The Spear’s Schools Index 2025 recognises the world’s 100 leading private schools. The Rest of the World category in the global rankings highlights exceptional schools located outside the six primary geographic regions—North America, the UK, Europe, Switzerland, the Middle East and Asia Pacific. These institutions demonstrate excellence in academics, innovation and student development.
Each of these schools upholds the highest standards of education and offers rigorous curricula, state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to holistic student growth. Their influence extends far beyond their home countries, attracting diverse student bodies, fostering international perspectives and preparing graduates for success in an increasingly interconnected world. These schools celebrated by Spear’s exemplify educational excellence in unique cultural and geographical settings.
By recognising them in this ranking, Spear’s celebrates their contributions to global education and serve as a testament to the idea that outstanding education knows no boundaries.
The ‘Rest of the World’ Index includes boarding and day schools in India, Pakistan, Chile, Argentina, South Africa and Kenya. It also recognises the United World Colleges group, whose network of 18 schools and colleges spans four continents, as well as educational pioneers like Wolsey Hall in Oxfordshire, which caters to remote learners.
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- Methodology
- Top private schools (the rest of the world): some names to know
- The complete list of top private schools (the rest of the world)
- Find out more
[See also: Introducing the Spear’s Schools Index 2025]
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Methodology
Spear’s has worked closely with the expert team at Thuso to refine the methodology underpinning the index, and to convene an expert panel of leading international educationalists to contribute their knowledge and insight to the research and selection process.
The Spear’s Research Unit collected data and information directly from candidate schools, using a combination of online forms and interviews. This was supplemented with additional research and by intelligence and insight from Thuso and the panel of expert educationalists.
The Spear’s Schools Index has also been underpinned by the following key 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. ‘Hot houses’, therefore, are not to be viewed with approbation.
A wide range of social, cultural, and pastoral factors have been weighed in finalising the index. In some cases, some schools with strong academics have been omitted where they fall short in relation to these wider considerations. Notably, the team have been cognisant also of ‘cultural’ and ‘value based’ factors which are of growing concern in relation to many families. 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, with new global cities emerging as key hubs. This is particularly the case for cities such as Dubai, 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.
- Reputation and standing are not insignificant. The reputation and standing of a school shape and 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.
Further information about the composition of the panel is available here.
Top private schools (the rest of the world): some names to know
Crimson Global Academy
- Focus: A world-class online education
- Country: Various
- Day fees: $13,900–$23,800
Crimson Global Academy is a 100 per cent online private school for primary, secondary and senior students. Particularly appealing to student athletes and performers, the school offers a range of curriculum options for children who are not able to, or would prefer not to, attend a traditional bricks-and-mortar school.
Students can choose between a UK- or US-based curriculum and attend virtual lessons led by experienced tutors who can answer their questions in real time. Beyond the classroom there is a range of social events and extracurriculars (also held virtually) in which students can get to know each other and feel a part of a community.
Read Crimson Global Academy’s full profile at Spears500.com
Hilton College
- Focus: Inspiring boys to inspire others
- Country: South Africa
- Boarding fees: $23,200
Hilton College has been teaching boys the importance of respect, honesty and integrity for over 150 years. The school, located on a 4,000-acre estate in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands, serves as a term-time home to nearly 600 boys, all striving to achieve personal and professional success.
Hilton College graduates go on to matriculate at some of the top universities in South Africa and around the world, while older Hiltonians regularly visit the college to attend cricket matches, gathering in the famed Fleur-de-Lys Club to reminisce.
Read Hilton College’s full profile at Spears500.com
St Paul’s School Brazil
- Focus: Equipping pupils to achieve their best
- Country: Brazil
- Day fees: On application
St Paul’s School, the British school of São Paulo, offers a well-rounded international education with a British bilingual and bicultural offering – the school is aligned with the UK national curriculum while incorporating elements of the Brazilian core curriculum. Many children stay from the ages of 3 to 18, enjoying an atmosphere that encourages aspiration and curiosity.
Outside of the classroom, Pauleans can enjoy a selection of sports such as basketball, futsal, rowing and swimming, among many others. There are also clubs and societies to take part in, many of which are run by the students themselves, encouraging independence and enhancing their organisational skills.
Read St Paul’s School (Brazil)’s full profile at Spears500.com
Peterhouse Boys’ School
- Focus: Bringing out the best in every child
- Country: Zimbabwe
- Boarding fees: $13,100
Peterhouse Boys’ School is an exclusive boarding school for boys aged 12 to 18, located on a vast campus between Harare and Mutare in Zimbabwe. Founded in 1955, Peterhouse aims to nurture boys to become the best, most authentic versions of themselves – grounded in values of humility, respect, empathy and loyalty.
As an all-boarding school, Peterhouse brings boys of all ages together to eat, learn and pray, but they are separated into six boarding houses, each with their own communities and unique cultures. Outside of the classroom, Petreans can enjoy sports and activities including basketball, cricket, mountain biking, sailing, water polo and hockey.
Read Peterhouse Boys’ School’s full profile at Spears500.com
The complete list of top private schools (the rest of the world)
Find out more
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