Guðmundur Hegner Jónsson

Founding Principal - The Lisboan

Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal

About

I am an experienced international educator and school leader, proud to be the Founding Principal of The Lisboan International School, set to open our doors in Lisbon in 2025. With over two decades of leadership in top-tier international schools across the globe, I am passionate about fostering human flourishing, academic excellence, and innovation in education. The Lisboan is a forward-thinking, values-driven school that combines the best of the English National Curriculum and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Housed in a stunningly repurposed historic building in Lisbon’s Alcântara district, The Lisboan embraces its role as both a vibrant learning community and a hub for sustainability, creativity, and community engagement. Central to our ethos are the BOA principles—Belong, Own, Act—paired with core values of Kindness, Curiosity, Connectedness, Resilience, and Integrity. As an educator, I am committed to creating environments where students thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. I am passionate about sustainability, experiential learning, and the use of innovative practices to prepare students for the challenges of tomorrow. Together with Artemis Education, I am excited to help shape the future of international education while celebrating Lisbon’s rich cultural and intellectual heritage. Let’s connect and collaborate on the possibilities of transformative education!

Experience

  • Founding Principal at The Lisboan International School
    Nov 2024 - Present · 1 yr 8 mos

    It gives me great pleasure to share that I have been appointed as the Founding Principal of The Lisboan International School, opening its doors in Lisbon in 2025! The Lisboan will be a beacon for innovation, kindness, and exciting learning opportunities as we build a community with heart and soul. As part of the Artemis Education family, we are committed to creating a vibrant school full of joy and creativity. Nestled in the vibrant Alcântara district of Lisbon, The Lisboan is housed in a beautifully repurposed historic pasta factory. This unique building, dating back to 1908, combines its historic charm with cutting-edge, sustainable design, offering an inspirational setting for learning and growth. I look forward to working with an incredible team of educators, families, and the wider community in bringing this inspiring vision to life. Together we will make magic happen in Lisbon! ☀️

  • Professional development at Career Break
    Aug 2024 - Nov 2024 · 4 mos

    I took time out to conduct research on education and spend time with my family after having worked as the Head of College at Dulwich College Seoul.

  • Head of College at Dulwich College Seoul
    Jun 2020 - Aug 2024 · 4 yrs 3 mos

  • Educational Consultant at Self-employed
    Jan 2020 - Jul 2020 · 7 mos

  • Rektor at Red Cross Nordic United World College
    Jul 2018 - Dec 2019 · 1 yr 6 mos