International Schools in Phuket
Phuket is home to expats from all over the world. Some live on the island with their families. Sooner or later, the question arises: where should their children go to school? And can a child get a quality education in Phuket?
Yes. The island has several international schools offering different standards of education. Here, we explore these schools, their education systems, and tuition fees.
Important: Tuition fees are based on the latest published rates for the 2026/2027 academic year. The total cost may vary depending on the grade level, payment plan, additional language programmes, transport, meals, exams, enrolment fees, and other services. Before enrolling, we recommend confirming the current fees directly with the school.
Features of Education at International Schools in Phuket
Phuket’s international schools offer quality education for expat children as well as local students seeking an education that meets international standards.
Most offer education based on internationally recognised curricula, such as the IB (International Baccalaureate), IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education), and the American or British education systems. These programmes cover a wide range of subjects, including science, mathematics, the arts, sports, and languages.
Advantages:
- Classes are taught in English, but some schools may also offer instruction in other languages (such as German, French, etc.).
- Studying at an international school makes it easier to gain admission to universities around the world.
- Students come from different countries, encouraging cultural exchange and allowing children to grow up in a multilingual environment.
- Teachers often come from different countries and are highly qualified.
- These schools offer a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, special-interest clubs, and musical and theatrical productions.
- Almost all schools have a preschool programme, allowing children to attend from an early age.
- Many schools offer boarding facilities, with full-day or half-day stays available.
- Many schools are located in scenic surroundings, helping provide a safe and peaceful environment for children to grow up in.
There is only one downside, and it is obvious: it’s expensive. Tuition fees for just one preschool-aged child start at US$3,000 per year. The older the child, the higher the cost. And if you have two or three children… do the maths.
Top International Schools in Phuket
British International School, Phuket (BISP)
Geo on Google Maps (Ко Кaео)
Website
One of Phuket’s oldest international schools, BISP has been operating since 1996. Today, it welcomes more than a thousand students from dozens of countries. The school offers both day attendance and boarding on campus.
The main language of instruction is English. Applications are accepted throughout the academic year, subject to availability.
The school welcomes children from approximately 2 to 18 years old:
- Early Years: approximately ages 2–5
- Primary: approximately ages 5–11
- Secondary: approximately ages 11–16
- Senior School: approximately ages 16–18
Curriculum
Teaching is based on the British education system. The National Curriculum of England is used in Primary and the early years of Secondary.
At ages 14–16, students follow the IGCSE programme. In Senior School, they can choose the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or career-focused BTEC International programmes in Business and Sport. These qualifications enable students to pursue further studies at universities around the world.
School Features
BISP places a strong emphasis on both academic education and extracurricular life. Students can take part in music, drama, art, STEAM, and many other clubs and activities.
Sport is another key focus. The school runs High-Performance Sports Academies in swimming, football, tennis, and golf. Students train with professional coaches and compete in regional and international competitions.
The campus covers approximately 44 acres, or nearly 18 hectares. It includes academic buildings, sports fields, tennis and golf centres, 25- and 50-metre swimming pools, a sports hall, and other facilities. Students can attend as day students or live in the school’s boarding accommodation.
The architecture of the main academic building deserves a special mention: its medieval British-style façade makes it look like an English castle. The building itself, however, is modern — it was built in 1996.
English Language Requirements for Admission
For young children, fluency in English is not required.
- In Primary, ages 5–11, children whose first language is not English are assessed on their reading, writing, and speaking skills. If their English is not sufficient to learn comfortably, the school provides additional language support.
- In Secondary, ages 11–16, the requirements become higher. To be admitted, children must already be able to learn in an English-speaking environment. If needed, the school may require additional English lessons or an intensive language programme. Requirements are particularly high for students aged 14–16 starting their IGCSE courses.
- In Senior School, ages 16–18, the school expects a very high, near-fluent level of English, as the IB and BTEC programmes involve extensive reading, written assignments, presentations, and independent study.
Important: BISP does not set a single mandatory IELTS score for admission. English proficiency is assessed individually. English Language Acquisition and Intensive English programmes are available for students who need additional language support.
Tuition Fees
BISP is considered one of the most expensive schools in Phuket. Fees depend primarily on the child’s age and year group.
- Primary, approximately ages 5–11: 750,000–767,700 ฿ / year
- Secondary, approximately ages 11–16: 960,200–982,700 ฿ / year
- Senior School, approximately ages 16–18: 960,200–982,700 ฿ / year
- Nursery and Reception: 489,000 ฿ / year
- Little Ducks Pre-School: 179,000–393,700 ฿ / year – fees depend on the number of days per week and the chosen attendance option.
In addition to the basic tuition fees, there are additional expenses: admission fees, the school bus, IGCSE and IB exams, intensive English, certain sports and supplementary programmes, uniforms, and boarding accommodation.
BCIS Phuket International School
Geo on Google Maps (Chalong)
Website
BCIS is an international school with a distinctive feature: families can choose between the British Cambridge curriculum and a French educational pathway. This makes the school particularly appealing to families considering further education for their child not only in the UK, but also in France or other European countries.
The school welcomes children from approximately 2 to 18–19 years old.
- Early Years: approximately ages 2–5
- Primary: approximately ages 5–11
- Secondary: approximately ages 11–16
- Senior School / Sixth Form: approximately ages 16–18/19
Curriculum
The English-language division follows the Cambridge International Curriculum. Students progress through Cambridge Primary and Cambridge Secondary, then move on to IGCSE, followed by Cambridge AS & A Levels in the senior years.
The school also offers a French curriculum, leading to the French Diplôme National du Brevet and Baccalauréat.
School Features
BCIS’s main distinguishing feature is the opportunity to follow one of two complete education systems within the same school. Languages are another key focus: alongside English and French, students can study Thai and other foreign languages.
Children who need to improve their English can receive support through the EAL – English as an Additional Languageprogramme.
English Language Requirements for Admission
The school does not publish a single requirement, such as an IELTS score or a specific CEFR level, that applies to all students.
As part of the admissions process, each child takes an English language assessment and attends an interview. The school then determines whether they can join mainstream classes straight away or need additional EAL support.
This means that perfect English is not essential for younger children, while requirements naturally become higher in Secondary and especially in the senior years: students need to understand academic material in English.
Tuition Fees
- Early Years, approximately ages 2–5: 302,000 ฿ / year
- Primary, approximately ages 5–11: 362,000–403,500 ฿ / year
- Secondary, approximately ages 11–16: 488,000–497,000 ฿ / year
- Senior School, approximately ages 16–18:502,500 ฿ / year
The variation within Primary depends on the year group: Years 1–2 cost 362,000 ฿, while Years 3–6 cost 403,500 ฿. In Secondary, Years 7–9 cost 488,000 ฿, while Years 10–11 cost 497,000 ฿.
Transport, uniforms, certain additional programmes, and language support may incur extra charges.
UWC Thailand International School
Geo on Google Maps (Thep Krasatti)
Website
UWC Thailand is an international school in northern Phuket and part of the global United World Colleges network. It is one of the few schools on the island where the entire educational pathway is built around the International Baccalaureate.
The school welcomes children from approximately 2 to 18 years old.
- Early Years: ages 2–5
- Primary: approximately ages 6–10/11
- Secondary: approximately ages 11–16
- Senior School: approximately ages 16–18
Curriculum
UWC Thailand offers the full IB continuum:
Primary Years Programme (PYP) – primary school;
Middle Years Programme (MYP) – Grades 6–10;
IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) – Grades 11–12.
School Features
One of UWC’s key features is the combination of its academic curriculum with experiential learning, environmental initiatives, and social projects.
The school community is highly international, with dozens of nationalities represented. On-campus boarding is available for older students.
What level of English is required for admission?
Requirements vary significantly depending on age.
- Early Years: no specific level of English is required.
- Primary: fluency is not always required. The school assesses each child’s level and provides additional language support if needed.
- Secondary: students should already have a level of English that allows them to gradually meet the academic requirements of their grade.
- Senior School, IB Diploma: a strong command of English is required, as students need to read complex texts, write essays, conduct research, and participate in discussions entirely in English.
Tuition fees
- Early Years: 345,000–633,000 ฿ / year
- Primary, Grades 1–5: 753,500 ฿ / year
- Secondary, Grades 6–10: 872,000 ฿ / year
- Senior School, Grades 11–12: 933,000 ฿ / year
International School of Phuket (ISP)
Geo on Google Maps (Rawai)
Website
ISP is a relatively small international school in Rawai that follows the Cambridge curriculum.
Please note: this is not a school offering education all the way through to age 18: it currently provides education up to Lower Secondary.
Students are approximately 5–14 years old.
- Primary: approximately 5–12 years old
- Lower Secondary: approximately 12–14 years old
Curriculum
Teaching follows the Cambridge International Curriculum, based on the British education system.
Primary covers Years 1–6, after which students move on to Cambridge Lower Secondary – Years 7–9.
School features
ISP is considerably smaller than the island’s largest international schools: it states a maximum capacity of around 235 students.
The curriculum includes art, music, and sports, while extracurricular activities include swimming, tennis, and Muay Thai.
What level of English is required for admission?
Admission requirements are quite flexible: the school explicitly states that there is no minimum English level required for admission.
If a child is not yet ready to study the Cambridge curriculum entirely in English, they may be placed in the ELL – English Language Learner programme, before gradually transitioning into a mainstream class. This makes ISP an option for children arriving in Phuket with very limited English or virtually none at all.
Tuition fees
Standard Cambridge programme:
- Primary:174,600–183,240 ฿ / year
- Lower Secondary:197,820 ฿ / year
- Ages 15–18: education is not offered.
If a child requires the ELL programme:
- Primary:215,100–223,740 ฿ / year
- Lower Secondary: approximately 238,320 ฿ / year.
Lighthouse International School Phuket
Geo on Google Maps (Rawai)
Website
Lighthouse is an international school in southern Phuket with a fairly unusual range of educational pathways, combining British, Canadian Alberta, Cambridge, and French curricula.
Students are 2 to 18 years old.
- Early Years: ages 2–5
- Primary: ages 5–11/12
- Secondary: ages 11/12–16
- Senior School: ages 16–18
Curriculum
In Primary, teaching is based mainly on the British National Curriculum.
In Secondary, the Canadian Alberta Curriculum becomes the main pathway, while Cambridge IGCSE is available to some students. In Grades 11–12, students can earn an Alberta High School Diploma.
There is also a separate French-language programme.
School features
Lighthouse stands out primarily for the flexibility of its programmes. Families can choose a British, Canadian, or French educational pathway.
In Primary, class sizes are capped at around 25 students. Alongside core subjects, the school offers languages, sports, and additional activities.
What level of English is required for admission?
In Primary, children may receive additional ELS/ESL support, so fluency in English is not always required.
Requirements are higher in Secondary. Before admission, the school may assess English and mathematics. Students need sufficient English to study the Alberta or Cambridge curriculum, although conditional admission with mandatory additional language support may also be possible.
The school does not publicly specify a fixed IELTS score or CEFR level.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees
Fees are lower when paid annually in advance than in instalments.
- Primary: approximately 270,000–300,000 ฿ / year
- Secondary: approximately 313,000–387,000 ฿ / year
- Senior School:348,000–387,000 ฿ / year
Kindergarten has separate fees: 220,000 ฿, or 210,000 ฿ when the full year is paid in advance.
HeadStart International School
Geo on Google Maps (Phuket Town)
Website
A British international school with two campuses in Phuket. It offers a complete educational pathway from preschool through to the end of Senior School.
Students are 2–18 years old.
- Foundation: ages 2–5
- Primary: ages 5–11
- Secondary: ages 11–16
- Sixth Form: ages 16–18
Curriculum
The curriculum is based on the National Curriculum of England. At ages 14–16, students study for IGCSEs, while in Sixth Form they can choose A Levels or BTEC, depending on their academic goals.
School features
HeadStart combines a traditional British curriculum with a wide range of sports and extracurricular activities. Academic, creative, and sporting options are available.
What level of English is required for admission?
Students take an admissions assessment; for older children, this includes academic tasks and an English language assessment.
However, children do not need to have native-level English from the outset. An EAL programme is available for Years 1–11 if the school determines that a student needs additional English support. Lessons may take place in small groups, during the regular school timetable, and after school.
The closer students are to IGCSE and Sixth Form, the higher the level of academic English required.
Tuition fees
- Foundation / Early Years: 347,000–360,000 ฿ / year
- Primary: 480,000 ฿ / year
- Secondary: 540,000 ฿ / year
- Sixth Form: 540,000 ฿ / year
Oak Meadow International School
Geo on Google Maps (Chalong)
Website
A full-cycle international school following the American education system. The school offers education from Kindergarten through Grade 12, up to approximately 18 years of age.
Curriculum
The school follows an American curriculum, including Common Core standards. Education continues through Grade 12.
School Features
The school’s approach focuses on both academic subjects and students’ creative and personal development. The programme includes art, music, sports, and other activities.
Oak Meadow falls within a more affordable price range compared with Phuket’s largest international schools.
English Language Requirements for Admission
Students applying for Grades 2–12 undergo an entrance assessment and interview. The school evaluates their English proficiency and ability to follow the curriculum, among other factors.
EAL support is available for children who need additional help with English.
The school does not publish a standard minimum IELTS score or CEFR level, so admission decisions are based on an individual assessment.
Tuition Fees
- Kindergarten – 231,000 ฿
- Grades 1–5 – 317,520 ฿
- Grades 6–8 – 362,880 ฿
- Grades 9–12 – 408,240 ฿.
Kajonkiet International School Phuket (KIS)
Geo on Google Maps (Kathu)
Website
Kajonkiet International School is a full-cycle British international school accepting children from approximately 2 to 18 years of age. Core subjects are taught in English.
- Early Years: 2–5 years
- Primary: 5–11 years
- Secondary: 11–16 years
- Sixth Form: 16–18 years
Curriculum
The school follows the National Curriculum for England. Students then progress to IGCSE, followed by the British A Level programme in the senior years.
School Features
KIS offers a complete British educational pathway within one school, from kindergarten through to university entry. Alongside the academic programme, the school provides extracurricular activities, sports, and a pastoral care system offering support and guidance for students.
English Language Requirements for Admission
Admission requirements vary by age. Younger children undergo a simpler assessment, while older students are assessed in English, mathematics, and overall academic readiness.
The school may accept children whose first language is not English, provided they can follow the curriculum with the available EAL support.
There is no fixed IELTS score or CEFR level required for all students.
Tuition Fees
- Early Years: 200,000–285,000 ฿ / year
- Primary: 345,000–365,000 ฿ / year
- Secondary: 408,000–425,000 ฿ / year
- Sixth Form: 454,000 ฿ / year
The additional EAL programme costs approximately 46,000–62,000 ฿ / year, depending on the year group.
QSI International School of Phuket
Geo on Google Maps (Kathu)
Website
QSI stands out from most schools on the list primarily for its American approach and Mastery Learning system.
Here, children must fully master the material before moving on to the next level.
The school accepts children aged approximately 2 to 18 and brings together students from more than 25 nationalities.
Curriculum
QSI offers North American international education. Classes are organised primarily by age, although children may work at their own level in certain subjects. A variety of courses are available in Secondary, and some Advanced Placement (AP) subjects can be taken through QSI Virtual School.
School Features
The key feature is that students do not simply receive a grade and move on; they must demonstrate that they have mastered a particular section of the curriculum. As a result, children of the same age may study mathematics or English at different academic levels.
English Language Requirements for Admission
The admission policy is particularly appealing to international families. Children from preschool age to approximately 13 years old may be accepted even without any knowledge of English.
Between approximately 6 and 13 years of age, children can take Intensive English if needed and receive additional support within or outside their main classroom.
Requirements are higher for teenagers: when applying to Secondary, the school assesses their English proficiency. Older children arriving with little or no English may need more time to complete the school programme.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are provided by the school upon request and depend on the child’s age.
Kinderville International School Phuket / Kinderville Nova
Geo on Google Maps (Chalong)
Website
Kinderville is not a traditional, fully English-medium British school like BISP or HeadStart.
Its distinctive feature is parallel instruction following both the Cambridge and Russian curricula.
The school focuses primarily on primary and lower secondary education.
Curriculum
Children follow two programmes simultaneously:
- Cambridge programme – subjects taught in English;
- Russian curriculum – subjects taught in Russian.
School Features
The main distinction is its bilingual Russian-English environment, which may suit families wishing to maintain a Russian educational pathway.
The school provides five meals a day, sessions with teachers and tutors, psychological support, and sports, including swimming and football.
English Language Requirements for Admission
The official website does not specify a required IELTS score, CEFR level, or any other minimum level of English.
Before admission, children undergo a school readiness assessment, and consultations with the school’s specialists are also part of the process.
Tuition Fees
Ages 5–7 – 313,000 ฿ / academic year
Ages 7–11 – 394,700 ฿ / academic year
The academic year lasts 10 months, from September to June, and a 10% discount is available for the second and each subsequent child from the same family.
The admission fee, deposit, and learning materials are charged separately. Actual expenses in the first year are higher than the listed tuition fees.
How to Choose an International School in Phuket
There is no one-size-fits-all option: when choosing a school, consider not only the cost but also the curriculum, your child’s English proficiency, the campus location, and your family’s future plans.
If you are considering universities in the UK or Europe, it makes sense to look at schools offering Cambridge, IGCSE, A-Level, or IB programmes. For families interested in the American education system, there are schools offering a North American curriculum. If your child does not yet speak English well, it is especially important to check the availability of EAL/ELL programmes and admission requirements in advance.
Before making your final decision, we recommend visiting several schools in person: tour the campus, meet the teachers, ask about class sizes, and have your child take an entrance assessment. Sometimes a school that looks ideal on paper may simply not suit your child — and vice versa.
Also, take a look at our other guides:
