On behalf of the International School of Krakow, Poland (ISK) Search Committee, Search Associates is pleased to announce that Mr. Richard Reilly has been appointed as the new Director beginning in August 2027. Selected from a highly experienced and qualified group of candidates, Mr. Reilly shared his excitement:
As a small community school where relationships are of utmost importance, ISK has a proud history. Having recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, the community collaborated to produce a strategic plan for the future ISK Forward 2030, which outlines how ISK wishes to grow and innovate in areas closely aligned with my professional passions, such as Inclusion, Global Citizenship, and Student Voice. I am looking forward to collaborating with the board to translate the community's vision into reality.
Throughout the search process, Mr. Reilly impressed the ISK community with his thoughtful leadership, collaborative approach, and authentic commitment to students. Reflecting on the appointment, ISK Search Committee Chair Ms. Vanya Panamska highlighted the qualities that distinguished him:
A rare combination of data-informed decision-making and genuine emotional intelligence, someone who leads with both head and heart.
Ms. Panamska also noted Richard’s proven ability to guide schools through complex challenges while keeping student wellbeing at the center, his extensive International Baccalaureate experience, his genuine rapport with students, and the humility and self-awareness that resonated with every interview panel. She said, “Every single student who met him during his visit recommended him, without exception.”
Originally from Glasgow, Scotland, Richard Reilly has built an impressive international career serving diverse school communities around the world. Most recently, he served as Interim Director of Bali Island School, where he successfully led the school's synchronized CIS, IBO, and WASC accreditation and authorization visit in 2026.
Previously, Richard served as Director of the American School of Antananarivo in Madagascar, where he guided strategic initiatives that included the creation of three diploma pathways, authorization of the IB Middle Years and Diploma Programmes, the advancement of DEIJ initiatives, improved budget transparency, emergency response planning, and the launch of the school's Global Citizenship Diploma Program. Earlier leadership roles include serving as Secondary Assistant Principal and IB Diploma Programme Coordinator at Hong Kong Academy.
Richard began his international education career teaching physics at the International School Manila before returning to international leadership following earlier teaching experience in Scotland.
When asked about the moments that have meant the most throughout his career, Richard immediately pointed to the impact of student leadership.
One of my proudest moments in the American School of Antananarivo was watching a group of students we had trained as facilitators running the stakeholder feedback sessions to develop the ASA Strategic Plan and present the feedback to the board for their consideration. These same students subsequently led the introduction of the Global Citizenship Diploma at ASA and played a leading role in developing our belonging statement.
Richard holds a Master of Education in Leadership and Management from the Open University (UK), a Certificate of Instructional Leadership from the Principals Training Center, and a PGDE in Secondary Science Education along with bachelor’s degrees in physics and mathematics from the University of Strathclyde. Before entering education, he also served with the United Kingdom's Foreign and Commonwealth Office as a Counter-Terrorism Analyst and political attaché in London and Beijing, experiences that further broadened his global perspective.
Outside of school, Richard enjoys running, hiking with his two Labrador retrievers, and following his favorite football clubs, Glasgow Celtic and Arsenal.
Search Associates congratulates Richard on his appointment and wishes him every success as he joins the International School of Krakow. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the ISK Search Committee, the school community, and everyone who contributed to a thoughtful and successful search process, as well as to the many outstanding candidates who participated.
