International Schools Market Update 2026
Sami Yosef
The international schools sector continues to evolve at pace, shaped by shifting demographics, government policy changes, pedagogical innovation, and rising expectations from parents and students. In this 45-minute data-rich session, Sami Yosef, Head of Global Research at ISC Research, will provide an up-to-date overview of the global market, highlighting the most important developments from the past year.
Drawing on ISC Research’s latest datasets and field intelligence, the session will explore current enrolment and staffing trends, emerging demand patterns across key regions, curriculum positioning, premium-school growth, and the impact of political and economic conditions on school development. The presentation will also unpack the major forces influencing the market in 2026 including AI adoption, teacher recruitment challenges, parental decision-making, and the expansion of bilingual and hybrid education models.
About Sami Yosef
Sami Yosef is the Head of Global Research at ISC Research, the leading provider of data and intelligence on the world’s international schools market. With over a decade of experience in international education, Sami has worked closely with school leaders, investors, and governments to analyse trends, assess school performance, and support strategic decision-making across the sector. Previously the founding Director of Admissions and Marketing at an innovative international school in Bangkok, Sami brings a deep understanding of what makes a school truly exceptional, from vision and leadership to student outcomes and community impact. His work today focuses on uncovering insights that shape the future of international education, and he is passionate about celebrating schools that go above and beyond to deliver transformative learning experiences.
