Book excerpt: It is estimated that there are some 12 000 international schools world-wide, with over 25 000 middle managers and head teachers. Within this there are several different types of international school including British schools abroad, English-speaking schools overseas, European English-speaking schools and forces schools - in spite of some differences they and their managers share certain needs for administrative efficiency. This practice-based management book for international schools provides support and development for middle and senior managers and teachers. The book concentrates on school improvement and effectiveness by drawing on best practice from international schools around the world using school-based research. It is written by a team from the Oxford Brookes Centre for Educational Management (OXCEM), the UK's most active International Schools' consultancy service. Issues discussed include teaching, learning and the curriculum, primary and secondary curriculum development, recording and reporting assessment, English as a second language, school management and staff development.