Grant Ferguson, Director of Verbier International School, on balancing academics and outdoor exploration at a mountain school
Despite the increasingly global network that this podcast has created, dialling in from a ski resort was definitely a first for us. Our next guest is Grant Ferguson, Director of the newly merged Verbier International School (VIS), set amongst one of Switzerland's most prestigious and celebrated ski resorts. With more than two decades of experience leading schools in the UK, Middle East and now the Swiss Alps, Grant's educational mantra is built on authentic leadership and a holistic approach: values that are both innately formed in a school perched on a mountain.
In his chat with Henry Faber, Grant shares the high, lows and quirks of studying at a small mountain school as he aims to balance academic rigour with the opportunities to explore Verbier's copious outdoor offerings. As the school finds its feet after its recent merger, he reflects on the positives of joining Dukes Education, the growing appeal of European universities and why the word 'holistic' should be reclaimed from its stereotypes.
🎙️ Episode highlights
Grant takes us through his career journey, from teaching biology up in the north of England to leading prestigious international schools in Dubai and Switzerland.
He paints the picture of mountain school life: ski racing in snowstorms and trekking through the Alps.
He flys the flag for small schools, able to offer the best balance between 1:1 attention and structured systems.
Grant discusses the IB and how it neatly align's with VIS's ethos.
He reflects on the complexities of their recent merger, from uniforms and culture to systems and granular detail.
He explains how a recent disagreement with a parent made him reflect on what a 'holistic' education really is.
He offers his advice for fellow teachers and aspiring leaders: be prepared to move, take the risk and embrace the unexpected.