A school leader’s work is visible in more than academic results. It shows in a teacher who feels supported, a child who gains the confidence to ask questions and a school where every learner feels they belong.

This understanding of leadership was at the heart of the School Leader of the Year Awards 2026, hosted by the Association of Indian Principals (AIP), in partnership with Macmillan Education India, in New Delhi on 10 October 2026. The occasion celebrated principals, directors and institutional leaders whose work is making a lasting difference to education across India.

Preparing Children for Life Beyond Examinations

The ceremony was graced by Shri Omar Abdullah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, as Chief Guest.

In his address, he called for education that prepares children for life beyond examinations, with greater attention to critical thinking, digital literacy, adaptability and responsibility. His message placed school leadership within a wider national purpose: helping students become capable citizens who can respond thoughtfully to a changing world.

Delivering the keynote address, Shri Sanjay Kumar, Former Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India, highlighted the critical role of school leadership in realising the vision of NEP 2020 and creating learner-centric, inclusive, and future-ready educational institutions. He emphasised the importance of innovation, teacher empowerment, foundational learning, and equitable access to quality education as key drivers of India’s educational transformation.

Together, these priorities invite schools to look closely at what children need to understand, practise and carry into their lives.

Macmillan’s Belief: Leadership Creates the Conditions for Learning

‘At Macmillan Education, we believe that great learning outcomes begin with great leadership,’ said Mr. Rajesh Pasari, Managing Director, Macmillan Education India.

This belief underlines Macmillan’s support for the initiative as the outreach partner. Mr. Pasari’s address reaffirmed Macmillan’s commitment to recognising educators who respond to societal and global needs with vision, courage and purpose. Their influence reaches beyond their institutions, through the learners they nurture and the communities they serve.

Recognising the Work Behind Educational Excellence

With nominations from diverse educational settings nationwide, the awards recognised achievements in innovation, technology integration, teacher development, inclusivity, sustainability and community engagement.

These areas reflect the breadth of a school leader’s responsibilities. Introducing a new teaching approach requires helping teachers use it confidently. Building an inclusive school means understanding the barriers children face. Connecting with the community brings families into the learning journey.

Keeping the Human Side of Leadership in Focus

The event also featured discussions on the human side of school leadership, alongside the evolving role of educators and the opportunities offered by technology, artificial intelligence and competency-based learnings.

Beyond celebrating excellence, the event featured a panel discussion titled ‘The Human Side of School Leadership: Building Trust, Culture and Belonging’. The panellists included Prof. Harish Chaudhry, Emeritus Professor at IIT Delhi; Ms. Richa Agnihotri, Principal of Sanskriti School, New Delhi; Ms. Ruchi Pradhan Datta, Headmaster of The Lawrence School, Sanawar; and Dr. Shashiranjan Jha, an education policy expert. Dr. Vandana R. Juneja, Director of Marketing at Macmillan Education, moderated the discussion. The conversation brought attention to the relationships that hold a school community together. As education changes, trust remains essential to helping teachers and learners move forward with confidence.

The awards offered an opportunity to acknowledge both achievement and the sustained effort behind it. For AIP and Macmillan Education India, that recognition carries a shared conviction: when school leaders are supported to lead with purpose and care, more children have the opportunity to realise their potential.

The ceremony recognised achievements in academic leadership, inclusivity, community engagement and the implementation of NEP 2020. Leaders from diverse schools across India were celebrated. These honours acknowledged the collective effort behind strong institutions: leaders who set a clear direction, teachers who bring it to life and school communities that help learners thrive.