ISC’s Head of Research for Middle East Nalini Cook talks about the challenges that schools in the Middle East face and how optimistic they are in addressing these challenges.

1. Do you think there’s continued demand for international schools in the region?

There remains a significant demand for international school places in the region, although the greatest demand is shifting towards the mid-range price of international schools that are attracting the new expatriates moving into the region who are predominantly from Southern Asia as well as many local families. They are also attracting some of the Western expatriates remaining in the region who have had to become more discerning in their school selection due to their less generous benefits packages. Most international schools that previously had long waiting lists still talk of waiting lists, particularly in the lower grade levels, although these are significantly reduced from what they previously were.

2. Which are the main challenges that international schools face?

The main challenges international schools in the Middle East face are:

• Stiff competition between the increasing number of schools
• Reduced benefits packages offered to many expatriates which are resulting in them readdressing their school choices to find schools with fees they can afford
• Fee freezes required of the schools this year (although some cities, such as Dubai, have frozen building rents to assist)
• The demands on schools to provide for special education needs with the specialist skills and resources this requires, particularly during a fiscally challenging time.

3. How does ISC research help international schools address these challenges?

ISC Research produces a range of market and data reports to support existing school growth and progress and to inform of market developments. Those reports that are particularly valuable for established schools include benchmarking reports, marketing strategy reports, and our regional and country reports that provide the commercial due diligence and state of the market analysis that school leaders need for presenting to and reassuring their Board.

ISC Research also produces reports specific to key areas of school life, most of which are free to international schools. These include reports on inclusion, admissions, school governance, the pathway to Higher Education, and student and staff wellbeing, all of which provide schools with an awareness and understanding of typical practices occurring within the international schools market. We also produce a range of very detailed reports essential for new school development.

4. Which do you think are the top requirements for schools to enhance student retention and attract new admissions?

These days, parents are very well informed and discerning. When making their international school choice, most of them want high standards of education, good resources, curricula and qualifications that are globally respected and taught by highly skilled and experienced teachers. They also want native English-speaking teachers, specialist support for students as they prepare for higher education, and many parents now seek out schools that are accredited as a way of singling them out from other schools.

There is huge demand from parents for British teachers, particularly in the UAE. However, many teachers who originate from countries other than Britain, now have excellent and extensive experience of teaching a British curriculum and parents need to understand this when assessing the teaching faculty in the schools they are considering.

5. As a speaker at IPSEF 2018, what are the main takeaways from your session?

On Day 1 of the conference, I will be presenting on the very latest data ISC Research has on the international schools market and how the Middle East stands within the global sector. I will be sharing news of new school developments as well as market influences and demand impacting future development opportunities.

In my panel session on Day 2 of the conference, I have invited Charles Greyhurst, the Founding Principal of the brand new Arbor School in Dubai, and Iwan Lloyd who is Head of Education at the Shamal Group, to join me for a discussion and question and answer session about new school development needs in the Middle East. I hope you’ll join us then.