Head of School

Location: Bengaluru

At Wisdom Wood 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.
Wisdom Wood 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 Wisdom Wood’s pedagogical philosophy   in daily practice.
Ensure classrooms reflect inquiry, experiential learning, and student engagement not instructional shortcuts.
Reinforce alignment with the  Wisdom Wood 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 Wisdom Wood’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 d 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:

10–15 years in K–12 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.