Red Dragon Education

Helping teachers get qualified through the partner universities: IPGCE, IQTS, MA, QTS Assessment Only and IQTS. We've worked with over 1000 teachers to realise their dreams of finding a great job.

Co-Founder

Set up the company and worked with a range of local and international schools in providing education solutions including:

- Tutoring
- Academic support 
- Revision courses
- A-level lessons and examinations 
- Professional teacher placement 
- School tours
- Boarding school advice
- Entrance exam preparation

Founder

Tutors in China now Mentor

Director

The British International School Shanghai

My main focus was to help with the students' academic achievements across the secondary school. I was helping grow the school from 200 to 1200 students in 5 years of service. After joining the school I quickly assumed more responsibility and helped lead a tutor group team of 15 staff. 

Worked in both the secondary and primary section of the school in the following disciplines as a classroom teacher:
- Geography
- PE
- Science 
- Economics

Deputy Head of School

Evesham High School

Working across the high school in Geography and PE

Head of Geography

I help international schools fix teacher training, recruitment, and leadership.

With 25+ years in education across Asia, I know what schools, teachers, and unis really need. I connect the dots between policy, strategy, and people — and get things moving.

Let's talk if you want to grow your teacher pipeline, build smarter CPD, or expand in Asia
.
My passion is to drive educational innovation, harnessing technology to enhance online and offline learning experiences. I hold an NPQH, a PGCE, and an M.Ed in Educational Leadership and Administration.

We also provide academic support to students planning to attend boarding schools in the UK, US, and Australia and help UK schools enter and succeed in the Chinese market.

Does this sound familiar? Have you worked at a school where you work with little or no recognition? Add in the comments below

John Woodberry

Founder @ Red Dragon Education | International Teacher Training

The reason Japanese cities are so clean? It starts in year 1...with a broom.

In Japan, education goes beyond textbooks — it teaches values through action. 

One powerful example? “O-soji,” the daily school cleaning ritual led by students and teachers together. 

No janitors. Just shared responsibility, discipline, and humility in practice.

By cleaning classrooms, halls, and even toilets, children learn that dignity lies in every task.

This tradition fosters respect, teamwork, and accountability — from the ground up.

It’s a quiet lesson in building community through simple acts of care.

Perhaps the clean streets of Tokyo begin in the clean classrooms of today.

What if we reimagined education to shape not just minds, but character

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You can measure the health of a school by how quickly uncomfortable truths reach the people who need to hear them.

In too many international schools, the same story plays out:

👉🏾 A teacher notices a growing issue but doesn’t speak up.
👉🏾 A leadership meeting skirts around the real challenge.
👉🏾 A performance review praises effort but avoids the core concern.
👉🏾 A strategic planning session overlooks the obvious threat.

We tell ourselves we’re avoiding conflict.
But really, we’re postponing a crisis.

Silence isn’t neutral—it compounds.

Each day we delay the tough conversation, the problem grows—and so does the damage.

🛠️ The solution? Simple, but not easy:
Build a culture where uncomfortable conversations are not only accepted, but expected.

The most effective schools aren’t the ones without problems.

They’re the ones where issues are surfaced early—while they’re still solvable.

Because real progress in schools happens at the speed of trust, courage, and candour.

📢 School leaders: What’s been your experience with this?

Have you seen the cost of silence—or the power of honest dialogue?

Let’s talk. 👇🏾

Has ChatGPT ever told you that an idea you had is rubbish? Even when it is clearly awful. South Park skewers this perfectly!

Nice to see my home city being at the top of the table again. Always a pleasure sending bright students here.

Talks about #qts, #china, #ipgce, #teachertraining, and #internationalschools

Red‑flag moments for international teachers — and what to do next. Should I be looking for new positions?

The glossy brochure promised a “globally‑minded, supportive community”.

But if your reality looks more like the checklist below, it may be time to update the CV and move on:

Responsibility ↑ Pay ↔️

A boss who confuses leadership with intimidation

Chronic stress, negativity, or that Sunday‑night stomach‑knot

No CPD, no coaching — you stopped learning months ago

Feedback? None. Recognition? Even less.

High staff turnover (the revolving door tells its own story)

Passion evaporated; lessons feel transactional.

Your skills are gathering dust.

Zero growth pathways or post-holder roles

Asked to bend rules or compromise ethics

Budget cuts hint at financial instability.

Toxic corridors: gossip, cliques, or open hostility

Your safeguarding concerns go unheard.

Health is taking a hit — sleep, energy, or mental wellbeing.

You dread the morning commute across campus (or even the walk from staff housing)

Abuse — verbal, emotional, or, worst, physical — in any form

💡 Pause & reflect:

Which of these rings loudest for you?

Are they temporary growing pains or systemic issues?

What support (union, mentor, recruiter) can help you navigate a graceful exit?

Remember: teaching abroad should expand horizons, not shrink your wellbeing. 

If the school no longer aligns with your values or professional growth, seeking a new chapter isn’t quitting — it’s protecting your craft.

Warm smiles don’t close the deal. Reliability does. Here’s how GREAT schools win trust that lasts.

They say empathy wins parents.
But that’s just the first step.

To truly stand out in the international school landscape, you need more than warm welcomes and glossy prospectuses.

You need to be rock solid reliable.

Here’s how the best international schools do it:

1/ 🔑 Empathy opens doors – but it’s not the reason families stay

Parents expect you to understand their concerns

But empathy alone doesn’t build long-term trust

Every school claims to "care" – not all deliver
→ You can "get" them emotionally... but do they believe you'll follow through?

2/ 🏛 Reliability builds trust – and reputation

Follow-through is the differentiator

Families don’t remember what you promised – only what you delivered

Reliability wins when empathy fades
→ It’s not just about open days. It’s about what happens after enrolment.

3/ 🧱 What reliability looks like in a school setting

Teachers that follow up with parents – even when they don’t have to

Admins that return calls within 24 hours

Heads that stay consistent—through growth, change, or crises
→ Reliability is the new school marketing.

4/ 📦 Talk less. Deliver more.

Don't overhype your facilities if your values are stronger

Don't say you’re inclusive if you're not actively proving it

Don’t promise “world-class” if the experience is just “fine”
→ Great schools don’t need to shout. They show.

5/ 🎯 Promise small. Deliver big.

Be clear on what your school can realistically provide

Never overpromise just to win enrolments

Be agile if expectations shift
→ Families will forgive change—but not broken trust.

17 phrases that make people trust you instantly (even if you've messed up before). Any you would add? 

In international schools, trust isn’t optional — it’s foundational.

Across cultures, languages, and learning styles, trust is what makes our schools thrive.

And often, it begins with a few powerful words:

“Help me understand your perspective.”

“Your voice matters — thank you for speaking up.”

“Even if it doesn’t go perfectly, I trust you to take the lead.”

“You bring something to this that no one else can.”

These aren’t just phrases — they’re a mindset of inclusive leadership.

As leaders, we set the tone for our school communities.

We don’t just lead instruction — we lead connection. And in multicultural environments, how we speak matters more than we realize.

The 17 phrases in the image below (📎) are a reminder:

Empathy builds bridges. Language builds belonging.

What phrases do you use to build trust in your school?

Let’s keep growing together — across borders, beliefs, and backgrounds.

Kids are heading back to school...
But will they really be learning what it takes to thrive as adults? I'm calling this out! 

This old trope pops up on LinkedIn every September.

And here’s the truth 👉 

Great schools already do this (and more).

🔹 Money management → Economics
🔹 Public speaking → Drama
🔹 Health & wellness → PE
🔹 Mindset & resilience → Team sports
🔹 DIY & practical skills → Design & Technology
🔹 Sales & storytelling → Drama
🔹 Entrepreneurship → Summer jobs, projects, side hustles
🔹 Love of reading & writing → English
🔹 The environment → Geography

The real challenge isn’t whether schools “teach life skills.”
It’s whether we as a society value and connect them to the bigger picture.

💡 AI is a powerful tool.
But empathy, communication, and storytelling?
Those are the skills that endure.

It's hard to be negative when this is your new pad. Hard to imagine living back in the UK. 
What do you miss from home?

This isn’t just a bird building a nest—it’s a masterclass in personal growth and silent resilience. Who else needed this today?

You’ve captured what most people never talk about: the lonely kind of work, the doubts, and the unseen layers of discipline that quietly shape who we become.

Consistency isn’t loud—it’s loyal.
It’s what separates momentary hype from lasting impact.

This is a reminder to every builder, writer, dreamer, and doer:
Your quiet efforts count—even when no one is watching.

Who is the doer in your school?

Forget titles. These habits are what actually build legacies. Great school leaders aren’t born. They’re built through reflection, resilience, and relentless consistency.

Across all the noise, titles, and pressure, here’s what the great ones have in common:

7 traits every world-class school leader shares:

🎯 Clarity – They know the mission, and help others see it too.

🪞 Self-awareness – They lead themselves before leading others.

🧭 Integrity – They make hard calls without losing trust.

💬 Communication – They say what matters, and listen even more.

🌱 Growth mindset – They stay curious, especially when it’s uncomfortable.

🤝 Empathy – They lead with heart, not just head.

🔄 Consistency – Their presence builds psychological safety.

In international schools, these traits don’t just shape cultures—they build legacies.

🧠 Leadership isn’t about being perfect.
It’s about being real, being ready, and being someone others can follow.

👇 Which trait are you working on right now?

7 Traits of every great school leader

"I’m not qualified for this.”

That was the first thought that ran through my mind when I was offered [insert new role/project/opportunity].

I had no formal experience. No textbook training. Just a lot of curiosity—and a voice in my head trying to talk me out of it.

But here’s what I’ve learned:

👉 Growth doesn’t wait for qualifications.
👉 It begins when you say “yes” before you feel ready.
👉 It flourishes when you show up, stay curious, and commit to figuring it out.

Some of the most transformative opportunities in my career came not because I was already qualified—but because I was willing to try.

So if you’re hesitating because you don’t feel “ready,” here’s a gentle reminder:
You don’t grow by staying where you’re qualified.
You grow by stretching into what you’re not—yet.

🔁 What’s something you once felt unqualified for—but did anyway? I’d love to hear your story.

If you’re leading a school without emotional intelligence... you’re not leading. You’re just managing chaos.

In schools, where emotions run high and relationships shape the learning environment, emotional intelligence isn't optional—it's essential.

✅ Managing your emotions with self-control
✅ Listening to understand, not just to respond
✅ Giving feedback with empathy
✅ Handling conflict calmly and constructively
✅ Building genuine, trust-based relationships

As educators and school leaders, we don’t just lead classrooms—we lead communities. 

How are you cultivating emotional intelligence in your leadership practice?

Bruno Fernandes’ penalty miss is a powerful reminder for school leaders:
Talent alone is never enough.

Just before his run-up:
He collided with the referee.
He got distracted.
He lost focus.
He argued.

And from just 12 yards, he missed.

In schools — just like in elite sport — small distractions can derail big moments.

🎯 Pressure magnifies every detail
🧠 Mental readiness is as critical as strategy
🛡 Emotional regulation keeps teams focused

Whether leading a classroom or a whole school, it’s not just about capability —
It’s about composure, clarity, and consistency under pressure.

How are you helping your team prepare for their big moments?

In an interview shortly after refusing the $1m, he said, "I know how to fill emptiness—what would I need that money for?"

Grigori Perelman isn’t your average genius. He redefined what success really means.

In the early 2000s, this quiet mathematician from Saint Petersburg uploaded a few papers online. Buried in the dense mathematics was something historic: a solution to the Poincaré Conjecture—a century-old problem about the very shape of our universe.

It was one of the seven Millennium Prize Problems, with a $1 million reward and the promise of mathematical immortality.

Experts around the world scrutinised his work. In 2006, they confirmed: Perelman had solved it.

He was offered the Fields Medal, the highest honour in mathematics. Then the $1 million Clay Prize.

He refused them all.

No medal. No money. No interviews.

His reason? “If the proof is correct, no other recognition is necessary.”

🔍 In a world obsessed with titles, rewards, and visibility, Perelman reminded us of something rare: doing the work for the truth.

Being great at your job is expected. Being easy to work with? That’s rare. 
Being someone people want to work for? That’s authentic leadership.

In international schools—where teams are diverse, dynamics are layered, and change is constant—being easy to work with isn’t soft. It’s strategic.

Here are 7 signs you’re the kind of school leader everyone wants on their team:

🤝 You bring clarity, not confusion.

📬 You follow up when you say you will.

🧠 You stay calm, even when it’s chaotic.

🪞 You take feedback with grace—not defensiveness.

🔄 You adapt quickly—and help others do the same.

🌱 You show humility without shrinking yourself.

💬 You know when to speak—and when to step back.

In a world of pressure and performance, kindness, reliability, and emotional control are often underrated.

But they’re what actually make teams work.

👇 Which of these do you value most in a colleague?

7 Signs You’re Easy To Work With

Leaders who act with integrity inspire trust, foster collaboration, and create thriving educational environments. 

Here are eight things that set leaders with integrity apart:

1. You Can Count On Their Words
- They consistently follow through on commitments.
- Their promises are kept, big or small.
- They understand that trust is built through dependable actions.

2. Stand Up For What Is Right
- They advocate for what’s ethical, even when it’s challenging.
- These leaders address wrongdoing and set the tone for a fair school culture.
- Speaking up becomes a role model behaviour for staff and students.

3. Uphold the Standard They Expect
- Their actions mirror the expectations they set for others.
- They ensure their behaviour aligns with the school's values.
- Reflection and self-awareness guide their decision-making.

4. Take Ownership of Problems Beyond Their Role
- They volunteer to help with issues that do not directly benefit them.
- Whether in the classroom or the larger community, they’re proactive contributors.
- This attitude fosters a sense of shared responsibility.

5. Choose to Act Sooner, Not Later
- They prioritise important tasks and make timely decisions.
- A drive for impactful action replaces procrastination.
- Their decisiveness leads to better outcomes for staff and students.

6. Show Extreme Humility
- They freely express gratitude and credit others’ contributions.
- Bragging is avoided; teamwork is celebrated.
- Their humility encourages a positive, respectful environment.

7. Value and Encourage Transparency
- Honest communication is a non-negotiable practice.
- They share information openly and admit mistakes without fear.
- Transparency strengthens trust throughout the school community.

8. Give Credit Where Credit Is Due
- Recognition and praise are publicly given—whether in meetings, emails, or announcements.
- Staff and student achievements are highlighted.
- Acknowledgement is regular and sincere, motivating the whole team[1].

These behaviours distinguish leaders who lead with their values. 

When school leaders model integrity, they cultivate a culture where everyone strives for excellence and ethical action.

8 things School Leaders with integrity do differently

You don’t have to be polished. You just have to be consistent. The best school leaders aren’t polished. They’re real.

In international education, authenticity travels further than authority.
It builds trust across cultures, classrooms, and conversations.

Here are 8 subtle behaviours that show authentic leadership—without saying a word:

🤝 They admit when they’re wrong—without losing respect.

🌱 They ask for feedback before giving it.

🧭 They say “I don’t know”—and then go find out.

🗣 They speak with clarity—not performance.

🪞 They reflect more than they react.

💬 They don’t just talk about values—they show them in hard moments.

📉 They share what didn’t work—especially with their team.

🎯 They stay consistent—even when no one’s watching.

Authenticity doesn’t mean oversharing.
It means leading without pretending.

And in a world of polished presentations, the most human voice wins.

👇 What’s one trait you admire most in the leaders you trust?

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