Executive Management Program for Leadership in Education

IE Business School

Leading Industries

About Programme

The education sector is undergoing rapid change, driven by artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, student and staff well-being, caps on international students, geopolitical instability, shifting market demands, new business models, and increasing competition. Schools, colleges, universities, and educational organizations must rethink, adapt, and innovate to stay ahead in this evolving landscape.

IE University’s Executive Management Programme for Leadership in Education (EMPLE) is a purpose-driven initiative created to give back to the education industry. Participants will benefit from IE University's expertise and renowned reputation in online MBA programs.

The program is designed for principals and heads of schools who aspire to lead with strategic vision and a strong commitment to excellence in school management. It equips participants with essential business tools, skills, and competencies to lead effectively in a rapidly changing environment.

Through immersive sessions, EMPLE provides participants with the strategic insight, resilience, and innovative mindset required to address today’s educational challenges. The program emphasizes critical areas such as business and management tools, organizational transformation, digital leadership, and inclusivity—empowering leaders to foster environments where both staff and students can thrive.

By engaging with global experts, real-world case studies, and collaborative projects, participants refine their leadership style and gain actionable tools to sustain excellence and drive lasting institutional change. EMPLE’s holistic approach ensures that leaders are well-prepared to shape the future of education, combining expertise with forward-thinking solutions.

Programme Content

The Executive Management Program for Leadership in Education (EMPLE) is a high-impact learning experience designed for Principals and Heads of Schools ready to lead educational institutions into the future. Delivered in a blended format, the program combines the academic excellence of IE Business School with a practical, globally minded curriculum that equips participants to respond strategically to the complex challenges transforming the education landscape.

In a world reshaped by AI, emerging technologies, geopolitical uncertainty, and shifting student and societal expectations, educational leaders must rethink how they deliver excellence and impact. EMPLE empowers school leaders to drive meaningful change by combining cutting-edge management tools, future-forward insights, and a global leadership perspective.

Module 1: Drive excellence into school management.

Equip yourself with the Management Fundamentals. Think as a Board member while implementing strategy. Courses:

Strategy: From mission to implementation

Financial Management & Control

Leading & managing people

Achieving excellence in Educational Experience

Module 2: Stay Ahead: Understand Trends Shaping Education's Future

Understand the broader context—social, economic, and geopolitical dynamics—alongside innovation and technology trends that are reshaping the educational landscape. Courses:

The Intersection between education and the Global Economy & Geopolitics

Understanding and engaging Alfa & Beta generations

Cross Cultural in Education

AI & Emerging technologies in Education

Module 3: Empower people through leadership; Elevate Your Impact

Managing people, students, staff, and stakeholders to enhance their contribution to the school/college. Courses:

Managing and Influencing Educational Stakeholders

Negotiation & Conflict Resolution

Effective Communication in the hybrid era

Well-being: Supporting and caring for students, teachers and staff

Module 4: Global Education Leaders Forum

This module offers participants a unique opportunity to engage directly with top educational leaders in a dynamic setting. It strengthens collaboration, promotes inclusivity, and fosters a shared vision by facilitating meaningful conversations among diverse global educational stakeholders. It equips participants with the insight and connections needed to lead effectively in complex, global educational environments, broadening their perspectives and enlightening them about global educational trends.

Find below some of the speakers from the leaders and supporting partner institutions participating in this module:

Jane LARSSON, Executive Director, The Council of International Schools: https://www.cois.org/

Ben SCHMIDT, Global Director, International Network · Cambridge University Press & Assessment: https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/

Maripe MENENDEZ, Head of Iberoamerica, Development and Government Relations, International Baccalaureate: https://www.ibo.org/

Rushi SHETH, Vice President International. The College Board: https://www.collegeboard.org/

Jenny RICKARD, CEO, The CommonApp: https://www.commonapp.org/

CIS is a non-profit membership organisation that provides high-quality education services to schools and higher education institutions.

Programme Audience

This programme is for individuals committed to driving transformational change in their institutions and communities, including:

Experienced Principals and Heads of Schools with relevant educational leadership experience, who are seeking to enhance their management and leadership skills to initiate significant change within their institutions and communities.

Newly appointed Principals and Heads of Schools with relevant educational leadership backgrounds, ready to initiate significant change within their institutions and communities.

Aspiring Principals or Heads of Schools, educators with substantial leadership experience who are in transition or preparing to step into top roles and seeking to make a lasting impact.

Senior Education Professionals with relevant leadership experience, aiming to take their careers to the next level or progress into senior positions in schools or related organizations.