PLANTING SEEDS OF SUCCESS
Ms. Priti Agarwal, Founder & CEO of Billabong High International School, Kanpur, is one of North India’s most prominent education entrepreneurs and philanthropists. From a legal career to the forefront of education, her journey reflects clarity of vision and an exceptional drive to influence meaningful change education, business, and social activism.
“MS. AGARWAL LEADS WITH A FRESH APPROACH TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR REAL-WORLD CHALLENGES”
An alumna of Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Ms. Agarwal holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s degree in International Law and Legal Studies from the University of Westminster, London. She initially took charge of managing the legal side of her family’s business. Motivated by the remarkable learning outcomes she witnessed in her daughter at Kangaroo Kids, Mumbai, she brought the concept to Kanpur in 2001, and established a franchise of Billabong High International School. The school’s remarkable success prompted the launch of two additional campuses, which further solidified its status as one of the most progressive international schools in Uttar Pradesh and North India. Affiliated with Cambridge CAIE and CBSE, and regularly hosting global educators, the institution reflects Ms. Agarwal’s commitment to delivering global-quality education locally.
SETTING NEW STANDARDS
Under Ms. Agarwal’s stewardship, Billabong High International School Kanpur offers a unique blend of academic excellence and vocational training. Subjects like food and nutrition, design and technology, robotics, artificial intelligence, and emotional intelligence form an integral part of the curriculum. Students are also encouraged to pursue internships aligned with their interests during school breaks, supported by partnerships with industry leaders. She also places strong emphasis on co-curricular engagement and life skills development so that students gain practical knowledge that goes beyond textbooks.
UNFAZED BY CHALLENGES
Ms. Agarwal has challenged outdated rote-learning systems and introduced contemporary global approaches in the region. Her affiliations with UCAS and UCLA’s Global Career Network brought advanced academic guidance and career preparedness programs to students. In collaboration with Yale University, she adopted the RULER program, focusing on emotional intelligence. As a result, Billabong Kanpur earned recognition as a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) school—a first in the area.
Establishing a modern, international school in a traditionally conservative education environment came with its share of challenges. Convincing people to move beyond age-old methods took time, open conversations, and a lot of patience. Ms. Agarwal drew strength from Aristotle’s words—“We are what we repeatedly do”—and stayed consistent in her efforts. Slowly but surely, she built trust within the community. Today, the school stands as a respected institution, offering a well-rounded and forward-looking approach to education that truly supports students’ overall growth.
Guided by the core principles of innovation, empathy, creativity, quality, and teamwork, Ms. Agarwal ensures these values permeate every aspect of her organisation. She prioritises the well-being and development of each child and places them at the heart of all decisions. Her approach encourages original thinking and teamwork, thus creating an environment where ideas are exchanged freely and challenges are resolved collectively.
SCOOPING UP ACCOLADES
Honoured with the National Education Leadership Award (2018) and the Rashtriya Shiksha Ratan Award, Ms. Agarwal has established a distinguished reputation in the education sector. As she continues to elevate standards, drive innovation and empower the next generation, she proves that leadership is not just about building institutions — it’s about building lives.
