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St. Andrews Samakee International School

Thailand, Bangkok

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees THB 389,200 - 714,800
Ages 6 months - 14 years
Pupil numbers 152
Type Co-educational
Opened 2000
Bus Service Yes
Availability Not shared by this school
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Taught languages English, Spanish, Thai
Typical class size 14
Strengths Performing Arts, Academic Enrichment, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

St. Andrews Samakee International School, located in Nonthaburi just north of Bangkok, is a co-educational day school for children aged approximately 1 to 14. It follows the British curriculum, including the Early Years Foundation Stage. With around 152 students, the school maintains small class sizes to support personalised learning. English is the language of instruction, and there is a strong emphasis on social development within a close-knit community. A distinctive feature is the on-site farm and environmental programme, which fosters student engagement with sustainability and service, complemented by STEAM-focused activities. Under the leadership of Head of School Ms Monica Sudhirak, Samakee promotes curiosity, confidence, and care through learner-centred teaching. The school is particularly suited to families seeking a values-driven British international education in a supportive environment just outside central Bangkok.

43 Soi Tiwanond 48, Tiwanond Road, Mueang Nonthaburi District, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand

The Essentials

St. Andrews Samakee International School has 152 pupils, typical class sizes of 14, instruction in English.

Location

The school is located in Nonthaburi just north of Bangkok, nestled in a quiet garden setting near Nichada Thani. Its suburban neighbourhood offers easy access via main roads and provides a peaceful environment with ample outdoor and play spaces for children.

Stages

The school serves children from Walkers (around age 1) up to age 14, corresponding to Year 9. It is organised into four sections: First School (Early Years), Key Stage 1, Middle School, and Upper School.

Type

St. Andrews Samakee is a co‑educational, day school with flexible attendance options for younger children, such as part-time sessions for Walkers and Little Learners.

Additional learning support

The school offers structured SEN support through its Inclusion Programme (SIP), led by a Developmental Pediatrician and the inclusion team. Support includes tailored programmes, small-group or one-on-one help, and professional interventions as needed.

Country affiliation

The school follows a British-style curriculum and is accredited under British Schools Overseas standards, but it does not have a formal affiliation with any specific country.

Religious affiliation

There is no indication of any religious affiliation in the school’s publicly available information.

School day structure

The school operates Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM. While specific break schedules aren't detailed online, the school day includes both classroom learning and after‑school enrichment options.

Bus service

The school offers a bus service with options for three, four, or five days per week, available as either one-way or two-way transport.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

The school has a House System with three Houses Nightingale, Einstein and Shakespeare. Each House has a distinctive t-shirt in blue, red and green, worn on Fridays and for House events. Shirts are available from the school shop.

Food Options

Food is available at the school; a pupil notes that their favorite food at the school is sushi.

House System

There are three houses Nightingale, Einstein and Shakespeare. House Captains lead events and support younger students; house shirts in blue, red and green are worn on Fridays and for inter-house events.

Governance and Ownership

Headteacher is Monica Sudhirak. The school is licensed by the Thai Ministry of Education and accredited through ONESQA. UK accreditations include Education Development Trust ISQM Gold Standard and British Schools Overseas; the school has achieved a Three-Star Gold Standard accreditation (awarded in May 2023 after prior Gold Standard recognitions since May 2012).
Fees

Annual tuition at St. Andrews Samakee International School ranges from THB 389,200 to THB 714,800 for 2026/27.

Application Fee: THB 2,500 (non-refundable administration charge).

Enrolment Fee: THB 60,000 (non-refundable, one-time fee)

Annual Tuition Fees (per group)
Little Learners Group (8:30 AM – 10:30 AM): THB 1,000 per session, or THB 850 per session with one-time term payment.

Nursery–Reception (Morning only, 8:15 AM – 12:00 PM):
3 days/week: THB 278,600 per year
4 days/week: THB 370,600 per year
5 days/week: THB 456,600 per year

Nursery–Reception (Full day, 8:15 AM – 14:30 PM):
3 days/week: THB 194,600 per term / THB 389,200 per year
4 days/week: THB 255,900 per term / THB 511,800 per year
5 days/week: THB 317,700 per term / THB 635,400 per year

Year 1–Year 9 (5 full days): THB 714,800

Note: Tuition fees include daily learning activities, lunch, and snacks. Late payment interest: 1.25% per month; overdue accounts may lead to exclusion from classes.

Inclusion Programme (if applicable)
High Needs One-to-One LSA Fee: THB 468,000 per year.
Inclusion Programme management fee: THB 20,000 per term.

School Bus Service
3 days/week:
One way THB 39,800 per year;
Two ways THB 66,400 per year

4 days/week:
One way THB 52,600 per year
Two ways THB 88,600 per year

5 days/week:
One way THB 65,600 per year
Two ways THB 110,400 per year

Sibling Discounts
Third child: 10% tuition fee reduction
Fourth and subsequent children: 20% tuition fee reduction.

Refund Policy
Withdrawal before half-term (with prior notice): 50% tuition fee refund.
No refund after the start of the second half-term.

Payment Options
Cash, cheque, credit card (charges vary by card type), or bank transfer to Kasikorn Bank.
Academics

St. Andrews Samakee International School teaches British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage) for students aged 0.115 to 14.

Curriculum

St. Andrews Samakee International School follows the British National Curriculum from early years to lower secondary. In the Early Years Foundation Stage (up to age 5), children learn through a balance of play and guided activities across core developmental areas. Key Stage 1 (ages 5–7) builds on these foundations, introducing structured learning in English, Mathematics, Science, and foundation subjects. The Middle School years (ages 7–10) continue the UK curriculum, delivered through thematic units alongside specialist teaching in subjects such as Music, PE, and Languages. In the Upper School (ages 10–14), students study a full range of discrete subjects including History, Geography, Design Technology, Spanish, Thai, Drama, and Environmental Science, aligned with Key Stages 2 and 3. The curriculum emphasises both academic subjects and practical skills, preparing students for progression into upper secondary pathways.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school emphasises social skills and emotional development through an integrated curriculum that builds relationships across age groups, encourages collaboration, and nurtures confidence through mixed-age learning activities. The Early Years approach, for instance, promotes social and emotional growth via play-based interactions among children and with caring adults.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

St. Andrews Samakee supports students with a range of special educational needs, including learning difficulties, social-emotional or mental health challenges, specific learning difficulties, sensory or physical needs, communication issues, and medical or health conditions. The school uses a graduated, step-by-step approach: once a child is identified, staff tailor support via individual programmes, learning support assistants, small-group or one-to-one teaching, and personal plans in collaboration with the Inclusion Leader and Merak Clinic professionals.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The school’s website does not publicly disclose information regarding support for students with English as an Additional Language.

Mental Wellbeing

The school does not provide specific, publicly available details regarding dedicated mental wellbeing programmes, staff, or initiatives beyond general references to social and emotional development.

Safeguarding

St. Andrews Samakee considers safeguarding everyone’s responsibility and maintains clear procedures to protect students from harm. The school has designated safeguarding officers, including a Designated Safeguarding Lead and several deputies, who oversee child protection and respond to concerns raised by students or parents.
Parent Experience

History

St. Andrews Samakee International School opened in January 2000 as a privately owned, co-educational day school. It began with just two pupils and has since grown into a small, community-focused school serving students up to Year 9. The school has consistently maintained its independence while aligning with British Schools Overseas (BSO) accreditation standards. Over the years, it has expanded its facilities and programmes to reflect both the British curriculum and locally relevant cultural experiences.

Community

The school community is active and culturally diverse, with regular events that bring together students, families, and staff. Annual highlights include International Day, which celebrates global cultures through traditional dress, food, music, and activities, and Book Week, featuring a costume parade, book swap, and reading-themed activities. Songkran celebrations are marked by a traditional almsgiving ceremony in the school garden, where students and families offer food to visiting monks. Other community events such as Chinese New Year festivities, Movie Night, and themed workshops further encourage family participation and strengthen the school’s close-knit atmosphere.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

While the school does not publicly identify a formal Parent Teacher Association by name, it actively encourages parent involvement through workshops, consultations, and community events. Parents are invited to participate in occasions such as the Everyday Maths Parent Workshop, cultural celebrations, and themed school days. Regular open days and parent consultations, both in-person and online, provide direct channels for feedback and partnership in student learning. Family participation is also welcomed at events like Movie Night and International Day.
Gallery
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The campus includes a farm and a Forest School space for outdoor learning. The farm hosts ducks, goats, rabbits, and a tortoise, and a Butterfly Garden complements outdoor learning spaces. Makerspaces and a Design Lab support hands-on, cross-curricular learning and ECAs. The curriculum extends beyond the English National Curriculum and uses the learner-centred principles of the International Baccalaureate. Personalised teaching is provided through small class sizes. The school holds UK accreditations, including ISQM Gold Level accreditation since May 2012 and Outstanding British School Overseas.

Sports Facilities

There is a football field on campus. There is a swimming pool on campus. The ECAs include a range of sports clubs such as football, badminton, basketball, gymnastics, and taekwondo. ECAs run after school from 2:40pm to 3:30pm (Mondays through Thursdays).

Academic Facilities

From Little Learners (ages 1–2) to Year 9, the school provides education across early years to lower secondary. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) follows the UK EYFS framework. First School serves 2–5 years; Middle School 5–10 years; Upper School 10–14 years. The curriculum is designed to build critical thinking, creativity, and independence and extends beyond the English National Curriculum with learner-centred IB principles. The school emphasises values, wellbeing and community and delivers personalised teaching through small class sizes. The school holds UK accreditations, including ISQM Gold Level since May 2012 and Outstanding British School Overseas.

Extra Curricular Facilities

The school offers 25 after-school clubs. ECAs are designed to enrich learning through cross-curricular opportunities in the Samakee farm and in the Makerspaces and Design Lab. Clubs include Art Club, Badminton, Ballet, Basketball, Chess, EY Cooking, Forest School Club, Gymnastics, Photography, Minecraft Explorers, STEM Toy Maker, Swim Development, Taekwondo, Thai Language Club, Thai Story Time, and more. ECAs take place from 2:40pm to 3:30pm (Mondays to Thursdays) and are led by school staff as well as external providers.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The school offers an education that extends beyond the English National Curriculum and embraces the learner-centred principles of the International Baccalaureate. From Little Learners (ages 1-2) to Year 9, the school provides First School (2–5 years), Middle School (5–10 years), and Upper School (10–14 years). The curriculum focuses on developing critical thinking, creativity, and independence, with hands-on, experiential learning inside and outside the classroom. Accreditations include Education Development Trust ISQM Gold Standard, Outstanding British School Overseas (BSO), and Thai Ministry of Education licensing via ONESQA.

Arts & Creative

The school offers an extensive after-school programme with 25 clubs, including Art Club, Ballet Club, Photography, and Individual Music, as well as robotics, biomedical engineering, and a range of sports. ECAs provide cross-curricular opportunities in the Samakee farm, Makerspaces and the Design Lab. ECAs run from 2:40pm to 3:30pm on Mondays to Thursdays and are led by school staff and external providers. Examples include Art Club, Badminton, Ballet Club, Basketball Club, Chess Club, Forest School Club, and various music and STEM activities.

Cultural & Language

The school culture centers on togetherness, with the name meaning togetherness and acting as the foundation of the ethos. Core values are Safe, Mindful, Kind, and Engaged. The school emphasizes an inclusive environment with strong staff–student relationships and supportive community dynamics. Diversity, equity and inclusion are reflected in the school's emphasis on partnership with families and a welcoming culture.

Social & Hobbies

Hands-on, experiential learning is embedded through the Samakee Forest School and farm, where outdoor learning, animal care, and sustainability activities occur. The farm features ducks, goats, rabbits, a tortoise, and a Butterfly Garden, fostering practical, real-world experiences. The extensive ECAs support varied interests—from arts and music to sports and robotics—using Makerspaces and Design Lab as learning spaces.

Community & Service

Samakee is a close-knit community where every child is known, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential. There is a strong emphasis on wellbeing and community, with a noticeable focus on parent–school partnership. The school's culture centers on togetherness and mutual support, reinforced by the family-focused approach described in its ethos.

Leadership & Professional

The school provides safeguarding leadership, with a designated safeguarding lead and deputies; safeguarding is a shared responsibility among staff and parents. House Captains lead events and support younger students, fostering leadership and responsibility within the student community. Leadership and responsibility are embedded in student roles and house activities across the school.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Outdoor learning is a central element, with the Samakee Forest School and farm helping students build perseverance, resilience, and confidence. The Samakee values—Safe, Mindful, Kind, Engaged—underline wellbeing and a caring, supportive community. The farm, animals, and nature-based spaces encourage sustainable-minded citizenship and physical well-being.
Languages

Language Provision

English, Spanish and Thai are taught. English is the language of instruction in core subjects, and the curriculum follows the English National Curriculum. In Upper School, Spanish and Thai are taught as discrete foundation subjects. Thai language learning is supported through language classrooms and language-focused ECAs.
Reputation

Awards

The school does not provide any award listings on its official website.

Accreditations

Three-Star Gold Standard Accreditation (four consecutive times)
Judged “outstanding” in each of eight internationally recognised performance categories by UK-qualified inspectors during triennial evaluations. This marks the school as the first worldwide to achieve four straight Gold Standard awards.

ISQM (International Schools Quality Mark) via Education Development Trust
A UK-based body authorised by Thailand’s Ministry of Education, awarded “Outstanding School” status and Gold Accreditation in 2012, 2015, 2018, and May 2023.

Licensed by the Thai Ministry of Education and accredited through ONESCA (Sor Mor Sor)
Recognised as an international school under Thailand’s formal inspection system.

British Schools Overseas (BSO)
A UK Government accreditation designating the school as an outstanding British-style school, listed on the UK Government Education Website.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Complete the enrolment form.
Submit the enrolment form with copies of passports, birth certificate, two recent photos, past two years’ school reports in English, and any relevant specialist reports.

2. Visit the school.
After your form is received, the Office Manager will help arrange a time for you to tour the facilities and meet senior staff during regular office hours.

3. Attend a taster day.
This allows your child to spend a day at the school, meeting peers and teachers while you observe the environment in action.

4. Class placement and follow-up.
The school will assign your child to a class and arrange a meeting to clarify details and discuss any needs.

5. Fee payment and transition planning.
Once your application is approved, the school will invoice you for the enrolment fee and the first term’s tuition, then support your child’s smooth transition into their new class.

Scholarships

There is no information on the official site indicating that scholarships or financial aid are offered.

Waitlist

The school’s website does not mention a waitlist or pool system.
School Events
The school has not added events