Courses that change practice

Leading an international school means working with a board, leading a staffroom and serving a community, often in the same week. LYIS-PQ is a Level 7, QAA-aligned Principalship Qualification for aspiring and serving international school principals. You study for twelve months alongside your current role, with live online sessions, one-to-one coaching and time together in person.

Across five modules, you will look at the role of the international school principal, strategic and operational leadership, people leadership, leading innovation in learning and sustainable leadership practice. Each module is rooted in the LYIS Leadership Framework and its values of ethical leadership, opportunity and sustainability. Year one ends with a costed Personal Strategic Leadership Plan that you defend before a panel. In year two, you put that plan into practice in your own school with a school-based mentor and gather evidence of its impact.

The programme is designed and led by people who have done the job. It suits deputies and senior leaders preparing for headship, principals in their first years in post and experienced heads who want to sharpen their reflection. You come away with a plan that has already been tested, a network of peers and the confidence and evidence to take your next step. LYIS-PQ is not a degree or a licence to practise. If you need an accredited award for a visa or an employer, ask us first.

The international school librarian’s role has changed! You are no longer just a curator looking after the books. You lead learning, guide students and staff through technology and champion reading and research across a diverse school community. This two-day, in-person course gives you the knowledge, confidence and practical strategies to do all of that well.

Across eight interactive sessions, you will look at your own leadership approach, ways to create a welcoming and inclusive library space and discover how to build collections for globally minded learners. You’ll also explore how to grow a culture of reading that reaches every student. The second day covers the digital landscape, including using AI ethically and teaching digital citizenship. It also covers strengthening inquiry and research skills, measuring and showing the school library’s impact and the trends shaping the future of school librarianship.

The course is led by Sarah Pavey PhD FCLIP FRSA and mixes expert input with discussion, reflection and shared experience. You’ll go back to school with ideas you can use straight away and a clear vision for your library. You’ll also join a growing network of international school librarians around the world. The course suits both new and experienced librarians who want to raise their school library’s profile and show its value to the whole school.

A professional qualification for school librarians who lead, or want to lead, libraries in international schools. Built on nine professional standards and mapped to CILIP’s Professional Knowledge and Skills Base. One taught year, then a year of implementation in your own school. Led by Dr Sarah Pavey. Currently going through accreditation.

The Leading Your International School Learning Leaders Qualification (LYIS-LLQ) is a practical, 12-month professional learning programme specifically designed for international school contexts, supporting aspiring and current middle leaders to build their confidence, strengthen their capabilities and increase their positive influence.

Participants develop the skills to lead effective teams, improve teaching and learning, think and act strategically, and navigate leadership challenges. Through evidence-informed learning, practical application, integrated coaching and mentoring, and collaboration with an international network of educators, they develop the expertise and professional connections to have a lasting positive impact on students, teams and their schools.