Behind the statistics: demand for UK school education in Kazakhstan

The Independent Schools Council Census 2015 has provided some interesting statistics about the demand for UK independent school education across the world. Albina Tortbayeva, Education Project Manager for the British Council, provides her thoughts about what may be driving demand in Kazakhstan.

"The 2015 ISC Census shows a 22% increase in the number of new pupils coming to UK schools from Central Asia, which we are very pleased with. We believe there are several reasons for this; firstly, education in Kazakhstan is becoming more costly, so some parents feel the benefits of investing in an overseas education are worthwhile and they will not save as much money as before by educating their children in Kazakhstan. UK education is still thought of as prestigious in Kazakhstan which is also driving demand. The recent devaluation of the Kazakhstani tenge, falling oil prices and fear of instability is potentially influencing parents to send their children abroad to get a good education for a better future, and they are choosing the UK as the closest located English-speaking country with a high quality of education. Kazakhstan’s trilingual policy, and the growing role of English, which was made mandatory for all schools starting from the first year (grade 1) in 2013, also increases the accessibility and attractiveness of a UK education.

UK schools can capitalise on the growing market by taking part in face-to-face meetings with parents and children during education fairs as well as ensuring active online presence in social networks and online platforms where parents can be reached. Our Parent perspectives report is also a good way for schools to understand more clearly some of these motivating factors and will help schools to meet parents' expectations when they are connecting with them in Kazakhstan. "