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:

1. Harrow International School, Hong Kong
2. Dulwich College, Shanghai
3. UWC South East Asia, Singapore
4. NIST International School, Bangkok
5. 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.

4. NIST International School, Bangkok

NIST International School is a non-profit institution and one of Thailand’s leading international schools. Established in 1992 with the support of the United Nations, it is located in the heart of Bangkok, in the Sukhumvit area.

NIST was the first school in Thailand to be fully accredited for all three IB programmes: PYP (Primary Years), MYP (Middle Years), and the Diploma Programme. It accepts students from ages 3 to 18.

The average IB Diploma score consistently ranges from 35 to 36 out of 45 — significantly above the global average of around 30. All students pass the exams, and over half earn a bilingual diploma.

Today, the school hosts approximately 1,800 students from 75 different countries.

Instruction is in English, and a student–teacher ratio of 12:1 allows for a highly personalized learning experience.

Students have access to over 300 extracurricular activities — from sports and music to debate, engineering, and environmental initiatives. In addition, NIST offers the Global Citizen Diploma, which recognizes students’ contributions to social impact and personal growth.

NIST graduates go on to attend top universities around the world, including leading institutions in the UK, US, Canada, and Asia.

5. North London Collegiate School (NLCS Jeju), Jeju Island

North London Collegiate School Jeju is a British international school for students aged 4 to 18, located on Jeju Island, South Korea. Founded in 2011, it is part of the prestigious NLCS network.

The curriculum includes both the British IGCSE system and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).

The school follows a “diamond model” of education:

• Reception to Year 6: co-educational
• Years 7 to 11: single-gender classes
• Years 12 to 13: co-educational again

In addition to day schooling, NLCS Jeju offers a full boarding experience, with students housed in one of seven residential halls.

In 2024, the school’s average IB score was 36 out of 45 — six points above the global average. 32% of students scored 40 points or more, and two students achieved a perfect 45. IGCSE results are equally impressive, with approximately 71% of grades at A*–A.

Graduates receive offers from some of the world’s most prestigious universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Imperial College London, Ivy League institutions, and other leading American and European universities.

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