BSME Talks

What does it mean to lead a school when uncertainty is part of everyday life?

In this episode of BSME Talks, we’re joined by Rob Ford, Principal at the The British International School, Ukraine, speaking to us from Ukraine on a day when the country had once again faced a barrage of missile threats.

Against that backdrop, Rob reflects on what it means to create stability and continuity for a school community when circumstances outside the classroom are anything but stable.

We talk about supporting the wellbeing of students and staff, leading through prolonged uncertainty and protecting the sense of normality that school can provide. At The British International School, Ukraine, learning can sometimes take place in bunkers, but Rob explains why the instability surrounding students cannot be allowed to become the overwhelming conversation every time they step into a classroom. When it’s time for Maths or History, they still need the opportunity to learn, develop and simply be students.

Rob also reflects on his wider career in international education and why he has repeatedly chosen to work in parts of the world experiencing instability, sharing some of the lessons those experiences have taught him about leadership and community.

Later in the conversation, we turn to recruitment. Rob talks openly about the kind of teachers they look for, the realities of recruiting to a school in Ukraine and why honesty with prospective staff is so important when asking someone to consider a role in an uncertain environment.

It’s a fascinating conversation about leadership in circumstances few school leaders will ever experience, but with lessons around uncertainty, wellbeing, recruitment and continuity that will resonate with international schools everywhere.

In this episode of BSME Talks, we’re joined by Dr Sarah Pearce, who has recently completed her Doctorate in Education at the University of Bath. Her research explores how school leaders in the UAE navigate the complex and sometimes competing identities of being both British and international.

Drawing on institutional theory and the lived experiences of serving school principals, Sarah offers an evidence-informed look at how legitimacy is built in British International Schools.

We explore what it really means for a school to be considered “British” in the first place, and whether Britishness can ever be defined by a curriculum, a logo or an accreditation alone. Sarah unpacks the difference between legitimacy being awarded and being constructed and lived, and examines the tensions that emerge when the symbolism of Britishness meets the reality of delivering a high-quality international education.

We also explore recruitment and the different expectations that can exist around what it means to work in a British International School. Sarah reflects on the balance leaders navigate when recruiting for experience, expertise and fit, alongside the expectations and perceptions of different school communities. We consider how leaders can approach these conversations thoughtfully while keeping educational quality and the needs of their school community at the centre.

Finally, we look at BSO accreditation and its role as an important anchor for British International Schools; while considering how leaders can use standards to shape culture and build trust continuously, rather than viewing inspection as simply an episodic compliance exercise.

A fascinating conversation about Britishness, legitimacy, identity and quality in international education. 

And a challenge to think more carefully about what we mean when we call a school “British”.

What makes a workshop proposal go from good idea to yes, we want this on the programme?

In this episode of BSME Talks, BSME's Nalini Cook and Kirsty Crosby take a closer look at what makes a workshop proposal stand out, and what can make one fall flat.

They talk about the things they look for when reviewing workshop proposals from educators, how to clearly communicate the value of a session, why practical takeaways matter, and the importance of showing how you’ll actually engage your audience.

They also get into some of their biggest pet peeves; from proposals that try to cover everything, to vague titles, buzzwords and sessions that sound more like presentations than workshops.

And there’s plenty of advice for BSME Partners thinking about submitting a workshop proposal. 

What should you include? What should you avoid? And how can you make your proposal compelling enough to make someone want to be in the room?

Whether you’re an experienced workshop facilitator or submitting an idea for the first time, there are plenty of tips to take away.

Listen in and make us want to be in the room.

In this episode of BSME Talks, Nalini Cook is joined by TeacherCon DXB26 keynote speakers Dr. Dian Nicola Hamilton and Emmanuel Awoyelu for an honest and wide-ranging conversation about the people at the heart of education: teachers.

While Dian and Emmanuel offer a glimpse into the ideas behind their keynote sessions, the conversation goes much deeper into the impact that teachers can have - often far beyond what they realise.

They share their very different journeys into teaching, reflect on the advice they wish they had been given when they first started, and talk about the people who have shaped their careers and influenced the teachers they have become. They also share some opinions they don't often say out loud, leading to an open and refreshingly honest discussion about the profession.

At its heart, this is a conversation about recognising the value of teaching, celebrating the people who choose the profession, and remembering that the impact of a great teacher can stay with a student for years.

A timely conversation ahead of TeacherCon DXB26.

Want to hear more from Dian and Emmanuel? Secure your ticket to TeacherCon DXB26: https://www.bsme.org.uk/bsme-teachercon-dxb26

Season Two is here! And there’s a lot happening at BSME.

In our season opener, Debra Forsyth and Nalini Cook look ahead at what’s shaping up to be a busy year across the BSME community, from new opportunities for students and teachers, to fresh experiences for leaders and partners.

We’re talking Chess, MUN, new ECT networks, a Leadership Retreat, TeacherCon KSA26, new ways to access conferences and even more opportunities to connect with educators from across the region.

They also reflect on the return of teachers to the region following a difficult year, and why that growing influx feels like a welcome sign of normality and renewed confidence.

So, what’s changing? What’s new? And what can the BSME community expect this year?

Press play and find out what’s next.

As the academic year draws to a close, BSME CEO Debra Forsyth and COO Nalini Cook come together for the Season One finale of BSME Talks to reflect on a year unlike any other.

From celebrating the highlights of the year to navigating the challenges posed by regional conflict and its impact on our community, Debra and Nalini look back on the events that shaped 2025–26. They discuss the difficult decisions behind cancelled events, the pivots that allowed others to continue, and the remarkable resilience shown by BSME Schools and Partners throughout.

The episode also takes listeners behind the scenes of BSME, exploring what it really takes to deliver events across the region, work alongside UK Government organisations, and support schools through an ever-changing landscape. They reflect on key developments including safeguarding updates, the launch of the new BSME website and the arrival of BSME Talks itself.

Looking ahead, Debra and Nalini share what's on the horizon for 2026–27, including TeacherCon KSA26, the Student Conference, BSME MUN and the return of the Annual Conference in February 2027.

Join us for a candid conversation celebrating the strength of the BSME community, the power of partnership, and the people who have made this year possible.

In this episode of BSME Talks, host Debra Forsyth is joined by three teachers currently in the UK who are preparing for an exciting new chapter in the Middle East: Poppy Russo, who is joining British International School Jeddah after previously teaching in Singapore, Charlotte Lown, who is heading to Repton Al Barsha, and George Gardiner, who is making the move to Reach British School in Abu Dhabi.

Together, they share the stories behind their decisions to teach overseas, reflect on the interview process, and discuss what inspired them to take the leap. They also speak candidly about navigating uncertainty following the conflict in the Middle East earlier this year, how it affected their plans, and the reassurance and support provided by their new schools.

From document attestation and shipping furniture to relocating beloved cats, the trio reveal some of the practical challenges that come with an international move. With all of our guests also being parents, they discuss the added considerations they have had to make around uprooting their familiar family life.

Looking ahead, they talk about what excites them most: exploring new countries, embracing new experiences, learning from different people and perspectives, and even cycling around an F1 track.

Whether you're considering your own move overseas or simply curious about life beyond the UK classroom, this episode offers an honest, insightful and often humorous look at the realities of starting afresh in the Middle East.

In this episode of BSME Talks, Nalini Cook sits down with Simon O'Connor, Executive Head Master of Harrow International Schools UAE and Founding Head Master of Harrow Dubai, to explore the realities of bringing a globally recognised school brand to the UAE.

Drawing on his experience leading some of the region's most respected schools, Simon reflects on what it means to establish a new school when there is no local legacy to rely on. From earning the trust of families and attracting outstanding staff to creating a sense of community before the doors even open, he shares the challenges, opportunities and lessons that come with shaping a school's identity from day one.

The conversation also explores why Simon believes collaboration, not competition, will define the future of education in the UAE, how Harrow's values are being embedded within a Middle Eastern context, and the role he hopes the school will play in the wider educational landscape. Along the way, he reflects on the experiences from Jumeirah College and Deira International School that continue to influence his approach to leadership and school development.

A fascinating insight into school founding, educational leadership and the evolving future of international education in the Gulf.

On this episode of BSME Talks, Nalini Cook, COO of BSME, is joined by Lisa Passante, Principal at Star International School, Al Twar, and Ryan Jones, Co-Founder of Teacher Recruit, to explore the current state of recruitment across the Middle East education landscape.

With schools across the region continuing to recruit well into Term 3, ongoing regional tensions have created a recruitment cycle unlike anything many leaders have experienced before. As Lisa explains, one of the biggest challenges schools now face is rebuilding candidate confidence and reassuring teachers that the region remains a safe and rewarding place to live and work.

The conversation highlights the importance of honesty, reassurance, and strong leadership throughout the recruitment process. Teachers aren’t panicking, they’re doing their due diligence. Increasingly, candidates are looking beyond salary packages alone and placing greater value on transparency, culture, and leadership when deciding between schools.

Lisa and Ryan also challenge common misconceptions about the region, discuss why recruitment should feel like a two-way conversation rather than a sales pitch, and reflect on the risks of relying too heavily on one recruitment strategy.

Their advice? Don’t let assumptions make decisions for you. Stay curious, not cautious.

On this episode of BSME Talks, Kirsty Crosby is joined by Woody Wade for an exclusive preview of his upcoming workshop at the Business of Schools Webinar Series.

As Director of Wade & Co., Woody has spent years helping organisations prepare for an increasingly unpredictable future and in this episode, he shares why scenario planning is becoming an essential leadership tool for schools across the Middle East. Offering listeners a first look at the themes he’ll explore during his webinar session, Woody discusses how school leaders can create time for long-term strategic thinking, who should be involved in those conversations, and why schools need to move beyond simply reacting to day-to-day challenges.

The conversation also shines a spotlight on the vital role business and operations staff play within schools. From being the eyes and ears of the organisation to contributing to long-term planning and organisational resilience, Kirsty and Woody discuss why operational teams should be recognised as key strategic partners - and why professional learning opportunities for these roles are more important than ever.

Tune in for practical insights, future-focused thinking and an exclusive preview of what’s to come at the Business of Schools Webinar Series.

You can secure your ticket for the Business of Schools Webinar Series here: https://www.bsme.org.uk/tbos