A new edtech platform aiming to transform how families find international schools is launching this month, with industry experts calling it the biggest disruption to the K12 sector in a generation.
The platform, named Doris, uses generative AI to match families with international schools based on personalised conversations with an AI assistant. The UK-based startup is led by tech entrepreneur Nik Higgins, who previously founded and sold The Ambassador Platform for a multi-million-pound sum.
Doris will debut in Singapore, where several leading international schools – including Dulwich College Singapore and Singapore American School – have already signed up.
How Doris works
Doris functions as an AI-powered school matchmaking service, bridging the gap between families and schools.
For parents, the platform offers personalised recommendations based on insights gathered through conversations with its AI assistant. It then provides detailed school profiles, allowing families to compare options and explore educational and extra-curricular offerings.
For schools, Doris delivers real-time engagement data through a dashboard that tracks how prospective families interact with their profiles. Schools will also gain insights into family motivations and interests, helping admissions teams refine their approach.
As the platform develops, it will facilitate direct connections between families and schools, providing a streamlined alternative to traditional listing sites, consultants, and agents.
CEO Nik Higgins said:
“The international school sector has long relied on a semi-effective patchwork of listings and consultants. Doris offers an impartial and deeply considered approach, making one of the biggest decisions in a child’s life easier for parents.”
Industry growth and expansion plans
The international schools market has expanded rapidly in recent years, fuelled by increasing demand from expatriate families, local parents seeking international education, and globally mobile professionals.
There are now over 13,000 international schools worldwide, serving six million students, with Asia and the Middle East driving market growth. In 2024, the sector was valued at $59 billion and is projected to reach $82.93 billion by 2029.
Doris aims to capitalise on this booming sector, with plans to expand into key international education hubs in the coming years.
Industry leaders back Doris
Among those backing the platform is Jason Hoppner, Director of Operations and Customer Experience at German European School Singapore, who joined Doris as Chief Advisor and Non-Executive Director in 2024.
Hoppner said:
“The international K12 sector has evolved significantly, but the tools available to schools and families haven’t kept pace. Doris fills that gap, offering tailored recommendations for parents while giving schools deeper insights into prospective families’ needs.”
The company has launched a waitlist for schools looking to join Doris as it expands globally. More details can be found at doris.school.
