Wellington College Bangkok Welcomes Fiona Read as Head of Junior School

Published on 17 July 2026

Wellington College Bangkok is delighted to announce the appointment of Fiona Read as Head of Junior School from August 2026.

Fiona joins Wellington with more than 25 years of experience in education and school leadership across the United Kingdom and Asia, bringing a wealth of expertise in curriculum development, wellbeing, inclusion and pastoral care. Throughout her career, she has held leadership positions in a number of highly regarded schools, including Bedales School in the UK, the British School of Tokyo and UWC South East Asia (UWCSEA) in Singapore. She also serves as an Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspector in the UK.

Fiona's appointment comes at an exciting stage in Wellington's journey. As the school continues to grow and mature, the Junior School has established a strong reputation for combining academic ambition with outstanding pastoral care, creating an environment where children are known, supported and challenged to achieve their full potential.

A passionate advocate for holistic education, Fiona believes that the Junior years are a uniquely important stage of a child's development. Her educational philosophy centres on nurturing curiosity, creativity, confidence and compassion, while ensuring that every child experiences the joy, awe and wonder that should define childhood.

Her approach aligns closely with Wellington's own values and vision for education.

"I believe that students should feel safe enough to ask questions, brave enough to make mistakes, and inspired enough to keep wondering," says Fiona. "My leadership style is relational, reflective and purposeful, with a strong focus on trust, collaboration and keeping student learning at the heart of every decision. I am delighted to be joining the Wellington community and look forward to working with students, families and staff as the Junior School continues its exciting journey."

Having worked in both leading international schools and one of the UK's most respected independent schools, Fiona brings a global perspective alongside a deep understanding of how children learn best. Her experience has included leading inquiry-based learning, concept-driven curriculum design and innovative approaches to teaching and learning that encourage children to think independently, ask questions and engage deeply with the world around them.

She is particularly passionate about creating school environments where students feel a strong sense of belonging and where wellbeing underpins every aspect of school life.

Reflecting on her decision to join Wellington, Fiona highlighted the school's clear sense of purpose and its commitment to developing confident, compassionate and courageous young people.

"I have always been inspired by Wellington's deeply purposeful approach to education, particularly its focus on wellbeing, community, academic ambition and a holistic approach to learning," she explains. "For me, values are not laminated but lived. They should be seen in the way students speak to one another, the questions they ask, the risks they take in their learning and the contribution they make to the community around them."

Fiona is also excited by the opportunity to join Wellington's diverse international community and contribute to the next phase of the school's development.

"Wellington College Bangkok is a school with a strong sense of purpose and identity, while still being young, ambitious and full of possibility," she says. "The opportunity to contribute to the next stage of the Junior School's journey is something I feel genuinely excited to be part of."

As Wellington prepares to welcome Fiona in August, the school would also like to express its sincere thanks to Ms Hannah Jeffs for her outstanding leadership of the Junior School. During her tenure, Hannah has played a significant role in shaping the culture, character and success of the Junior School, helping to establish the strong foundations upon which it continues to thrive today. The school is pleased that Hannah will remain part of the Wellington community during the 2026-27 academic year, continuing to share her expertise and dedication with students and colleagues.

The appointment of Fiona Read marks an exciting new chapter for the Junior School and for Wellington College Bangkok. Building on the strong foundations already in place, Wellington looks forward to continuing its commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience that combines academic excellence, wellbeing and character development, ensuring every child flourishes both in and beyond the classroom.

Fiona was delighted to share more information about the educational approach so that the Wellington community could learn more about her. Please enjoy the Q&A below:

Q&A with Fiona Read

What first attracted you to the opportunity to join Wellington College Bangkok as Head of Junior School?

I have always been inspired by Wellington’s deeply purposeful approach to education, particularly its focus on wellbeing, community, academic ambition, and a holistic approach to learning. This aligns closely with my own belief that education should prepare students to become confident, compassionate and courageous young people, ready to make a positive difference in the world.

For me, values are not laminated but lived. They should be seen in the way students speak to one another, the questions they ask, the risks they take in their learning, and the contribution they make to the community around them. It is this shared belief in what education can do for young people that truly attracted me to Wellington College.

Having worked at Bedales School in the UK, what experiences do you feel have most shaped your approach to Junior education?

My time at Bedales has reinforced my belief in the importance of a holistic education, where intellectual playfulness, curiosity, creativity, compassion and social and emotional development are all given real value. I developed curriculum and pedagogy that encouraged students to ask questions, follow their curiosity, learn through doing and making, and build meaningful connections with the world around them.

At Bedales, watching children learn in, about and with nature has been inspirational. I have seen how a deep connection to the natural world can help children develop not only curiosity and joy, but also a strong sense of responsibility for the world they live in. It has shaped my belief that children are not passive recipients of knowledge, but active, social learners who flourish through inquiry, collaboration and purposeful discovery.

My experience at Bedales, and throughout my career, has shaped my belief that the Junior years are vital, formative stage in their own right, full of awe, wonder and possibility.

What excites you most about moving to Bangkok and becoming part of the Wellington community?

I am incredibly excited to become part of such a vibrant, international community. Having spent most of my career in international schools, I know how enriching it is to be part of a school where different cultures, perspectives and experiences come together.

Bangkok is a city full of energy, warmth and rich heritage and I am looking forward to learning more about Thai culture and, of course, sampling all the wonderful food. I am also looking forward to learning from the Wellington community as much as contributing to it. Most of all, I am excited to get to know the students, families and staff, and to become part of the everyday life of the school.

In your view, what are the most important qualities a Junior School should help children develop during their early years of education?

I deeply value the joy of childhood. It is a magical period in a child’s life, full of awe, and wonder. I believe a Junior School should nurture curiosity, confidence, compassion, courage and a strong sense of belonging. In a rapidly changing world, children need to feel safe enough to ask questions, brave enough to make mistakes and inspired enough to keep wondering.

It is also an opportunity for students to unearth their passions. Whether those are sporting, musical, creative, academic or rooted in service to others, fostering their interests becomes infectious and inspiring when taught by passionate staff. For me, a successful Junior School is one where children are happy, known and challenged, and where they grow not only as learners, but also as capable and socially responsible young people.

How would you describe your leadership style, both with staff and with pupils?

My leadership style is relational, reflective and purposeful. I believe education should continue to evolve, but never for the sake of change alone. Improving student learning has to remain at the core of every decision, and this has always been my motivation for change. I want children to take responsibility for their learning, to question the world around them, and to feel that learning can thrill and invigorate.

With staff, I aim to create a culture where people are valued, supported and inspired. If we are working together to create the best possible experiences for each child, I believe we can achieve great things. I have always loved Robert John Meehan’s idea that teachers are each other’s most valuable resource, because without collaboration our growth is limited to our own perspective. That has shaped how I lead. I see leadership as an activity rather than a position, and all colleagues as leaders of learning. I believe my role is not to have all the answers, but to find, empower and connect with those who do.

With students, I believe leadership begins with knowing children well. Children thrive when they feel seen, heard and understood, and I want them to know that their voices matter, that they are capable of great things, and that school is a place where they can be both challenged and supported. I try to lead with warmth, high expectations and a deep belief in each child’s potential.

Wellington places strong emphasis on wellbeing, character, and holistic education. Why are these areas so important for young learners today?

Young learners today are growing up in a complex and rapidly changing world. Academic success matters, but it is not enough on its own. Children also need emotional security, strength of character and confidence to navigate uncertainty, build strong relationships and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.

Wellbeing is the golden thread woven through every part of school life. When students feel safe, connected and understood, they are more willing to take risks, embrace challenge and develop independence. I believe happiness in school matters deeply; when children are happy, they are motivated, engaged in their learning and able to thrive.

A holistic education recognises that children’s minds, hearts and bodies are deeply connected. It supports them to become critical thinkers, kind friends, resilient learners and responsible members of a community, both locally and globally. It also gives them the courage and intellectual curiosity to question the world, the creativity to imagine new possibilities, and the confidence to play their part in making a positive difference.

As you prepare to join Wellington this August, what are you most looking forward to in your first few months at the school?

I am most looking forward to listening, learning and getting to know the Wellington community. I want to understand what makes the school special through the eyes of its students, families and staff. For me, this begins with connection: building trusting relationships, spending time in classrooms, seeing learning in action and becoming part of the everyday life of the school.

Every school has its own rhythm, traditions and stories, and I am excited to become part of Wellington’s story. Most of all, I am looking forward to meeting the children and seeing the energy, curiosity and joy they bring to school each day.

Finally, what message would you like to share with current and prospective Wellington families as you join the school community?

I feel incredibly honoured to be joining Wellington College Bangkok as Head of Junior School. I understand that families choosing a Wellington education are seeking both ambition and belonging: a school where children are known as individuals, challenged to think deeply, and supported to develop confidence, kindness and independence.

For me, a strong school community is built through trust, partnership and a shared belief in what children can become. Wellington College Bangkok is a school with a strong sense of purpose and identity, while still being young, ambitious and full of possibility. The opportunity to contribute to the next stage of the Junior School’s journey is something I feel genuinely excited to be part of.