How equal are the world’s education systems?

South Korea emerges as the nation with the most equitable education system, according to a new report by the World Economic Forum titled Inclusive Growth and Development Report 2015. It assesses three kinds of equity in education – access, quality and outcomes – and covers everything from pre-school to vocational training.

The results have been classified by the World Bank income group, which may come as no surprise given the strong correlation between economic development and education. Northern Europe and Asia dominate the advanced economies, with Japan joining South Korea and Singapore in the top three. At number 24, the United States appears some way down the advanced-economy scale, trailing Australia, France and Iceland.

Eastern Europe scores well in both upper-middle and lower-middle economies, while the countries of Latin America, as a regional cluster, are falling behind on educational equality.

Author: Donald Armbrecht is a freelance writer and social media producer.

Image: Coloured pencils are pictured in a wooden box at a nursery school in Eichenau near Munich. REUTERS/Michaela Rehle