International Education

ISC was pleased to be invited as the school sector representative on the government's Education Sector Action Group (ESAG), which is taking forward Ministers' International Education Strategy. The group is co-chaired by Ministers from the Department for Business, Department for Education and the Foreign Office and brings together sector representatives from across education.

In addition to ISC being core members of ESAG, BAISIS, COBIS and AoBSO are advisory members.

ISC was tasked with bringing together a school sector action plan, setting out how schools will play their part in meeting the ambitions of the international education strategy. In doing so we have worked with all ISC member associations and international British school associations that form BISAG.

Our school sector action plan can be read here. It sets out plans for growing the school sector's contribution to international education in three core areas:

  • UK schools setting up campuses overseas

  • International British schools

  • Overseas pupils studying at schools in the UK

British independent schools already generate £3.16 billion annually for the UK economy through education exports and transnational education. Our Sector Action Plan sets out our ambition, working in partnership with government, to increase this by a further £800 million by 2031. It aims to promote economic growth while strengthening Britain’s soft power and building cultural connections across the globe.

The plan builds on the existing strengths of British independent schools which continue to attract strong demand for British style education across the world:

  • The reputation of UK independent schools for quality and innovation, and the name recognition of our well known schools. Parents in many international markets actively seek schools that combine academic rigour, co-curricular breadth and the pastoral ethos traditionally associated with British independent education.

  • The global currency of British qualifications (GCSEs, A Levels) which draw families to the UK and supports the popularity of British curriculum schools overseas.

  • The role of schools within the education system as a whole, linking to both early years and higher education. Many overseas pupils at British schools (in UK or overseas) will go on to study at British universities.

ISC will work with member associations and BISAG to take forward implementation of the schools plan.

Education Sector Action Group (ESAG)

The Education Sector Action Group (ESAG) Core Members have worked with organisations across all four UK nations to develop the first Sector Action Plans supporting delivery of the UK's International Education Strategy ambitions.

These plans provide an important first roadmap for action, setting out practical, sector-led priorities to strengthen the UK's global education offer, build on existing strengths, and unlock new opportunities for growth, partnership and impact. While they identify initial priorities, they mark the beginning of a longer journey.

Achieving the UK's international education ambitions will require commitment from across the sector. Organisations of all sizes and specialisms have a role to play in showcasing the very best of UK education, expanding our global reach, and ensuring international education continues to deliver lasting benefits for learners, institutions, businesses and communities throughout the UK.

We encourage organisations across the sector to explore the Sector Action Plans, identify where they can contribute, and join us in delivering a shared vision for the future of UK international education.

About ESAG: ESAG brings together representatives from across the UK education sector and works closely with government partners to support delivery of the UK's International Education Strategy. Visit here to learn more about ESAG and access the full range of Sector Action Plans.

School Sector Action Plan