HEAD OF SCHOOL
JOHN BLACK
John Black is originally from Massachusetts in the United States. He has served as a school leader for over twenty years in the United States, the Middle East, and Asia, in addition to ten years of teaching experience in the United States, Africa, and Central America. Mr. Black holds a doctorate in education from the United States and has extensive experience with various curricula, including the International Baccalaureate Program. He is married with five adult children who reside in the United States.
Mr. Black’s educational philosophy is shaped by his breadth of personal and professional experience, and aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people through a student-centered, inclusive, and inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning that emphasizes the academic, social, and emotional development of the whole student.
He is delighted to be the Head of School and looks forward to meeting with both prospective and existing parents and other members of the local and international community and welcoming them all to this great school.
ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL
AARON KANE
Originally from the UK, Aaron Kane joins the International School of Belgium as Assistant Head of School with more than twenty years of experience in education. He has worked across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the United States in a range of international school settings, including British and IB schools and internationally governed schools working closely with embassies. His experience spans both primary and secondary education and a variety of curriculum pathways, giving him a strong whole-school perspective.
Aaron believes that great schools create the conditions in which both students and educators can thrive. His approach to leadership is grounded in strong relationships, clear direction and coherent systems that allow excellent teaching and learning to flourish. He places particular importance on being visible, approachable and present in the daily life of the school, and on listening carefully to students, families and colleagues.
Having worked extensively across primary and secondary phases, Aaron is passionate about ensuring that students experience a connected and purposeful educational journey as they move through school. He believes that strong alignment between curriculum, teaching and assessment helps provide the consistency, challenge and opportunity that enable young people to develop confidence, curiosity and independence.
At the heart of Aaron’s leadership is a commitment to service: creating clarity, building trust and removing barriers so that teachers can do their best work and every student can thrive. He is delighted to be joining the ISBe community and looks forward to getting to know its students, families and staff.
BUSINESS MANAGER
DR. THOMAS V. AGHAMKAR
With 18 years of professional experience across education, business development, marketing, communications, branding, media, events, and operations, Dr. Thomas V. Aghamkar brings a strategic and multidisciplinary approach to organisational growth and development.
As Business Manager at the International School of Belgium (ISBe), he works closely with the leadership team to support the school’s strategic direction, operational development, community engagement, and continued growth. His role encompasses business development, admissions, marketing and communications, partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and strategic initiatives that contribute to strengthening the school’s position within the international education landscape.
His extensive experience in education includes leadership positions across international schools, higher education, and online learning platforms. Throughout his career, he has led multidisciplinary teams, developed and implemented educational initiatives, established strategic partnerships, strengthened marketing and communications, and driven operational and business improvements. In his previous leadership role with GoEducation, he was responsible for business strategy, finance, operations, marketing, and revenue generation, while supporting education platforms serving thousands of learners.
Dr. Aghamkar believes that a successful international school is built on more than academic excellence. It thrives through a strong and inclusive community, purposeful leadership, effective communication, innovation, and a shared commitment to creating an environment where every student is encouraged to learn, grow, and realise their potential.
At ISBe, he is committed to bringing his experience, strategic perspective, and passion for education to further strengthen the school as a welcoming, innovative, and globally minded learning community. He looks forward to working collaboratively with students, families, staff, and partners to support the school’s continued development and long-term success.