Planning an International School: A GSE TELOS Feasibility Framework

Jul 13, 2025 | Blog

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TELOS Feasibility

Planning an International School: A TELOS Feasibility Framework

When launching an international school, it’s not enough to have a vision. You need to ensure it’s feasible. The GSE TELOS feasibility framework helps examine each dimension systematically:

1. Technical TELOS Feasibility

  • Key questions:
    • Do we have access to qualified educators (e.g., IB/Cambridge-trained)?
    • What campus infrastructure is required—classrooms, labs, digital platforms?
    • Is technology (e.g., LMS, interactive tools) in place or adoptable?
  • How to assess:
    Conduct research, site visits, consult academic bodies, pilot online learning platforms.
  • Typical red flag: Difficulty in recruiting trained teachers or lack of suitable facilities. Both can undermine delivery.

2. Economic TELOS Feasibility

  • Key questions:
    • Are projected enrolments and tuition revenues sufficient to cover costs?
    • What capital is needed upfront—land, construction, accreditation?
    • Is investor interest strong enough to fund initial and rebound years?
  • How to assess:
    Build financial models—including NPV and IRR—to forecast returns. Benchmark against similar schools.
  • Typical red flag: Break-even delayed beyond year three or capital unlikely to be fully funded.

3. Legal TELOS Feasibility

  • Key questions:
    • Are there regulations governing private and international schools in the region?
    • What accreditation processes must be followed (e.g., IB, CIS)?
    • Do zoning or visa laws pose a challenge?
  • How to assess:
    Consult with legal and educational experts. Map timelines for licensing and compliance.
  • Typical red flag: Pending regulation or protracted accreditation processes that stall the project timeline.

4. Operational TELOS Feasibility

  • Key questions:
    • Can the management team handle daily operations—HR, curriculum delivery, transport, meals?
    • What training and systems will staff need?
    • Will the school culture and governance structure support growth?
  • How to assess:
    Hold stakeholder interviews; perform readiness assessments; develop operational playbooks.
  • Typical red flag: No clear school leadership or operational systems, suggesting reliance on external hires.

5. Schedule TELOS Feasibility

  • Key questions:
    • Can opening align with academic cycles (e.g., August/September intake)?
    • Are construction, accreditation, recruitment, and marketing timelines realistic?
    • What conflicts might arise with other local infrastructure projects (roads, utilities)?
  • How to assess:
    Map a project timeline with critical path milestones, buffers, and contingency plans.
  • Typical red flag: Misaligned start date leading to lost enrolment year or rushed, under-resourced prep.

📋 Applying GSE’s TELOS Feasibility Test: A Sample Scoring Matrix

DimensionAssessment MethodScore (1–10)Threshold Alert if ≤5
TechnicalStaff & facility audit7Hard to achieve IB staffing
EconomicFinancial modelling6Enrolment below break-even
LegalRegulation review8Full compliance possible
OperationalStakeholder interviews5Need structured ops systems
ScheduleGantt & milestone chart6Certification on track

With the TELOS Feasibility test, if any dimension, or the average, scores below 5, it signals fundamental risk in that area, prompting a revisit of assumptions or strategy.

A TELOS feasibility assessment offers a holistic lens:

  • Technical– Land and staffing align but infrastructure may need upgrades.
  • Economic– Private investment and projected tuition are stable, but margin pressure exists.
  • Legal– Licensing and accreditation appear navigable with expert guidance.
  • Operational– Leadership structure needs strengthening; processes must be formalised.
  • Schedule– Critical deadlines appear reachable, with buffer margins.

Next steps:

  • Redesign funding packages to boost economic resilience.
  • Strengthen operational architecture—establish core leadership and workflows.
  • Monitor schedule and licensing closely to avoid delays.

The TELOS framework doesn’t just flag risks. It guides actionable interventions. It shows where to pivot, partner, or delay, helping you build a school that’s not just visionary, but truly viable.

Explore Our Expert Insights

If you want to learn more about the steps required to set up a school, explore these essential resources: ✅ Steps to Setting Up a New School ✅ 10 Steps and Articles on How to Set Up a New School ✅ GSE International School Franchise Models

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