School start-up

Open your school on solid ground.

A new school is hundreds of decisions made before the first child arrives. Our consultants have founded schools and led them through their first years, and we can help you get those decisions right.

A young seedling growing from dark soil in soft sunlight

Getting you started

Everything a new school needs before the doors open.

You might need a hand with one piece of the puzzle, or a partner for the whole journey. Either way, we begin by listening to what you want your school to be.

Our own start-up record includes leading two new international schools through their first three years and founding a play-based preschool that filled every place in its first term.

Vision and mission
Every school starts with a vision. Whether you are writing one for the first time or revisiting it as part of strategic planning, we help your whole team understand your community's strengths and work towards its aspirations. We have run planning and visioning days for start-ups and established schools alike.
School registration
Registering a new school is a long process that depends on knowing your way around local government departments. Our registration specialist knows the process in Thailand in detail and can support you all the way through it.
Recruitment
Finding the right staff is not simply a matter of hiring the most qualified teachers. We believe character matters at least as much as qualifications, and we have years of experience interviewing and selecting candidates for their values and for what they will bring to the spirit and ethos of your school.
Initial teacher training
A new team needs a shared start. We can train your teachers before opening, so they arrive on the first day already understanding your school's approach, routines and expectations.
Curriculum design
Whether you are adapting a curriculum, revising one, writing your own from scratch or embedding something new, our consultants have worked with all the major international curricula. We are currently designing an original curriculum based on Buddhist principles for a new school project in Thailand.
Organisational planning
Who reports to whom, who decides what, and how information moves around the building. We help you design a staffing and organisational structure that suits the size and ambitions of your school from the start.
Policy development
We can help you write your school policies and staff handbooks, then induct your teachers so that everyone is clear on how your school works, and why.
Financial forecasting
We have written short and long-term financial forecasts for two school start-ups, and we know the real costs of running a school, from staff salaries to classroom furniture.

Dense green forest canopy seen from above

Before you sign anything

Twelve areas every founding team has to think through.

From philosophy and pedagogy to fees, staffing, facilities and IT, our consultants have written down the questions they wish every new school asked early. Read What it takes to set up a new school and use it as your checklist.

Other ways we can support you