Education Insider Europe unveils the Top 10 School Principals in Europe 2025, recognising exemplary leaders at the heart of school transformation across the continent. These principals are redefining what it means to lead with purpose, balancing academic excellence, community engagement, and student well-being in an increasingly complex educational landscape. Whether modernizing teaching approaches, fostering inclusive school cultures, or driving innovation from the ground up, these leaders are shaping the future of education in Europe. Their vision, resilience, and dedication are powerful examples of impact-driven leadership at the school level.

Top 10 School Principals in Europe - 2025

Top 10 School Principals in Europe - 2025

Tunde Olah View Profile

Principal, Avalon International School

The success of Tunde Olah, Principal, at Avalon International School, Miskolc, Hungary, in educational leadership business represents a fusion of an entrepreneur, a determined personality, and a passion to mold young lives. Since she took a position as an assistant leader at age 27 and formed her own enterprise prior to the age of 30, Olah gained the viable leadership aptitudes and problem- solving attitude that further characterise her competencies in work as a principal.

Peggy Murphy View Profile

Principal, Five Acre Wood School

Peggy Murphy has transformed Five Acre Wood School during her tenure as Principal, growing the school sevenfold from 119 to 860 pupils. With over 16 years of headship experience and a career dedicated to special education, she is recognised for her expertise in autism education, supporting students with profound, severe, and multiple learning difficulties, and championing inclusive approaches for all learners.

Ross Queenan

Campus Principal, OneSchool Global

Ross Queenan is the campus principal at OneSchool Global UK. He is an experienced educator who believes in using innovative teaching approaches. He has extensive experience in curriculum development, leadership and teacher recruitment.

Risto Sarvilinna

School Principal, University of Jyväskylä

Risto Sarvilinna is the school principal at the University of Jyväskylä. As an educator, she brings more than two decades of experience teaching history, social science, drama, entrepreneurship and philosophy. She is also a skilled sportsperson who has coached several children's football teams.

Mevlan Domi

School Principal, Turgut Ozal Colleges

Mevlan Domi is the school principal at Turgut Ozal Colleges in Tirana. He previously served as the principal at Hasan Riza Pasha College in Shkoder. With a background in mathematics, he focuses on academic excellence and modern teaching methods.

Iain Fish

Upper School Principal, International School of Luxembourg

Iain Fish is the director at the International School of Luxembourg. With around three decades of experience as an educator, he believes in creating an inclusive, dynamic and innovative learning environment. He is a hands-on leader, helping students thrive in a rapidly changing world by providing them with the skills, confidence and resilience they need to succeed.

Jennifer Sembrant

School Principal, Jennifer Sembrant

Jennifer Sembrant is the school principal at Internationella Engelska Skolan. She previously held senior leadership roles across Swedish secondary education. She is a dedicated leader and educator who has completed a principal training program at Stockholm University.er and educator who has completed a principal training program at Stockholm University.

Hazel Allen

Primary Principal, International School of Geneva

Hazel Allen is the primary principal at the International School of Geneva. She is an experienced international educator and school leader with a strong background in primary education. She has led leadership roles across several Swiss and UK schools, focusing on curriculum development, student achievement and innovative learning environment.has led leadership roles across several Swiss and UK schools, focusing on curriculum development, student achievement and innovative learning environment.

Stephen McIlroy

Secondary School Principal / Interim Director, Copenhagen International School

Stephen Mcllroy is currently serving as the secondary school principal at Copenhagen International School. He oversees around 90 staff, 600 students and two educational programs. He is skilled in instructional leadership, program management, strategic change, policy development and human resource management.onal leadership, program management, strategic change, policy development and human resource management.

Kelly Bentley

Principal, Lift Schools

Kelly Bentley is the principal at Lift Schools in Leeds. She has previously held leadership roles within the Academies Enterprise Trust. She is an experienced educator who believes in creating inclusive learning environments and driving educational excellence.

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