Overseas Campus of UK Boarding School

With Asia’s growing economic influence, many of Britain’s most reputable boarding schools have established overseas campuses in major cities across the region. Families can now access the traditions of British education – one that emphasizes academic excellence and holistic development – closer to home! Among the pioneers was Harrow International School Bangkok which was founded in 1998, followed by Harrow International School Hong Kong in 2012. Today, there are dozens of these overseas campuses across Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, as well as Hong Kong and Mainland China. While most operate as day schools, around 20 schools do come with boarding provision, with roughly 10 of them located in Southeast Asia countries (outside Hong Kong and China).

These overseas campuses usually follow mainstream British curriculum, with students graduating with GCSE and A-level qualifications. Academic results are typically strong, with some schools achieving excellent public exam results comparable to the top 50–100 independent schools in the UK.

Boarding fees at overseas campuses are generally 30% lower than the main campus in the UK, and entry requirements are often slightly more flexible. These make them an attractive option for families seeking to provide their children with the enriching experience of boarding life, but at a more affordable cost.

Language of Instruction & English Learning Environment: While English is the primary medium of teaching, some of these overseas campuses do have a sizable proportion of local students and may impact the overall English-speaking environment both inside and outside the classroom. Destinations such as Malaysia and Singapore, where English is more widely spoken and proficiency are high, may provide a more immersive environment for students!