The Diplomat recently had a chance to sit down with incoming headmaster Dr. Andrew Davies. The first question was “What kind of headmaster do you want to be?”
“A headmaster who’s approachable, visible, kind, friendly, and who wants to collaboratively improve the school where needed,” said Dr. Andrew Davies, the new headmaster from the 2025-2026 school year. On April 1st, 2025, St.Marys International School officially welcomed the new headmaster for the 2025-2026 school year. With over 30 years of experience, Dr.Davies is eager to start his new career here at St.Mary’s. An interview was held with Dr. Davies, who is looking forward to being the new headmaster next year.
Background
Dr.Davies is from the United Kingdom, born in 1965 to a Welsh father and an Australian mother in London. Dr.Davies wanted to be a teacher since his childhood because his father was a headmaster, and his mother was an elementary school teacher. He worked at the International School of Bangkok for over 30 years. He taught English for years and then became the HS vice principal, HS principal, deputy head of school, and then the head of school for 11 years. He also explained his strong passion for sports and his experience coaching boys’ rugby and girls’ soccer. Dr.Davies came to Japan with his wife Gaby, and Pepe, his chihuahua. He has 4 children who are currently spread around the world(1 in the US, 1 in the UK, 1 in Thailand, and 1 in Laos). Dr.Davies also loves sports, and being active, and supports the Welsh Rugby team and the Tottenham soccer team.
Discovering St.Mary’s and Future Goals
“I’ve Known St.Mary’s for quite a long time” Dr.Davies explained. He has been a member of the East Asian Region Council of Schools (EARCOS) and has been good friends for a long time with Mr.Kagei, the current headmaster, who he knew from the council. Since he knew Mr.Kagei and some parts of the school, he explained that he immediately applied for the headmaster position when he saw that it was open. When asked about future goals Dr. Davies said “Between now and the end of the school year, I’ll be meeting all of the teachers, parents, students, and board and through a series of conversations, I’ll have a better idea of this school.” He went on to say “My main focus is trying to get everybody focused on improving school learning.” When asked about first impressions of this school, he explained that St.Mary’s is a well-balanced school and everyone is really happy with the students through talking with parents and teachers.
Dr. Davies concluded his remarks on the school by saying that “…Everyone is really happy with students and very proud of them. The students here are well-focused and balanced by the 3A’s–which are academics, arts, and athletics.
