BASIS International School Bangkok (BISB) on July 12 announced the appointment of Mr. Alan Wilkinson as the new Head of School effective July 16, 2021.
Born in Shrewsbury, England, Alan has 25 years of leadership experience in international schools in Europe, the United States, the Middle East, and China – a long track record with a strong focus on excellence in all aspects of education. In addition to his school leadership, Alan is also experienced as an international school inspector for the Council of International Schools (CIS). He will relocate to Bangkok from Hangzhou, China after three years as the Founding Head of School at BASIS International School Hangzhou. Alan will be responsible for continuing the implementation of the mission and vision of the world-acclaimed BASIS Curriculum at BASIS International School Bangkok.
He succeeds Ms. Elizabeth Thies, who will relocate to the United States and transition to her new role as a Head of School at a new BASIS Independent School. Elizabeth will be with BASIS International School Bangkok to begin the 2021-2022 school year and smoothly transition her leadership role to Alan.
“Alan Wilkinson has an outstanding reputation leading BASIS International School Hangzhou and a proven track record of running successful international schools. He is the kind of leader who engages within the school and community in pursuit of educational excellence in a familial atmosphere. We are thrilled to welcome Alan to the BASIS International School Bangkok Community,” noted Mr. Jonathan B. Schwimmer, Managing Director of BASIS International School Bangkok.
“It will be a privilege for me to serve the school community and I look forward to building on the successful foundations Ms. Thies and the team have set, ensuring BASIS International School Bangkok continues to be recognised as one of the top schools in both Bangkok and the region,” said Alan. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to the school and work with such outstanding teachers, staff and students, and especially to have the chance to get to know the BASIS Bangkok community. BASIS Bangkok has had an impressive start in its first two years and I am excited to take on the challenge of leading the school to the next phase of development. I have visited Bangkok several times and have enjoyed the unique culture – especially Thai food – very much. I look forward to living in Thailand and having the opportunity to learn more about its culture.”
Alan was born, raised, and educated in England and has twenty-five years of experience leading both BASIS Curriculum and international schools. Alan began his teaching career in Liverpool, England and spent the majority of his career outside of England in places like Budapest, Abu Dhabi, New York and Hangzhou. He has a wide variety of interests, reflected in his educational background, with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology with Economics, a Bachelor’s of History with Education Specialism and a Postgraduate Master’s Degree in Education from Liverpool John Moores University.
