20-Point Checklist for a New School: Are You Ready to Launch?

Starting a school is an exciting yet complex venture that requires strategic planning, financial readiness, and a clear vision. This checklist for a new school will help investors and entrepreneurs assess their preparedness before taking the plunge.

Strategic Readiness

1. Define Your Vision & Mission – What type of school do you want to build? (International, local, IB, American, British, etc.)
2. Identify Your Target Market – Who are your students? What is the demand in your chosen location?
3. Research the Competitive Landscape – Who are your competitors? What sets your school apart?
4. Understand Local Regulations and Accreditation – What legal and accreditation requirements must be met?

Financial & Investment Readiness

5. Determine Your Investment Capacity – Do you have the funds, or will you seek investors?
6. Develop a Feasibility Study and Business Plan – A well-structured checklist for a new school should always include a financial roadmap covering costs, revenues, and potential risks.
7. Plan for a Realistic Breakeven Timeline – When will your school become financially sustainable?
8. Explore Funding & Investment Structures – Are you considering equity partners, loans, or a private fund?

Campus & Infrastructure

9. Secure the Right Location – Does the site support your school’s vision in terms of space, accessibility, and environment?
10. Design a World-Class Campus – Have you planned facilities that support academic and extracurricular excellence?
11. Ensure Compliance with Building Codes and Safety Standards – Have you accounted for fire safety, accessibility, and health regulations?

Academic & Operational Readiness

12. Develop a Strong Curriculum Framework – Have you chosen an accredited and competitive curriculum?
13. Recruit Experienced Leadership & Faculty – A crucial part of any checklist for a new school is identifying high-quality educators who align with your mission.
14. Implement an Admissions & Marketing Strategy – How will you attract students and build a strong brand?
15. Create Policies for Governance & Compliance – Have you planned for governance structures, school policies, and parent engagement?

Technology & Innovation

16. Adopt an Effective EdTech Strategy – Will your school integrate technology for teaching and management?
17. Plan for Future Growth & Scalability – The best checklist for a new school should include long-term expansion and adaptation strategies to remain competitive.

Community & Brand Positioning

18. Build Strong Industry & Community Partnerships – Are you leveraging networks for credibility and growth?
19. Define Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) – What makes your school stand out in the market?

Long-Term Sustainability

20. Plan for Leadership Succession & Governance – A well-structured checklist for a new school ensures leadership sustainability beyond the founding team.

Before making any final decisions, review this checklist for a new school carefully.

If you can confidently address all 20 points, you are on the right path to launching a successful educational institution.

If you want to learn more about the steps required to set up a school, check out some of our other articles:

– Steps to Setting Up a New School

– 10 Steps and Articles on How to Set Up a New School

– GSE International School Franchise Models

GSE provides specialist services to set up all educational institutions, including international schools, kindergartens, vocational colleges, universities, and online/virtual schools.

GSE has previously operated or currently operates projects in the following locations:

India, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, East Timor, Mongolia, Myanmar, South Korea, Saudi Arabia (KSA), UAE, Equatorial Guinea, Zambia, Kenya, Libya, Bahrain, Iraq, Japan, Indonesia, Australia, USA

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CEO and Education Expert Greg Parry

Internationally renowned for his expertise in education leadership, Greg Parry’s vast experience includes leadership of projects for education institutions throughout Australia, the Middle East, the United States, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and China. Recognised for his numerous contributions in the education arena, Greg has received the Minister’s Award for Excellence in School Leadership based on improvements in school performance and a range of successful principal training and leadership development programs, as well as the School of Excellence Award for Industry/School Partnerships and the School of Excellence Award for Technology Innovation. His company, GSE (Global Services in Education), has been recognised as having the Best Global Brand in International Education in 2015 and 2016.

Considered one of the premier experts in his profession, Greg has trained teachers and principals worldwide in areas such as critical thinking, language development and leadership. His expertise in school start-up projects, leadership and curriculum development has made him a sought-after authority in this discipline.

www.gsineducation.com

Global Services in Education set up and operate schools in all parts of the world. Governed by a philosophy of global citizenship, every member of the GSE team shares a passion to help shape international education and student achievement through inspiration and collaboration.
Our goal is to meet the highest objectives of every school, teacher, student and parent, with an unwavering dedication to quality education, shared ideals and intercultural perspectives.