Certificate in School Leadership
A short programme that aims to enrich the perspectives and practices of school leaders
This certificate programme aims to help school leaders bring their practices into the realm of critical reflection by providing them with perspectives and frameworks of school leadership, drawn from theories of education and educational leadership.
School leaders play a very critical role in the overall effectiveness of the school by setting the vision and driving school culture and processes to realise the vision. This is influenced hugely by their own understanding of education policies, curriculum, and children. During the course, participants will get opportunities to revisit these theories, to share and engage with fellow school leaders, and to build a network of a community of practitioners.
The programme is offered in hybrid mode and comprises three courses, spread over 14 weeks.
Key features of the programme
- Offered in the hybrid mode, with two in-person classes of 3 days each, held at the Azim Premji University campus, Bengaluru.
- Focus on the implementation of NEP 2020, and opportunities and challenges associated with it.
- Guided project work that culminates into an implementation plan specific to each participants’ context will be part of the course.
- Ample opportunities to examine and reflect on one’s own practices in the light of theories and frameworks that are discussed during the sessions.
- Ongoing assessment throughout the course, with no single final assessment.
Who will benefit from the programme?
- School leaders such as Head teachers, Principals, Coordinators and Senior Management of varied schools viz., government, aided, private and affiliated to various boards.
- Resource persons who engage with school leaders and also those in the leadership pipeline.
- Graduates from any discipline and candidates with work experience of 5+ years in education space at any level.
Timeline
Last date to apply
Selection process
Class commencement
- –
Programme duration
- In-person sessions: 29 – 31 July and 7 – 9 Oct 2026, at Azim Premji University, Bengaluru
- Online sessions: Online classes will be held every Tuesdays and Fridays from 5:00 to 7:00 pm (2 hours)
Soumya Taneja, Junior School at Summerfield School, Gurugram, on how the course reshaped the way she engages with her role as a school leader:
“In the Certificate Course in School Leadership, I learnt about the relationship between a leader’s vision and school culture, how culture evolves through the involvement of teachers, parents, and other stakeholders, and a concept I had not encountered before: the hidden curriculum, the unintended values and norms that quietly shape a school’s environment.”
Programme Structure
Total 10 credits
This course will help school leaders explore perspectives and key aspects of school leadership along with the aspirations set by NEP 2020 and its implications for their practice.
Topics
- Leadership theories and centrality of school leadership
- Indian education policies and role of school leadership
- School as an organisation
This course will help participants gain perspectives on curriculum, principles of its organisation and transaction, teaching- learning process and school environment. It aspires to equip them to take academic decisions in alignment with the vision of the school, and curricular goals and strategies.
Topics
- Indian school curriculum
- Learners and learning process
- Curriculum implementation
As schools operate in diverse contexts, with their own set of challenges, opportunities, and priorities, school leaders must contextualize theoretical knowledge and frameworks to suit their specific school’s needs. By doing so, they can adapt and apply theoretical concepts in a way that is meaningful and effective in their specific contexts.
This course is designed as a project to provide an opportunity for the participants to integrate the learnings from courses 1 and 2 into their practice. This course runs in parallel with courses 1 and 2, and has to be carried out by the participants on their own in their workplace, with mentoring support from the course faculty.
What is the requirement to complete a Certificate?
Participants must meet the minimum attendance requirements, and complete assessments with a minimum pass grade in accordance with the University guidelines for the same.
Will this be an intensive programme?
While the courses have been designed for working professionals and keeping their needs in mind. The programme will require regular attendance, assignment submissions and class participation.
I understand English but am less familiar with communicating in it verbally and in written form. Can I still enrol?
The courses have been designed to be delivered in English to cater to participants from all geographical regions. While you may orally communicate in Hindi, you will be required to submit your assignments in English.
How many days will I need to be away from work?
The certificate will require participants to attend in-person classes twice during the course, each time for 3 days at the Bengaluru campus. The remaining sessions will be online and self-study.
Is the campus accessible for differently abled people?
Yes, the University campus and some of our student residences are wheelchair access friendly.
Will financial assistance be provided?
Financial assistance is provided on a case-by-case basis.