Vashni Chetty

Over 30 years of experience across secondary, tertiary, and independent school sectors with extensive curriculum experience in Cambridge Assessment International Education and IEB. 17+ years of leadership experience as Head of High School specialising in instructional leadership, school establishment, accreditation, governance compliance, curriculum oversight, and staff development. Proven track record in scaling schools, driving enrolment growth, delivering profitability (EBITDA), and achieving accreditation excellence within highly regulated environments. Ability to build high-performing leadership teams, drive data-informed decision-making, achieve accreditation excellence and strengthen stakeholder trust across parents, staff and learners to improve teaching quality and enhance strong learner outcomes.

Head of High School - Broadacres Academy High School - Chartwell

(2023-01)

As a Head of an expanding independent school established in 2022, I provide strategic oversight to ensure academic excellence, financial performance and sound operational management.

• Scaled enrolment from 70 → 400 learners over the last 4 years ensuring strengthening revenue and financial sustainability. This is achieved by parent engagement and retention strategies to sustain enrolment growth.
• Delivered consistent EBITDA targets over three consecutive years through disciplined budgeting and operational efficiency.
• Achieved major regulatory and quality assurance milestones: Umalusi Accreditation (2025), OISESA Accreditation (2026), Positive Behaviour Support Accreditation (2026)
• Led school to 100% pass rate and 94% Bachelor passes in first matric cohort by implementing data-driven academic tracking systems to improve learner outcomes.
• Monitor curriculum coverage, assessment standards, and academic performance data to ensure compliancy with the IEB standards.

Founding Head of High School - Summerhill International College - Midrand

(2009-01 - 2022-12)

Founded and scaled an independent school from inception to a fully accredited, high-performing institution.

• Built the college from start-up to a stable, growth-oriented institution with a strong enrolment base.
• Secured dual accreditation (Cambridge Assessment International Examinations & IEB) and established full governance compliance with the DBE.
• Designed and implemented academic, operational, and financial systems for long-term sustainability.
• Held full accountability for budgeting, staffing, growth strategy, and school performance.
• Developed marketing strategies and subject pathways aligned to university readiness and parent expectations.
• Improved learner retention and outcomes through structured academic progression and subject guidance systems driven by data driven instruction.
• Established strong parent relationships and community trust to support enrolment stability and ongoing sustainability.

Management - Summerhill International College - Midrand

(2008-01 - 2008-12)

Senior Lecturer and Academic Manager - International Hotel School - Sandton

(2002-07 - 2008-12)

Held a senior academic and middle-management role within a private higher education environment, combining teaching excellence, academic leadership, staff supervision, assessment quality assurance, and learner development.

• Managed academic delivery, quality assurance, and staff performance for lecturers.
• Oversaw 90+ in-service trainees and established industry partnerships to secure placements and in-house training.
• Took responsibility for academic operations, timetabling, and learner outcomes.
• Acted in campus leadership capacity when required.

Part-time Lecturer - Damelin - Johannesburg

(2000-03 - 2003-07)

• Introduction to Personal Computers
• Fundamental and Proficient level in Microsoft Office 2000

Production Manager - Matrix Marketing - Johannesburg

(2000-01 - 2002-07)

• Coordinated communication between Sales and Production to ensure clear instructions
• Ensured timely completion and delivery of production work
• Managed staffing within the operational area

Educator - KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education - KwaZulu-Natal

(1995-01 - 1999-12)

Taught Mathematics, Computer Studies, and General Science across Grades 6–12; served in departmental and governance leadership roles.

• Richards Bay Secondary School (Jan 1995 - Jun 1996)
• Glenhills Secondary School (Jun 1996 - Dec 1999)

Teacher - Richards Bay Secondary School - KwaZulu-Natal

(1995-01 - 1996-06)

Teacher - Glen Hills Secondary School - KwaZulu-Natal

(1997-01 - 1999-12)

Master of Education (M.Ed.) - Independent School Leadership and Policy Studies - University of the Witwatersrand (2025)

Bachelor of Education Honours - Adult Education - University of the Witwatersrand (2008)

Higher Diploma in Education - Senior Secondary: Mathematics & Computer Science - Springfield College of Education (1991 - 1994)

Grade 12 - Stanger Secondary School (1984 - 1988)