Introduction: What We’re Not Saying Enough
International school leaders in 2025 are not just running schools. They’re orchestrating complex ecosystems. They’re balancing cultural nuance, educational excellence, and financial viability—often without the full support structure that’s standard in other sectors.
In most cases, Heads of School are expected to:
- Set strategic direction
- Manage multi-million-dollar budgets
- Navigate real estate development and campus planning
- Oversee marketing and admissions
- Lead HR and recruitment (often globally)
- Respond to board expectations, parent advocacy, and political pressure
- Maintain operational readiness across finance, legal, IT, and facilities
- Ensure the academic program meets and exceeds educational accreditation
- requirements"
- And somehow—still lead teaching and learning at the core
All of this while fostering a healthy school culture and ensuring student success.