The switch from Qatar to Romania – a Scotsman takes the lead of an international school in Bucharest

Scotsman Grant Gillies flew from Qatar at the beginning of the summer, after spending three years in Doha, where he was the vice-principal of one of the most successful international schools in the world. The destination of his flight: Bucharest, Romania.

He landed in Bucharest with his wife and their two children, and they settled in quite fast, while he took over as Headmaster of the British School of Bucharest (BSB).

"We have settled really well and, in a short space of time, have been all around Bucharest and into the mountains. It’s a fantastic place to call home!"

For the Gillies’, it’s their third international posting after Thailand, where Grant was for two years Head of Primary and Acting Principal and after his three years in Qatar as Senior Vice Principal at Doha College.

Why did he choose Romania? The School’s reputation around the world mattered most in taking the decision to move and continue his career here. He also made sure the School he’d be leading was among the only 19 COBIS Training Schools, like the school he left in Doha, meaning it was vetted by the Council of British International Schools.

When thinking about his experience in Doha and the start in Bucharest, Mr. Grant Gillies says: "Both schools are top tier schools and leaders in the market. The students are similar in that they both have excellent support from home and parents with high aspirations for their children. What I love about BSB is the setting. The rich educational context for learning and supportive family feel ensures our students achieve."

However, whilst both schools were British Curriculum schools, "the context for delivery is very different. Romania is such a fantastic place for our students to learn", says the BSB Headmaster.

Before settling into his international journey, Mr. Gillies had been a Headteacher in the UK for many years. He studied at Edinburgh University and has worked at national level in the UK, writing policy and being involved in writing the teaching standards for all Scottish teachers ensuring the highest expectations across all schools. Recently, he completed his National Professional Qualification for Executive Leaders (NPQEL).

"I set high expectations. I hold everyone, including myself, to account. Details matter and we have an obligation to collectively hold high expectations. It’s also important that we, as teachers, keep learning and openly share the success with our community as well as the challenges", he says.

He likes to lead by example. "I need to be open to learning and show all staff that this is an expectation. I need to convey our expectations and ensure staff feel involved and empowered in decisions. Our School is amazing, and we need to make sure we keep that atmosphere. A positive School culture is a learning community where developments happen across all sectors and people pull together", added the BSB Headmaster.