School Leadership

Anthony Partington

Chief Executive Officer, XCL Education (Malaysia)

At REAL Schools – International and Private we are focused on preparing your child for the real world. 

Many schooling systems were designed for a different age – the age of the factory, the assembly line. Students were taught compliance rather than self-regulation. At our school, we believe that we should be teaching students to be resilient, adaptable, and able to learn about new situations and technologies and to work in jobs or deal with problems that we do not yet know will arise. 

Our academic results are testament to the hard work of our students, the expert guidance of their highly qualified teachers and the informed support of their families. We believe that all our students’ families are part of our school family and that the difficult responsibility of raising children is one that benefits from being shared. Parents are encouraged to be involved in their child’s learning and we provide them with weekly updates and information sessions, to provide the necessary support and reassurance. 

We know that great learning does not happen through academics alone. Our school caters for the whole child. Through our co-curricular programmes, students are afforded opportunities for leadership and participation in experiences that develop aspiration, resilience, and the understanding of others. Success can come in different areas, and we celebrate all these achievements and accomplishments as a community. 

We work on achieving great academic and co-curriculum outcomes for our students, so that they not only get to the interview for the next step in their learning or their dream job, but they also have the character and skills to secure those opportunities and thrive in them and life.

And above all we work hard to ensure that our students feel safe and are happy. We set a high bar for safety and the welfare of our students. By following the highest standards for child protection and for the prevention of serious harm and abuse to young people, we are meticulous in our checks on staff and in their training to ensure that the necessary steps and actions are taken to protect students and nurture their development in school and outside. 

We hope that you will take the time to visit us, so that you too can experience what it is like to be part of us. I look forward to welcoming you to our school soon.

Dr. Chandra Mathy Veerappan

Campus Principal, REAL Schools, Johor Bahru Campus

Dr. Chandra Mathy Veerappan is a distinguished educator and leader committed to shaping the future of education through innovation and inclusivity. Born in the serene landscapes of Pahang, Malaysia, Dr. Chandra's journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence in education.

Dr. Chandra's academic journey reflects her dedication to intellectual growth and leadership. Armed with a Degree in Business Information Systems with a Major in Mathematics, followed by an MSc in Computer Science specialising in Discrete Mathematics, she solidified her foundation in academia. Subsequently, her passion for educational leadership led her to earn a Doctorate in Education Leadership, empowering her to drive meaningful change within educational institutions.

With over a decade of experience as a Principal in an international school and a distinguished tenure as the Director of Academic Quality at INTI International University spanning 25 years, Dr. Chandra has continually championed teaching and learning excellence. Her unwavering commitment to education for all has been instrumental in transforming educational landscapes.

Driven by a vision to transcend traditional educational paradigms, Dr. Chandra spearheaded numerous projects aimed at redefining educational standards. From pioneering innovative teaching methodologies to fostering a culture of continuous improvement, her contributions have left an indelible mark on the educational community.

Beyond her professional endeavours, Dr. Chandra's life has been shaped by a profound passion for education beyond conventional boundaries. Her belief that each child is unique and deserving of tailored educational experiences underscores her commitment to inclusivity and diversity in learning.

Outside the realm of academia, Dr. Chandra finds solace in the great outdoors, indulging in her hobbies of travelling, reading, and cooking. These experiences not only rejuvenate her spirit but also inform her approach to holistic education, emphasising the importance of experiential learning.

Dr. Chandra's dedication to excellence has been duly recognised through accolades such as the prestigious GEM (Going Extra Miles) Award and High-Performance Achiever awards. Her commitment to educational innovation and community engagement extends beyond the confines of the classroom, as evidenced by her active involvement in CSR projects. In addition to beach clean-ups, refugee centre support, and animal rescue efforts, Dr. Chandra has led initiatives such as:

  • Educational outreach programmes in underprivileged communities
  • Mentorship programmes for at-risk youth to promote educational attainment and career readiness
  • Organising educational workshops or seminars on topics such as education for all, digital literacy, or career development.
  • Partnering with local businesses to provide internship opportunities for students, giving them real-world experience and exposure to various industries.
  • Collaborating with NGOs to provide educational resources and support to marginalised communities, such as refugee camps or orphanages.
  • Initiating sustainability projects within the school, such as implementing recycling programs, reducing energy consumption, or promoting eco-friendly practices.
  • Participating in community health initiatives, such as organising health screenings or awareness campaigns on topics like nutrition and mental health.
  • Supporting local artisans and craftsmen by showcasing their work at school events or fundraising activities.
  • Hosting cultural exchange programs to promote understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures within the school community.

In the face of challenges, Dr. Chandra's leadership shines brightest. Whether navigating shifts in educational paradigms or fostering community understanding amidst change, her approach is anchored in effective communication and stakeholder engagement. These experiences have imparted invaluable lessons in the power of dialogue and collaboration in overcoming adversity.

Looking ahead, Dr. Chandra remains steadfast in her commitment to shaping the future of education. With a focus on professional development for educators and a vision for inclusive, transformative learning environments, she continues to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders and learners alike.