14th August 2026
Exciting News: Outstanding BSO Accreditation!
Dear Samakee Community,
We are thrilled to share some wonderful news with our school community!
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Outstanding Achievement
In May 2026, St Andrews Samakee International School was awarded Outstanding accreditation by the British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspection team.
We welcomed two inspectors to Samakee, who spent three days at the school investigating all aspects of school life. During their visit, the inspectors observed lessons across all year groups, spoke with children about their learning and wellbeing, met with staff at all levels, reviewed our policies and procedures, examined children's work, and held meetings with parents and the board. They evaluated the quality of education, leadership and management, safeguarding, and our students' personal development.
We knew the BSO accreditation would be rigorous and exhausting – three intensive days of observations, meetings, and scrutiny! The inspection evaluates British international schools against the same high standards used for schools in England.
What Does Outstanding Mean?
Outstanding is the highest rating a school can receive. In the UK, it is considered a mark of exceptional quality and is achieved by only a minority of schools – approximately 20% of all schools. Many excellent schools are rated Good, which is still a strong rating, but Outstanding represents the very highest standard.
Our Remarkable Track Record
This is our fifth Outstanding accreditation since 2012. We have been rated Outstanding in every single inspection over the past fourteen years:
✓ 2012 ✓ 2015 ✓ 2018 ✓ 2023 ✓ 2026
BSO Inspection Report
BSO Inspection Report_St Andrews Samakee International School 2026.pdfAchieving Outstanding once is an accomplishment; maintaining it five times over fourteen years demonstrates sustained, consistent excellence. Many schools work for years to achieve Outstanding for the first time. Maintaining this rating consistently for over a decade, through changes in staff and students and even global challenges like COVID-19, shows that excellence is embedded in everything we do at St Andrews Samakee.
In next week's newsletter, we will share what the inspectors said about our school and the beautiful words from one of our parents that captured the heart of who we are.
Thank you for being part of our Outstanding school community!
Staff News
Wonderful news from our Samakee family! Alyssa gave birth to a beautiful baby boy in July. Both mum and baby are doing very well, and big brother is absolutely delighted with his new little brother. Warmest congratulations to Alyssa and her family!
Sadly, Eleanor Dundas, Year 4 teacher last year, was unable to return to Thailand after the summer holiday. This was because of unexpected health issues. We wish Eleanor a speedy recovery and the very best for the future; she will be missed!
Phase Structure Changes
To better support our students, we have restructured our school phases this year. We have moved from our previous three-phase structure to a new two-phase structure, which is led by two Phase Leads, Tabietha Sudhirak & Nicky Page:
Lower Phase: Nursery to Year 2
Lead Tabietha Sudhirak: tsudhirak@standrews-samakee.com
Upper Phase: Years 3 to Year 9
Lead Nicky Page: npage@standrews-samakee.com
The new phase structure simply means we have two Phase Leads instead of three, allowing for more streamlined leadership and better coordination across year groups. Your child's day-to-day experience at school will remain exactly as it has been.
Safeguarding Spotlight
This week's focus: Stay Safe Update: Welcome Back!
✓ Our promise: At Samakee, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. Every child has the right to feel safe, valued, and protected.
✓ Your Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Tabietha Sudhirak is our DSL. You can contact her at tsudhirak@standrews-samakee.com if you ever have a safeguarding concern.
✓ Remember: Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility – staff, parents, and the wider school community all play a vital role in keeping children safe.
✓ Action for parents: Talk to your child about who their trusted adults are at school – people they can go to if they ever feel worried or unsafe.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
Club Fair - Monday 24th August
Parent Welcome Evening - Thursday 27th August
Little Learners - Tuesday 1st September
Samakee After School Club Fair takes place on Monday, 24th August, from 2:30 pm in the hall and lobby areas. Please stop by with your child to see which clubs/ECAs are available this term. We encourage you to involve your child in choosing their activities – children are more engaged and committed when they have a say in what they do. Take time to discuss the options together and let your child's interests guide your choices. Club leaders will be available to speak with you and provide details about their activity.
Our annual Parent Welcome Evening will take place on Thursday, 27th August at 6:30 pm, and all parents, carers and prospective parents are invited to join us for refreshments and an informal chat. The event will be an opportunity to meet your child's teachers and other parents, learn more about your child's experiences in their new year group and explore the learning areas. We hope that you can join us!
Samakee Little Learners meet on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8:30 am to 10:30 am during term time, starting on Tuesday 1st September. Our group encourages not only mums and dads but also grandparents, nannies, or other carers to join us with their under-twos for an enjoyable and stimulating morning of activities.
For the best experience, we welcome one adult per toddler. This special one-to-one time helps your little one feel secure and confident as they explore, play, and make friends. We have found that having their own special grown-up allows children to settle more easily and get the most from our activities.
Teaching and Learning Highlights!
Teaching and Learning Highlights!
Back to School!
A new school year is here, and we’re so excited to welcome our students back to St. Andrews International School Samakee! From familiar faces to new friendships, fresh classrooms and exciting learning adventures, we’re ready for another wonderful year of learning, growing and discovering together. Here’s to a fantastic school year ahead!
Awards & Achievements
Awards & Achievements
Well done to one of our Year 7 students for continued dedication and success in the pool.
We look forward to lots more PB’s this year!
Congratulations to one of our Year 7 students who continues to grow both physically and in mindset on the Tennis court.
We look forward to more success stories from the Tennis court this year.
Well done to one of our Year 7 students for his continued success in Musical performance.
Two fantastic achievements during the holiday. Congratulations!
Lunch Menu for Next Week
Lunch Menu for Next Week
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events
SAS LINE Communication Platform
LINE is a widely used communication platform in Thailand, and it's a platform that Samakee has been utilizing for quite some time. We encourage all our families to connect with our official SAS LINE account to ensure we can easily disseminate important school-wide updates to our entire school community. Click to add
Monica L Sudhirak
Head of School
Head of School, Monica L Sudhirak: msudhirak@standrews-samakee.com
Lower Phase Lead, Tabietha Sudhirak: tsudhirak@standrews-samakee.com
Upper Phase Lead, Nicky Page: npage@standrews-samakee.com
“Samakee is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety of all students and expects all staff and visitors to share this commitment.”
“Samakee is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety of all students and expects all staff and visitors to share this commitment.”
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