South Korea and Japan have the best schools in the world

London (AsiaNews/Agencies) - The latest international comparisons compiled for Pearson by the Economist Intelligence Unit rated Asian education systems as the best in the world, with South Korea, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong leading the pack.

These rankings are based upon an amalgamation of international tests and education data - including the OECD's Pisa tests, and two major US-based studies, Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (Timss) and Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (Pirls).

A Learning Curve report accompanying the ranking found that the success of top-performing Asian countries reflects a culture in which teachers and schools are highly respected and "teachers, students and parents all take responsibility for education".

What is more, for Pearson chief executive John Fallon improving education and skills is very important for economic growth.

Indeed, although the latest international comparisons emphasise the success of Asian education systems, with South Korea, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong rated as the best performing, education systems around the world could learn more from each other as they face the same challenge of raising standards whilst coping with financial constraints.