Rob Ford
UK & International School Leader. Board member
UK & International School Leader I am an experienced school leader, in the UK and Internationally, having led schools successfully in both state and independent sectors. I am a Politics graduate from the University of York and have been a teacher and school leader for over 30 years. My PGCE is from the University of Aberystwyth, my Masters in Education is on educational leadership and I hold the National Professional Qualification for Headteachers (NPQH) from the UK's National College for School Leadership. I was previously Principal of Wyedean School (author JK Rowling's former school), Gloucestershire, UK where I successfully led a school nationally and internationally known for its innovative holistic curriculum and developed model of global learning. My first book "This heart shaped land", based on my time at Wyedean. I served as director of the Gloucester Heads association. 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. In 2021, I received 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 from SE Asia to North America. I joined Heritage International School, Moldova in 2019 and served successfully as CEO & Director until early 2025. I was appointed to the board of governors, serving until March 2026 of this all through, first international COBIS and Cambridge school in Moldova, based on a British education model. I am a regular writer for both the TES, International Schools Network and International Schools Magazine/ISMP and I am an international schools leader for the Varkey/UNESCO/TTF2030 Global Leaders Network, along with other international education networks. I am a member of the editorial board for International Schools Today magazine. I serve on the Tes International Award panel of judges for Community and Partnerships. In 2024, I was shortlisted for the inaugural TES International Principal of the Year Awards. My second book, "Mail from Moldova", is due in 2027. In 2025, I was appointed as Executive Headteacher of Perrott Hill British Schools, Prague, and serve as chair of the board of governors of Perrott Hill School, in the U.K. In 2026, I began work for Cambridge Assessment as a schools’ leadership advisor. I am very proud to be a member of the board of the British International School Ukraine. Schools I have had a long affiliation with over many years. 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
Ukraine, four years on and still living & educating
Rob Ford reflects on four years of war in Ukraine and the moral responsibility of international education in an age of geopolitical uncertainty.
Read article 4 minute read
The ‘hero head’ myth and the power of mentoring
In this thought-provoking reflection, Rob Ford argues that international school leaders must abandon the myth of the ‘hero head’ and embrace structured mentoring to lead with greater impact, trust and sustainability
Defining and celebrating “Britishness” and its importance in the international education arena
Rob Ford reflects on the enduring influence of British educational ideals, from safeguarding to global citizenship, in shaping international schools today.
Read article 8 minute read
5 Takes on Leading When You're the New One In
Rob Ford, an experienced school leader in both the UK and internationally, shares his insights on leading effectively when placed in a new or rapidly changing school context.
Read article 12 minute read
Belonging. What the UK could learn from global traditions celebrating school life.
Rob Ford explores how global school traditions—from proms to first-day celebrations—can inspire UK schools to foster a greater sense of belonging. Drawing on his leadership experience in both British and international education, he makes the case for celebrating school life more meaningfully.
Read article 7 minute read
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.
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
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?