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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
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
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
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
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
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
A Walk on the Wild Side
In the first article of the new year Senior Consultant Ian Forster brings his experience to bear in a lighthearted article touching upon...
Ian Forster
Jan 18, 20245 min read
Going green – What school Business Managers need to know.
COP 28 has just finished with some commitments on reducing the reliance on fossil fuels, the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting...
Mark Temperley
Dec 14, 20235 min read
Assessing Progress
In this month's article, our Senior Consultant Rhonda Norris encourages school leadership to take stock of how the school year is...
Rhonda Norris
Oct 27, 20234 min read
Transforming School Finance and Operations with AI: A New Era in Education Management
In this month's article, our Senior Consultant Len Archer encourages school leadership to assess the possibilities of using artificial...
Russell Cooke
Sep 18, 20235 min read
Navigating the Unique Landscape of School Business Management
Stepping into the role of a business manager or CFO within a school environment requires a comprehensive understanding of the...
Mark Temperley
Aug 21, 20234 min read
Navigating the Challenges and Risks in Campus Master Planning
We explore some of the common hurdles and risks faced by international schools in the complex process of campus master planning.
Russell Cooke
Jun 19, 20234 min read
What’s the business of a school business manager?
Taking on the role of the school business manager as someone moving to this position from another role within the school
Chuck Kite
Apr 25, 20234 min read
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