The Board of Directors of the French International School in Hong Kong (FIS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Bertrand Ferret as the permanent Head of School of FIS, starting from August 2025. This announcement concludes an extensive months-long international search led in conjunction with Carney Sandoe Associates (CSA).
Initially trained as a civil engineering teacher, having worked in this capacity in France and for the French government in Africa, Mr. Ferret then became a school leader (personnel de direction) for the French Ministry of Education, before taking his first international headship in 2010. Bertrand Ferret will bring 15 years of experience as Head of School in three multi-stream French International schools in Saudi Arabia, the USA, and the United Arab Emirates.
His deep understanding of both the French and International Baccalaureate education systems, his extensive experience in governance, finance, facilities development, as well as his track record of change management and educational reform in each of the schools he led, made him the ideal candidate for the position. Mr. Ferret is best placed to shepherd FIS in the ongoing implementation of its ambitious strategic vision for the future of our students, the future of our school.
As he contemplates his upcoming tenure at our school, Bertrand Ferret says:
“Today, I feel a profound sense of enthusiasm and gratitude for your trust. Leading such a prestigious institution is both an honour and a responsibility that I fully appreciate. The prospect of contributing to the personal and academic development of FIS students is incredibly motivating.
I look forward to collaborating with the students, staff, and parents to continue the tradition of excellence and innovation at the French International School of Hong Kong. My goal is to build the future of FIS together on the solid foundation already in place, for which Dr. Emmanuel Bonin has played a crucial role.
You can count on my commitment to serve the FIS school community and to optimise its development under the governance of its board of directors. My wife and I are eager to join you. This moment marks the beginning of an exciting mission that I approach with optimism and dedication.”
Bertrand Ferret will be able to work closely with Mr. Maniska, our incoming interim Head, and the Board of Directors on his transition during the 2024-2025 school year, which will include a site visit in the spring of 2025 to best prepare his arrival.
The Board wishes to thank all the members of the community, students, faculty and staff, and parents who took part in the selection process during the finalist visits during the month of May. Directors are also grateful for the work of the Head of School Search Committee, led by Board director Sushmita Munshi, for the countless hours spent on two successive search processes (interim and permanent Heads). We are grateful for the lasting contribution of its members to the future of the school. Thanks to their work, FIS is now ideally placed for the upcoming leadership transitions.
Hervé Robin
Chairman of the Board of Directors