The Secret to Launching a Great School and Business

Launching a great school is not just about education but building a successful, sustainable business. Too often, passionate educators focus solely on curriculum and student outcomes while neglecting the business fundamentals that ensure long-term success. The truth is that the best schools operate like great businesses, and the best education entrepreneurs understand that success is built on a solid foundation of leadership, strategy, and financial acumen.

Vision First, Business Always

A great school starts with a compelling vision. Whether it’s an elite UK international school, a specialised sports academy, or an innovative IB institution, a clear and compelling vision attracts students, parents, and investors. But vision alone isn’t enough. Strong financial planning, operational efficiency, and strategic market positioning turn ideas into institutions.

Leadership is the Differentiator

Many schools fail because of leadership vacuums. A great school needs an experienced team that understands education, business, marketing, and finance. Strong leadership ensures the school adapts to market changes, manages resources effectively, and fosters a high-performance culture.

Reputation is Revenue

A school’s reputation is its most valuable asset. Positive word-of-mouth, strong academic results, and a commitment to student success create long-term sustainability. But reputation doesn’t build itself. Strategic marketing, effective branding, and consistent delivery of excellence are key.

The Power of Partnerships

Whether it’s forming alliances with global education brands, securing strategic investors, or integrating cutting-edge technology, partnerships amplify success. Great schools that leverage expertise and funding from the right sources scale faster and more efficiently.

At Global Services in Education (GSE), we have launched schools worldwide, combining educational excellence with business strategy. The secret?

A balance of vision, leadership, financial sustainability, and reputation.

Build a school like a business, and it will thrive.

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

Contact Us Directly 👇

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.