Job Description
202627 Academic Year | Interviews Ongoing
The Role
Lead a progressive independent school in Madurai (PreKGrade 8) offering a Waldorf-inspired pedagogy with an upcoming ICSE stream. This is a growth-phase leadership role requiring strong ICSE expertise alongside a genuine commitment to holistic, child-centred education.
You will build systems, establish ICSE excellence, and guide the school's strategic direction while strengthening the school's progressive identity.
This role requires strong ICSE leadership plus authentic alignment with Waldorf-inspired educational philosophy.
Note on IB Development
The school is in early exploratory stages for a potential IB program. Key decisionsseparate campus vs. integrated model, timeline, and leadership structureare yet to be finalised.
This role is focused on ICSE development and overall school leadership
Any future IB involvement would be collaboratively discussed, based on the final structure and mutual interest/capacity
Compensation & Benefits
A highly competitive compensation package, positioned in the top tier of independent schools in Tamil Nadu, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Benefits include:
Housing allowance
Generous professional development budget
You Bring
ICSE Leadership (Essential)
Minimum 5+ years in ICSE-affiliated schools, with 2+ years in senior leadership
Deep working knowledge of ICSE syllabus, CISCE compliance, and board examination cycles
Proven record of strong academic outcomes and successful inspections
Experience leading Grade 10 board examination preparation
Experience establishing or strengthening ICSE programs strongly preferred
Educational Leadership
8+ years of total educational leadership experience
Master's degree in Education / Educational Leadership
Demonstrated success in teacher development and team building
Strong systems-building capability in growth-phase organisations
Affinity for Progressive Education (Critical)
Genuine respect for child-centred, holistic learning
Evidence of implementing experiential learning, inquiry-based methods, or arts integration
Ability to balance rigorous exam preparation with deep learning
Alignment with Waldorf philosophy: developmental appropriateness, artistic integration, honouring childhood
Willingness to learn, champion, and embed Waldorf pedagogy within ICSE requirements
What Sets You Apart
Cultural intelligence for the South Indian context (Tamil helpful, not required)
Track record of innovation within traditional or board-driven school systems
Comfort with active founder involvement and collaborative leadership
Openness to multiple curriculum frameworks
Authentic passion for holistic, experiential education
The Real Context
You're Walking Into
An established Waldorf-inspired PreKGrade 8 program
ICSE stream launching/expanding, requiring strong leadership and compliance expertise
Engaged parent community valuing both progressive pedagogy and academic excellence
A growth phase requiring entrepreneurial thinking and systems design
An active founder with clear operational delegation to the principal
Strategic planning underway for a potential IB pathway (TBD)
This Role Requires
Establishing and strengthening the ICSE program with excellence and compliance
Creating a school culture rooted in progressive educational values
Clearly articulating how Waldorf philosophy enhances academic readiness
Building sustainable systems to support growth
Bridging traditional parent expectations with progressive practices
Participating in strategic discussions on future programs, including IB
What's Clear About IB
IB is being explored as a possible future pathway
No decisions yet on campus model, timeline, or leadership structure
This role is not an IB leadership position at present
Any future involvement will depend on program design and mutual alignment
We Will Provide
Waldorf mentorship: quarterly consultant support and intensive training
Enhanced professional development: budget for Waldorf, curriculum, and leadership growth
Collaborative leadership: close partnership with the founder
Transparency: ongoing communication as IB planning evolves
Key Responsibilities
Immediate Focus (202627 and Beyond)
Establish and strengthen ICSE excellence, compliance, and board outcomes
Build organisational systems to support scale and quality
Develop faculty in ICSE delivery and progressive pedagogies
Integrate Waldorf-inspired practices authentically into school culture
Build strong partnerships with families
Lead community relations and stakeholder engagement
Drive strategic planning and organisational development
Future Possibilities (TBD)
Participation in strategic planning for a potential IB program
Possible leadership role if IB develops (structure to be determined)
Collaboration with IB specialists, if applicable
Apply Now
Interested candidates should submit:
CV / Resume
Brief cover letter
Contact details for three professional references
Send to: [Confidential Information]
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with interviews scheduled immediately.
