Rob Ford
Director
Heritage International School group in Chisinau, Moldova
I was previously Principal of Wyedean School, Gloucestershire, UK, where I led a school that is nationally and internationally known for its innovative holistic curriculum and developed model of global learning. I am co-founder of the IB schools network in the SW of England. 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 have worked with and advised schools and school boards around the World.
Rob Ford's links
Recent articles from Rob Ford
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.
Read article 2 minute read
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.
Read article 3 minute read
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.
Read article 3 minute read
“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
Read article 3 minute read
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
Read article 3 minute read
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.
Read article 3 minute read
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?
2 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?