Meet the Executive Principal – British School of Geneva: George Walsh
The British School of Geneva (BSG) was established in 2005 as an A-Level College. BSG has since expanded to include Primary and Secondary education offering a comprehensive British curriculum, as well as a broad range of extracurricular activities and a dedication to inclusive education for all students.
As BSG approaches its 20th Anniversary, we spent time talking to their new Executive Principal, George Walsh about what makes BSG the institution it is today as well as his hopes for the future as they pass this important milestone.
You started in your new role a few months ago, how was it joining BSG at a very busy time of year and how did that help you find your feet?
I would say joining in March in the middle of a school year, and directly into one of the busiest periods had its challenges. On the other hand, I had no choice but to really hit the ground running. It was also a fantastic opportunity to see the school in action.
It has been great to get to know everybody, how their roles function in practical terms and to understand areas for the school’s development. This means that I can now go into the next academic year with a strong vision and strategic plan for what comes next. It’s a very exciting time for me and our school.
You have worked in the UK, Switzerland, and South-East Asia—how have these diverse experiences shaped your approach to international education and school leadership?
Working across three continents has broadened my understanding of what world-class education looks like in varied cultural contexts. The UK instilled a deep respect for academic excellence and safeguarding; Switzerland sharpened my focus on structure, multilingualism, and holistic development; and South-East Asia taught me the importance of agility, innovation, and community engagement. These experiences have shaped a leadership style that is inclusive, strategic, and globally informed – qualities that are especially valuable at this pivotal and transformational moment for BSG as we prepare to mark our 20th anniversary and define our next chapter.
Speaking of BSG’s 20th anniversary, what are your plans to mark this milestone?
The anniversary will be our school theme for the whole academic year – we want to build up some momentum. The school started 20 years ago with just a handful of students, which is very similar to many of the schools here in Switzerland. We want to highlight and to reflect on our journey and on the successes that we have had up until this point. We want to use this milestone as an opportunity to be thankful for everyone involved in BSG, both past and present, but to also use it as an opportunity to look to the future.
In terms of events, we are planning a Festival of Education for students, staff, and the entire community. As well as a gala event in Geneva where lots of our local partners, dignitaries, and the International Schools Partnership – which is the ownership group of the school – will be present to really mark the occasion.
What specific insights or practices from your previous roles have you brought to BSG to enhance its academic and community environment?
I have brought with me a deep commitment to inclusive excellence and the belief that every student—regardless of their starting point—can make outstanding progress when supported by outstanding teaching. I intend to build on BSG’s solid foundation by embedding data- informed decision-making, fostering strong teacher collaboration, and enhancing pastoral systems. I also plan to further internationalise our outlook while ensuring we remain rooted in our vision: to be the school of choice for British education in Geneva and beyond.
What are your key goals/strategic vision for the British School of Geneva in the coming years, and how do you plan
to guide the school toward achieving them?
Our upcoming 20th anniversary offers a unique springboard for transformation. My goals are focused on three strategic themes: refining and relaunching our educational vision, elevating student outcomes across all levels, and reinforcing a culture of belonging and excellence. We will invest in recruiting and retaining exceptional educators who embody our values of determination, integrity, and inclusion. Simultaneously, we’ll broaden our curriculum to be more future-focused, ensuring students are well-equipped for the rapidly changing world beyond school.
How does BSG ensure that students from diverse backgrounds feel included and supported academically and socially?
Inclusion is central to our identity at BSG. We are proud of our diverse, multilingual community and work hard to ensure every student feels seen, heard, and supported. This is achieved through individualised academic support, small class sizes, and a warm, values-driven environment that promotes integrity and belonging. Our staff are trained to meet the needs of all learners, and we continually review our systems to ensure every student has the tools and confidence to succeed.
Inclusion is a fundamental part of the BSG identity, how do you teach inclusion to ensure that your students take this into their careers and life after BSG?
There are many elements to this at BSG. We have 70 different nationalities within 315 students – that’s a hugely diverse ratio. I think we could probably say – based on that ratio – that we are the most diverse and by extension, inclusive international school in Geneva.
How do we teach inclusion? We have three distinct approaches: multilingualism, future pathways, and lastly, we have dedicated departments for inclusion and for pastoral care. We invest heavily within our leadership structure to ensure that the best practices are filtered down to our teachers.
We have a dedicated centre for students with diagnosed needs and that’s very unique for Geneva and so we feel that our community is a very family-friendly, nurturing community.
Obviously, we want to grow as a school, but we don’t want to grow to where inclusion is then affected as a result of that. Inclusion will always be at the heart of what we do.
BSG launched the Ark Centre for Autism in 2020—could you please tell us a little bit about this centre and the impact it has had on neurodivergent students over the past five years?
The Ark Centre represents the best of BSG’s values in action—particularly our belief in inclusive education and every child’s potential. Over the past five years, it has provided a highly structured, nurturing learning environment for neurodivergent students, tailored to their individual needs. The academic and personal growth we’ve witnessed is remarkable. More than that, the centre has enriched the wider school community by fostering empathy, awareness, and a stronger sense of collective responsibility for inclusion.
As a Council of International Schools (CIS) Peer Evaluator, what key qualities do you believe distinguish a truly outstanding international school?
Outstanding international schools are defined by clarity of purpose, a culture of continuous improvement, and a deep commitment to equity and well-being. They don’t just celebrate diversity—they actively use it to enrich learning. Schools that stand out foster meaningful student agency, invest in their teachers, and have a robust quality assurance culture. BSG is poised to embody these qualities more fully as we renew our direction and solidify our place as a beacon for British education in Geneva.
How do you plan to leverage international best practices to benefit both students and educators at the British School of Geneva?
I believe best practice must be contextual and community driven. At BSG, we’ll draw on international benchmarks in teaching, learning, and inclusion; while ensuring they align with our values and mission. For teachers, this means continuous professional development, access to global networks, and support for innovative pedagogy. For students, it translates into broader learning opportunities, academic stretch, and personalised support— ensuring each learner can thrive in our unique international setting.
Finally, what elements of Swiss culture or lifestyle do you most appreciate in your personal life, and how have they shaped your approach as an educational leader?
Switzerland has taught me the value of balance, sustainability, and thoughtful precision—all of which influence my leadership style. I appreciate the Swiss commitment to multilingualism, civic responsibility, and environmental awareness, and these values resonate strongly with our mission at BSG. Personally, the emphasis on well-being and outdoor living helps me maintain perspective and resilience—qualities I believe are essential in guiding a school through an exciting and transformational period like the one BSG is now entering.
