Planning an International School: A GSE TELOS Feasibility Framework

written by Greg Parry
TELOS Feasibility
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)? Or can we develop them?
    • 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 to be competitive (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

Dimension Assessment Method Score (1–10) Threshold Alert if ≤5
Technical Staff & facility audit 7 Hard to achieve IB staffing
Economic Financial modelling 6 Enrolment below break-even
Legal Regulation review 8 Full compliance possible
Operational Stakeholder interviews 5 Need structured ops systems
Schedule Gantt & milestone chart 6 Certification on track

With the GSE 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 GSE 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 and establish core leadership and workflows.
  • Monitor schedule and licensing closely to avoid delays.

The GSE TELOS Feasibility 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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