INSIGHTS

Applications we labelled as “special needs cases,” involving any applicant who displayed anything other than typical abilities our schools served. This is the truth, and it is uncomfortable as it is to admit. And it is also true that this reaction wasn’t rooted in a lack of care but in uncertainty and a lack of training and understanding. No shared language and no clear frameworks for engaging thoughtfully with families of neurodivergent children pushed us all into looking aw

The international school sector has entered a fundamentally different era. What was once a relatively predictable environment, driven by expatriate mobility and steady enrollment growth, has become increasingly complex. Inflation, shifting demographics, geopolitical volatility, and intensified competition have all eroded the certainty that schools once relied upon.

while small schools often share the educational vision of their larger brethren, planning for success in small schools is vastly different

deferring maintenance rarely saves money in the long run. In fact, postponing small repairs often leads to much larger bills, safety risks, and disruptions to learning. What looks like a short-term budget fix can quickly become a long-term liability.

Your support departments hold a wealth of rarely reviewed information which is both interesting and valuable to your understanding of the school.

The start of a new school year is usually a time of positivity, fresh cohorts of students, new arrivals on staff, renewed energy among returning faculty, and a budget carefully prepared months in advance of the start of the semester. However, for many international schools in 2025–26, the reality is more sobering. Enrollment is below budgeted levels, resulting in reduced income and the risk of a budget deficit.

Reflect on the enduring impact of the Covid-19 pandemic—not just the challenges it brought, but the unexpected opportunities it revealed.

Barry Freckmann, is championing the need for institutions to set aside dedicated funds to meet both current and future infrastructure demands.

HR Consultant Ilaria Cortesi argues that when thoughtfully crafted and regularly reviewed, HR policies become strategic tools

iSAMS by IRIS – a proprietary, cloud-based, all-in-one MIS/SIS developed for independent and international schools.

From political instability and natural disasters to cyber threats and health emergencies, the potential to interrupt schools is significant

Veracross is a proprietary, cloud-based, all-in-one SIS developed specifically for independent and international schools.

QuickBooks, a widely recognized accounting and financial management software developed by Intuit, is a popular choice for small businesses.

Brian Roach explores the challenges and opportunities of strategic planning in an unpredictable world.

the importance of the strategic role of the School Board as the enrolment landscape continues to change.

In the world of education technology, international school technology directors stand at the crossroads of innovation & accountability

Our Senior Consultant Anthony Wong guards against not setting aside adequate financial resources to meet your school's campus requirements.

Purchasing is one of the most customer-facing responsibilities managed by the school's business operations.

Nuances of coaching business managers, managing stakeholders, and the differences between US independent schools and international schools.

Insights from Russell Cooke, Managing Consultant at Sage Consultancy into the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence.