The Overseas School of Colombo – A Global Learning Community Nurturing Future-Ready Leaders

Nel Capadona is the new Head of School at The Overseas School of Colombo (OSC).

- Words Jennifer Paldano Goonewardane. Photography Sujith Heenatigala and Dinesh Fernando.

Nel brings with her a thirty-year career in education. OSC’s community-based approach and alignment with her values of compassion, curiosity, and unity in diversity appealed to her. Speaking with Business Today, Nel emphasized OSC’s focus on creating a safe learning environment through restorative practices, parent partnerships, and student empowerment, while also addressing how the school approaches modern challenges like technology and Al in education. As the only international school in Sri Lanka offering the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum, she highlighted how the IB program differs from traditional education and its advantages in creating globally minded individuals. OSC has a modern approach to teaching and learning, ensuring a balance between academics and extracurricular activities, and a commitment to environmental sustainability.

Please tell us about your professional journey in education and the experiences that have shaped your leadership style.

Originally from the UK, I have been an educator for over 30 years and knew from a young age that I wanted to teach. School was my sanctuary, and the care of my teachers shaped who I am today. I began by teaching at-risk students in high-poverty, inner-city schools, which deeply influenced my commitment to equity and student well-being.

An international teacher exchange brought me to Arizona, where I became certified in trauma-informed instruction and later worked as a literacy specialist, instructional coach, and university lecturer. For the past 20 years, I have served as a Head of School, eight years in the U.S., followed by international leadership roles in Thailand, Latvia, and now Sri Lanka.

My leadership remains grounded in my early teaching: uplifting others, helping them reach their potential, and creating communities where everyone feels valued and heard.