Top 10 Largest Schools in the World by Student Strength
Did you know that the title of the Biggest School in the World is held by an institution in India? This unique fact captures the imagination of students, educators, and parents everywhere. Let’s dive into fascinating details, rankings, and surprising records about schools with the most students worldwide!
Top 10 Biggest Schools in the World by Students
| Rank | School Name | Location | Student Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | City Montessori School (CMS) | Lucknow, India | 56,000+ |
| 2 | Uttar Pradesh Board (network) | Uttar Pradesh, India | 31 million |
| 3 | Anuban Nakhon Ratchasima School | Thailand | 28,000 |
| 4 | Ambedkar Nagar Government Girls Inter College | Uttar Pradesh, India | 25,000 |
| 5 | Henan Province School Network | Henan, China | 23 million |
| 6 | Bihar Education Department (network) | Bihar, India | 20 million |
| 7 | Rong Qiao Sedun School | Fuzhou, China | 19,000 |
| 8 | Brooklyn Technical High School | New York, USA | 8,000 |
| 9 | Westlake Girls High School | Auckland, New Zealand | 2,500 |
| 10 | Phillips Exeter Academy | New Hampshire, USA | 1,000 |
The top 10 biggest schools in the world by students show that India and Asia lead in massive enrollments, hosting several gigantic institutions and networks. Now let’s discover what makes these places outstanding, especially the champion at the top of the list!
What Is the Biggest School in the World?
City Montessori School (CMS) in Lucknow, India, is the recognized answer when anyone asks about the biggest school in the world by students. According to the Guinness World Records, it has more than 56,000 pupils enrolled across its multiple campuses, making it a global educational phenomenon.
CMS was established in 1959 by Dr. Jagdish Gandhi and Dr. Bharti Gandhi with just five children.
It spans across multiple branches in Lucknow and offers education from preschool up to high school.
Recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest school by students.
CMS stands for global values, peace, and tolerance, often hosting international events.
It won the UNESCO Prize for Peace Education and the “Hope of Humanity” Award from the Dalai Lama.
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Key Facts About the Biggest School in the World
City Montessori School isn’t just famous for its numbers. It sets benchmarks in several areas. Here are some remarkable features and achievements that make CMS truly special among the biggest schools in the world by size and reputation.
Hosts Model United Nations and international cultural events, promoting global citizenship.
Branches are named after values like Love, Unity, and Peace.
Introduced “Students’ Quality Circles” (SQC), a concept now followed in schools worldwide.
CMS is a SAT examination center, supporting students’ US university dreams.
The student body reflects vibrant diversity, and its alumni include artists, actors, and professionals.
Known for organizing yoga events, music concerts, and Indo-Pak friendship projects.
Covers approximately 65 acres across its campuses — making it not just populous but also among the largest by area.
CMS students consistently perform well in CISCE board exams, showing academic strength.
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How Big Is the Biggest School in the World?
When we talk about the biggest school in the world by area, size, and students, City Montessori School (CMS) stands out for its sheer magnitude. But how big is it in practical terms?
Over 56,000 students are enrolled (as of 2024-2025); the number keeps growing!
Total area: Around 65 acres, spread across different branches in Lucknow.
Faculty strength: CMS employs more than 4,500 teachers and staff.
The biggest school in the world fees are affordable for many, as CMS aims for diverse accessibility.
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Significance of the World’s Biggest School
The biggest school in the world, like CMS, does more than educate thousands. It becomes a model for innovative education, cultural harmony, and leadership. Such schools inspire others and help develop responsible global citizens, demonstrating how education can unite people from every background.
Pioneers modern teaching methods used around the world.
Promotes peace, understanding, and multiculturalism through events and student exchanges.
Its success motivates other schools to expand their vision and reach.
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Who Else Makes the List? 2nd and 3rd Biggest Schools
After CMS, the 2nd biggest school in the world by students is the Uttar Pradesh Board, which oversees education for more than 31 million children through its extensive network. The third-largest is the Anuban Nakhon Ratchasima School in Thailand, hosting over 28,000 students at one campus.
Uttar Pradesh Board: Governs thousands of schools and manages high school and intermediate education in India’s largest state.
Anuban Nakhon Ratchasima School: Known for creative and student-centered teaching in Thailand.
Both institutions guarantee educational access for millions — a huge impact!
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Biggest and Smallest Schools: Fun Facts to Know!
Alongside the world’s largest schools, some places have just one student or teacher! These contrasts help everyone appreciate the diversity in education. Did you know that the smallest school in the world is often a single-room classroom — sometimes with only a handful of pupils?
Biggest high school in the world: CMS wins in total count, but other countries have high schools with several thousand students under one roof.
Smallest schools are usually found in remote or mountainous regions, ensuring every child learns!
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World educational records continue to set new standards every year. Students and teachers can get inspired by such amazing facts and learn more with Vedantu’s interactive lessons and general knowledge resources. The journey from the smallest school to the biggest school in the world truly shows the power of education everywhere!
FAQs on Biggest School in the World: Key Facts, List & Exam Guide
1. Which is the biggest school in the world?
City Montessori School (CMS) in Lucknow, India is the biggest school in the world by student strength, as recognized by Guinness World Records and featured in major competitive exam syllabi.
Key facts:
- Located in Lucknow, India
- Over 58,000+ students (2023-24)
- Multiple campuses
- Guinness World Record holder
2. What is the student strength of City Montessori School?
The student strength of City Montessori School (CMS) is more than 58,000 students as per 2023-24 data, making it the world's largest school by enrolment.
Highlights:
- 58,000+ students (2023-24)
- Spread across more than 20 campuses in Lucknow
3. Which school holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest by pupils?
The Guinness World Record for the largest school by number of pupils is held by City Montessori School (CMS), Lucknow, India.
Main points:
- Official world record holder since 2013
- Over 58,000 students enrolled
- Recognized internationally
4. What is the biggest high school in the world?
Rizal High School in the Philippines is often cited as the biggest high school in the world by single campus enrolment.
Key facts:
- Located in Pasig, Philippines
- Around 21,000+ students (2023)
- Records may vary based on campus and definition of 'high school'
5. What are the top 5 biggest schools in the world by student enrolment?
The top 5 biggest schools in the world by student enrolment, as per recent educational records, are:
- City Montessori School (CMS), India – 58,000+
- Rizal High School, Philippines – 21,000+
- Colegio San Jose, Paraguay – 13,000+
- Carmel High School, USA – 5,400+
- Secondary School No. 548, Russia – 7,000+
6. What is the difference between the biggest school and the biggest high school?
The biggest school refers to total student enrolment across all grades (usually K–12), while the biggest high school focuses only on the high school grades (typically 9–12 or equivalent).
Differences:
- Biggest school: Includes all grade levels (e.g., CMS Lucknow, India)
- Biggest high school: Only upper grades (e.g., Rizal High School, Philippines)
7. Are CMS and other large schools recognized internationally?
Yes, City Montessori School (CMS) and similar large institutions are recognized internationally because their records are certified by authorities like Guinness World Records and reported by educational bodies such as UNESCO and Britannica. These recognitions validate their achievements for CBSE, UPSC, and global awareness.
8. Do GK and competitive exams ask about the biggest school as per the latest data?
Yes, most CBSE, UPSC, SSC and competitive exams refer to the latest available data for static GK questions, such as the world's biggest school.
Students should learn the most recent record holders and their student strengths for accurate answers.
9. Which is the second largest school in the world by number of students?
The second largest school in the world by enrolment is usually cited as Rizal High School in the Philippines, with about 21,000+ students. Rankings can change as schools expand or consolidate.
10. How should I remember the list of the world’s biggest schools for exams?
To remember the top world schools by enrolment for exams:
- Create a mnemonic using the initials (e.g., City Montessori, Rizal, Colegio)
- Link each school to its country (e.g., CMS – India, Rizal – Philippines)
- Regularly revise facts and numbers in short bursts
- Write the names and student counts in a chart
11. What is the smallest school in the world?
The smallest school in the world is typically a one-room schoolhouse or remote classroom with just one to five students, often found in isolated areas like the Swiss Alps or rural USA. Such examples are rare, but highlight extremes in educational institutions.
