This article looks at research undertaken into two international schools focusing on micropolitics and the importance of school location. Location appears to have a significant impact on the behaviour of those associated with each school, such as reactions to physical environment, local culture and clientele. These affect the micropolitical interplay between groups, as well as cause the creation of enclaves and subgroups, where individuals develop patterns of behaviour and lifestyle. Location offers a useful lens to understand both international school micropolitics and the pressures faced by management and leadership. (Contains 3 tables.)