Why a British education?

An enduring and deserved reputation for excellence

When you choose a British education, you join millions of international students around the world in opting for a flexible, respected learning pathway based on the English National Curriculum, and leading to globally recognised qualifications that open doors to the world's top universities.

The British system is the most popular curriculum in the world, offered at 30% of international schools globally. It is also the most popular curriculum offered in Asia, the location of 58% of the world's international schools.

Choosing a British education sets learners on a pathway to global success.

Read our Introduction to the British curriculum guide

Introduction to a British curriculum guide 2024

Chosen more than any other curriculum

The British curriculum, also known as the National Curriculum for England, is the most popular curriculum the world.

160 countries worldwide offer their learners a British international curriculum pathway and UK and International A levels are the most popular qualifications, offered by 34% of international schools with KS5 provision (compared to 26% offering IB).

ISC Research data, 2022

A worldwide reputation for quality

The international school sector has grown exponentially in recent years. One of the reasons for this is the high regard in which British education is held worldwide. This is partly based on increased recognition of big names in UK education ... but also because the British system is known to provide a broad, balanced curriculum, alongside good pastoral care and a range of extra-curricular opportunities.

Great British Education magazine, 2019

A passport to the world's top universities

British qualifications are assessed by exams at GCSE and A level and regulated according to national standards to ensure learners have in-depth knowledge of each subject at each stage.

Admissions officers rate A levels best for developing in-depth subject knowledge expertise (81% compared to 79% for the IB Diploma) and the rigour and quality of these assessments ensure learners with British qualifications are highly valued by universities and employers worldwide.

Globally recognised Pearson Edexcel qualifications

British qualifications don’t limit you to British universities!

Pearson Edexcel International GCSE and International A level qualifications are most closely aligned to the British education system and are accepted for entry to more than 650 leading universities worldwide.

In Europe, Pearson Edexcel International and UK A levels are accepted by every university in Germany, all 14 research universities in the Netherlands, and the top universities in the Republic of Ireland and Switzerland.

See our latest university recognition list

Creating a world-class British international school with local values and culture

Willow School's founders were driven by a shared vision of providing a world-class education in Algeria. Recognising a significant gap for British international schools in Algeria, they aspired to create an institution that would offer children exposure to global standards while preserving Algerian cultural values. Together, they embarked on a mission to create Willow School, aiming to broaden children’s horizons and provide them with opportunities on an international scale.

Read Willow School's journey to excellence