Top 5 Schools in Asia Offering the IB and British Curriculum
ED-EX.com has compiled a list of the top schools offering the IB (International Baccalaureate) and British curricula in five of Asia’s largest cities. The selection was based on:
— academic standards,
— international reputation,
— students’ average scores in IB and IGCSE exams.
Contents:
- Harrow International School, Hong Kong
- Dulwich College, Shanghai
- UWC South East Asia, Singapore
- NIST International School, Bangkok
- North London Collegiate School, Jeju
1. Harrow International School, Hong Kong
One of the most prestigious British schools in Asia, Harrow is renowned for its high academic standards and offers both the IB and British curricula (IGCSE and A-Levels).
Harrow International School Hong Kong was founded in 2012 and currently has 1,650 students aged 3 to 18. It was the first school in Hong Kong to offer both day and boarding options.
All lessons are taught in English, with additional language options including Chinese, French, and Spanish.
The school places strong emphasis on leadership, teamwork, and character development.
The upper school prepares students for IGCSE and A-Level exams. Harrow graduates are regularly accepted into top universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Ivy League institutions.
Harrow International School Hong Kong is ranked among the top 15 schools in China and Southeast Asia. The ranking considers not only academic performance and university placement but also the school's local and international reputation, as well as its focus on preparing students for independent life beyond the campus.
2. Dulwich College, Shanghai
Dulwich College is a prestigious international school with British roots and two campuses in Shanghai: Pudong and Puxi. The curriculum follows the British educational system, including IGCSE and the IB Diploma Programme in the senior years.
Students range from ages 3 to 18 (Early Years, Junior School, Senior School).
The educational approach is focused on fostering independence, critical thinking, and creativity. At the Pudong campus, the average IB score is 37.8 out of 45 — significantly higher than the global average. Over 40% of students score 40 points or more. IGCSE results are also strong, with around 75% of grades being A* or A.
Dulwich strongly supports students’ personal development through extracurricular activities, creative projects, and leadership initiatives. Senior students also receive personalized guidance for university admissions, including entry into top Russell Group and Ivy League institutions.
3. UWC South East Asia, Singapore
United World College South East Asia (UWCSEA) is one of the largest and oldest UWC international schools. Founded in 1971, it operates two campuses: Dover (established in 1971) and East (opened in 2008).
It is widely regarded as one of the top international schools in Asia.
UWCSEA accepts students from ages 4 to 18 (K1–Grade 12). Today, the school has nearly 6,000 students representing 118 countries, with one-third living on campus. Boarding is available for students in Grades 8 to 12 at both campuses.
From Grades 4 to 10, students follow a unique interdisciplinary curriculum developed by UWCSEA, incorporating elements of the IGCSE in Grades 9–10. In Grades 11 and 12, students fully transition to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).
The average IB score ranges between 37 and 37.2.
The school places a strong emphasis on extracurricular life: sports, arts, annual outdoor expeditions, community service, and Model United Nations — all of which help shape future leaders with a global perspective.