Edarabia had the opportunity to interview Paul Schofield, Head of School at St Andrews International School Bangkok. In this interview, he shares his insights on the future of education, the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and how St Andrews is preparing its students for success in a rapidly changing world.
What are your plans for 2025?
We are excited to continue evolving our academic programmes, with a particular focus on integrating more advanced technologies to help our students stay at the forefront of education. We plan to introduce even more diverse pathways to learning, ensuring that our students can follow their passions and pursue their unique interests. Additionally, we aim to enhance our digital learning tools and expand our extra-curricular activities to create well-rounded, confident individuals. Holistic development remains a top priority, and we want our students to leave our school not only with academic achievements but also the life skills they need to succeed in an ever-changing world.
How do you decide what to focus on academically each year, and which new ideas are you pursuing?
Each year, we engage with our students, staff, and community to assess their evolving needs. We use this input, along with insights from educational trends and research, to shape our academic focus. Our commitment to collaboration with thought leaders, including organisations like MIT and UNICEF, allows us to bring cutting-edge ideas to our classrooms. For example, we’re continuing to explore opportunities in integrating artificial intelligence and other technological innovations to enrich our curriculum. Alongside this, we’re deepening our efforts in interdisciplinary learning, which ensures our students are prepared for future challenges, both in the workforce and society at large.
What challenges do you anticipate in the field of education over the next 5 years?
Over the next five years, we expect the rapid pace of technological change to continue reshaping how we teach and learn. The challenge will be to stay ahead of this curve while ensuring that the human aspect of education, such as emotional intelligence and critical thinking, remains a central focus. Another challenge is student well-being; the pressures students face are becoming more complex, so it’s important for us to develop robust systems to support their mental and emotional health. At the same time, the demand for academic excellence will continue to rise, and we’ll need to balance rigorous academics with fostering resilience. Our inclusive approach, which is designed to support all students, will help ensure that everyone is ready to succeed, no matter what environment they find themselves in.
How do you keep students interested in learning, especially those who struggle or seem unmotivated?
We place a strong emphasis on personalised learning, ensuring that lessons are tailored to meet the individual needs of each student. Whether it’s through differentiated instruction, after-school programmes designed to extend subject learning, or additional support for those who need some extra help, we aim to provide the right resources to keep all students engaged. We create a learning environment that makes education feel relevant to their lives. By offering a broader range of subject choices, especially as students progress to higher year levels, we give them the freedom to pursue their passions. We believe this approach empowers students to take ownership of their learning and discover their true potential.
How does the school ensure all students feel welcome and have the same chances to succeed?
Our school prides itself on being inclusive. Every student, regardless of their background or needs, is welcomed and supported. Our staff, including teachers, counsellors, and therapists, undergo regular professional development to ensure they are equipped to support a diverse student body. We understand that success doesn’t look the same for everyone, which is why we ensure that our teaching methods are differentiated to accommodate different learning styles. Beyond academics, we make sure that our facilities and resources are accessible to all so that every student has the tools they need to succeed.
How proactive is the school in matters of student stress and bullying?
We take a proactive approach to student well-being, understanding that mental health is just as important as academic achievement. We have a robust system of mental health initiatives, which includes regular check-ins. Our Wellbeing Leads help us monitor student stress and intervene where necessary. In addition, we’ve recently introduced termly well-being surveys, which give students a voice in identifying areas of concern. These surveys, coupled with easy access to counselling services, ensure that students feel supported. Our Be Kind initiatives are also critical in maintaining a safe, supportive environment where every student can thrive.
How do you help students build the skills they need for life after graduation?
We believe that a well-rounded education goes beyond the classroom. Our school provides students with opportunities to build life skills through various activities, including leadership training, STEAM projects like VEX Robotics, and involvement in Model United Nations. Our top sports programmes also encourage teamwork, resilience, and discipline. All of these experiences play an essential role in helping students develop the critical skills they need to navigate life after graduation. We ensure that our students not only leave us with academic qualifications but also with the self-confidence and adaptability needed to succeed in a dynamic world.
How involved are parents and the community in making the school better?
At St Andrews, we value the involvement of parents and the wider community. We actively encourage parents to engage through school events, volunteer opportunities, and involvement in the Parent Teacher Group. These partnerships are vital in creating a collaborative environment where everyone’s voice is heard. We believe in transparency and open communication, and our longstanding Senior Leadership Team, which has been largely in place for over 15 years, helps maintain stability and continuity in our community. Our collective goal is always to create the best possible environment for our students.
How do you develop a school culture that attracts and keeps great teachers?
We know that our teachers are at the heart of our success. To attract and retain the best educators, we offer a supportive environment that values professional development and work-life balance. Our teachers are encouraged to pursue leadership opportunities within the school, whether in academics, extracurricular activities, or mentoring new staff. Additionally, our affiliation with Nord Anglia Education gives our teachers access to exciting collaboration opportunities with global institutions like Juilliard and MIT, enhancing both their personal and professional growth.
Do teachers at your school have growth opportunities for leadership roles?
Yes, teachers at St Andrews are encouraged to take on leadership roles, whether in their specific subject areas, school clubs or by mentoring new colleagues. We strongly believe in empowering our educators and providing them with the tools they need to lead initiatives within the school. This not only supports their personal growth but also helps us continue to build a thriving and dynamic learning community.
Which after-school activity would you say has the biggest positive impact on a student’s future?
While all after-school activities are important in their own right, VEX Robotics stands out for the incredible opportunities it offers students. Combining the principles of STEAM learning with hands-on teamwork and global competition, VEX Robotics encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration—skills that are essential for future success. The global scope of VEX Robotics also exposes our students to international competitions, helping them build networks and gain invaluable experience that will benefit them as they move into higher education and their careers.
As a Principal, what is your definition of success?
For me, success is not just about academic results but about helping every student be the best they can be. It means creating an environment where students feel safe, valued, and empowered to pursue their passions. Success also means preparing our students for life beyond school, equipping them with the skills and mindset they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. Ultimately, success is about making a positive, lasting impact on the lives of our students.
If you had the opportunity to inspire the world in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
"Empower every individual to pursue their passion, embrace challenges, and make a meaningful difference in the world."
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