Brighton College Quad

Education consultancy Carfax Education has launched the fifth annual Schools Index, an international index of the top 150 private schools from across the world, reviewed and selected by a panel of education consultants. The lists in this year’s Schools Index include:

• Top 25, UK Senior
• Top 10, UK Preparatory
• Top 10, London
• Top 10, Switzerland
• Top 15, Europe
• Top 15, Middle East
• Top 10, China & Hong Kong
• Top 10, Southeast Asia
• Top 20, North America
• Top 5, New York
• Top 5, Africa
• Top 5, Australasia
• Top 5, Latin America
• Top 5, Southern Asia

As well as formal criteria, such as academic results and preparation for university entry, schools are selected for their unique ethos, local and international reputation, and how they prepare pupils for life beyond academia, as well as looking at other areas such as technology and sustainability. The Schools Index provides a comprehensive overview of curriculum and fees, as well as practical information such as travel times to local airports.

Top schools listed for 2024 providing exceptional education for pupils include renowned British schools such as Eton College, Harrow, Wycombe Abbey, Rugby School and Brighton College, as well as those further afield, such as King’s College in New Zealand and Vienna International School. New entries in the Index this year include UK senior school Haileybury and The American School in Japan.

Fiona McKenzie, head of education at Carfax Education, said: “The Schools Index has become a valuable resource for parents looking for the very best education for their child, wherever they are in the world, as well as for the private schools sector. The demand for excellent schools grows and remains fiercely competitive as parents strive to ensure their child receives the strongest foundations to set them up for a lifetime of success. The importance of parents having The Schools Index has grown as families become more mobile and can choose to work from anywhere in the world, The Schools Index has become a valuable resource to highlight the best education opportunities for their children.

“This year’s Schools Index has been comprehensively curated by international experts, with each school notably recognised for its own individual footprint in education, including academics, facilities, preparation for university entry, unique ethos and how they prepare students for life beyond academia.”

Richard Cairns, principal of Brighton College, said: “Brighton College is delighted to be named one of the world’s top independent schools in the Schools Index by Carfax Education.  This is a testament to our wonderful teachers who inspire our pupils daily and the exceptional children who are at the heart of everything we do, all underpinned by a culture of kindness and innovation.”

Dr John Knight, St George’s Rome, said: “We are proud to be shortlisted once again in The Schools Index and recognised for the world-class education we give our students.  To be included in this prestigious list in 2024 is particularly pleasing as it is the year the school has reunited its original 1960s campus and the start of our biggest building development plans in over half a century. After 66 years, St George’s Rome continues to thrive as one of the top schools in Europe and celebrates record student numbers in a student body of over 100 nationalities, with our students going on to achieve among the very best IB results in the region.”

Further afield, new entries include the Epsom College, Malaysia and The British School of Bahrain.  For the first time, nine new North American schools are on the list, including Ransom Everglades School in Miami and Lick Wilmerding High School in San Francisco.  Five New York Schools have made it into the top 150 Schools List this year, including Trinity School and The Dalton. Also, for the first time, The Schools Index includes a Japanese school, the American School in Japan.

To view the Schools Index click here