Bengaluru, — The King’s School Canterbury, Bengaluru has appointed Emma Derham-Sharma as its Head of Admissions. Emma has joined the school’s founding leadership team as it prepares to welcome its first families ahead of opening in the 2027–28 academic year, bringing more than 15 years of experience across the education, government, charitable and international sectors.
Emma joins from a leading British international school in Bengaluru, where she was a founding member and helped establish the admissions function from the ground up. Working closely with senior leadership, she helped design admissions policies, implement assessment processes, and lead recruitment through open days, school tours, webinars and international outreach — building a new school’s first cohort of students from first enquiry to enrolment.
Beyond admissions, she has been deeply involved in parent engagement and community building, establishing a Parent Committee and leading initiatives and events that strengthened relationships between families and the school.
Earlier in her career, Ms Derham-Sharma held roles with the UK Government, including the Department for International Trade and a diplomatic posting in Dubai, where she managed major international events and worked with ministers, diplomats and business leaders. She has also held leadership positions with prominent UK charities, focusing on fundraising, strategic partnerships and relationship management.
She holds an MA (Hons) in Art History from the University of St Andrews and a Master’s in Art Museum and Gallery Studies from the University of Leicester. Having lived and worked extensively in both the United Kingdom and India, she brings a global perspective alongside a close understanding of the hopes and expectations of families choosing a school for their children.
As Head of Admissions, Emma will lead the school’s admissions strategy and ensure every family experiences a warm, personalised and seamless journey — from first enquiry to becoming part of the King’s community.
“Choosing a school is one of the most significant decisions a family makes, and it deserves to be a journey built on trust, openness and genuine connection,” said Emma. “I am delighted to join The King’s School Canterbury, Bengaluru at such an exciting stage, and to welcome families into a community where every child is known, valued and encouraged to thrive. My aim is for every interaction to reflect the warmth, care and excellence that define King’s.”
“Emma brings exactly the combination of warmth and rigour we want families to feel from their very first contact with King’s,” said Nina Hunt, Managing Director of The King’s School Canterbury International. “Her experience of building a school community from the ground up, and her genuine care for families, make her a wonderful addition to our founding team.”
With this appointment, The King’s School Canterbury, Bengaluru continues to strengthen its founding leadership team as it prepares to bring one of the world’s most respected schools to Bengaluru — an education where academic excellence, character and individual potential go hand in hand.
About The King’s School Canterbury, Bengaluru
The King’s School Canterbury, Bengaluru brings to India one of the oldest and most respected schools in the world. Founded in Canterbury, England in 597 AD, The King’s School Canterbury has shaped well-rounded learners for more than fourteen centuries. Its Bengaluru chapter opens in the 2027–28 academic year in Yelahanka, North Bengaluru, beginning with Junior King’s — a dedicated early years and preparatory school for children aged three to seven, from Nursery to Grade 1. In time, the school will grow into a full K–12 journey, including Senior King’s, at the future 50-acre campus within Century One World in North Bengaluru. The school is established in India in partnership with the Vidyashilp Education Group.
