A Visit From The Wellington College Student Leaders

A Visit From The Wellington College Student Leaders 

As an international school in Bangkok, we very much value our strong links with our founding school in the UK, The Wellington College. The school was established in 1859 and has been delivering a world class education for over 160 years. We share an ethos and values with all other Wellington schools – and we also love receiving visits from other communities in our networks.  

In August this year we were honoured to receive a visit from two recent graduates of our UK school. Freddie Coughlin – Head Boy 2021-22 and Deuce Vatanatham – Head of The Talbot House 2021-22 dropped in during a visit to Bangkok. Deuce is originally from Thailand and has been showing a group of his Wellington friends around this wonderful country.  

Both Freddie and Deuce have been studying at Wellington for five years and they met on their first day as they entered the same Boarding House – Talbot! 

We talked to them about their impressions of Wellington College Bangkok and their own hopes and dreams for the future. 

They both agree that WCIB reflects the look and atmosphere of Wellington College in England. “It’s reflected in the colours, the red bricks, the signage.’’ 

They are very impressed by the overall design “It’s so big and modern – I can’t believe the size of the campus for a Bangkok school’’ Deuce told us. “The foyers and communal areas are imposing and welcoming – what incredible space there is everywhere.” Freddie added “All the teachers and staff are so friendly and approachable. It seems like there is a great balance between the arts, sports, academics and music.’’ 

Deuce and Freddie have used their time at Wellington wisely. Both have emerged with more experience and life skills than they could ever have imagined. They are also a shining example of a Wellington education. Freddie has achieved the maximum IBDP points score of 45 and is about to take a gap year doing an internship before charity work in Uganda. Deuce – with a highly commendable 42 in his IB, will start at Kings College London in September where he will read Biochemistry.  

Deuce will be talking to Wellington College Bangkok parents early next term where he will share his experiences as a Thai student at Wellington and give personal insight into how to manage success - and failure, as you move through the school years. They shared some important advice for our current students – 

• Make the most of every opportunity. We are SO lucky to be in this family of Wellington schools. Make every moment count 
• Appreciate your good fortune 
• Believe that you can do everything – you will be enriched even just trying! 
• Have fun and enjoy the journey 
• Take advantage of every global connection. We can learn from everyone wherever they are in the world 
• Protect and invest in our community. Build friendships and partnerships 

What great advice. It was our pleasure to meet you, Freddie and Deuce and we look forward to seeing you back here very soon. 

If you’d like to know more about the Wellington College family of schools, contact [email protected]