The Graduating Class of 2026 was unique. It included parents from Bangkok Patana’s first graduating cohort in 1997. They have now seen their own children complete their education at Patana, graduate across our stage and now become members of the honoured Alumni. The Class of 2026 received remarkable academic results from the latest IBDP examinations:
• 1 student achieved a full 45 points (joining the world’s elite 0.5% of perfect scorers)
• 7 students achieved an exceptional 43 points or higher
• 22% students achieved 40 points or above
• The average total score was 36 points
• 65% of students achieved 35 points or more
• 99% pass rate
Six students from the Class of 2026 were the first to complete a new programme introduced just two years ago. They also achieved excellent results in the IBCP demonstrating incredible progress in a unique combination of academic study, career-related learning and personal development.
• 99% pass rate
• 90% Distinction or higher
I have nothing but praise for all our students who have completed the world’s most elite curriculum model. They have achieved above world averages, scored personal bests and most importantly, learned to be critical thinkers. They not only have a passport to enter the most competitive universities of their choice; they have acquired critical thinking and study skills to sustain the very highest rankings as they travel all the way through university and beyond.
We begin this academic year with even more ambition for ourselves. We are supported by new teachers with considerable international experience. They herald from all over the globe and are trained to the highest British teaching standards; two of whom are Patana Alumni. For the sporty amongst you, Emily Scott joins the PE team having gained 38 caps for England and representing team GB for Rugby at the Rio Olympics. Another first is the appointment of Nikki Regalado to the highly successful football academy. She joins as Assistant Head Football Coach to lead our girls’ football programme to even greater success. A further shout out for Kru Pim who achieved her doctorate this summer after four years of additional study. She joins five doctorate holders in our wider teaching team which is an incredible achievement for her personally and the teaching talent of our school.
The school looks stunning, thanks to the Business teams who have been busy during our break. They completed extensive maintenance agendas and renovated several spaces. This includes a remodelled reception area, enclosed and upgraded Secondary dining facilities, new fencing and purpose-built storage areas for our grounds team, new theatre standard lighting in the Drama rooms, shades over the large pool area and the opening of our Discovery Centre. These facilities continue to elevate the daily experience and what we can achieve. You will see more building this year as we develop improved parking facilities that enables further facility development in the next few years.
I look forward to welcoming you again at the morning gates and, you wouldn’t want to miss the opening assembly next Friday as we welcome Year 70 with dance and music. We will begin the next decade of academic excellence and irreplaceable humanness together; deepening our investment in the distinction we enjoy in Thailand, South-East Asia and one of the World’s best independent schools.
Community Expectations for Wearable Technology
Wearable Technology
We have a shared responsibility for creating a community where privacy, wellbeing, safety and learning are respected. During the last two years, technology companies have been gradually integrating AI beyond smart phones and watches into wearable glasses. Follow these rules in our community which apply on school premises, on school-owned or commissioned transport, and during all school-related activities and visits:
- Wearable devices must not be used in our school to capture, store, retrieve, transmit or share information about others without appropriate authorisation and consent.
- Smart glasses of any description are not permitted for students, staff or visitors
Teachers have authority to determine whether any wearable technology is appropriate and/or where a device is being used inappropriately. Staff may request they are removed for safekeeping, stored in the central office and collected by a parent or guardian.
Nursery to Year 6
To support learning, concentration and age-appropriate independence, students in Nursery to Year 6 should not bring wearable technology that functions as a communication, messaging, internet-enabled or data-capturing device. Exceptions may be approved by the Principal where there is a medical need (such as a glucose monitor) or an additional learning requirement. Analogue watches are encouraged as a tool for learning about time.
Year 7 to Year 13
Students in Years 7 to 13 may use wearable smart watches provided they are used responsibly and in accordance with school expectations. Wearable devices must remain on silent mode with notifications and communication functions disabled throughout the school day. Wearable devices are never permitted in examinations or formal assessments; their presence can result in disqualification in accordance with assessment regulations.
Staff, Visitors and Parents
We expect all staff, visitors and parents to support our commitment to privacy, safeguarding and respectful community conduct by also complying with these expectations regarding wearable technology. Always follow guidance, including being asked to remove any wearable tech device, cease using it, or leave the school site.
