I often see in areas like Dubai, Malaysia, Singapore etc that these English curriculum schools are so expensive, costing upwards of £13,000 a year just for Primary school. The teachers at these schools don’t seem to be that much more qualified than those in state schools in the UK. Why is it that parents there are prepared to pay such a premium for these types of schools and why are they so valued? These families don’t tend to be British expats either, just locals. As someone who grew up with free UK state education I take it for granted at times, but are GCSEs and A Levels really that prestigious?