Leading Your International School

What does it really take to lead a school well? In this episode, host Joe Otley sits down with Dr. Jake Madden, an educator, researcher, and school leader with decades of experience across multiple systems and countries. From his first principalship in a small rural Australian town to his current role in Tokyo, Jake shares the lessons, mistakes, and moments that shaped his leadership philosophy. T...

Join Joe Otley in conversation with Sophie Brandsar, Primary Vice Principal at an international school in Cambodia, for an authentic and energising discussion about creating genuine belonging in international school communities. In This Episode Sophie joins Joe to share her powerful insights on psychological safety, authentic leadership, and creating genuine belonging in international school commu...

The LYIS Podcast is back! Thank you to Joe Otley, our new host, for an invigorating discussion with Rob Daws.

In the latest Leading Your International School podcast, Barry Cooper and Euan MacLean discuss a critical issue in education: the growing divide between schools and parent communities. Euan shares insights from his experience and his new social enterprise, &Parents, focusing on how stronger parent-school partnerships can lead to improved student outcomes – both academically and holistically. &...

In this months Leading your international school podcast Barry Cooper is joined by Kausor Amin-Ali, Principal of Frontline International School in Ajman. Join as they discuss: Equity and Justice in International Education. 🌍 In the podcast, Kausor: • Emphasises the need to move beyond broad DEI initiatives to focus on equitable representation, particularly in leadership roles. • Highlights the un...

In the latest Leading Your International School Podcast, Barry Cooper is joined by Christine Cunniffe as they discuss the implications of VAT on private school education in the UK. -Will the money raised be used for its intended purpose and effect? -Will it cause a surge in state education places, negating the financial income it seeks to raise? -Should education ever be taxed? Are there more stra...

In this conversation, Selina and Barry discuss the essential elements that contribute to a great school. They explore the importance of independence in school reviews, the significance of parent insights, and the subtle indicators of school culture. Selina emphasises the role of school leadership in shaping a positive environment and compares the evolving standards of UK and international schools....

Outdoor education can shape young minds and inspire lifelong learning. In the latest LYIS podcast, we sat down with Haena Kim, Director, WildChina Education; CEO, Beyond Classrooms and expert in experiential learning. Join Haena and Barry as they discuss the importance of experiential learning and outdoor education to promoting cultural understanding, personal growth, and academic achievement. Lis...

Join Anna and Barry as they discuss the insights of overseas teaching and leadership. Anna has 25 years experience teaching in and leading independent schools both in the UK and abroad.  In this episode, Anna shares her experiences in education, particularly focusing on her time working overseas. She highlights the challenges and rewards of working with diverse cultures and the importance of adapt...

Join Alistair and Barry as they discuss the rewards and challenges of a Start-Up School. Alistair Downs, Education Director of Reigate Grammar School in Saudi Arabia, discusses his experience with startup schools. He emphasises the importance of tailoring the school vision to local communities and fostering parent involvement for success. Throughout the discussion, Alistair highlights the value of...

The current role and the future of school libraries and school librarians. Join Sarah and Barry as they discuss the changing dynamics of school libraries, underscoring the crucial role of qualified librarians in fostering inquiry-based learning. Sarah also explores the implications of integrating artificial intelligence in education, highlighting the necessity for adapting assessment methods to pr...

Join Greg Parry and Barry Cooper as they dive deep into the unique niche of bridging education and business. This enriching discussion touches on staff turnover in international schools, acknowledging its inevitability and highlighting strategies to involve teachers in the recruitment process to enhance alignment with the school's vision and mission. The podcast sheds light on the critical rol...

In this episode, Barry Cooper and Jo Evans discuss the process and challenges of starting up an international school, emphasising the importance of communication, cultural understanding, and flexibility in the process. They delve into the intricacies of launching and operating international schools, emphasising the significance of open communication, cultural adaptation, and flexibility. This insi...

Join guest host Barry Cooper and Dr Jill Berry as they discuss Chapter Six of LYIS - 'Your International School Culture'. Find out why "culture is the glue that binds people together during tremendous times of need" and is "fundamental to our schools, particularly in our times of need". An enlightening conversation that suggests how we might also develop our cultures th...

In this episode, Vikas and Zoubiya discuss the fundamentals of managing your international school in a post-pandemic world. They talk about the importance of learning from the pandemic to be prepared for future disruption and adapt to change. Zoubiya emphasizes the value of personal leadership skills in the face of disruption.

In this episode Vikas and Mrs Monica Sagar discuss the essence and importance of perspectives in shaping International school leadership and that leadership is a choice, not a position.

In this episode Vikas and Warren discuss the vital importance of Human Resource( That is the people working in an organisation/institution). HR or People and Culture is not only an integral component of an international school but also an indispensable aspect of workforce planning and leadership.

In this episode Vikas and Barry discuss the three Vs - Vision , Values and Virtues a key chapter in the now published book Leading your International school. They examine Leadership as a service to others, Embracing and distributing your leadership , The ways in which your curriculum and the way teachers teach it support the school's overall vision.

In this episode Vikas and Chris talk about the theme learning above all else, a key chapter from the forthcoming book Leading your International school. They will cover the practical leadership tips and experiences for inculcating a culture of learning in an International school.