As ISZN prepares to open its doors for the 2026/27 academic year, the school community marks an exciting milestone in its leadership evolution. Christopher Derrick, who has served as Head of Secondary since May 2024, has been appointed as the new Principal of ISZN.

The transition follows the departure of outgoing Principal James Stenning, who leaves at the end of August to pursue a new professional opportunity. During his tenure, James played a pivotal role in strengthening ISZN and guiding the integration of the Four Forest schools into the broader Cognita family of schools. The entire ISZN community extends its heartfelt thanks to James for his dedicated leadership, vision, and lasting contributions.

Rather than representing a change in direction, Chris Derrick’s appointment reflects a natural progression that builds upon the wide-ranging development achieved over the past year. Having already played a central role within the ISZN Leadership Team, Chris takes on the role of Principal with a deep understanding of the school’s culture, strategic priorities, and vibrant community.

A Leadership Role Rooted in Purpose

In his expanded role, Chris will serve as Principal of ISZN while continuing to oversee the Secondary School programme. This structure ensures complete continuity across both Primary and Secondary school, providing steady guidance and maintaining momentum across all strategic initiatives.

“School leadership is a privilege, and I feel fortunate to have a profession that brings me such deep fulfilment,” says Chris. “My vision for ISZN is steady and clear: to ensure the academic, social, and emotional growth of every young person entrusted to our care. If our students leave ISZN with strong academic skills while living out our core values of Kindness, Respect, and Resilience, we have succeeded.”

Central to Chris’s leadership is ISZN’s shared framework for High-Quality Learning and Teaching. Framed around eight core themes, this model fosters deep learning, critical thinking, and adaptive teaching practices designed to challenge and support every student.

Whether preparing older students for the rigours of iGCSEs and A-Levels or nurturing curiosity in younger learners, Chris emphasizes creating classrooms where individuality is celebrated, debate is encouraged, and students feel safe to take intellectual risks.

A Lifetime Dedicated to Transformational Education

Originally from Scotland, Chris’s journey in education began with an inspirational teacher during his own school days—someone who balanced high expectations with humor, led sports teams, and advocated tirelessly for students. That experience sparked a lifelong commitment to young people.

After earning his Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) from the University of Edinburgh, Chris began his career as a Physical Education teacher before rapidly progressing into senior leadership roles. Across high-performing independent schools in Scotland and international environments in Dubai (where he served as Head of Sixth Form) Chris established a strong track record in curriculum development, wellbeing, safeguarding, timetabling, and academic tracking.

Prior to moving to Switzerland with his wife Kathryn (who serves as Head of English at ISZN), Chris held the post of Academic Deputy at Kelvinside Academy, a leading independent school in Scotland. During this time, he earned his Qualification for Headship from Strathclyde University and completed a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership with the University of Glasgow, focusing his research on developing schools as professional learning communities.

Throughout his career, Chris has maintained a belief in the power of teamwork and holistic education. Among his personal career highlights was leading a group of students on a charitable project to Ghana to build a nursery school in an underprivileged area—an experience that reinforced his commitment to global citizenship, leadership, and service.

Looking Ahead to 2026/2027

As ISZN prepares for the upcoming academic year, the school’s strategic direction, values, and commitments remain unchanged.

“Over the past year, our staff, leadership team, and families have truly moved ISZN forward,” reflects Chris. “The ambition to provide the best student experience requires constant reflection and a drive for continuous, sustainable improvement—always aiming to be better tomorrow than we are today.”

The leadership transition will take place seamlessly as staff return for inset sessions and students return to the classroom. Chris Derrick and the leadership team welcome open dialogue with families and look forward to welcoming the entire community back for what promises to be another inspiring and successful year at ISZN.