The Independent Schools' Transport Accreditation Service

The global footprint of UK independent schools is expanding significantly, with a growing number of schools establishing overseas campuses, driven by strong international demand for the prestigious British education brand.

There are believed to be approximately 6,000 independent schools worldwide, and the number of UK-branded schools is a notable part of this international landscape. Key markets for this expansion include the Middle East (particularly the UAE) and Asia, with countries like China, Thailand, and Malaysia seeing a surge in new campuses. This growth is a strategic move, allowing schools to diversify their revenue streams while also extending their brand influence and reputation globally.

ISTAS provides a robust, globally recognised framework for school transport safety that can be applied consistently worldwide.

By adopting the ISTAS framework, schools demonstrate a uniform commitment to safety, regardless of the country they operate in. This consistency builds trust with parents, students, and educational agents, who can be confident that a school's transport operations meet the same rigorous standards everywhere. This is a powerful marketing tool in diverse international markets, where transport safety regulations can vary widely.