Prof. Geeta Gandhi Kingdon is the Manager of City Montessori School Society and a part-time Professor at the Institute of Education, University College London (UCL), where she holds the Chair of ‘Education Economics and International Development’. She brings a wealth of international experience and academic excellence to CMS. Bridging Global Expertise and Local Impact.
After living in England for 31 years, Prof. Kingdon moved back to India in 2010. She has since dedicated herself to modernizing CMS while maintaining its rich culture and traditions.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to education and development, Prof. Kingdon was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Kingston University London in 2013.
Bridging Global Expertise and Local Impact
Prof. Geeta Gandhi Kingdon is the Manager of City Montessori School Society and a part-time Professor at the Institute of Education, University College London (UCL), where she holds the Chair of ‘Education Economics and International Development’. She brings a wealth of international experience and academic excellence to CMS.
Academic Pursuits
BSc (Honours) in Economics: London School of Economics
MSc and D.Phil in Development Economics: University of Oxford
After living in England for 31 years, Prof. Kingdon moved back to India in 2010. She has since dedicated herself to modernizing CMS while maintaining its rich culture and traditions.
Career and Research
Her research focuses on the economics of education in developing countries, particularly in South Asia and Africa. She has explored school effectiveness, gender in education, labour market outcomes, and the political economy of education.
Based on her research, Prof. Kingdon advises major donor agencies like the World Bank, EU, and UK-AID on educational aid to developing countries. Her advisory roles in India include:
Niti Ayog Expert Group,
Ministry of Education,
Uttar Pradesh Government
Contributions to CMS
Since becoming the Manager of CMS, Prof. Kingdon has focused on:
- Modernization: Integrating modern educational practices while preserving the school’s legacy
- Innovation: Implementing evidence-based approaches to improve school effectiveness
- Community Engagement: Enhancing the school’s engagement with local and international communities