Authors

Sam Gipson

Sam Gipson has been principal of Kinabalu International School in Malaysian Borneo since 2023, and is chair of the Association of International Malaysian Schools.

A former humanities teacher, Sam was head of secondary at Nord Anglia International School Manila before taking up his current post.

All articles by Sam Gipson
Why some ideas have to take flight without a strategic plan
How the lesson from a famous short story underlines why schools should always question their own long-held practices – and be willing to try new things
Strategy
23 July 2026
Hand holding a stone
Why our school got rid of age-based tutor groups
This international leader explains how bringing students of different ages together in vertical groups benefits both the children and the school – but says it requires careful planning
Specialist Sector
17 April 2026
How schools can benefit from getting rid of age-based tutor groups
How redesigning the teacher interview process boosted our hiring
After being demoralised by last-minute rejections, this leader explains why flipping the hiring process on its head has led to some impactful – and surprising – benefits
Staff Management
6 November 2025
Showing your hand
5 questions to ask if you need to change your leadership structure
An international principal who introduced a new leadership model at his school shares insights for other leaders considering such an overhaul
Staff Management
19 May 2025
Five questions marks five doors leadership