Bahrain Mirror: Bahrain's private K-12 education market valued at $0.4 billion in 2017 is poised to grow to $700 million by 2023, according to a new report by global management consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG).

The report added that across the GCC, the private education market is becoming a magnet for investors, and rightly so, as it is expected to double over the next five years.

At $11,000 per student per annum, private school spending is higher in the GCC region than in OECD counterparts.

Although Bahrain's private school market is smaller than other GCC markets, given its smaller population, the report considered that it has the potential to grow from $0.4 billion in 2015 to $0.7 billion in 2023, noting that three key factors are driving this growth; these include a shift towards private schools, tuition increases and new enrolment opportunities.

The report further stated that expatriate population is growing, Bahrainis are increasingly interested in private schools, and the government is offering incentives to attract private and foreign investment. Bahraini schools have better outcomes than many other GCC countries, which has created an opportunity to attract students from Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province. In addition to this, tuition fees will continue to grow at approximately 3 percent per year.

It can be challenging for private schools to navigate the regulatory environment and compete against public schools. The Bahrain Quality Authority classifies 30 percent of public schools as "outstanding," whereas only 18 percent of private schools have achieved this classification. With public schools continuing to improve, and a sluggish economy that has reduced consumer spending, Bahraini nationals may be less willing to pay for private schools.

Arabic Version