-thinking independent schools and the parents actively seeking them.

These events offer schools:

• Direct access to qualified prospective families

• Insightful market briefings and peer networking

• High-impact visibility in regions with strong enrolment growth

Whether your school is new to international recruitment or already boasts a global alumni network, joining us abroad next year can make a significant difference.

Full ISS 2025/26 Dates & Packages

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