From Head to CEO in an international context with Louise Simpson, CEO, The British School in the Netherlands (Ep. 181)

In this episode of The Independent School Podcast, Juliet Corbett is joined by Louise Simpson, CEO of the British School in the Netherlands, where she leads the BSN across four campuses in and around The Hague.

This is Louise's fourth headship and her second stint abroad, having previously been head of Exeter School in Devon, head of St Paul’s, the British School in Sao Paulo, and a GDST head in south London. As you’ll hear, she is delighted to be back in the world of British international education. 

Together they explore:

• What changes when a head steps into a CEO role leading at scale

• The complexity of international education today, from shifting enrolment patterns to increased competition

• How to build coherence across multiple schools while preserving autonomy

• The importance of culture, belonging and character in a diverse international community

• Why optimism, reflection and thinking time matter so much when navigating uncertainty

  
  

This conversation offers thoughtful, practical insight into leading strategically in a global context, with clear reflections on decision making, culture and leadership at scale.

Episode Links

Strategy Development Case Study with Louise Simpson, Head, Exeter School (The Independent School Podcast, Ep 125)

An international perspective with Louise Simpson, Head, Exeter School (The Independent School Podcast, Ep 40)

The power of hope: A leadership skill for uncertain times (Quiet Leadership Revolution podcast, Ep. 38)

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