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At Sage Consultancy we have a genuine desire to help support International School leaders and improve International Schools around the world.
Our Consultants regularly write articles on Finance, Facilities & Operations, Human Resources and School Leadership topics to support International school management to meet their goals and improve their practices
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When the Numbers Don’t Add Up: How International Schools Can Respond to Lower-Than-Expected Enrollment
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.

Russell Cooke
Aug 135 min read


COVID-19: A Leadership Reflection – Did Any Good Come of It?
Reflect on the enduring impact of the Covid-19 pandemic—not just the challenges it brought, but the unexpected opportunities it revealed.

Ian Forster
Jun 205 min read


Navigating Challenges of Aging Infrastructure in International Schools
Barry Freckmann, is championing the need for institutions to set aside dedicated funds to meet both current and future infrastructure demands.

Barry Freckmann
Jun 54 min read


Beyond Compliance: How HR Policy Reviews Can Drive Culture Change
HR Consultant Ilaria Cortesi argues that when thoughtfully crafted and regularly reviewed, HR policies become strategic tools

Ilaria Cortesi
May 194 min read


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

Len Archer
May 199 min read


Why Every International School Needs a Continuity Plan
From political instability and natural disasters to cyber threats and health emergencies, the potential to interrupt schools is significant

Hans-Peter Naef
Apr 24 min read


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

Len Archer
Apr 25 min read


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

Len Archer
Mar 14 min read


Mission, Vision, and Strategic Thinking in a Time of Great Uncertainty
Brian Roach explores the challenges and opportunities of strategic planning in an unpredictable world.

Brian Roach
Mar 15 min read


Mission Setting for International Schools Facing Changing Demographics
the importance of the strategic role of the School Board as the enrolment landscape continues to change.

Chuck Kite
Jan 225 min read


It’s Keeping Me Awake at Night: What International School Tech Directors Are Losing Sleep Over
In the world of education technology, international school technology directors stand at the crossroads of innovation & accountability

Len Archer
Dec 11, 20245 min read


The True Cost of Neglecting Facilities Maintenance
Our Senior Consultant Anthony Wong guards against not setting aside adequate financial resources to meet your school's campus requirements.

Anthony Wong
Nov 26, 20244 min read


Mastering Procurement and Purchasing in an International School Setting
Purchasing is one of the most customer-facing responsibilities managed by the school's business operations.

Hans-Peter Naef
Oct 1, 20244 min read


Who Is Your Boss?
Nuances of coaching business managers, managing stakeholders, and the differences between US independent schools and international schools.

William Scarborough
Aug 19, 20244 min read


The School Business Office and AI
Insights from Russell Cooke, Managing Consultant at Sage Consultancy into the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence.

Russell Cooke
May 8, 20243 min read


Business Office Basics: The Board Dashboard
Jim Pugh shares wisdom he has collected in his decades of service to independent schools.

Jim Pugh
May 8, 20243 min read


Finalizing plans for Next School Year
Rhonda Norris stresses the importance at this time of year of optimizing your financial plans for next school year.

Rhonda Norris
Mar 26, 20244 min read


Business Office Basics: The Importance of Using a Long-Range Financial Model
Former long-time business officer, recent interim CFO, and founding member of NBOA Jim Pugh shares wisdom he has collected in his decades...

Jim Pugh
Mar 26, 20243 min read


How the Business Manager Supports Admissions in the Reenrollment Process
As tuition fees for next school year are set and the re-enrollment process starts again, Russell Cooke reflects on the importance of...

Russell Cooke
Feb 22, 20243 min read


Business Office Basics: Know Your Audit, Part 2
Former long-time business officer, recent interim CFO, and founding member of NBOA Jim Pugh shares wisdom he has collected in his decades...

Jim Pugh
Feb 21, 20243 min read
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