Blue Sky Thinking: A Rich Week of Strategy, Connection & Wisdom

Each year, Blue Sky reminds me why I am so proud to lead education across Education in Motion (EiM). It's more than a strategic gathering — it's a lived expression of our culture, where the strength of our global leadership community comes into focus and where our vision for the future of education takes shape.

This year, our annual Blue Sky event took place across two deeply meaningful locations in the UK: our Founding School, Dulwich College, and Sherfield School, one of the newest members of the EiM family. With Heads and Principals from across our international network in attendance, the week was rich with purposeful dialogue, shared insight, and a deep reaffirmation of what it means to be one family of schools.

We were warmly welcomed at Dulwich College by Acting Master Fiona Angel, who generously opened up the historic College, enabling our leaders to walk in the footsteps of generations of Dulwich Alleynians. Exploring the archives and standing before the James Caird, the lifeboat used by Sir Ernest Shackleton, was a powerful symbol of the resilience, ambition, and spirit of innovation that continues to define our educational mission today.

Our leaders engaged in thoughtful masterclasses that tackled some of the most exciting areas in education, from regenerative approaches to learning, to reimagining curriculum design and student agency. We also had the honour of celebrating Nick Magnus MBE, Founding Head of Dulwich College (Singapore), as he was named a Fellow of Dulwich College. Nick has been instrumental in shaping Dulwich's international legacy, and it was a joy to see his contributions recognised at the very heart of the College's history.

The second part of our week took us to the beautiful campus of Sherfield School, where we were graciously hosted by Head of School Caroline Taylor and her dedicated team. From morning Tai Chi in the forest led by colleagues from our Dehong schools, to evening fireside chats in the Hampshire countryside, Sherfield offered the perfect setting for deep, strategic reflection and renewed connection.

Caroline captured the spirit of the week beautifully, saying, "It was a delight hosting all of our EiM Heads at Sherfield School, and it really demonstrates the breadth and depth of educational insight that exists within our global school. To my fellow Heads, you are always welcome here at Sherfield!"

Our focus throughout was clear: how can we, as a family of schools, take forward our guiding statement, "Live Worldwise", with even greater intention and impact? We explored key themes including student wellbeing, personalised learning, global citizenship, professional learning, and sustainable leadership – all while continuing to stand by our most important pillar of "students come first". We were guided by expert partners such as Dr Stuart Kime of Evidence Based Education and the team from Learning through Landscapes, who helped us challenge our thinking and refine our strategic priorities for the years ahead.

It's unusual and incredibly special for a global education group to bring together its most senior academic leaders, not just to align on strategy, but to learn together, share best practice, and co-create our future. That's what makes Blue Sky so powerful. It's our opportunity to live our values, to put education and pedagogy where they belong — at the top of our agenda — and to demonstrate what it truly means to be a family of schools.

Reflecting on the impact of the week, Jared Nolan, Head of Campus at Hochalpines Institut Ftan (HIF) in Switzerland, said, "Both HIF and I, in my role as Director, will benefit from the knowledge, thought-provoking exercises, professional conversations, exhibitions of great practice, and collaborations that have resulted from this very 'Wise' week."

The week culminated in a very special alumni event in the heart of London, bringing together over 60 Old Alleynians from Dulwich College and International Old Alleynians (IOAs) from across our DCI schools. It was an evening of laughter, stories, and shared memories; a fitting reminder that our impact as educators lives on long after students graduate.

Jiyoung Jo, Dulwich College Suzhou Class of 2013, expressed the sentiment perfectly:"True educators have the power to change lives — a sentiment I truly felt at the London Dulwich alumni reunion. It was a joy to reconnect with my former middle and high school teachers from Dulwich College Suzhou, meet the new heads of the Suzhou, Shanghai, and Bangkok campuses, and see alumni from around the world gathered together in London."

For me, leading Blue Sky each year is both a responsibility and a privilege. It's a time to listen, to learn, and to be reminded of the extraordinary talent and commitment that exists within our EiM family. Our collective intelligence, honed through deep trust and shared purpose, enables us to think bigger, aim higher, and build schools that truly put students at the centre.

This is our family of schools in action, living our mission, learning from each other, and building the future together. We are not a top-down organisation. We are one family of schools. And in weeks like this, you can see that belief in action.

As we look ahead, I am energised by the clarity of purpose that has emerged from this week. We will continue to live our values, lead with compassion and courage, and move forward — together — as one family of schools, always striving to provide the very best for the students we serve.