Welcome from our Executive Principal

Welcome to BCIS, Phuket!

I am honored to officially join Berda Claude International School (BCIS) as your Executive Principal. With over 20 years of experience in education and a decade of leadership across international schools, I bring both a deep commitment to educational excellence and a passion for fostering an inclusive and thriving community for all.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of leading some of the world’s most respected institutions. Most recently, I served as the Pastoral Lead at The Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Boys in Abu Dhabi, and prior to that, I was Executive Principal at Vinschool in Hanoi. I also spent eight formative years in Thailand at Harrow International School in Bangkok, and it is with great joy that I now return to Thailand—a place that has had a profound impact on both my professional and personal journey.

“Thailand holds a special place in my heart,” I’ve often said, and that sentiment could not be more true now as I begin this exciting chapter at BCIS. It’s a privilege to be part of a school that shares my passion for nurturing the next generation of leaders, and I look forward to contributing to BCIS’s continued success.

My educational philosophy is grounded in values of kindness, respect, and trust—principles that I believe are essential for creating a supportive, collaborative school community. Open communication between students, staff, and families is key to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can foster an environment where students are not only academically successful but also grow into well-rounded, compassionate individuals.

As I settle into my role here, my focus will be on listening and learning from everyone in the BCIS community—students, parents, teachers, and staff. While we will certainly continue to honor and celebrate the school’s cherished traditions, we will also embrace innovation to ensure that our students are equipped with the skills and mindset needed to succeed in an ever-evolving world.

I am deeply committed to creating a nurturing environment where all students feel valued, inspired, and empowered to reach their full potential. Over the coming months, I look forward to meeting with each of you, learning about your hopes for BCIS, and working together to build on the incredible legacy of excellence that this school has established.

Thank you for the warm welcome, and I am excited to embark on this journey with all of you!

Warm regards,
Jeremy Southgate
Executive Principal