Mandela famously said Education is a tool which one can use to change the world. More importantly, it is a tool which can be used to change the life of every single child. The right kind of education in the right kind of school can transform a child. The ultimate aim of education, is not to impart static knowledge but to empower a child to be a lifelong learner in order to fulfil, and then exceed, their potential – be it in the classroom, studio, stage or playing field.
For too long education has focused only on cognitive growth and capabilities. 21st century education demands a realignment of the goals of education with the requirements for success in the VUCA world. Social, emotional and holistic growth are today widely recognised as being equally important as cognitive development and it is imperative that a school pays equal emphasis to all aspects of a child’s development.
An institution thrives only when it has a strong sense of purpose and culture. At CIS we truly believe and live our Mission statement – to provide individualised student-centric education in a joyous and inclusive atmosphere, and to make learning an active and fun-filled process which transforms our students into thought leaders. This ethos is deeply embedded into the fabric of our school and shapes all policies and decisions.
With the staunch belief that the greatest and most important part of education takes place beyond the textbook and the classroom, we curate multifarious opportunities for students to engage in real life experiential projects, journeys and activities. This ensures that they emerge from the cocoon of school as future-ready citizens with the essential skills of creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication and the attributes of adaptability, reflectiveness and resilience.
Every child is a changemaker and has the potential to impact eternity. As a school, we take our Vision and Mission forward with the daily motivation that we are shaping our future with every step taken today.
Mrs. Pratima Nayar
Principal Junior School
Education, to me, is not just about acquiring knowledge—it is about fostering curiosity, building resilience, and shaping individuals who can navigate an ever-evolving world with confidence and purpose. True education extends beyond textbooks and exams; it is about developing well-rounded individuals who think critically, solve problems creatively, and make meaningful contributions to society.
At Calcutta International School (CIS), we embody this philosophy by creating a learning environment that is dynamic, inclusive, and future-focused. We believe that every child is unique, and education must be personalized, engaging, and transformative. Our approach integrates academic excellence with holistic development, ensuring that students grow intellectually, emotionally, and socially.
We focus on fostering lifelong learners by equipping our students with essential 21st-century skills—critical thinking, collaboration, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. Learning at CIS extends beyond the classroom, incorporating real-world experiences, creativity, and innovation through STEM education, performing arts, leadership programs, and global citizenship initiatives.
What makes CIS truly unique is our commitment to nurturing the individual talents of every child. We provide a joyful and stimulating atmosphere where students are encouraged to explore their passions, develop resilience, and embrace challenges with confidence. Our school culture is built on a foundation of inclusivity, excellence, and innovation, preparing students not just for academic success, but for life.
As we continue to shape young minds, our mission remains steadfast—to inspire and empower students to become thought leaders, changemakers, and ethical global citizens.
Welcome to CIS – a school where education is not just about learning but about transforming lives.
Mr. Ayan Pal
Chief Executive Officer
Mr Pal has experienced all the steps of the hierarchy of an international school. He has worked as the Head of Department, IGCSE and teacher for Business Studies, IBDP Economics & TOK at Ecole Mondiale World School, Academic Head, IBDP Economics faculty and IGCSE Coordinator/TOK Coordinator at G.D. Goenka World School , Sohna and Indus International School, Bangalore and Sarala Birla Academy, Bangalore, Head of Middle School & IBDP Economics faculty at Genesis Global School, Noida. He has also been the Curriculum Developer for CIE & Examination Coordinator, GCSE O ‘ Levels and A Levels at Chittagong Grammar School [The Fellowship Centre of University of Cambridge International Examination Board, South Asia].
Mr. Pal has received the Best Teacher Award in the ‘Five Year Teachers Evaluation’ by Cambridge International Examinations at the Regional Fellowship Centre. He has also Co- Authored a Cambridge prescribed book on Bangladesh Studies.
With his experience and skills, Mr. Pal aspires to take CIS through a threefold path of Sustainability, Innovation and Success. Mr. Pal views a collaborative school environment as the key to creating successful teachers and student leaders. He believes partnerships with parents are essential to enriching the experience at Calcutta International School.
Mrs. Tina Servaiah
Principal Senior School
Tina Servaia has been involved with international education for over 20 years. An alumnus of CIS, she went on to study Modern History at Presidency College and did her Masters in Modern History and then her B. Ed through Calcutta University. She began her career at the B. Ed Department of Loreto College and joined Calcutta International School in 2002. She taught extensively across Junior, Middle and Senior school, specialising in History, Global Perspectives and Theory of Knowledge for both the IB and Cambridge Curricula.
Mrs Servaia participated in several long-term teacher exchange and work experience programmes in the UK and Europe, gaining valuable experience and learning how education is conducted in other parts of the world. She received the Rotary Young Leader’s Award in 2007 and was short listed for the Fulbright Teacher’s Award in 2008.
She is passionate about education and has co-authored a History Textbook for Grades 6, 7 and 8, published by OUP. She is committed to raising teaching standards by training and empowering teachers and regularly conducts workshops and training programmes for teachers from diverse institutions. She is also a teacher-trainer for Cambridge History courses and an IB Examiner for TOK and History. She firmly believes that an education which encompasses critical thinking will lead to solutions for many of the world’s problems.
Mrs. Pratima Nayar’s
Principal-Junior School
Mrs. Pratima Nayar has been involved with school education for the past 27 years. Prior to that she was a Lecturer at the college level and an examiner for Jadavpur University. Mrs Nayar completed her schooling from Lamartiniere for Girls, Calcutta, scoring the highest in East India in the ISC exams in the subjects Sociology & Psychology. Thereafter she pursued her Bachelors in Education from Loreto College, Kolkata. She holds a B.Ed and Masters degree in Education, specializing in Child Psychology as well as has
a postgraduate qualification in Educational Administration. She is also trained by Cambridge University to teach the CIPP Curriculum.
Mrs. Pratima Nayar joined Calcutta International School in 2005 as a teacher and became the Principal of the Junior School in 2009.
Mrs Pratima Nayar has participated in several CIE Workshops & Conferences, Nationally and Internationally as well as in Educational Conclaves for School Leadership organized by CII, IIT Delhi and IIT Lucknow.
She was part of the delegation of Principals invited by the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological university of Singapore to study some model schools and the education pattern of Singapore
Mrs. Nayar is passionate about everything related to teaching & learning and considers herself to be a lifelong learner. She believes that children are born leaders, naturally inquisitive and curious and we must ensure that the ability of learning in a child is not curtailed in the name of curriculum, education, system or policy.
She has been closely involved with the Indian Red Cross Society, Help Age India and the Little Sisters of the Poor Mrs. Nayar’s areas of interest are:- Human Rights, Environment, Art & Culture, promoting football amongst girls.
She has conducted several workshops on: Classroom Management, Content and Curriculum Development, Positive Discipline in Classroom Strategies.