The Schools Index


The Schools Index is an annual publication that lists internationally notable private schools and international schools. Published by Carfax Education, it is often considered a global list of the most prestigious schools of the world. In 2025 Time Out called the Index "one of the most respected rankings" and "a prestigious list of the very best private schools in the world".
The index is intended as a resource for parents in choosing schools for their children. The publication includes information on each school's curriculum and fees. It also provides logistical details such as travel time to local airports.

History

The Schools Index was started in 2020 by Carfax Education and initially contract-published by Spear's. Until 2023 it was also sometimes known as the Spear's Schools Index.
In 2022, the Schools Index incorporated an assessment of how effectively schools managed the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic over the previous two years.

Selection criteria

The Schools Index lists schools based on factors such as academic performance, facilities, university preparation, and overall educational ethos. Additionally, the guide evaluates schools on their ability to prepare pupils for life beyond academia.

The Schools Index

The Schools Index categorizes schools by region, covering areas such as the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Europe, the U.S., Middle East, China, Southeast Asia, and other regions. For 2023, it lists the top 125 schools in these areas in its main list. A supplementary list of 25 "schools to watch" was introduced in the 2023 edition of the Index, taking the total number of schools included in the Index to 150. The Schools to Watch List is separated into four categories: Ones to Watch, Small Gems, Something Different, and New Schools.

Main List

Schools to Watch List