Great news—you’ve landed an interview!
Now it’s time to prepare thoroughly by researching the school, understanding its mission and context, and anticipating the kinds of questions you’ll be asked. A strong, informed interview presence will help you stand out as a confident and capable leader who is genuinely aligned with the school’s vision.As a senior leader, your role is pivotal. Expect the interview to explore both strategic and operational aspects of school leadership, as well as your philosophy, experience, and adaptability to a new cultural setting.

Prepare for key leadership questions you’ll likely face—and ask—when interviewing for a senior role overseas.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions by international schools when recruiting leadership candidates:

• What attracted you to this leadership position, and how does it align with your career goals?
• What is your leadership philosophy, and how have you applied it in practice?
• What experience do you have with strategic planning, curriculum leadership, and whole-school development?
• How do you build and sustain high-performing teams?
• What approaches do you use to lead change and manage resistance?
• How would you support the professional growth of your staff?
• How do you ensure a positive school culture for both students and staff?
• How do you handle underperformance or difficult conversations with staff?
• What experience do you have with safeguarding, student wellbeing, and pastoral care?
• How have you worked with governing bodies or boards of trustees in previous roles?
• How do you engage with parents and the wider school community?
• How do you ensure equity, inclusion, and diversity across the school?
• What experience do you have with accreditation, inspection, or compliance processes?
• What do you know about our school’s mission, ethos, and cultural context?
• How would you approach leading in an international and multicultural environment?
• What challenges do you anticipate leading abroad, and how would you address them?

Questions you should ask

The questions you ask as a leadership candidate can reflect your vision, values, and commitment. Rather than starting with contractual details, show your investment in the school’s future and the community it serves.

Consider asking about:

• The school’s strategic priorities over the next 3–5 years
• Expectations of the leadership team from the board or school owner
• Support provided during leadership transitions
• School development goals, upcoming initiatives, or planned accreditations
• The structure and culture of the existing leadership team
• Staff retention and morale
• The school’s approach to innovation, wellbeing, and inclusion

These thoughtful questions demonstrate that you’re focused not just on managing a school—but on leading it forward.