Dwight School Seoul, Seoul’s first International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum school welcomed Adam Patterson as its new Head of School in August 2026. This moment marks the beginning of a new chapter for Dwight School Seoul and its international learning community.
With more than thirty years of experience in international education and school leadership Adam brings extensive global experience to Dwight School Seoul. Adam’s career has taken across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and South America working with international school communities and leading initiatives that strengthen teaching and learning, develop high‑performing teams and create meaningful educational experiences for students.
Before joining Dwight School Seoul Adam served as Principal of the Australian International School (AIS) Singapore, an IB World School. Born and educated in Australia, Adam began his education career in France in 1992 and has since dedicated Adam’s career to supporting students and school communities around the world.
A Shared Commitment to Every Student
Having previously worked in Asia Adam was already familiar with Dwight School Seoul and its commitment to excellence, personalized learning and globally minded education. Adam was particularly drawn to Dwight School Seoul’s mission to “Ignite the Spark of Genius in Every Child ” recognizing that every student has strengths, interests and potential. This philosophy closely aligns with Adam’s belief that schools should provide an environment where students feel supported, appropriately challenged and inspired to grow.
At the heart of Adam’s philosophy are strong relationships, clarity of purpose and excellence in teaching and learning. Adam believes that successful schools are built on trust, collaboration and a shared commitment to students’ growth, personal wellbeing and long‑term success.
Throughout Adam’s career, Adam has placed emphasis on building authentic relationships with students, faculty, staff and families. Adam’s leadership approach focuses on creating a school culture in which every member of the community has a sense of belonging and an opportunity to contribute.
Building on Dwight School Seoul’s Strengths
As Head of School Adam will work closely with students, families, faculty, staff and school leaders to build upon Dwight School Seoul’s established strengths while guiding Dwight School Seoul through its next stage of development. Adam’s appointment reflects Dwight School Seoul’s commitment to delivering a forward‑looking international education that combines academic excellence with personalized learning and the development of confident, compassionate and globally minded young people.
As an IB continuum school Dwight School Seoul provides students with an educational journey through the Primary Years Programme (PYP) Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). Dwight School Seoul encourages inquiry, critical thinking, international‑mindedness and lifelong learning.
Connected to a Global Community
Dwight School Seoul is part of the Dwight network providing students with access to an extensive international educational community. Connections with Dwight sister schools in New York, London, Shanghai, Dubai, Hanoi, Tokyo and Cairo with Dwight Global Online School create opportunities for students to engage in cross‑cultural learning, international collaboration and meaningful relationships with peers around the world.
Looking Ahead
As Dwight School Seoul begins the 2026-27 year under Adam’s leadership Dwight School Seoul looks forward to building upon its strong foundations while continuing to evolve as an innovative and internationally connected learning community. With Adam’s international experience and emphasis on relationships, collaboration and high‑quality teaching and learning Adam joins Dwight School Seoul with a clear focus: ensuring that students are supported to grow academically personally and, as compassionate global citizens prepared for the opportunities ahead.