Building CIS’ educational philosophy for the future

Before JARED NOLAN became an educator, and now the new Head of School for the Canadian International School (CIS) in Singapore, he was a detective in the UK. He shares how his investigative skills fits with the role, and his plans to build on the success of the school’s educational philosophy and International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. Plus meet him at an upcoming Open House on 23 or 30 September.

Building towards a career in education and at CIS

Before he was leading international schools around the world – and now the Canadian International School – Jared spent his career investigating some of the UK’s most serious crimes as a detective. It was an experience that he says proved to be unexpectedly good preparation for educational leadership.

Detective work taught him to listen carefully, ask better questions and remain calm when the stakes were high. It demanded resilience, sound judgement under pressure and the ability to bring people with different perspectives together around a shared purpose.

While the mission has changed, Jared believes the fundamentals have not: hold yourself and others to the highest standards of integrity. These days, he jokes, the mysteries he investigates are more likely to involve missing PE kits at CIS than missing persons!

Building on the success of a shared educational philosophy

Jared’s career in education has taken him across the world. He has led schools in the UK, Shanghai, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and, most recently, a boarding school in the Swiss Alps. In August, his journey brought him to Singapore.

For Jared, the decision to join CIS was more than just relocating to one of the world’s most dynamic cities – it was about finding a school with both a proud history and an exciting future.

“Throughout my career, I’ve learned that every school, every community and every culture teaches you something new. When I visited CIS, I saw a school with a strong foundation, an outstanding 35-year legacy in Singapore and a clear opportunity to build on that success.”

One thing Jared says really stood out for him is that “CIS has never stood still”. He points to its pioneering French-English and Chinese-English bilingual programmes, for example, and the way the school continues evolving its IB curriculum to meet the needs of globally minded learners.

“CIS has continued to innovate while remaining true to its values, and that’s incredibly exciting.”

Equipping the next generation of students at CIS

While Jared’s career has taken him around the world, his philosophy on education has remained remarkably consistent: schools should prepare children not simply for the next exam, but for the next generation.

“We now live in a world where answers are becoming free, but good judgement is becoming priceless.” In an age of AI and unlimited access to information, Jared believes knowledge alone is no longer enough. Students must also learn how to think critically, make sound decisions, solve complex problems and act with integrity.

“The future of education isn’t a choice between knowledge and experience – we need both,” he says. “Knowledge helps us understand what is possible; experience teaches us how to apply it wisely.” It’s an educational philosophy that Jared says aligns closely with the IB curriculum offered at CIS, where academic challenge sits alongside inquiry, creativity, collaboration and the development of character.

Championing opportunities in sports

Long before his policing career, Jared was learning some of life’s most valuable lessons on the rugby field.

Growing up in Wales, sport was a way of life. Whether playing rugby professionally, running endurance races or climbing mountains, he has always been drawn to challenges that demand resilience, teamwork and a commitment to continual improvement. They are qualities he believes are every bit as important as academic achievement.

That’s one reason why Jared is particularly excited about the launch of the CIS Academy of Sport. It’s an initiative designed to help talented young athletes pursue sporting excellence while continuing to thrive academically.

“Education is about helping every child discover where their strengths lie and giving them opportunities to pursue excellence. For some students, sport is a powerful vehicle for developing confidence, character and determination. Those experiences stay with them for life.”

Shaping a culture of acceptance

Having also served as a qualified school inspector, Jared has had the opportunity to observe hundreds of schools from the inside. While impressive campuses and examination results often capture attention, he says the defining feature of exceptional schools is something much simpler, “The very best schools create a culture where every child feels known, valued and safe.”

This belief will shape his first year at CIS. Jared’s priority is to understand the community, build on its many strengths and establish even greater consistency across teaching, learning and student wellbeing.

“I want to build on everything that’s already working well while ensuring every child experiences the same high quality education, regardless of year group or classroom.”

Building strong relationships

Behind Jared’s impressive resume is someone who understands the hopes every parent has for their child. He wants parents to know him not just as the Head of School, but as a person.

So, families can expect to see him around campus: visiting classrooms, attending performances, cheering from the sidelines at sporting events and taking time to connect with parents.

“I believe strong schools are built on strong relationships. I want parents to know that I’m approachable, that I listen, and that I’m deeply committed to the academic success, wellbeing and lived experience of every child at CIS.”

Perhaps that perspective comes from his own experience as a parent. Jared and his wife raised six children – five boys and one girl – who have gone on to careers ranging from teaching and engineering to economics and firefighting. Family life was often wonderfully chaotic, giving rise to one memorable household saying: “First up, best fed.”

The next chapter at CIS

As CIS enters its next chapter, Jared says he sees a school with a rich history, an innovative spirit and enormous potential for the future.

“The best schools never stand still. They honour what has made them successful, while continually asking how they can become even better for the children and families they serve.”

Discover the IB curriculum and educational philosophy of CIS for yourself at the school’s upcoming Open House events on 23 and 30 September. You’ll get to meet Jared Nolan, tour the campus and experience the warm, welcoming Canadian ethos firsthand. Register at cis.edu.sg/openhouse.

The school also has regular Open Houses every Wednesday, check their website for more details.

Canadian International School is at 7 Jurong West Street 41. 6467 1732 | cis.edu.sg

This article about Jared Nolan, CIS’ new Head of School on the school’s educational philosophy and IB curriculum first appeared in The September 2026 Expat Living magazine. You can buy the latest issue or an annual subscription or read the digital version free now. Read more about the CIS is celebrating 35 years in Singapore here.