Meet Jason Bentley, our new and incoming Primary School Principal starting in August 2026

Welcome to WIS! What would you like us to know about you?

First and foremost, I am a husband to Nicole and a father to Jennifer and William. Becoming a multi-lingual and internationally-minded family and seeing the people my children have grown into is something that makes me immensely proud. Jennifer and William both attended IB schools from the age of three, beginning in the Primary Years Programme and continuing all the way through to the Diploma Programme before heading on to universities of their choosing. Now as adults, they make me brim with pride because of the way they see the world and the contributions they strive to make within it. I credit this largely to them having a wonderful mother and the benefit of an IB education. I think I played a small part too.

Experiencing international education as both as a parent and as an educator has shaped my belief in the power of schools to develop thoughtful, compassionate, and internationally minded young people. Much of my career has therefore been dedicated to helping build inquiry driven and internationally-minded learning environments, most recently as Head of Primary at Malvern College Tokyo where I led the establishment and growth of this new and aspirational school.

Living and working internationally has been a great privilege and has allowed me to experience various cultures and perspectives. These experiences continually remind me that education is about what we know, understand, and can do, and  also about nurturing curiosity, empathy, and an eagerness to learn from one another throughout a lifetime of learning.

Could you tell us a little about your philosophy of education?

My philosophy of education is rooted in inquiry, relationships, and the belief that children are naturally curious about the world.

I believe learning is most powerful when children explore meaningful questions, connect ideas across disciplines, and see how their learning relates to real life. This is one of the reasons the International Baccalaureate resonates so strongly with me. The IB programmes support us in developing thoughtful, principled, and reflective young people who care about the world around us.

Equally important are the relationships that surround learning. Children flourish when they feel safe and are encouraged to take risks. Teachers and parents thrive under these same conditions. When we reflect, remain open minded and curious, and collaborate with one another, guided by shared beliefs and values, we grow stronger together as a learning community.

People often like to know their teacher’s academic background and professional experiences. What and where have you studied? Where have you worked?

I earned my Bachelor of Education and teaching certification at the University of Plymouth nearly thirty years ago. While this four-year degree provided important foundations, it really began a lifelong journey of curiosity and professional inquiry. From my very first days in the classroom I found myself asking a simple but powerful question: What should schools be?

Because both teaching and our understanding of how children learn, continue to evolve, I have always felt a deep professional responsibility to remain intellectually curious. I continue to reflect, research, and renew my practice, seeking to learn, adapt, and innovate so that the education we offer prepares children not for our pasts, but for the complex and changing futures they will share.

My continuing professional learning included leadership development through the Principals’ Training Center, whose programmes support international school leaders through thoughtful and practical professional learning. My career has taken me to several international schools where I have worked as both a teacher and a school leader. Most recently, I have been serving in Tokyo as Head of Primary at Malvern College Tokyo, helping to build and develop the IB Primary Years Programme. 

Alongside my school leadership role, I also serve as an IBEN educator with the International Baccalaureate. Through this work I have the privilege of supporting schools and teachers around the world through school visits and professional learning. It is a deeply rewarding role, allowing me to learn from inspiring educators in many different contexts while contributing to the continued development of IB programmes globally.

What do you do when you aren't teaching?

When school is closed, I enjoy spending time outdoors and exploring new places. Hiking, travelling, and discovering and photographing beautiful landscapes are things that help me slow down and appreciate the world around me.

I also enjoy fishing, motorcycling, and cycling, and generally most forms of physical activity, though not competitively these days. I have also been trying to learn the guitar for many years. Progress has been slow, but I remain optimistic and continue to enjoy the challenge.

Most importantly, I enjoy spending time with my family. Some of our favourite moments are simply exploring new places together and sharing new experiences. One of the many things I am looking forward to is the opportunity that joining Windhoek International School provides for my family to experience Namibia and everything that makes it such an inviting place.

Why did you choose WIS?

What first drew me to Windhoek International School was the clear sense that the child sits visibly at the centre of everything the school does. Even from exploring the website and learning about the school online, there is a genuine joy in learning that comes through very strongly.

I am also of course drawn to the school’s commitment to the International Baccalaureate and everything it represents. Having experienced the IB both as an educator and as a parent, I have seen firsthand how it can shape young people’s thinking, values, and sense of responsibility in the world. It is clear that WIS holds lofty aspirations for its students and also seeks to prepare young people with the ambition and capabilities to reach for the sky in whatever paths they choose.

I have probably spent far too many late evenings enthusiastically researching WIS and Namibia. The more I discover, the more I find myself falling in love with the idea of being part of this community and contributing to the work of the team.

Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you? 

I believe schools should be places that feel alive with curiosity, kindness, and conversation. At their best, they are communities where students, teachers, and families learn alongside one another, asking questions, exploring ideas, and discovering what is possible together.

As a school leader, I care deeply about relationships and about building a culture of trust. I do not believe leaders need to have all the answers - rather they help a community to discover them. What matters most is an appreciation of the talents, abilities and perspectives represented throughout the school community and a shared commitment to honesty, openness, and the willingness to listen and learn from one another.

I will always aim to be transparent and thoughtful in the way I work, and I hope to support an environment where people feel comfortable speaking openly, sharing perspectives, and contributing their ideas. Working together in this spirit of trust and respect, will help us to navigate challenges and to continue to build something truly meaningful for the children we serve.

I am very much looking forward to becoming part of the WIS community and learning from the people, the place, and the experiences that make the school so special.