The Leaders Cut, Chennai

How do schools prepare learners for a future where communication, critical thinking, and adaptability matter as much as academic achievement?

That question brought together an inspiring group of principals, vice principals, academic heads, and educators at Leaders Cut Chennai, hosted at AM Jain School, Chennai. The roundtable explored the future of education through conversations on AI, literacy, assessment, teacher empowerment, and, most importantly, the evolving role of English in schools.

One message echoed across the room: English should no longer be taught only as a subject—it should be developed as a life skill.

School leaders agreed that proficiency in English goes beyond examinations. It enables learners to collaborate, communicate, think critically, access knowledge across subjects, and confidently participate in an increasingly connected world.

The discussion also highlighted that language learning cannot be confined to a single period on the timetable. Students need regular opportunities to practise English both within the school environment and beyond the classroom. Whether through classroom discussions, collaborative projects, reading, presentations, or technology-enabled practice after school, meaningful exposure is what builds fluency.

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Another key takeaway was that schools should focus on building confidence before perfection. Learners who feel safe to ask questions, express ideas, and make mistakes are far more likely to become effective communicators than those who learn English solely for examinations.

The conversation extended beyond language. Leaders discussed how AI can personalise learning while remaining aligned with curriculum goals, how schools can nurture inquiry and evidence-based thinking, and how teachers can be empowered with research-backed and technology-enabled practices. Across every discussion, the emphasis remained on creating future-ready learners who are curious, confident, and capable of applying knowledge in real-world contexts.

Leaders Cut continues to provide a platform where school leaders exchange ideas, challenge conventional thinking, and collectively shape the future of education through meaningful dialogue.

Participants

The Chennai edition of Leaders Cut brought together education leaders from a diverse group of schools, including:

• Jayabaska Minto P., Principal, Elite Matric Higher Secondary School
• Dr. S. Ramesh, Chief Mentor, Sri Narayani Schools
• Sivasankari R, Junior Principal, Padmashree School (CBSE)
• Sivasakti Balan D. P., Principal, KRM Public School
• Vijay B., Head of Academics, Vels Global Schools
• Dr. Deepa S., Principal, G. K. Shetty Vivekananda Vidyalaya Senior Secondary School
• Poongothai K., Headmistress, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Educare
• Mr. Bala, HOD – Chemistry, Sri Sankara Global Academy
• Krithiga Sathyasheel, Vice Principal, Amethyst International School
• C. Manikandan, Headmaster, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Educare
• G. Renukadevi, Principal, Jain Vidyaashram
• Rajalakshmi Venkat, Principal, Sri Chaitanya Techno School, Tambaram
• Nagarani, Vice Principal, Dr. Mehta’s International Smart School
• Juliet Mary, Principal, The Schram Academy
• Dr. R. Bhuvaneswari, Principal, Sri Sankara Vidyalaya Senior Secondary School
• Barath Silvester Raj, Principal, Sri Venkateswara Public Senior Secondary School
• Ignatius Britto P., Principal, Elite Public School
• Blesswinthambi N., Principal, Elite World School

A special thank you to Ms. Jayashree Venkataraman, Principal, AM Jain School, Chennai, for graciously hosting Leaders Cut and for creating a space where meaningful conversations about the future of learning could thrive.