Head of School

School: WisdomWood High, Bangalore

The Heart of the Role

At WisdomWood High (WWH), the Principal / Head of School is not a controller of systems, but the custodian of a progressive learning culture. This role exists to ensure that everyday school life reflects deep beliefs about how children learn best through inquiry, experience, reflection, and meaningful relationships.

The Head of School leads the day-to-day functioning of the school while actively protecting and strengthening progressive pedagogy across classrooms. This role requires moral clarity, pedagogical conviction, and calm leadership especially when progressive practices are questioned or misunderstood.

WisdomWood is committed to future-ready, child-centred, inquiry-led education. This role is aligned only for leaders who genuinely believe in and have practiced this philosophy.

Philosophical Alignment (Non-Negotiable)

The Head of School must demonstrate a deep, lived belief that:

• Learning is constructed through experience, questioning, and reflection not passive instruction.
• Teachers are designers of learning, not content deliverers.
• Student agency, voice, and choice strengthen rigour rather than dilute it.
• Assessment exists to support growth and self-awareness, not comparison and fear.
• Leadership sustains culture through coaching, clarity, and trust, not compliance or control.

Candidates whose leadership experience is primarily rooted in rote instruction, exam-centric schooling, or authoritarian discipline models will find this role misaligned.

Key Responsibilities

1. Stewardship of Progressive Learning Culture

• Act as the visible guardian of WisdomWood's pedagogical philosophy in daily practice.
• Ensure classrooms reflect inquiry, experiential learning, and student engagement not instructional shortcuts.
• Reinforce alignment with the WisdomWood Pedagogy Handbook across grades and teams.
• Partner with the Progressive Learning & Innovation Lead to strengthen teaching practices.
• Lead with conviction when progressive approaches are challenged by fear, habit, or external pressure.

2. Day-to-Day School Operations & Stability

• Oversee smooth daily operations across academics, administration, facilities, and student services.
• Ensure consistent routines, schedules, supervision, and staff coverage.
• Maintain operational discipline while preserving warmth and flexibility.
• Ensure compliance with CBSE regulations, safety norms, and statutory requirements.

3. Academic Oversight & Instructional Consistency

• Monitor academic implementation without micromanaging pedagogy.
• Support Learning Leads and Grade Mentors in maintaining consistency, clarity, and rigour.
• Participate in walkthroughs and reflective conversations focused on learning quality.
• Ensure assessment cycles, documentation, and review processes are followed meaningfully.

4. Student Well-being, Discipline & Safety

• Establish a values-driven discipline culture rooted in respect, responsibility, and reflection.
• Oversee student attendance, behaviour systems, and pastoral care structures.
• Ensure strong safeguarding, health, and child protection practices.
• Work with counsellors and support teams to address emotional and behavioural needs.

5. Staff Leadership & Professional Climate

• Lead teachers and staff with clarity, empathy, and fairness.
• Build trust through transparent communication and consistent expectations.
• Support induction of new staff into WisdomWood's progressive systems and mindset.
• Address concerns and conflicts calmly, focusing on learning and accountability.

6. Parent Engagement & Community Trust

• Serve as a key interface for parent communication and escalations.
• Help parents understand why and how progressive learning works at WisdomWood.
• Lead conversations with confidence when philosophy is questioned, without dilution.
• Oversee PTMs, orientations, and community interactions aligned with school values.

7. Co-Scholastic Life & Campus Culture

• Oversee co-scholastic programmes, assemblies, exhibitions, and events.
• Ensure balance between academic depth and holistic development.
• Maintain a vibrant, safe, and respectful campus culture.

Required Qualifications & Experience

Essential:

• Master's degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field.

Experience:

• 1015 years in K12 schools, including senior leadership or whole-school responsibility.

Preferred Background:

• Experience in progressive, inquiry-oriented, IB-aligned, or holistic education environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead pedagogical change and cultural transitions.

Expertise Required

• Strong understanding of inquiry-based and experiential learning
• Ability to lead adults through mindset change
• Calm crisis management and people leadership
• Clear communication with parents and staff

Digital Fluency

• Confident use of Google Workspace for Education and school ERP systems.
• Ability to engage with digital documentation, dashboards, and planning tools.
• Google Certified Educator Level 1 & 2 mandatory.

Interested leaders who resonate deeply with this philosophy may apply to [Confidential Information]