Windhoek International School appoints new principal
A UK national fluent in English and German, Bentley brings nearly 30 years of teaching and leadership experience at leading international schools. He has particular expertise in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP). Bentley spent a significant part of his career at Frankfurt International School, where he played a key role in shaping approaches to teaching and learning. His work centred on strengthening transdisciplinary curriculum design, assessment for learning, professional collaboration, and pedagogical coherence, ensuring that inquiry, student agency and international mindedness were embedded in classroom practice.
He is currently serving as founding Headmaster at Malvern College in Japan, where he has been instrumental in developing the school’s vision, culture and academic programme. WIS Educational Director Ethan Van Drunen described Bentley as an exceptional educational leader. “Jason is an outstanding educational leader whose thinking and practice exemplify the very best of the IB Primary Years Programme,” he said. “The hiring committee was unanimous in its belief that he brings a rare blend of humility, rigour and vision, alongside a clear understanding of how high-quality teaching and learning can be sustained and improved.”
At WIS, Bentley is expected to support key priorities within the Primary School, including deepening authentic inquiry and student agency, strengthening concept-based and transdisciplinary learning, advancing assessment practices, and fostering inclusive learning environments. The school also aims to expand community engagement, outdoor education and professional learning aligned with IB standards.
Bentley expressed his enthusiasm for joining the school community, noting that WIS’s commitment to excellence, inclusion, international mindedness and the holistic development of children closely aligns with his own educational values. He added that he looks forward to building on the work of current Principal Jenna Brown and working collaboratively with students, staff and families.
He will take part in a structured transition period ahead of his official start, allowing time to build relationships and gain a deeper understanding of the school. His appointment marks a significant investment in leadership capacity and the continued development of WIS’s Primary School.
