Barkha Vahi
Learning & Talent Development Leader
Singapore
Summary
Strategic and results-driven Learning & Development leader with 12+ years’ experience designing impactful training programs and building high-performing teams across South and South East Asia. Proven ability to lead content creation, coaching, and talent development initiatives that drive organisational success. Adept at implementing systems for performance management, employee engagement, and capability growth. Former Academic Manager and Country Safeguarding Lead, experienced in managing change, stakeholder alignment, and educational innovation across international contexts.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Department – English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The Perse School Singapore
04.2025 - Current
- Built and led a new EAL department supporting 110+ students across primary and secondary levels.
- Designed talent development structures including onboarding, mentoring, and learning pathways for teachers.
- Created full-scale graduation descriptors, placement tests, and reporting systems aligned to WIDA/Cambridge.
- Produced original curriculum-aligned content for three support levels across Years 1–9.
- Drove cross-department collaboration and aligned academic interventions with student data.
- Designed recruitment rubrics and assessed candidates, working closely with HR Business Partners.
- Improved customer satisfaction rates through attentive service, prompt issue resolution, and continuous process improvements.
Academic Manager / Country Lead – Safeguarding & Teacher Development
British Council Singapore & Vietnam
12.2020 - 03.2025
- Led coaching and onboarding for 40+ new educators, improving staff readiness and retention.
- Delivered 15+ INSETT/CPD sessions with 90% satisfaction ratings and strong follow-through in classroom application.
- Oversaw academic operations and annual evaluations for 25+ teaching staff, streamlining developmental planning.
- Co-created internal content and reporting tools to align learning with organisational KPIs.
- Spearheaded initiatives that led to 20% year-over-year growth in learner retention and referrals.
- Managed safeguarding compliance and trained all staff in updated protocols across both countries.
- Led change management during regional restructuring, sustaining team morale and clarity through transitions.
Learning Experience Manager
International House (Apollo English)
12.2019 - 12.2020
- Supervised academic outcomes for 400+ students across 3 campuses, ensuring consistency in delivery and standards.
- Facilitated learning pathways for staff through structured observations, coaching, and CPD cycles.
- Designed and implemented content for differentiated English instruction, including digital components.
- Liaised with HR on recruitment strategy, improving candidate quality and onboarding outcomes.
Academic Manager / Core Trainer / EAL Specialist
Corporates and International Schools
01.2011 - 12.2019
- Managed English and EAL instruction for up to 700 students across different campuses and levels.
- Conducted 25+ teacher appraisals annually, providing coaching, feedback, and personalised improvement plans.
- Developed over 50 tailored resources, lesson plans, and assessments based on learner profiles and school goals.
- Led parent engagement and student progress tracking initiatives that improved satisfaction and renewal rates.
- Provided in-house training on inclusive education and differentiated learning to support SEND students.
Education
Delta Modules 1–3 - Education And Training
Cambridge English
London02.2020
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
University of Delhi
Delhi05.2015
Cambridge CELTA -
British Council
Delhi06.2015
Certificate - Film Studies
Stockholm University
Sweden02.2010
Skills
- Talent development
- Content Creation & Instructional Design
- Learning Needs Analysis
- Workshop Facilitation & Design
- Stakeholder & Change Management
- Employee Engagement & Onboarding
- Safeguarding & Wellbeing Strategy
- Performance Management
- Recruitment & Selection Design
- Cross-Cultural Communication
- Team supervision
- Customer service
- Sales reporting
- Performance management
Tools And Platforms
- MS Office Suite
- SharePoint
- Zoom
- Google Suite
- LMS Platforms: Canvas, Moodle
- Content Tools: Canva, Microsoft Sway
- Comfortable with hybrid, remote, and cross-border collaboration
Education And Certifications
- Delta Modules 1–3 – Cambridge English
- Cambridge CELTA – British Council
- TESOL Certification – Greystone College
- BA, English Literature – University of Delhi
- Certificate in Swedish Film and Television Culture – Stockholm University
Timeline
Head of Department – English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The Perse School Singapore
04.2025 - Current
Academic Manager / Country Lead – Safeguarding & Teacher Development
British Council Singapore & Vietnam
12.2020 - 03.2025
Learning Experience Manager
International House (Apollo English)
12.2019 - 12.2020
Academic Manager / Core Trainer / EAL Specialist
Corporates and International Schools
01.2011 - 12.2019
Delta Modules 1–3 - Education And Training
Cambridge English
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
University of Delhi
Cambridge CELTA -
British Council
Certificate - Film Studies
Stockholm University
Similar Profiles
Joanna MetcalfeJoanna Metcalfe
Primary School Teacher (Relief) at The Perse School SingaporePrimary School Teacher (Relief) at The Perse School Singapore
Joanna MetcalfeJoanna Metcalfe
Elementary School Teacher at International School on the Rhine (ISR)Elementary School Teacher at International School on the Rhine (ISR)
Junaidi KusnongJunaidi Kusnong
Primary PE & Music Teacher at Sir Manasseh Meyer International SchoolPrimary PE & Music Teacher at Sir Manasseh Meyer International School
Nyi Nyi TunNyi Nyi Tun
Engineering Supervisor at Far East Private LimitedEngineering Supervisor at Far East Private Limited
Tan Leng TeckTan Leng Teck
Assistant Warehouse Manager at JFC Singapore Pte LtdAssistant Warehouse Manager at JFC Singapore Pte Ltd