In the dynamic educational landscape, agility is not just an organisational asset but a critical component of sustainable success. International school leaders face the challenge of navigating the global vision of their educational community while being responsive to the unique needs of their local environment. Agility is a key component in designing responses to this international-local dynamic. To remain competitive and relevant, school leaders must maintain this flexible approach, balancing global integration with local responsiveness.
Consider a school leadership team developing strategies to increase student enrolment in a highly competitive market. The school promises a world-class education built on globally recognised curricula and international accreditation, and a carefully structured learning experience proven to function well in multiple and diverse locations. However, the school leaders quickly realise that global standards are not enough: the school needs to demonstrate agility through its ability to adapt to local demands and achieve operational success.
As international schools grow, the leadership team learns that a one-size-fits-all approach is not sufficient. Instead, schools must customise their operations and educational offerings to meet local contexts (e.g. ministry requirements, parents’ interest in local culture, etc.) while maintaining global standards (e.g. accreditation and family interest in external higher education opportunities).
The Global-Local Challenge
Agility in international schools means finding the balance between global integration and local responsiveness. Both elements are essential for sustainable growth and educational excellence.
Source: Cognia
Global Integration
International schools often follow globally recognised curricula such as the IB, British, or American frameworks. Maintaining consistency and quality across locations requires strategic alignment in teaching methods, professional development, and operational processes. This ensures that students receive a consistent educational experience, regardless of location.
Standardising certain aspects—such as teacher training, learning platforms, and assessment methods—allows schools to maintain quality and reputation while benefiting from economies of scale. However, strict standardisation can limit the flexibility needed to respond to local demands.
Local Responsiveness
Successful international schools recognise the importance of adapting to local requirements. This may involve adjusting language instruction, incorporating local history and culture into the curriculum, or aligning with national education policies. Schools that fail to engage with their local communities risk becoming isolated and missing crucial growth opportunities.
Local responsiveness also includes understanding the expectations of both parents and students. In some markets, families may prioritise preparation for university admissions abroad, while in others, they may value cultural integration and bilingual education. Schools that can respond to these variations while maintaining high global standards are more likely to thrive and achieve longevity.
“Agility is a key component in designing responses to this international-local dynamic. To remain competitive and relevant, school leaders must maintain a flexible approach, balancing global integration with local responsiveness.”
Developing Strategic Agility
Source: Cognia
Agility is both a mindset and a strategy. To remain responsive in a rapidly changing market, international schools need to foster agility across three key dimensions:
- Organisational Structure: The type of school—whether independent or part of a network—shapes its ability to adapt. Independent schools may have greater flexibility to innovate but may struggle with scalability. Larger networks benefit from shared resources and standardisation but can face challenges in adapting quickly to local variations.
- Operational Scope: Schools operating in multiple regions must balance the need for consistency with the need for flexibility. Establishing core operational standards while allowing for localised adjustments helps schools achieve both stability and responsiveness.
- Market Segment: Understanding the target audience is essential for strategic agility. Schools catering primarily to expatriate families may prioritise internationally renowned curricula offerings and clear university pathways, while schools attracting local families may need to offer bilingual programs and blended local-international curricula. Tailoring programs to meet these different priorities helps schools remain competitive and meet student needs effectively.
Practical Strategies for Building Agility
International school leaders can foster agility by embedding flexible and responsive practices into strategic planning and daily operations. Here are some practical approaches to consider:
- Foster a Culture of Continuous Learning
Encourage staff and students to see change as part of the learning process. Offer professional development focused on adaptability, technological fluency, and cultural sensitivity. This helps create an environment where innovation and flexibility are valued.
- Adapt the Curriculum to Local Needs While Maintaining Global Standards
Develop a flexible curriculum framework that allows for local customisation without compromising core international standards. This ensures that students benefit from both global perspectives and local relevance.
- Leverage Technology for Flexible Learning Models
Adopt digital tools that support hybrid and blended learning. These technologies enable schools to quickly adjust to changing circumstances, ensuring continuity in learning even during disruptions.
- Utilise the International School Growth Framework
Regularly assess the school’s approach to balancing global and local needs by using reflective questions from the ISGF, a tool which supports educational leaders in navigating the international school market. This helps leaders stay aligned with both global standards and local demands, ensuring that agility is integrated into strategic decision-making.
The Agility Advantage
In conclusion, while adaptations are crucial for international school growth, agility enables sustainable success. By incorporating agility into operational models, schools can better navigate global expansion, respond to emerging challenges, and seize opportunities for long-term growth and educational excellence. Want to learn more about agility in education? Click here.
By Andrew Sherman and Zakaria Laaraj
Andrew Sherman is Vice President – Latin America at Cognia, and Chief Education Officer at Gamut Education. Zakaria Laaraj is the Founder of Global New Ventures.
