A Strong Foundation – Charting Our Course Forward

Introducing Mick Sheridan, UWC Thailand Secondary School Principal

Mick Sheridan joins UWC Thailand as Secondary Principal, bringing over 30 years of experience in international education leadership. Originally from Australia, Mick most recently served at NIST International School in Bangkok, where he spent 12 years in a variety of leadership and coordination roles. His broader regional experience includes senior positions at Jakarta International School and the International School of Beijing.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Melbourne and three postgraduate qualifications from Charles Sturt University: a Graduate Certificate in LOTE (Indonesian), a Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary), and a Master of Education in Administration.

Mick’s leadership philosophy centres on visibility, relationships, and empowering individuals—students and staff alike—to reach their full potential. Known for his warmth, sense of humour, and belief in the value of holistic education, he thrives on building strong, collaborative school communities. Outside of school, Mick enjoys nature photography, supporting the Western Bulldogs, and spending time outdoors with his wife Fiona and their two cats.

Looking Ahead: Mick’s Vision for UWC Thailand

From the moment I first learned about UWC Thailand, I was inspired by its clear identity and strong sense of purpose. My wife and I have followed its journey with admiration, and I am honoured to now step into the role of Secondary Principal. I am thrilled to be joining this vibrant community and look forward to working with all students, families, and staff to build on our strengths while ensuring continued academic excellence and innovation.

At UWC Thailand, we aim to ensure that our students acquire the necessary skills, knowledge, and understanding while developing the attitudes and values that will empower them to enact the UWC Mission—uniting people, nations, and cultures to build a peaceful and sustainable future. As the world continues to change at an accelerating pace, the education we provide must equip students not just for the present but for challenges and opportunities we can only imagine.

Our Path Forward

We prepare our students through the five pillars of our educational model: Student-Centred Academics, Sports, Activities & Camps, Community Engagement, Social Emotional Learning & Mindfulness, and Outdoor Experiential Education. These pillars do not stand alone; they are interconnected, reinforcing and enriching one another. This holistic approach, paired with our commitment to student wellbeing and academic excellence, makes UWC Thailand a truly unique place for learning.

Our focus on student wellbeing is embedded within our Social Emotional Learning & Mindfulness pillar. This foundation supports students in developing self-awareness, maintaining emotional balance, and building positive relationships. Moving forward, we will continue refining our wellbeing initiatives to ensure students feel supported both inside and outside the classroom.

As an IB continuum school, our secondary students engage in the MYP and DP—rigorous academic programmes designed to foster deep and meaningful learning. The conceptual nature of the curriculum allows students to move beyond isolated facts and disconnected skills, encouraging them to explore contexts and identify meaningful connections.

To further strengthen this, we will work toward expanding interdisciplinary learning, enhancing real-world applications, and refining assessment strategies to best support student success.

 

Building on Strength, Looking Ahead

We have a strong programme at UWC Thailand, and as a new leader in the secondary school, my role is to build on the excellent work of my predecessors. My first priority is to listen to students, parents, and staff—to gain a deep understanding of what makes UWC Thailand unique and how we can continue strengthening our academic and student experience together.

I look forward to meeting you throughout the year as we work together to support our students in every way possible.