The organisation for people who aspire to lead international schools.
Aspiring and serving leaders in more than forty countries, learning from each other and from people who have done the job.
Topics our members write about: Leadership, School Visits, LYIS, Sustainability, Learning Centred Leadership, Learning, LYIS Conferences, Culture, Educational Management, Wellbeing, Educational Management, Partnership, Leaders, Board Chair's Message.
Leadership is lonely. It doesn’t have to be.
LYIS brings serving and aspiring principals together to share what works, think more clearly and lead with integrity.
Find your people
Connect with leaders who are asking the same questions and wrestling with the same challenges, wherever they are in the world.
Grow as a leader
Mentoring, coaching, qualifications and courses built for the realities of leading an international school.
Share what works
Write for the Principal’s Blog, speak at events and shape the frameworks that guide international school leadership.
- members
- 250+
- countries
- 40+
- member resources
- 100+
- Principal’s Blog articles
- 194
138 days until #LYIS27
#LYIS27 Annual Conference
12 to 14 March 2027
The Canadian International School of Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Three days of learning, networking and inspiration with international school leaders from across the globe. Members register first and pay less.
Courses that change practice
Professional development designed by international school leaders, for international school leaders.
Leadership qualification, 12 months, hybrid
LYIS-Q
A values-driven, practical qualification for serving and aspiring international school principals, built around ethical leadership, opportunity and sustainability. Five modules, from the role of the principal to leading change.
£1,750 for members, £2,050 for guests
Two days, in person
LYIS-L Library
For school librarians growing as learning leaders and culture curators, led by Sarah Pavey and aligned with the CILIP professional standards.
Next course: 6 and 7 November 2026, Keystone Academy, Beijing
Out in the schools
In our members’ words
LYIS is a place to share ideas, learn from others, and work together to build better international schools.
A community of like-minded and passionate leaders with whom to connect and grow. The care from the LYIS team is so personalised.
LYIS has helped me move from simply doing leadership to truly understanding it.
LYIS has connected me with leaders across Asia and around the world. It has reminded me that we never lead on our own.
What’s on
- #LYIS27 Annual Conference
The Canadian International School of Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- EachtermEducator meet-ups
Cities across Asia, each term
From the Principal’s Blog
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Building Belonging: Empowering Students to Shape Inclusive School Communities
Belonging has always been at the forefront of my thinking as an educator and parent. However, the approach I took to creating a sense…
Join LYIS
Two minutes to tell us about yourself. A year with international school leaders who have done the job behind you.
Become a memberChoose your membership
Pick the membership that fits your stage of leadership.
Tell us about you
Send the short form with your role, school and country.
Start connecting
We confirm your place and welcome you into the community.
Retired or career break
£95 a year
For leaders between roles or recently retired who want to stay connected and keep contributing.
- Member resources
- Community networking
- Newsletter and updates
- Event discounts
Aspiring principals
£195 a year
For deputies, vice principals and senior leaders preparing for headship.
- Full resource library
- Mentoring
- Professional development
- Member pricing on courses, including LYIS-Q
- Event access
Most popular
Serving principals
£295 a year
For principals and heads in post who want peers, challenge and support.
- Complete resource library
- Leadership coaching and mentoring
- Priority event registration
- Member pricing on courses
- A voice in the leadership framework
Partner organisations
£495 a year
For companies and organisations that work with international schools and want to support the community.
- Partner recognition on the site and at events
- Event sponsorship opportunities
- Access to the member network
Tell us about you
The Principal’s Blog, in your inbox
A new article from an international school leader most weeks, plus news of events and courses.
