Who we are
Leadership is better together.
LYIS is a bright, vibrant community for educators ready for their next step into leadership, and for the leaders already there. We support international school leaders through professional development, networking and collaborative learning.
Our mission
To support the people who lead international schools.
Our vision: the courage and integrity to reimagine, redefine and redesign school leadership.
LYIS is dedicated to supporting school leaders through professional development, networking and collaborative learning opportunities. We started in Asia and now connect leaders in more than 40 countries.
Who LYIS is for
Educators ready for their next step into leadership, deputies and senior leaders preparing for headship, and principals in post who want peers, challenge and support. We are an organisation, not a professional body: membership gives you a community, not a title.
What we do
An annual conference, the LYIS-Q leadership programme, the LYIS-L library course, school visits and meet-ups across Asia, and the Principal’s Blog, written by the people doing the job.
How we work
Everything is designed and led by serving and former international school leaders, built around three values: ethical leadership, opportunity and sustainability.
What we stand for
Ethical leadership
Values-based practice that builds trust, respect and integrity across a school community.
Opportunity
An environment where every educator can thrive and step up, whatever their background or starting point.
Sustainability
Leadership that prepares schools for a sustainable future, in how they are run and what they teach.
How we do it
Community building
A global network of international school leaders who share your commitment to great schools.
Professional growth
Professional development designed specifically for leaders in international education, from the LYIS-Q qualification to two-day courses.
Global impact
Shaping the future of international education through collaborative initiatives and research-driven best practice.
The LYIS team
Serving and former international school leaders who run LYIS day to day, and the members who give their time to the committees, societies and events that make it work.
Gráinne O’Reilly
Global Head of Leadership Consultancy
Gráinne mentors international school principals and those looking to become one. She is an expert in managing up and working with all stakeholders.
André Double
Founder and CEO
André oversees the LYIS-PQ and LYIS-MLQ, and makes sure LYIS supports members and their leadership ambitions.
Caroline King
Lead Strategy Partner
Caroline is the first point of contact for LYIS membership. Her role is all about supporting members and making sure they get the most out of their membership.
Amy Zhang
Global Event Director
Amy leads the LYIS annual leadership conference, the member Lead Meets and all other global events.
Carl Chapman
Brand Director
Carl oversees brand development for LYIS, supporting the organisation’s vision. He is also the editor of the LYIS digital magazine.
Members getting involved
Sarah Ezdani
Accreditation Lead
Sarah leads the work with The Global Online Education Regulator (GOER) to accredit LYIS and the LYIS-Q.
Dr Melissa Burnell
Chair of the LYIS Leadership Framework Ratification Committee
Cheyenne Fernandez
Lead of the LYIS Leadership Profile Review Committee
Dr Jake Madden
LYIS-Q Facilitator
Julia Campbell-Ratcliffe
Germany Rep and PD Lead; Member Advisory Team; Co-Chair of the Head of Secondary Society
Joe Otley
LYIS Podcast Host
Christopher Hoddinott
Co-Chair of the LYIS Principals’ Society
Nicholas Belcher
Former Chair of the LYIS Principals’ Society
Abigail Alexis-Olubuyide
LYIS ELG, EmpowerHer Lead
Bronwyn Sweetman
#LYIS27 Event Experience Lead
Dr Megel Barker
LYIS Book, Second Edition Lead
Becky Gray
Co-Chair of the LYIS Head of Secondary Society
Serge Gavenko
LYIS Member Advisory Team
Dr Sandy Bansal
LYIS Member Advisory Team
Christine Lipsey
LYIS Member Advisory Team
Jordan West-Pratt
LYIS ELG, Sustainability Lead
Where LYIS came from
From notes written on a sofa after work to a membership organisation with leaders in more than forty countries. The story, year by year.
Read our history
Lead alongside people who get it.
Membership from £95 a year. Mentoring, member pricing on courses, first call on conference places, and a community that has your back.
