Leaders

Certain leaders stay abreast of the developing educational landscape and actively promote it. Picture a school where textbooks take a backseat, and technology empowers students to think, create, and explore beyond boundaries. A place where innovation is more than a saying, but a way of learning, where inclusivity is valued, and global exposure is guaranteed. This idea has moulded many young brains, establishing new benchmarks for holistic education. Dr Annahita Pagdiwalla is the driving force behind this development.

Dr Annahita Pagdiwalla, Principal of Mayoor Private School, is a visionary leader dedicated to shaping young minds in Abu Dhabi’s powerful educational framework. With a deep commitment to holistic learning, she fosters an environment where students not only excel academically but also grow into compassionate, responsible individuals. Under her leadership, Mayoor Private School thrives as a hub of innovation, inclusion, and excellence, empowering students to embrace challenges and make a meaningful impact. Her belief in moral leadership, empathy, and collaboration ensures that both students and educators evolve together, creating a strong foundation for lifelong success.

Below is an excerpt from Dr Annahita Pagdiwalla’s exclusive interaction with Women Entrepreneurs Review magazine.

What key aspects define your life and professional journey?

My passion for teaching started in school, where I enjoyed helping classmates understand concepts. Coming from a family of educators, as my parents were teachers, and my grandfather was president of the All-India Teachers Association, teaching felt natural. I briefly taught in India before moving to Hong Kong for nine years. My foreign experience led to my recruitment at the American Embassy School in Bombay, where I worked for 35+ years, transitioning into administration. In Abu Dhabi, I became the founder principal of Mayoor Private school, developing it from the ground up. We introduced one-to-one laptop learning, inclusive education, sustainability, and innovation, earning multiple ADEK awards.

Share with us an overview of your journey as an educator. What are your primary areas of expertise and contributions in the field?

Education has always been my passion, and at Mayoor Private School Abu Dhabi, learning extends beyond students to teachers and parents. We engage parents through coffee mornings, guiding them on our unique teaching methodologies and discouraging excessive homework. In the primary section, there is no homework, and even in higher grades, it is minimal. Our approach is skill-based, emphasizing innovation and critical thinking.

Recently, our KG1 students amazed us with their innovation exhibition, showcasing their creativity. We also host inter-school STEM competitions, athletic events, and national-level sports participation. As an inclusive school, we support 65-70 students with special needs, known as people of determination in Abu Dhabi. We have pioneered a specialized learning space, ‘Theranest’, inaugurated by ADEK’s director, making us the only school with such a facility. This initiative has been featured in major publications, highlighting our commitment to inclusive education and holistic development.

Can you give us an overview of Mayoor Private School? What inspired its establishment, and what are your primary areas of expertise?

Mayoor Private School Abu Dhabi was established with a vision to create a modern, technology-driven learning environment. Unlike traditional schools, we introduced a one-to-one laptop learning system back in 2014 when books were the norm. Initially, parents were skeptical, but after three months of demonstrations by students, they saw its effectiveness.

Today, we continue to run successfully with the same approach. During COVID, while others struggled to transition, we were already equipped for online learning, assessments, and breakout room discussions. Our teaching follows Understanding by Backward Design (UBD), where assessments are planned first to ensure long-term retention. For high school students, we use Unifrog to help them explore global university options. We also integrate Bloom’s Taxonomy and have recently introduced BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) after years of providing laptops to students. Our focus remains on skill-based, innovative learning that prepares students for the future.

Reflecting on your professional journey, what are the most significant milestones you have accomplished?

Throughout my professional journey, I have achieved several significant milestones, particularly in winning numerous ADEK awards. Our school has received around 18 to 20 awards, including recognition for sustainability, benchmark assessments, inclusivity, and STEM education across the MENA region. We have been honored as the best technology school and received accolades in reading and sustainability. Additionally, I was awarded Best Principal in the international zonal category multiple times from 2017 to 2023. Our students excel in global benchmarking exams like TIMMS, PIRLS, and PISA. We also organize international field trips to NASA, Singapore, Japan, and Finland.

As a business leader, what is your ‘success mantra’?

I believe in moral leadership, leading the school with compassion. We never punish students for mistakes but guide them through conversations, ensuring the well-being of both students and teachers.

Would you like to share any advice for aspiring women leaders or entrepreneurs?

The only thing is that women leaders or entrepreneurs should be full of empathy and have strong people skills. Working with people, you cannot be dictatorial or topdown, you must go with them. There is a saying that if you want to move up in life, you go alone, but if you want to go far, you go with people, and I believe in that. Taking your team along is essential for long-term success and growth.

Dr Annahita Pagdiwalla, Principal, Mayoor Private School

Dr Annahita Pagdiwalla, Principal of Mayoor Private School, is an inspiring educator dedicated to academic excellence and holistic student development. A strong advocate of innovation and inclusivity, she fosters a nurturing environment where students thrive. Her leadership emphasizes empathy, collaboration, and moral values, shaping future-ready global citizens.