The Schools Index

The 2025 edition of the Schools to Watch list has recently been published.

View the full list on our website: https://www.schools-index.com/2025/to-watch

The list complements the primary of the world's leading 150 schools. Whilst the main Index catalogues well-established global leaders, the Schools to Watch list identifies 25 institutions demonstrating significant current momentum.

These 25 schools have been selected because they are either new entrants making an immediate impact, established schools undergoing a dynamic transformation, or institutions offering a notably innovative approach to education.

The Schools to Watch list is split into three sections: Ones to Watch, Something Different, and New Schools.

The 2025 schools are listed in the comments below.

The Schools Index is the original guide to the world's best schools created, edited, and published by Carfax Education.

Tonbridge School: Top 25 Senior Boarding Schools in the UK

school featured in the  2024/25 Edition

Respect for tradition and openness to innovation.

Tonbridge, conveniently located an hour from London, is a top performing A Level schools for boys. Their motto “Only Connect,” reflects their commitment to integrating knowledge across disciplines and putting learning into action. The $25 million science hub exemplifies its focus on science and embracing new technology to extend critical thinking and inspire future problem-solvers.

The strong sporting tradition is supported by premium facilities for performers at all levels. With a global reach, international pupils are exceptionally well supported by a dedicated Liaison officer and an active Overseas pupils’ Council. Pupils are encouraged to contribute on many levels as demonstrated by the ambitious sustainability agenda driven in collaboration with a pupil led Green Committee. Tonbridge is a school that provides a holistic education with space for boys to “think, breathe, and grow”.

Country: UK
Curriculum: GCSE / A Level
Living: Boys / Day and boarding
Fees: $51900 (Day), $69200 (Boarding)
Pupil Number: 801
Age: 13-18
Nearest Major Airport: Gatwick, 33 mins

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About The Schools Index

This year, we are proud to publish the 5th annual edition of the Global Schools Index by  . The Schools Index is the leading international guide for parents seeking the very best education for their children, regardless of their location around the globe.

For more information, visit www.schools-index.com

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The Spence School: Top 5 Private Prep Schools in New York

featured in the  2024/25 Edition

Joy in learning, purpose & passion and academic excellence

The Spence School, founded by visionary educator Clara Spence in 1892, is dedicated to empowering the next generation of female leaders in an intellectually stimulating and socially nurturing environment. Combining a rich tradition with a modern approach the challenging liberal arts curriculum, offers a range of interdisciplinary paths. For example, in the Brizendine Centre for Ecology, girls can engage in innovative subjects like “Ecologies of Pandemics” and “Food & Power” or take a fellowship programme under the mentorship of experienced faculty in the arts, history and scientific research.

With an internship programme and a notable lecture series featuring prominent speakers like author Jhumpa Lahiri and Civil Rights Attorney Jane Kim, girls are inspired to apply their skills beyond the classroom, fostering a sense of community and engagement with the world.

Country: US
Curriculum: US curriculum
Living: Girls / Day
Fees: $65800 (Day)
Pupil Number: 772
Age: 7-18
Nearest Major Airport: JFK, 45 mins

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About The Schools Index

This year, we are proud to publish the 5th annual edition of the Global Schools Index by  . The Schools Index is the leading international guide for parents seeking the very best education for their children, regardless of their location around the globe.

For more information, visit www.schools-index.com

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The British International School, Cairo: Top 5 Private Schools in Africa

featured in the  2024/25 Edition

A vibrant international learning community

BISC, located in the vibrant Beverly Hills district of West Cairo, has been a cornerstone of expatriate education since 1976. Originally serving the educational needs of the international community, the not for profit school now embraces a more diverse community. The British curriculum forms the education framework until Year 11, with 6th form pupils taking the more internationally minded IB programme.

This aligns with the school’s culture of nurturing articulate and resilient global citizens and ensures that pupils are well-prepared for leading universities worldwide. Set against the backdrop of Cairo’s rich cultural landscape, the warm, safe environment allows pupils to pursue their interests and explore their passions. BISC is regarded as the school that makes tomorrow’s leaders of the next generation to be ready to make a positive impact in society.

Country: Egypt
Curriculum: UK curriculum / (I)GCSE / IB
Living: Co-ed / Day
Fees: $24400 (Day)
Pupil Number: 1050
Age: 13-18
Nearest Major Airport: Sphinx International, 5 mins / Cairo, 1 hour

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About The Schools Index

This year, we are proud to publish the 5th annual edition of the Global Schools Index by  . The Schools Index is the leading international guide for parents seeking the very best education for their children, regardless of their location around the globe.

For more information, visit www.schools-index.com

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Lambrook School: Top 10 Private Prep Schools in the UK

featured in the  2024 Edition

Giving pupils the ‘feathers to fly’.

Lambrook, located near Windsor, has become a favourite choice for London families seeking an idyllic, nurturing environment away from the city’s competitive atmosphere. Offering both day and boarding options, the school provides an extensive campus with first-class facilities, including a 9-hole golf course, a state-of-the-art sports hall, a swimming pool, and even a school farm where children engage in hands-on learning.

The performing arts play a central role, with ambitious school productions and a vibrant music scene. Academically, Lambrook offers a balanced curriculum, preparing pupils for entry to prestigious schools such as Wellington, Eton, Charterhouse, and Marlborough. With its spacious grounds, strong pastoral care, and wide-ranging extracurricular activities, Lambrook is seen as a place where children can thrive, growing both academically and personally in a supportive, family-like atmosphere.

Country: UK
Curriculum: UK curriculum
Living: Co-ed / Day and weekly boarding
Fees: $32600 (Day)
Pupil Number: 630
Age: 3-13
Nearest Major Airport: Heathrow, 30 mins

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About The Schools Index

This year, we are proud to publish the 5th annual edition of the Global Schools Index by  . The Schools Index is the leading international guide for parents seeking the very best education for their children, regardless of their location around the globe.

For more information, visit www.schools-index.com

-

 

Upper Canada College: Top 20 Private Schools in North America

featured in the  2024 Edition

Opportunities abound.

Upper Canada College in Toronto has a long legacy of providing a world-class education with a strong emphasis on leadership, community and global awareness. Serving boys from KG through to 12th Grade, UCC has an exceptional academic reputation, with the majority of its graduates attending prestigious universities including Harvard and Oxford. At its core, UCC’s ethos is rooted in developing well-rounded individuals who embody integrity, service, and intellectual curiosity, aligning well with the IB learner profile.

Facilities include a cutting-edge creativity and innovation centre, two hockey arenas, and Norval, a 400-acre outdoor education campus. There is a robust co-curricular programme, including over 20 sports teams and numerous clubs; UCC boys are encouraged to explore all their passions, from athletics to entrepreneurship. Alumni include notable leaders in business, politics and the arts.

Country: Canada
Curriculum: IB
Living: Boys / Day and boarding
Fees: $31400 (Day), $57300 (Boarding)
Pupil Number: 1200
Age: 11-18
Nearest Major Airport: Toronto, 30 mins

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About The Schools Index

This year, we are proud to publish the 5th annual edition of the Global Schools Index by  . The Schools Index is the leading international guide for parents seeking the very best education for their children, regardless of their location around the globe.

For more information, visit www.schools-index.com

-

 

Diocesan Girls’ School, Hong Kong: Top 10 Private Schools in China & Hong Kong

featured in the  2024 Edition

A Legacy of Distinction.

Diocesan Girls’ School in Hong Kong, established in 1860, is renowned for its rich history and commitment to academic excellence. Nestled in the heart of Kowloon, they blend Christian values with Chinese traditions and culture to create a vibrant hub of learning. Its stunning campus supports their 5 pillars of education with facilities including a modern auditorium and extensive sports complex. DGS follows a holistic education model, combining the Hong Kong Diploma with A Levels supplemented with an array of extracurricular activities to promote leadership and personal development.

The girls do exceptionally well in competitions such as academic Olympiads, robotics and interschool debating. DGS has a strong track record of university placements, both locally and internationally. This blend of tradition and innovation makes the school a beacon of excellence in Hong Kong, shaping the next generation of female leaders.

Country: Hong Kong
Curriculum: Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education / A Level
Living: Girls / Day
Fees: $4900 (Day), $13400 (Boarding)
Pupil Number: 1120
Age: 4-13
Nearest Major Airport: Hong Kong International, 30 mins

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About The Schools Index

This year, we are proud to publish the 5th annual edition of the Global Schools Index by  . The Schools Index is the leading international guide for parents seeking the very best education for their children, regardless of their location around the globe.

For more information, visit www.schools-index.com

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ICS Milan International School: Top 15 Private Schools in Europe

featured in the  2024 Edition

Global citizens who can shape the world.

A school that is preparing its pupils for the demands of the digital age by actively embracing AI to develop more personalised and adaptive learning. Participating in Globeducate’s pioneering ‘hi!ai’ challenge, pupils are innovating and collaborating with schools around the world with the goal of designing ‘AI brains’. The school has three campuses spread across Milan, catering to different age groups. Whilst the enquiry-based curriculum is delivered in English, pupils are also able to meet the Italian education expectations in parallel.

With over 50 nationalities on roll, cross cultural understanding is highly developed and promoted further with opportunities for exchanges with other schools in the group. The super-curricular programme takes place mainly after school with activities ranging from dance, coding and chess, and given its Milan - fashion design.

Country: Italy
Curriculum: UK curriculum Early Years / MYP / IB
Living: Co-ed / Day and boarding
Fees: $25200 (Day)
Pupil Number: 1000
Age: 1-18
Nearest Major Airport: Milan Malpensa, 50 mins

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About The Schools Index

This year, we are proud to publish the 5th annual edition of the Global Schools Index by  . The Schools Index is the leading international guide for parents seeking the very best education for their children, regardless of their location around the globe.

For more information, visit www.schools-index.com

-

 

King’s College School Wimbledon: Top 10 Private Schools in London

featured in the  2024 Edition

An adventure of learning and discovery

Founded in 1829, King’s College School, Wimbledon, is one of London’s top academic institutions. One of the first schools to introduce science teaching, it has maintained its reputation for a progressive approach to education. Highly selective, the school is confident in the pupils’ academic abilities, which gives them the opportunity to challenge them intellectually beyond exams and introduce a focus on the world beyond school.

The recent ten-year masterplan has enhanced the already spacious campus with a new music school and state-of-the-art sports facilities, supporting a vibrant extra-curricular programme. Extensive commitment to the local community and innovative ideas such as a pupil ‘shadow’ board of governors, make this a stand-out school for both intellectual and personal growth. Close links with their international campuses adds a global perspective.

Country: UK
Curriculum: GCSE & (I)GCSE / A Level / IBDP
Living: Boys / Co-ed sixth form / Day
Fees: $34100 (Day)
Pupil Number: 1221
Age: 7-18 (Girls 16-18)
Nearest Major Airport: Heathrow, 50 mins / Gatwick, 45 mins

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About The Schools Index

This year, we are proud to publish the 5th annual edition of the Global Schools Index by  . The Schools Index is the leading international guide for parents seeking the very best education for their children, regardless of their location around the globe.

For more information, visit www.schools-index.com

-

 

Shrewsbury International School Bangkok: Top 10 Private Schools in South East Asia

featured in the  2024 Edition

Progressive learning, traditional values.

Shrewsbury Bangkok, founded in 2003, is well-known for embracing the educational principles and historic legacy of its parent school in the UK. It too has a campus on the banks of a river, in this case the Chao Phraya River and what it may lack in the way of historic buildings, it more than makes up for in the state-of-the-art-facilities, including modern, tech connected classrooms and expansive sports fields.

The ethos of fostering critical thinking and creativity runs through both schools, delivered through the challenging British curriculum, combined with an extensive set of extracurricular activities, covering the arts, enterprise and community service. The cultural tapestry of the Bangkok campuses is intertwined with the vibrant local culture, creating an outward facing and globally aware school.

Country: Thailand
Curriculum: UK curriculum / (I)GCSE / A Level
Living: Co-ed / Day
Fees: $9700 (Day)
Pupil Number: 1900
Age: 4-18
Nearest Major Airport: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, 25 mins

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About The Schools Index

This year, we are proud to publish the 5th annual edition of the Global Schools Index by  . The Schools Index is the leading international guide for parents seeking the very best education for their children, regardless of their location around the globe.

For more information, visit www.schools-index.com

-

 

Geelong Grammar School: Top 5 Private Schools in Australasia

featured in the  2024 Edition

Shaping a better world.

One of Australia’s oldest independent schools, Geelong Grammar is an education pioneer. Their collaboration with the Institute of Positive Education has been foundational in shaping their academic ethos, and research into the intersection of the science of learning and the art of teaching underpins their curriculum delivery. The combination of positive psychology and challenging academics help pupils not only to achieve academic success but also develop resilience and emotional intelligence.

The unique Timbertops experience provides Grade 9’s with an off-grid wilderness learning experience, allowing them to connect with nature and experience independence and teamwork at an early age. The creative arts and sports are integral to school life playing a crucial role in cultivating well-rounded individuals, ensuring that GGS continues to uphold its reputation as a breeding ground for future leaders.

Country: Australia
Curriculum: Australian - Victorian Certificate of Education
Living: Co-ed / Day and boarding
Fees: $29900 (Day), $61800 (Boarding)
Pupil Number: 1600
Age: 2-18
Nearest Major Airport: Melbourne International, 50 mins

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About The Schools Index

This year, we are proud to publish the 5th annual edition of the Global Schools Index by  . The Schools Index is the leading international guide for parents seeking the very best education for their children, regardless of their location around the globe.

For more information, visit www.schools-index.com

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