A New CEO is Appointed at The British School in the Netherlands

The British School in the Netherlands is pleased to announce the appointment of Louise Simpson as our new Chief Executive Officer. Currently serving as Head of Exeter School in the UK, Louise will assume the role in January 2026.

Louise was selected following a rigorous global recruitment process, which included interviews with staff at all levels of the organisation and a panel of students from across the campuses.

Peter Bayliff OBE, Chair of the Board of Governors, shared his thoughts on the appointment:

“We are delighted to welcome Louise as the next CEO of The British School. Louise brings extensive leadership experience in both the international and UK education sectors. She is deeply committed to delivering a broad and holistic education, fostering positive student outcomes, and championing strategic, inclusive leadership.”

Incoming CEO Louise Simpson expressed her enthusiasm to be joining the BSN:

“The landscape of international education in the Netherlands has evolved significantly in recent years, and I am thrilled to be joining BSN at such an exciting time. With the school’s centenary on the horizon, there is so much to look forward to.

The BSN has a global reputation for excellence and I have long admired its ethos, values and impressive outcomes.

I look forward to getting to know the community and working together with the staff, students, families and wider community as we shape the school into its second hundred years."

About Louise Simpson

Louise is an innovative and experienced leader in international and UK education. She has two decades of senior leadership and headship experience in leading independent schools in the UK and Latin America. She has successfully led single-sex and coeducational institutions, day and boarding schools, IB World Schools, and English National Curriculum schools. Currently serving in her third headship, she has led schools in Brazil, London, and Exeter.

A passionate advocate for student enrichment, exceptional pastoral care, and a creative approach to education, Louise recently completed her MA in Character Education. She believes that a holistic education provides the foundation for students to reach their full potential at every stage of their learning journey, alongside her drive for excellence in the classroom.

In addition to her leadership roles, Louise is an experienced team inspector for British Schools Overseas with ISI, a school governor, and a member of the ISTIP Early Career Teacher Induction Panel. She has previously served on the boards of COBIS and the Latin American Heads Conference, the latter of which she chaired for three years.

This marks an exciting new chapter in our school’s proud history, and we look forward to welcoming Louise to the BSN community.