Researching the International School Sector

The hardest part of seeking your first international school leadership job is knowing where to start.

If you’re new to the international education scene, the search can be overwhelming. Different regions from Asia to the Middle East to the Americas offer different recruitment pathways. Without a clear direction, it’s easy to get lost. As the Cheshire Cat famously said in Alice in Wonderland, “If you don’t know where you want to go, it doesn’t matter which path you take.”

Without clarity, hours of online searching may leave you right back where you began.

Step One: Know What You’re Looking For

Before clicking through job boards, ask yourself:

• What do I want to get from this experience?
• What type of school will support my values, style, and goals?
• What cultural environment suits my family or personal circumstances?

Each international school is unique shaped by its leadership, ethos, student body, and parent community. Matching yourself to the right school matters just as much as landing the job itself.

Step Two: Use the Right Recruitment Platforms

Once I knew the type of school I was after, I narrowed my search. Below is a list of the most helpful platforms I used. Some require full applications, others just a CV. Some charge a fee, many don’t. In my experience, the free ones were often the most helpful.

Recommended Job Boards and Recruitment Agencies

• Yew Chung Education Group
  http://jobs.ycis-schools.com/Default.aspx

• Carney Sandoe & Associates
  http://www.carneysandoe.com/

• Anthony Millard Consulting
  http://www.anthonymillard.co.uk/vacancies/leadership-vacancies

• GEMS Education
  http://careers.gemseducation.com/

• International Schools Services (ISS)
  https://www.iss.edu/

• Council of International Schools (CIS)
  http://www.cois.org/page.cfm?p=1114

• Tenby Schools Group Malaysia
  http://www.tenby.edu.my/the-group/information-for-applicants

• TES Connect
  http://www.tes.co.uk/jobs/

• Capita Education
  http://www.capitaeducation.co.uk/

• Search Associates
  http://www.searchassociates.com/

• Teach Away
  http://www.teachaway.com

• Teaching Nomad
  http://www.teachingnomad.com/job-search

• Learn4Good
  http://www.learn4good.com/jobs/

Top tip: The agency that ultimately secured my role in Dubai was International Teachers Plus. Their support throughout the application and transition process was excellent.

Step Three: Research Before You Apply

When you find a potential role, go beyond the job ad. Learn about:

• The school’s vision, culture, and leadership
• Its student population and parent involvement
• Staff structure and professional development opportunities
• Current and future initiatives
• The quality of communication and support

International job transitions are significant—for you and your family. Don’t just apply for a job. Choose a school that fits your values and aspirations.

Final Thought

Finding the right international role takes time, clarity, and a lot of research. But once you define what you want and use the right platforms, the path becomes clearer.

Happy hunting and may your next move be the right one.

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Dr Jake Madden

I’m Jake Madden (Dip Teach; B.Ed; Grad Dip: Leadership; M. Ed: Leadership; EdD; FACEL; MACE), and I’ve had the privilege of working in education for over thirty years as a teacher and principal. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on supporting teachers to build their capacity, developing learning approaches that respond to the needs of today’s world, creating flexible learning spaces for 21st-century learners, and designing curriculum that encourages global mindedness. I’m particularly passionate about the concept of teacher-as-researcher, and I’ve been fortunate to contribute to this area by sharing my experiences through books and journal articles. My work reflects what I’ve learned from leading and navigating educational change, and I’m always eager to continue learning from others in the field.

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Author: Dr Jake Madden

I’m Jake Madden (Dip Teach; B.Ed; Grad Dip: Leadership; M. Ed: Leadership; EdD; FACEL; MACE), and I’ve had the privilege of working in education for over thirty years as a teacher and principal. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on supporting teachers to build their capacity, developing learning approaches that respond to the needs of today’s world, creating flexible learning spaces for 21st-century learners, and designing curriculum that encourages global mindedness. I’m particularly passionate about the concept of teacher-as-researcher, and I’ve been fortunate to contribute to this area by sharing my experiences through books and journal articles. My work reflects what I’ve learned from leading and navigating educational change, and I’m always eager to continue learning from others in the field. View all posts by Dr Jake Madden