Join our mailing list Join our mailing list

Governance Foundations For International Schools

Leading Together

AVAILABLE FREE AS PART OF ECIS MEMBERSHIP

All ECIS online courses are available to school board members. We recommend all board members complete the Governance Foundations for International School Boards and the Child Protection Certification online courses.In addition, ECIS offers school boards and school heads online and in-person workshops and governance clinics. These are tailored to the precise needs of participants and led by ECIS governance and leadership consultants, each with a minimum of ten years of experience leading or governing international schools.For more information on governance workshops and clinics email: governance@ecis.org

Governance Foundations course for International School Boards

This self-paced course builds a clear, shared understanding of effective governance in international schools, grounded in accreditation standards, principles of good practice and current research—with a strong emphasis on the board–head partnership.

WHO IT’S FOR

Board members (current or prospective)

Heads of school and senior leaders

Ex-officio/advisory board members and governance support staff

Anyone seeking a concise introduction to international-school governance

FEATURES AND ACCESS

Fully asynchronous; accessible on any device

12-month access + ECIS Certificate of Completion

ECIS membership includes complimentary registrations: 5 for Level 1, 10 for Level 2, and 15 for Level 3.

Read through the modules below to learn more

Module 1 – Who and What Governs the Governing Board

Understand where a board’s authority truly comes from and what governs the governors. This module clarifies the frameworks—legal, policy, and ethical—that define accountability and protect the school’s mission.

 
Module 2 – How Mission and Values Guide the Board

See how your school’s mission and values become daily decision-making tools, not wall art. You’ll learn how boards keep these guiding statements alive and aligned with strategy, culture, and community.
Module 3 – What Are the Functions and Structure of the Board

Explore the essential roles, committees, and systems that keep governance effective and collaborative. This module shows how clear structure supports transparency, trust, and results.
Module 4 – What Are the Board’s Essential Annual Responsibilities

Get practical about the “must-do” work of the board each year—from budgets and evaluation to strategic priorities. You’ll see how a disciplined annual rhythm anchors focus and continuity.
Module 5 – What Are the Duties of an Individual Board Member

Clarify your role as a trustee and what effective service really looks like. This module helps members balance advocacy with oversight and contribute to a cohesive, high-performing team.
Module 6 – How Does the Board Partner with the Head of School

Discover what makes the Head-Board relationship the cornerstone of school success. Through examples and reflection, you’ll see how trust, communication, and shared purpose turn partnership into leadership.
Module 7 – What Practices Drive Effective Meetings and Continuous Improvement

Learn how smart meeting design and ongoing self-assessment keep a board focused and forward-looking. This module shares proven habits that make governance both productive and rewarding.

Child protection training for governors and owners

Establishing a successful safeguarding culture in a school results from professional learning that includes everyone who works in or for a school — from teaching staff through school leadership and governing stakeholders. This course meets accreditation and/or inspection requirements to demonstrate that the board of governors (trustees) and owners (if applicable) are cognisant of their role in protecting children.