Leading Your International School

What does it really take to lead a school well? In this episode, host Joe Otley sits down with Dr. Jake Madden, an educator, researcher, and school leader with decades of experience across multiple systems and countries. From his first principalship in a small rural Australian town to his current role in Tokyo, Jake shares the lessons, mistakes, and moments that shaped his leadership philosophy. They explore why people must always come before structures, the importance of listening before acting, how to lead change without imposing it, and practical advice for anyone stepping into a leadership role for the first time. Whether you’re an experienced leader or just starting out, this conversation offers grounded perspectives on what it means to truly lead.

Join Joe Otley in conversation with Sophie Brandsar, Primary Vice Principal at an international school in Cambodia, for an authentic and energising discussion about creating genuine belonging in international school communities.

In This Episode

Sophie joins Joe to share her powerful insights on psychological safety, authentic leadership, and creating genuine belonging in international school communities. Drawing from both positive and challenging experiences abroad, Sophie reveals why getting to know your team individually matters more than blanket initiatives, how to empower teachers to bring their unique strengths to school, and why living abroad without a safety net makes community-building even more critical. Her practical examples offer refreshing, actionable approaches for leaders at any level.

About the Guest

Sophie Brandsar is a passionate educational leader currently serving as Primary Vice Principal in Cambodia. After studying at an international boarding school in Oxford, she trained at a specialised university in the Netherlands that focuses exclusively on international education. Her journey took her through various international schools before landing her first leadership role as a math lead for middle school, where she worked to eliminate math anxiety. Sophie recently completed her Master's in Educational Leadership and is known for her authentic, people-first approach to leadership.

This podcast is brought to you by LYIS, a membership organisation supporting international school leadership globally. LYIS offers leadership qualifications, professional development, and community building for principals and senior leaders across international schools worldwide.

Subscribe and follow for more inspiring conversations with international school leaders!

The LYIS Podcast is back! Thank you to Joe Otley, our new host, for an invigorating discussion with Rob Daws.

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).