On behalf of the Board of Trustees of Bishop Mackenzie International School (BMIS), Malawi, Search Associates is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr. Simon McCloskey as the School’s next Director, commencing in August 2027. Mr. Clayton Swart, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said:
Simon impressed the community with his extensive leadership experience, thoughtful and approachable manner, clear educational vision, strong communication, and understanding of the strategic and financial responsibilities involved in leading an international school. Simon is well placed to support high-quality learning and teaching, the wellbeing and development of our students and staff, the continued strengthening of our IB programmes and CIS accreditation, and the long-term sustainability of the School.
Simon brings extensive international school leadership experience to BMIS. Most recently, he served as Head of School at the International School of Busan in South Korea, following his role as Head of School at Stonehill International School in Bangalore, India. His international career has also included senior leadership positions in Sudan, Thailand, and Tanzania. Simon describes the rewards of leading a school:
I derive great satisfaction from collaborating with all members of a school community to ensure that mission and vision drive planned and purposeful growth and development. I enjoy sharing tangible evidence that a school’s mission is a shared and lived experience, providing a golden thread that runs through all aspects of school life. The moments when you can genuinely see a school’s mission being lived through actions are particularly memorable for me.
Simon also brings a strong personal connection to Malawi, having previously served as Head of School at Sir Harry Johnston International School in Zomba. His return to the country is one he is anticipating with enthusiasm.
Malawi is named the Warm Heart of Africa with good reason! I’m excited about returning and joining BMIS. From my first conversations with the school, I have been struck by the warmth, openness and commitment of the people I have met. The importance placed on relationships and human interaction, both within the school community and in the country itself, resonates strongly with me. I particularly love the school’s emphasis on creating a joyful learning environment, inclusivity, celebrating growth as success, and being a diverse and welcoming community. I’m looking forward to getting to know the community, learning from the people who make the school what it is, and working together to build on its strengths and support its future development.
Simon holds a master’s degree in international education administration from Endicott College, Massachusetts, USA, a PGCE in Primary Education from Plymouth University in the UK, and a BA (Hons) in Modern European Studies and Drama from Lancaster University, UK.
Grateful to the Board and the wider BMIS community for such a thoughtful and well-managed recruitment and transition process, Simon and his wife Amanda look forward to becoming part of the BMIS community. Outside of school, Simon enjoys running, kayaking, traveling and scuba diving, as well as following Arsenal FC and Exeter City. He adds,
Amanda and I are looking forward to exploring the mountains and lakes of Malawi and contributing to the Lilongwe community.
Search Associates extends its sincere thanks to all the candidates who expressed interest in the position, as well as to everyone who contributed their time, expertise and support throughout the search process.
We wish Mr. McCloskey every success in his new role and look forward to following BMIS’s continued growth and development under his leadership.
