India International Schools Expansion

India’s international schools are booming at a rate never previously expected!

With over 900 international schools already established, India’s international schools market is experiencing rapid growth and becoming increasingly attractive for investors and educators alike. This growth trend is driven by various factors, including economic progress, evolving demand characteristics, regulatory changes, and emerging educational trends.

India International Schools are a key priority for GSE and other well-regarded international school brands.

Demand Characteristics:

India’s diverse socio-economic landscape has created a segmented international school market catering to families across different income classes. Despite this segmentation, the K-12 international schools market has witnessed a significant increase in enrollment figures, reaching over 416,000 students between the ages of 3 and 18 in the academic year 2023-24. (Learn more) This surge in enrollment can be attributed to the country’s economic growth, which has empowered more families to prioritize quality education for their children. Additionally, there is a growing interest in adopting key educational trends such as Special Education Needs (SEN) support, integration of AI and EdTech, and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Regulatory Landscape:

While the growth of international schools in India is promising, navigating the regulatory environment remains challenging. Educational institutions are typically registered as not-for-profit, but recent regulations have allowed foreign campuses to repatriate profits. Additionally, there are complex regulations governing foreign monetary transactions, including the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) 1999 and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) 2010. Compliance with these regulations is crucial for international schools to avoid potential audits and legal issues. (ISC Research India Report 2023-24). 

Economic Factors:

India’s economy is growing rapidly. The swift expansion of the middle-income bracket has resulted in heightened purchasing power and sparked a surge in the desire for top-tier luxury goods and services.

“In the coming years, this trend will amplify. As India races to clinch the third spot in terms of GDP, the consumer market is also set to become the world’s third-largest by 2027. By 2030, close to one in two households will belong to either high- or upper-middle-income categories with growing disposable incomes.”

Source: Deloitte

Over the years, India’s per capita income has steadily surged by 140%, soaring from US$1,673.95 in 2014 to US$2,341.10 in 2022. As per Engel’s law, luxury products and services demonstrate a high-income elasticity, signifying that their demand is greatly influenced by shifts in consumer income levels. With rising incomes, individuals tend to allocate a larger portion of their financial resources towards luxury items, fueling a notable uptick in the demand for such goods in comparison to essential commodities like food.

India’s economic progress has played a pivotal role in driving the expansion of the international school market. The increase in gross domestic product has led to higher disposable incomes, enabling more families to afford quality education for their children. As a result, international schools have experienced a surge in enrollments, with over 416,000 students enrolled in the past academic year alone.

Educational Trends:

The allure of international schools in India lies in their holistic educational models, which emphasize SEN support, integration of AI and EdTech, and alignment with the UN SDGs. This innovative approach to education is increasingly valued by parents and students, who see it as essential for preparing students for the future.

The ongoing digital revolution is reshaping traditional learning methods. The widespread availability of digital devices and internet connectivity has led to a surge in online learning platforms. Educational institutions are leveraging digital tools to deliver content, engage students, and assess learning outcomes, thereby enhancing accessibility and inclusivity. This shift towards online learning also benefits learners in remote areas and accommodates diverse learning needs. WE see an emergence of hybrid and blended institutions.

Blended learning models have emerged alongside the digital revolution, seamlessly integrating traditional classroom teaching with online elements. This approach offers a flexible and personalized educational experience, catering to various learning styles and preferences. By leveraging technology, educators can optimize resources and create interactive learning environments that transition smoothly between physical and virtual classrooms. Blended learning fosters student engagement and cultivates a comprehensive learning atmosphere, preparing learners for future challenges.

Recognizing the evolving demands of the job market, there is a growing emphasis on skill development. Technical skills like coding and data analysis, as well as soft skills such as communication, are prioritized in education curricula. Vocational training programs and experiential learning opportunities empower students with practical skills essential for success in today’s rapidly changing world.

Educational technology (EdTech) is driving innovation in education delivery and consumption. Startups and established players are leveraging technology to develop creative solutions tailored to diverse learner needs. AI-powered tutoring systems, virtual reality simulations, and gamified platforms are revolutionizing traditional teaching methods, making quality education more accessible and promoting lifelong learning.

Curricular Trends:

While the UK curriculum remains the most common, there is a growing demand for hybrid curricula combining local and international curricula. This trend reflects a desire among families to keep their children’s options open by studying more than one curriculum. Approximately two-thirds of schools that opened between 2018 and 2023 adopted hybrid curricula, reflecting the evolving preferences of students and parents. This mirrors the developments that occurred in China and Vietnam over the past 10 years.

School Name Franchise Model:

Elite British schools like Harrow and Wellington are capitalizing on India’s growing demand for quality education by opening franchises nationwide. These schools offer glitzy campuses and international curricula, attracting wealthy Indian families who traditionally sent their children to study in the UK. With campuses established in cities like Pune and Bangalore, these elite institutions are tapping into India’s lucrative education market and expanding their global footprint.

Management Brand Franchise Model:

Companies like Global Services in Education (GSE) set up and manage international schools on behalf of investors and elite school brands. Markets such as India are very brand-conscious; however, the challenge is how a successful elite school brand from the UK, Australia, or America operates effectively in a foreign country without a presence there. GSE creates and launches new school brands or operates existing brands, including a turn-key solution for school set-up.

India’s international schools market presents significant opportunities for expansion and investment. With a growing demand for quality education, an evolving regulatory landscape, and the emergence of innovative educational trends, the sector is poised for continued growth and transformation. As international schools continue to thrive in India, they play a crucial role in shaping the future of education and preparing students for success in a globalized world.

GSE is currently exploring preliminary discussions to enter the India International Schools market with a concentration both on larger cities for GSE premium schools and other cities at scale using a more affordable GSE Smart School Franchise.

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GSE set up schools in all areas of the world

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CEO and Education Expert Greg Parry

Internationally renowned for his expertise in education leadership, Greg Parry’s vast experience includes leadership of projects for education institutions throughout Australia, the Middle East, the United States, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and China. Recognised for his numerous contributions in the education arena, Greg has received the Ministers Award for Excellence in School Leadership based on improvements in school performance and a range of successful principal training and leadership development programs, as well as the School of Excellence Award for Industry/School Partnerships and the School of Excellence Award for Technology Innovation. His company GSE (Global Services in Education) has been recognised as having the Best Global Brand in International Education in 2015 and 2016.

Considered one of the premier experts in his profession, Greg has trained teachers and principals throughout the world in areas such as critical thinking, language development and leadership. His expertise in school start up projects, leadership and curriculum development, has made him a sought after authority in these discipline.

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Global Services in Education set up and operate schools in all parts of the world. Governed by a philosophy of global citizenship, every member of the GSE team shares a passion to help shape international education and student achievement through inspiration and collaboration.
Our goal is to meet the highest objectives of every school, teacher, student and parent, with an unwavering dedication to quality education, shared ideals and intercultural perspectives.