In 2026, Karen Ardley Associates (KAA) marks 25 years of inspiring leaders in International Education.
Since its founding in 2001, KAA has developed the growth of leaders who, in turn, develop others to thrive in complex and fast-changing educational environments. For a quarter of a century, the consultancy has supported schools, colleges, trusts, and education organisations across the globe with research-informed programmes tailored to local and international needs. Recognising that many international schools operate as sophisticated organisations as well as learning communities, our work has extended beyond educational leadership to include close collaboration with business, operations, finance, and governance teams. Every programme is bespoke by design, shaped around real people, real challenges, and real contexts.
At the heart of our work is a simple, powerful belief: great leadership is human.
We focus on trust, emotional intelligence, and leadership behaviours that make a lasting difference.
As education continues to evolve, our commitment remains the same. Alongside face-to-face work, KAA Online now brings flexible, high-quality professional learning to educators anywhere, anytime.
Throughout 2026, we’ll be sharing stories, reflections, and insights from our global community — celebrating 25 years of impact and looking confidently to what comes next.
A message from Karen Ardley, Managing Director, KAA
“Twenty-five years ago I took a very brave step. Leaving secure employment as a local authority school development advisor, I started a leadership consultancy working with schools in England.
Having planned carefully over the previous years, there were two key priorities for the new venture:
- Continue to work with educators and be helpful
- Blur the division between joy and work
Fortune (or fate) was on my side. A contract with the University of Manchester to lead the team developing ‘Leading from the Middle’ for the National College for School Leaders.
It was a steep and exciting learning curve. Moving on to Leadership Pathways with NCSL was a wonderful opportunity to keep learning.
A chance meeting at the University of Chester with a headteacher from Cairo triggered international work for KAA (Thank you Carole Godfrey and MES). Soon KAA work was truly international from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, China, Japan, Malaysia, Brazil, Chile, Nepal, USA and many places in between.In 2012, KAA was contracted to work with United Nations bringing work in Gaza, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Left Bank – oh what a learning curve! More recently, KAA continues to work with valued clients in Switzerland, Spain, Romania, Kenya and Egypt and newer ones in Cayman, Peru and USA.
Over the last 25 years KAA have been fortunate to build strong relationships with many schools and individuals. We are frequently delighted to hear from past participants of our flagship Leading Learning from the Middle programmes who are now Senior Leaders who want the Middle Leader development for their own teams.
In 2026 we still aim to provide impactful development programmes for leaders at all levels (and classroom practitioners). And without a doubt we have blurred the division between joy and work – working with our schools and clients”.
As part of the British Schools Foundation in 2017, I was involved in a Principal Professional Development Programme with KAA in Kuala Lumpur. The content and style of delivery has stuck with me over the years, and there are parts of this leadership PD I still use and share in my role working with senior leaders to this day.
Adrian Macaulay, Executive International Principal for Nord Anglia Education, 2026
As well as the COBIS workshop on storytelling and personal support and advice working with middle leadership, I cannot speak highly enough of Karen and her team. As a colleague, mentor and professional, she is an asset to any international leaders’
A message from KAA Coaching Director, Dr David Porritt
Coaching has been at the heart of KAA’s work for over 25 years.
During that time, we have worked with individuals across the full spectrum of leadership, from those just beginning their journey to experienced practitioners, senior leaders, and C-suite leaders carrying responsibility at scale. This work has taken place in schools and organisations across the world, always shaped by context, culture, and purpose. The feedback is brilliant. Many of our clients have moved onto more senior roles as a result of their learning through coaching.
Alongside one to one coaching, we have designed and led coaching programmes that strengthen leadership capacity and foster a culture of participation and empowerment within organisations. We have also supported over 30 professionals through to a recognised Professional Award in Coaching, helping them develop the skill, confidence, and ethical foundation to coach others well.
At its best, coaching creates the space to think clearly, act with intention, and lead with humanity.
If you are looking to develop your people, strengthen leadership across your organisation, or grow a sustainable coaching culture, would you like to get in touch to explore how we can help you and your organisation?
Working directly with Karen Ardley and KAA as part of my journey to complete a Masters in Educational Leadership with Edge Hill University was exactly what I needed to inspire me and drive me forward. I LOVED KAA’s down to earth approach and the encouragement Karen gave me personally. We can drown in acronyms and changing terms but you always made sense and hit the nail on the head. What an inspiration and motivator. Leadership needs the kind of support you offer and I am extremely grateful for the impact you had on me, my career and subsequently the education of thousands of students. Thank you.
Nina Stanger, 2026
To be involved in our 25 year celebrations, please send a note, message, photo, video to [email protected]
