A survey conducted by COBIS (Council of British International Schools) has shown British schools abroad are weathering the economic downturn and are optimistic about pupil numbers for September 2009.

84% of responding international schools predict that pupil numbers for September 2009 will be comparable or higher than September 2008.

47% of schools predict pupil numbers will be comparable.

37% of schools predict pupil numbers will be higher.

This positive news shows that the British International Schools industry is continuing to flourish around the world.

Some schools are even seeing positive effects, reporting that changes in exchange rates have made supplies less expensive and have made salary packages more attractive. Schools are also finding staff members renewing contracts without hesitation.

Schools are continuing to be cautious and realistic, and are monitoring the situation carefully.

50% of responding schools answered ‘Yes’ or ‘Probably’ when asked whether or not they thought the ‘credit crunch’ would affect their school in some way over the next 12 months.

Schools are predicting an increase in bursary applications, a reduction in the percentage of school fees paid by employers, shorter waiting lists, and potential difficulties for parents in vulnerable sectors such as finance and the automotive industry.

Many schools are sticking to the ‘tight ship’ that they already run.

65% of schools are taking some measures to tighten their belts such as scrutinizing expenditure, thinking carefully about plans for new developments, and reviewing policies on staff accommodation and travel expenses.

COBIS Chairman, Roger Fry, says ‘I am pleased to see this optimistic response from COBIS Schools. The British international education industry has been growing steadily in recent years. We expect that with the global popularity of British education and the realistic measures being taken by schools the industry will continue to flourish, even in the current economic climate.’

Responses to this survey were received from schools in the following countries: Azerbaijan, Belgium, Brunei, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, Mauritius, Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Portugal, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, USA.

The projected enrolment figures for British International Schools are comparable to the results of a recent survey by the Academy of International School Heads (AISH). The AISH survey showed that 47% of schools expected enrolment to remain the same while 32% expected enrolment to increase for September 2009.

©COBIS