This year, 23 new schools are included in The Spear’s Schools Index selection of the top 100 private schools in the world. Educational establishments from Thailand, Hong Kong, South Korea, Abu Dhabi, Luxembourg and the UK are among those to either make their debut in the top 100, or to re-enter the premier league as a result of exceptional performance.
The cover of the Index this year is illustrated with an image by Bob Venables, after Raphael’s School of Athens – with the likes of Plato and Aristotle replaced by students from some of the schools in the directory.
More information about the expert advisory panel, the methodology and the full list of schools can be found further below.
Click the links below to jump to a section of this article:
- The complete list of the world’s leading schools
- Methodology
- The 2026 edition of the Spear’s Schools Index
- Expert Advisory Panel
- The structure of the Spear’s Schools Index profiles
- Find out more
About the Spear’s Schools Index
The Spear’s Schools Index is now in its seventh year as the definitive guide to the world’s 100 leading private schools. Since its launch in 2020, the Index has become established as a trusted point of reference for internationally mobile families, UHNW individuals, family offices and the advisers who support them.
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Drawing on the expertise of a wide range of leading educational consultants and industry specialists, the Index identifies institutions that value academic strength alongside the broader cultural, pastoral and reputational qualities increasingly prioritised by families who are privileged to be able to choose from the very best.
This year, Spear’s has again collaborated closely with the expert team at Thuso Group. Thuso works with schools, universities, investors, family offices and foundations, with an expert and highly international team ideally placed to provide valuable insight.
Unlike conventional school rankings, the Spear’s Schools Index is not solely concerned with academic performance. Instead, it reflects the realities of globally mobile wealth: where families are choosing to live, educate their children, establish their businesses and build their network. In this sense, the distribution of schools within the Index offers a revealing snapshot of global wealth patterns and the institutions that continue to attract internationally mobile families.
The complete list of the world’s leading private schools
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Methodology
The methodology that underpins the index has been jointly developed by Spear’s and Thuso. Again, it is supported by an expert panel of leading international educationalists. The panel includes professionals with expertise and knowledge that collectively covers the myriad regions captured by the guide.
The methodology is based on the following principles:
- While examination results and academic attainment are key considerations, they are not the only thing that matters. Leading schools are not necessarily the most ‘academic’. And a ‘hot house’ environment is not one that is rewarded by the panel.
A wide range of social, cultural and pastoral factors have been weighed in finalising the index. In some cases, schools with strong academics have been omitted where they fall short in relation to these wider considerations. Notably, the team considered ‘cultural’ and ‘value-based’ factors, which are of growing concern to many families – including extracurricular provision, exposure to leadership, entrepreneurship and access to influential peer networks. This is especially relevant in a climate in which some schools may be viewed as adopting an ‘indoctrinatory’ approach that might risk stifling free debate and the associated critical thinking. - Families are increasingly mobile; new global cities are emerging as key hubs. This is particularly the case in the Middle East, as well as established regional hubs in Europe, Africa, Latin America, South-East Asia and the Pacific. Likewise, a growing number of families, often citing concerns over cultural considerations, are opting for more ‘traditional’ institutions, in Africa, East Asia and the Middle East, in preference to institutions in the United Kingdom, the United States and Switzerland.
- The reputation and standing of a school are relevant. They influence its character, the parents and pupils it attracts, and its position both regionally and internationally. In particular, some of the schools best established in the Index continue to draw many generations of international families, demonstrating the extent to which they have retained the trust of alumni.
The 2026 edition of the Spear's Schools Index
As in previous years, the panel sought to ensure that range of international and local families were catered to; that a variety of geographies, demographics and preferences were covered (boys’ schools, girls’ schools, a range of curricular offerings, and schools catering to learners across all ages); that emerging markets maintained due prominence within the listing; and that a degree of ‘common sense’ was applied in finalising the list.
The principles above are reflected by a shift in the number of schools from certain geographies or regions. The panel aims to weight its selections so as to mirror the evolving distribution of internationally mobile wealth.
Switzerland remains a cornerstone of international private education, valued not only for its academic standards but also for the cultural capital and social connections that its schools provide. Swiss representation has been recalibrated this year to reflect the broader distribution of global wealth: five Swiss schools are included in the Top 100, down from ten in the previous edition. This adjustment does not signal a decline in quality but rather highlights how capital and globally mobile families are increasingly diversifying across new regional hubs while still recognising the enduring prestige of Swiss institutions.
Several European institutions – particularly in locations such as Luxembourg and Milan – are attracting internationally mobile families who might once have defaulted to more traditional centres, drawn by a combination of academic reputation, favourable fiscal policies, and the broader lifestyle and connectivity these schools offer. Across Africa, ‘traditional’ schools continue to draw attention from families who have historically sent children to British public schools but who may have come to view these institutions as offering an experience closer to the traditional public school model.
In the Middle East, British-branded schools and other established international institutions are expanding to meet the needs of globally mobile families. While geopolitical instability continues to impact the region, these schools remain a key part of the Spear’s Schools Index for both the continued appeal of internationally recognised education and the consolidation of wealth in the Gulf.
International education groups
One major structural development shaping the global education sector is the rise of international education groups. Organisations such as GEMS Education, Inspired Education Group and Nord Anglia Education have expanded rapidly across multiple regions, acquiring and establishing schools that deliver recognised educational models to globally mobile families.
Today, approximately 20 per cent of the schools represented in the Spear’s Schools Index are part of a wider international education group. This reflects a broader shift within elite education: as wealth becomes more geographically distributed, families increasingly seek the reassurance of established educational brands that can offer a familiar academic ethos and network across multiple jurisdictions.
Established British brands such as North London Collegiate, Harrow, Brighton College, Wycombe Abbey and Repton are among those scaling their presence in key Asia-Pacific and Middle Eastern markets.
In this context, the Index continues to serve as an invaluable resource for families and their advisers – especially if they are seeking insights into leading schools when working overseas, on diplomatic postings or when investing in emerging markets.
Explore the full Spear's Schools Index:
- Best senior schools UK
- Best prep schools UK
- Best private schools in Switzerland
- Best private schools in Europe (excluding Switzerland)
- Best private schools in North America
- Best private schools in the Middle East
- Best private schools in Asia Pacific
- Best private schools in the rest of the world
Expert Advisory Panel
Spear’s, in collaboration with Thuso, has drawn carefully on the guidance and insight of an Expert Advisory Panel, jointly chaired by Matthew Goldie-Scot, managing director at Thuso Group, and Aisha Alli, Head of Research & Insight at Spear’s.
The members of the panel are listed below.
Matthew Goldie-Scot, Thuso
Co-chair, Expert Advisory Panel
Born in the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho, Matthew was schooled in East Africa, and later taught in India, before going on to study at the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford. He also read Law at the University of London, and completed the Leaders in Education Programme International at The National Institute of Education (NIE), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore.
Matthew has worked with leading schools in the United Kingdom, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas, and with families seeking to secure the very best education for their children internationally. Having been based in the Middle East for over a decade, he now divides his time between Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Aisha Alli, Spear’s
Co-chair, Expert Advisory Panel
Aisha Alli is the Head of Research & Insight at Spear's. She leads the research team and collaborates with private client firms and luxury brands. She is also a contributor to the magazine and has interviewed influential figures such as Richard Branson, John Caudwell, the Hinduja family, Tom Parker Bowles, Ben Lamm and Mauricio Umansky.
She attended Repton School Dubai and holds a first-class honours degree from the University of St Andrews.
Rudolf Eliott Lockhart, Independent Schools Association
Member, Expert Advisory Panel
Rudi is chief executive of the Independent Schools Association, an association of over 750 headteachers of independent schools. He was previously chief executive of the Religious Education Council, the subject association for the curriculum subject RE.
He spent seven years at the Independent Schools Council where he was deputy general secretary and ran the research department. Until recently, he served as a governor of a foundation of seven independent schools for a nine-year term.
Selina Boyd, Good Schools Guide
Member, Expert Advisory Panel
Selina has been with the Good Schools Guide since 2020 and is the international editor. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience of international education to the guide as a co-founder of School Notices Asia and a former consultant for BESSA (British Education and Schools Show in Asia), Talk Education and US college consultants, IvyWise.
With an extensive network of international school leaders and admissions teams, as well as the many families she speaks with when reviewing international schools, Selina has an unrivalled level of insight into the subtle nuances behind the glossy marketing of international schools and a deep understanding of different curricula and pathways.
Now based in the UK, Selina previously lived in Singapore for 12 years. ‘Having moved my own children between British and international schools when they were young and then again as teenagers, I understand and empathise with the anxieties and concerns of families considering an international school move and I really enjoy advising and supporting other families through their own decision-making processes,’ she says.
Christopher Green, Verdant Consultancy
Member, Expert Advisory Panel
Christopher Clyde Green is a trusted international education adviser with over 15 years’ experience supporting families navigating elite schools and global education pathways. Educated at the University of Cambridge, he has taught and held pastoral roles at leading Swiss boarding schools, including Institut Le Rosey, and brings deep understanding of boarding life, student transitions and family decision-making at the highest level.
Alongside his advisory work, Christopher serves as an IB Programme Leader and examiner, working closely with the International Baccalaureate to support curriculum quality, assessment, and school development worldwide. He has extensive experience in selective school and university admissions, advising families with discretion on strategy, preparation and long-term academic planning.
A former trustee at Central YMCA, Christopher is known for his calm, thoughtful approach and his focus on student wellbeing alongside academic excellence. His practice is shaped by close, long-term relationships with families, grounded in trust, care and sound educational judgement.
Jenny McGowan, Keystone Tutors
Member, Expert Advisory Panel
Jenny is Keystone Tutor’s Asia director. A qualified teacher with a PhD in education from Oxford, Jenny has spent 15 years working in education and has built extensive knowledge of the UK education system as well as the international school scene across Asia.
Based in Hong Kong since 2018, Jenny and the team support many families transitioning between Asia and the UK each year. Jenny travels extensively across Asia meeting clients and visiting schools to ensure she understands the context of the families Keystone is working with.
Jess Harris, Quintessentially Education
Member, Expert Advisory Panel
Jess Harris, head of education at Quintessentially Education, is a highly respected figure within the international private education landscape. With extensive experience advising discerning families across the UK and globally, she brings strategic oversight, deep sector knowledge and an exceptional understanding of what distinguishes leading institutes.
Over the course of her career, Jess has developed a nuanced appreciation of what makes a good school, considering everything from academic rigour and pastoral excellence, through to the evolving demands placed on modern institutions.
At Quintessentially Education, Jess (alongside colleague Amelia Buckworth) leads a team of specialist consultants, ensuring that every family receives a highly personalised and discreet service. Known for her meticulous approach and balanced judgement, she takes the time to understand each child’s character, ambitions and learning profile, matching them thoughtfully to environments where they will flourish both intellectually and personally.
Daniel O’Brien, Thuso
Member, Expert Advisory Panel
Daniel O’Brien, a senior consultant at Thuso, was educated at Charterhouse, the University of Cambridge and the UCL Institute of Education. He has taught at a range of institutions in the UK, in Europe and in the Middle East, and has published highly innovative research on the use of augmented reality in mathematics education.
An Australian national, he has rich insight into schools in the Asia Pacific Region, as well as the Middle East, in addition to having particular expertise on schools throughout Africa. He has extensive experience of working with family offices and HNW individuals. Before establishing his career as an educationalist, he worked in a range of senior roles in the pharmaceuticals industry, including at AstraZeneca and Merck. Both his children are currently attending leading boarding schools.
Patricia Vlad
Member, Expert Advisory Panel
Patricia Vlad is an accomplished educator, researcher and consultant with international experience in education, public policy and peacebuilding, with particular expertise in schooling in the Middle East and South-East Asia. A former scholar and Head Girl at Concord College, and a graduate of the University of Cambridge, she read for a B.A. in Education (with a focus on Natural Sciences and Modern Languages), later proceeding to the M.A.
She has contributed to high-level initiatives across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Patricia has expertise in curriculum development, technical education and humanitarian consultancy, working with governments, UN bodies, NGOs and private organisations, as well as supporting school placement for HNW families internationally.
A former Forbes 30 Under 30, she excels in strategic leadership and fostering social impact. Fluent in multiple languages, Patricia is dedicated to driving innovation and equity in education and development worldwide.
Timothy Leddy
Member, Expert Advisory Panel
Timothy Leddy was schooled at Regis, one of the leading schools in New York, and then read for his undergraduate degree at Magdalen College, Oxford. He has also undertaken studies at Harvard and Chicago. He supported the establishment and operations of a new school for an American family office and has worked extensively with private clients in New York applying to highly competitive schools and universities, on which he is a leading expert.
Rankings
The Spear's Schools Index comprises two categories:
- Top 100 - indicates that a school is one of the 100 leading private schools in the world, according to the assessment of the Spear’s Research Unit, our partners at Thuso and the expert panel of educationalists assembled to create the Spear’s Schools Index.
- Top Recommended - indicates a very high-calibre school that is just outside the Top 100.
The additional tier acknowledges the exceptionally high calibre of applicants this year, which cannot be fully reflected within a single Top 100 list.
The Index is completely independent: schools cannot pay to be included, and selection is based solely on the methodology outlined above.
The structure of Spear's Schools Index profiles
Spear’s Schools Index profiles include – where available – details about the unique character of the school (‘focus’) and information about fees, academic attainment, and the number and age range of pupils.
The ‘Spear’s Review’ section of the profiles is intended as a short digest about the school and has been prepared by the Spear’s Research Unit based on information supplied by the schools themselves, interviews with school representatives, the insight and knowledge of the expert panel and third-party data from reliable sources.
Schools included in the Spear’s Schools Index have the opportunity to enhance their profile by adding further elements such as images, video, contact details and additional information on certain parts of their approach and offering. Enhanced profiles are available for a fee.
The Spear’s Schools Index is committed to providing the best-quality information to its readers and users. Therefore, commercial partnerships never influence a school’s ranking or the makeup of the top 100.
Find out more
- To apply for the next edition of the Spear's Schools Index or for further information, please email research@spearswms.com; we aim to respond to all queries within two working days.
- For commercial enquiries and questions relating to enhanced profiles and packages, please contact Commercial Director Shady Elkholy: shady.elkholy@spearswms.com
- To keep up to date with the Spear's 500, subscribe to our magazine, newsletter and follow Spear's on Linkedin and Instagram.
- Click here to order a print copy of The Spear's 500.
