Rob Ford
Headteacher/Principal
Heritage International School group in Chisinau, Moldova
I am an experienced school leader, in the UK and Internationally, having led schools successfully in both state and independent sectors. In February 2025, I took on the task as the Founding Headteacher of St Michael Abbey School, Worcestershire, in the Welsh/English borders & Marches. This is a new international and UK independent school from SIAS, an Anglo-American education group, and we will be open to students from September 2025. The Founders’ vision is of “A British School in a World Community”. It was my career privilege to be appointed at Heritage International School in Moldova, in 2019 because of the similarly inspirational vision of its Founders. I was CEO & Director for nearly 6 years, obtaining COBIS accreditation and establishing the 1st international and Cambridge school in Moldova. I stepped down as director at the end January 2025 to return back to the UK. I continue to serve and support as a Board Member of Heritage International School and keep my links to Moldova and the school in a new capacity. I was born and educated in Shropshire. I lived at home in Madeley until I was 18 and my father was a Shropshire coal miner. I was the first in my family to go to university after attending Madeley Court School and New College 6th Form College. Here, I met Les Jones, who became an instrumental teacher and mentor to me for the next 40 years. I graduated in Politics from the University of York and I have been a teacher and school leader for 30 years, beginning my career at Bootham School, York. I gained my PGCE from the University of Aberystwyth, my MEd from The Open University and I hold the NPQH. I was previously Principal of Wyedean School, Gloucestershire, UK where I successfully led the school to become renowned both nationally and internationally for its innovative holistic curriculum and developed model of global learning. I was co-founder of the IB schools’ network in the SW of England. I have been a senior leader in leading schools in Wales and England, including Deputy Headteacher at Crickhowell High School, Powys. Previously, I led the large 6th Form of both A Level and IB at Royal Wootton Bassett School. I served as Head of History and Politics in Bristol, as well as lead international teacher in South Glos LEA. In 2022, I was given a “Global Principal” award from AKS. I am a long serving British Council Ambassador, an advisor and keynote speaker at many international conferences for the British Council and other similar organisations, and I have worked with and advised schools and school boards around the World. It is my privilege to have worked and been involved in so many global projects with two outstanding colleagues, dear friends and global educators in Tatiana Popa & John Rolfe. Tatiana is the inspiration for a TES article of mine based on “good mavericks”. My first book “This Heart Shaped Land” reflecting on my time as principal of Wyedean, was released in 2020. My 2nd book, “Mail from Moldova”, is due out this Autumn. It is based on my blog of the same name from my time living and working in the country that I will always consider a second home. I am a frequent contributor to both the TES and International Schools Magazine/ISMP, as well others, and I am an International Schools’ leader for the Varkey/UNESCO/TTF2030 Global Leaders Network. In 2024, I was shortlisted for the inaugural TES International Principal of the Year Awards. My wife is a jeweller and teacher of goldsmithing. Together we have 3 teenage daughters and live in Bristol and in mid-Wales. My TES articles: https://www.tes.com/magazine/author/rob-ford My ISMP articles: https://www.schoolmanagementplus.com/author/robf/ MY ISN articles: https://isn.education/members/2b043621-7c7e-46bb-8724-f557591748bb
Rob Ford's links
Recent articles from Rob Ford
Navigating Leadership: Rob Ford’s Transformative Path in Education
Rob Ford reflects on his journey from a teacher in the UK to the CEO of Heritage International School in Moldova
Read article 5 minute read
ISN Live: From Local to Global; Strategies to Develop, Support and Include Local Educators
In this ISN Live event, sponsored by The National College, we delve into the DEIJ issues surrounding international school staffing, look at existing initiatives that support the development of local educators and consider the far-reaching benefits of upskilling and providing opportunities to local educators.
Read article 64 minute read
Does a typical day for a school leader even exist?
Rob Ford reflects on handling unexpected challenges, building strong school cultures, and the unpredictability of leadership roles.
Read article 6 minute read
Keeping hope and learning alive in Ukraine
Rob Ford, CEO & Director of Heritage International Schools-Moldova, reflects on the situation in Ukraine, two years on from the invasion.
Read article 2 minute read
Tales of the unexpected: how to handle strange conversations
Rob Ford, the CEO and Director of Heritage International School, shares insights into some of the less predictable discussions he has experienced as a Head and what can be learned from them.
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Towards a professional learning community
CEO and Director of Heritage International School, Rob Ford on the belief in 'skills, competencies and trusting the autonomy of teachers' to produce a highly effective learning community.
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An international Head's perspective on recruitment and retention in the UK
In this article, CEO and Director of Heritage International Schools, Rob Ford reflects on his experience and suggests ways in which the UK can improve teacher retention.
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“The only journey is the one within.” Finding your best self
In this reflective piece, seasoned school leader Rob Ford, emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and vulnerability, offering advice to incoming leaders while expressing gratitude for the lessons learned through a challenging summer of recovery and family moments
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The strike, the bandsaw, and a 40-year friendship: How I met the teacher who changed my life
The transformative power of education needs to be celebrated, argues Rob Ford, as he shares the story of how a teacher changed his life trajectory
Why the best legacy of a school leader is good succession planning
Rob Ford explains why investing time and resources in succession planning is crucial for any school
Ukraine War: The View from Moldova
Rob Ford, director of Heritage International School in Moldova, tells of how the school community is living with a war on its doorstep
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Centring Social Responsibility and Active Citizenship
Analysing why social responsibility and active citizenship needs to be a key value for any international school
Why International Schools Should be Focusing on Perspective and Agency After the Pandemic
The aspects of education that schools should focus on in light of the pandemic.
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Why Should Schools be Thinking Local, Acting Global?
The true purpose of teaching and education, how international schools can get back to that in the wake of the pandemic, and how Global Learning can encourage communication and collaboration after a long period of isolated learning
Global Learning, National Identity, and Global Citizenship
What is global learning, why it is important to students at international schools, and what are the long term effects that it can have on students and schools?
How Should School Leaders be Adapting Their Style for the Current World?
Comparing the leadership and education styles of the UK and Moldova and what can be learnt from the experience of working in both countries.
Rob Ford's recent questions
No one forgets a good teacher. As an educator, who do you remember having a strong influence and impact on you as a student?
3 answersHow can we make our students real global citizens?
1 answersWhen cultures collide, are we more practical than ethical?
1 answersWhat truly makes an international school, international?