In the latest Leading Your International School podcast, Barry Cooper and Euan MacLean discuss a critical issue in education: the growing divide between schools and parent communities. Euan shares insights from his experience and his new social enterprise, &Parents, focusing on how stronger parent-school partnerships can lead to improved student outcomes – both academically and holistically.

"When schools and parent communities work better together, I think that can really only be for the overall benefit of the students", said Euan.

More about Euan:

🏙️ Based in the beautiful city of Edinburgh, Scotland. He loves exploring cities, including Venice and New York.

🐾 Closer to home, you'll find him enjoying sunny beach walks on the Isle of Lewis with his French bulldog, Mabel.

🎓 Currently pursuing his Doctorate in Education, he’s passionate about bridging research with practical applications for schools and families.
🎹🍽️ When he's not working, he relaxes by playing the piano and saxophone. He also loves discovering new culinary delights.

⭐ Euan is nearly always planning his next adventure, in one of Edinburgh's parks!

In this months Leading your international school podcast Barry Cooper is joined by Kausor Amin-Ali, Principal of Frontline International School in Ajman. Join as they discuss:

Equity and Justice in International Education. 🌍

In the podcast, Kausor:

• Emphasises the need to move beyond broad DEI initiatives to focus on equitable representation, particularly in leadership roles.

• Highlights the underrepresentation of ethnic minorities in headship positions, especially in the UK, and suggest this may be attributed to cultural preferences and biases in hiring.

• Discusses the importance of intentional planning, cultural awareness, and community engagement to foster inclusivity.

• Advocates for schools to create a welcoming environment where diverse cultural practices are respected and celebrated, and encourages teachers to actively engage with and learn from the local community.

In his free time, he enjoys studying History, Cycling, Football (goalkeeping), travelling with his wife and son and enjoys being a Father.

#LYIS25 takes place at @Foshan EtonHouse International School from the 28th – 30th March. To attend, click here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1tIG16o2l_NIudioTDTDWO1qlQET7WQ5A8IARVjPso94/edit

#lyis #lyis25 #lyispodcast #interntionalschools #leadership #principals

In the latest Leading Your International School Podcast, Barry Cooper is joined by Christine Cunniffe as they discuss the implications of VAT on private school education in the UK.

-Will the money raised be used for its intended purpose and effect?

-Will it cause a surge in state education places, negating the financial income it seeks to raise?

-Should education ever be taxed? Are there more strategically important things to tax instead?

-What are the long-term implications for private and public sector education systems, and how might this affect our international schools?

All this and much more.

Christine Cunniffe is the Principal of LVS Ascot, a school steeped in the history and traditions of charity. 

One conversation not to be missed! 

In this conversation, Selina and Barry discuss the essential elements that contribute to a great school. They explore the importance of independence in school reviews, the significance of parent insights, and the subtle indicators of school culture. Selina emphasises the role of school leadership in shaping a positive environment and compares the evolving standards of UK and international schools. The discussion also highlights the benefits of international education, the importance of local staff, and future trends in the education sector. Tune in to this episode to listen to Selina’s  practical advice for parents and school leaders.

Outdoor education can shape young minds and inspire lifelong learning. In the latest LYIS podcast, we sat down with Haena Kim, Director, WildChina Education; CEO, Beyond Classrooms and expert in experiential learning.

Join Haena and Barry as they discuss the importance of experiential learning and outdoor education to promoting cultural understanding, personal growth, and academic achievement.

Listen as Haena shares her own inspiring journey, from growing up in the Philippines to leading transformative outdoor experiences in China and beyond. Discover the power of language learning, the importance of pushing boundaries, and the role of outdoor education in cultivating resilience and curiosity.

Discover how outdoor education can revolutionise the way we learn and grow.

Join Anna and Barry as they discuss the insights of overseas teaching and leadership. Anna has 25 years experience teaching in and leading independent schools both in the UK and abroad. 

In this episode, Anna shares her experiences in education, particularly focusing on her time working overseas. She highlights the challenges and rewards of working with diverse cultures and the importance of adaptability and resilience in teaching. Anna emphasises the value of international experiences for both educators and students, as they bring unique perspectives and skills to the learning environment. The conversation also touches on recruitment practices and the role of multiculturalism in education.

Join Alistair and Barry as they discuss the rewards and challenges of a Start-Up School. Alistair Downs, Education Director of Reigate Grammar School in Saudi Arabia, discusses his experience with startup schools. He emphasises the importance of tailoring the school vision to local communities and fostering parent involvement for success. Throughout the discussion, Alistair highlights the value of welcoming environments, diverse communication channels, and soft skills in school leadership. He also mentioned that while Saudi Arabia offers diverse experiences, access to information and language skills remain areas for improvement.

➡️ Alistair is currently leading the rollout of Reigate Grammar School campuses across KSA and the region, alongside overseeing the ADECO GCC group of schools. 

➡️ He holds a BSc in Geography from Loughborough University, a PGCE from the University of Cambridge, a Masters in Educational Leadership and Management, and has completed the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH).

The current role and the future of school libraries and school librarians.

Join Greg Parry and Barry Cooper as they dive deep into the unique niche of bridging education and business. This enriching discussion touches on staff turnover in international schools, acknowledging its inevitability and highlighting strategies to involve teachers in the recruitment process to enhance alignment with the school's vision and mission. The podcast sheds light on the critical role of culture and leadership in maintaining a school's ethos and ensuring its longevity.

In this episode, Barry Cooper and Jo Evans discuss the process and challenges of starting up an international school, emphasising the importance of communication, cultural understanding, and flexibility in the process. They delve into the intricacies of launching and operating international schools, emphasising the significance of open communication, cultural adaptation, and flexibility. This insightful conversation provides valuable advice for both educators and school leaders looking to embark on similar journeys.

LYIS leadership consultancy available starting January 2024.