British International School Phuket vs Headstart International School Chaofah City Campus
British International School Phuket and Headstart International School Chaofah City Campus are both in Phuket, about 7 km apart. Both schools offer British, BTEC Qualification and Cambridge IGCSE programmes. British International School Phuket also offers IB, and Headstart International School Chaofah City Campus also offers Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels. Published annual fees are THB 470,200 - 935,900 at British International School Phuket and THB 347,000 - 491,000 at Headstart International School Chaofah City Campus, which puts British International School Phuket roughly 68% higher. Both take pupils from 2 to 18. Headstart International School Chaofah City Campus is the larger school, with around 1,500 pupils to British International School Phuket's 1,140. Typical class sizes are 10 at British International School Phuket and 22 at Headstart International School Chaofah City Campus.
IB (DP), British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification, Cambridge IGCSE
Curriculum
British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils
Pupils
1,140
Pupils
1,500
Typical class size
Typical class size
10
Typical class size
22
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
1996
Opened
2005
Bus service
Bus service
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Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
British International School Phuket (BISP) is located in the Koh Kaew area in the northeast of Phuket Island, Thailand. The campus is set on 44 acres of secure, landscaped grounds, offering a quiet and spacious learning environment away from the island’s busier tourist zones. The school is approximately 35–40 minutes from Phuket International Airport and easily accessible via the main road, which connects to central Phuket Town and surrounding residential areas. This makes it convenient for both local and expatriate families commuting daily, as well as for boarders arriving from abroad.
Location
HeadStart’s Chaofah City Campus is located in Mueang Phuket District, on the island of Phuket, Thailand, at 39/99 Moo 4, Vichitsongkram Road. It sits between Phuket Town and Patong, offering convenient access from major residential areas. The campus is within reach of main transport routes, including Chaofa West Road, and has on-site parking. The surrounding area includes schools, medical centres, and housing developments.
Stages
Stages
BISP provides a continuous educational pathway for children aged 2 to 18 years old, divided into clearly structured stages. The Early Years section (Nursery and Reception) focuses on play-based learning for ages 2–5. This leads into the Primary School (Years 1–6), where students follow the National Curriculum of England. The Secondary School comprises Years 7–13 and is further divided into Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9), IGCSE (Years 10–11), and Sixth Form (Years 12–13), which offers the IB Diploma Programme and BTEC in Sport. Boarding is available from Year 4 onwards.
Stages
* Foundation (Ages 2–5) Includes Preschool, Early Years 1, and Early Years 2. Follows the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework with a focus on learning through play and early development.
* Primary School (Ages 5–11) Covers Year 1 to Year 6, following the British National Curriculum.
* Secondary School (Ages 11–16) Encompasses Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9) and Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11). Students work toward Cambridge IGCSE qualifications.
* Sixth Form (Ages 16–18) Offers two pathways: Cambridge A Levels (academic) or BTEC qualifications, preparing students for university or career paths.
School type
School type
British International School Phuket is a co-educational day and boarding school, with boarding available for weekly or full boarding for students in Years 4–13. Approximately 120 students currently board on campus.
School type
HeadStart is a co-educational day school, it does not offer boarding services.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
BISP offers a dedicated Learning Support Department that works closely with students, families, and teachers to ensure inclusive access to the curriculum. The support is available for students from Primary through Sixth Form and includes tailored interventions, in-class support, and accommodations for specific learning differences. The school also coordinates with external professionals to provide occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and educational psychology assessments when needed. Individual learning plans and exam accommodations are designed based on the student’s needs, and the Learning Support team aims to promote independence and confidence in each learner.
Additional learning support
HeadStart International School’s Student Support Team offers a broad range of academic, emotional, and social assistance to ensure each student has the guidance they need. Support is provided through:
* Learning Support for students with Additional Educational Needs (AEN): includes assessment, Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), in-class accommodations, small groups or one-on-one instruction, and collaboration with external agencies when necessary
* Specialist Support: access to services such as clinical psychologists and referrals to speech and language therapists as needed
* Counselling Services: available to all students for educational, vocational, personal, social, and mental health guidance, with support provided in coordination with key school staff and safeguarding teams.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school follows the English National Curriculum and is governed by international accreditations, but it has no direct national affiliation.
Country affiliation
While the curriculum is based on the British system, HSIS is not officially affiliated with the United Kingdom or any other nation.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
BISP has no religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliations.
School day structure
School day structure
The school day begins around 8 am and ends between 3 pm–4 pm, varying slightly by age group. It includes morning lessons, a mid-day lunch break, and afternoon sessions, with extra and co curricular activities after the last period.
School day structure
The school day begins at 8:00 AM, followed by six academic lessons. Lessons are structured in 55-minute blocks, with scheduled breaks. Regular classes finish at 3:20 PM. After that, students may join Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs) from 3:30–4:20 PM, and specialised Academy programmes from 4:30–6:00 PM, depending on enrolment and age group.
Bus service details
Bus service details
There is limited information available on the bus service.
Bus service details
Yes, the school offers a bus and van service across key residential zones in Phuket. Buses are seatbelt-equipped, and staffed by trained drivers and ride monitors. Families can gather more information and register for service through the school office.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application & Enrolment Fees
* Application Fee: THB 6,000 (non-refundable, one-time) * Placement Fee: THB 200,000 (per family with one student) or THB 250,000 (for families with more than one student) * Refundable Bond: THB 150,000 per student, refundable upon withdrawal with a full term’s notice.
All tuition, boarding, and transportation fees are based on a three-term academic year. Fees are invoiced termly and cover the full school year unless otherwise noted.
Annual Tuition Fees by Year Group
* Nursery & Reception: THB 470,200 * Year 1–3: THB 714,300 * Year 4: THB 719,900 * Year 5: THB 722,200 * Year 6: THB 731,100 * Year 7–8: THB 931,300 * Year 9–10: THB 935,900 * Year 11 & 13: THB 914,500 * Year 12: THB 935,900
Annual Boarding Fees (Available from Year 4)
Weekly Boarding: * Year 4–6: THB 377,500 * Year 7–10 & Year 12: THB 436,000 * Year 11 & 13: THB 436,000
Full Boarding: * Year 4–6: THB 451,000 * Year 7–10 & Year 12: THB 485,000 * Year 11 & 13: THB 485,000
Annual Transportation Fees (Optional)
* Year 3–10 & Year 12: THB 95,100 * Year 11 & 13: THB 95,100
Payment Terms & Methods * Term 1: Due 18 July 2025 * Term 2: Due 5 December 2025 * Term 3: Due 20 March 2026
* Payment options include: * Cash * Bank transfer * Cheque * Credit/Debit cards
Fee details
* Application Fee: THB 5,000 per child (non-refundable; applies to all applicants, Years 3–13 require an entrance test) * Entrance Fee: THB 100,000 per child (one-time, non-refundable) * Endowment Fee: THB 75,000 per child (refundable upon permanent withdrawal, subject to conditions)
Tuition Fees by Year Group (2025–2026)
Preschool & Early Years–Reception (EY-REC) * Term 1: THB 139,000 * Term 2: THB 104,000 * Term 3: THB 104,000 * Annual Total: THB 347,000
Years 1–6 * Term 1: THB 174,000 * Term 2: THB 130,000 * Term 3: THB 130,000 * Annual Total: THB 434,000
Years 7–9 * Term 1: THB 197,000 * Term 2: THB 147,000 * Term 3: THB 147,000 * Annual Total: THB 491,000
Years 10–13 * Term 1: THB 245,500 * Term 2: THB 245,500 * Annual Total: THB 491,000
Billing Schedule
* Fees are billed termly, with Years 10–13 billed twice per year * Invoices are emailed before each payment period
Additional Costs
* EAL or AEN Support: THB 50,000/year (if applicable) * Uniforms: Purchased separately at school reception * School Bus: Charged additionally based on service * Book Fees, Music Lessons, Trips, Competitions: Variable depending on enrolment * Exam Fees: Billed separately for IGCSEs, AS/A Levels, and BTECs
Refund Policy
* Endowment Fee is refundable if: * The student completes the academic year * 30-day written notice before the last day of Term 3 * All outstanding fees are cleared
Payment Options
* Cash * Bank transfer (proof required) * Thai and foreign credit/debit cards * In-person at school or online
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
British International School Phuket delivers the National Curriculum of England in Key Stages 1 to 3 (Years 1–9). In Years 10 and 11, students follow the IGCSE programme. For Years 12 and 13, students may pursue the full International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or select individual IBDP courses. Alternatively, students can opt for the BTEC International Extended Diploma in Sport. All graduates earn the BISP High School Diploma, which is accredited by CIS, NEASC, and the Thai Ministry of Education. BISP is also an exam centre for SAT, PSAT, LAMDA, ABRSM, Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, and Cambridge Assessment, and includes a well-being curriculum as part of its academic offering.
Curriculum details
Head Start International School Chaofah City Campus follows the British National Curriculum across all school stages. In Foundation, students learn through the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), focusing on early literacy, numeracy, and social development. Primary School (Years 1–6) covers English, Maths, Science, Humanities, Computing, Languages, PE, Art, and Music. In Secondary (Years 7–9), students follow Key Stage 3 before progressing to IGCSEs in Years 10–11 through Cambridge and Pearson exam boards. In Sixth Form (Years 12–13), students can pursue AS and A Levels or opt for the vocational BTEC pathway. Thai Language and Culture is taught in accordance with national requirements, with multiple language options available for non-Thai students.
1. Schedule a visit or virtual meeting (optional but encouraged). Parents may book an on-campus tour or attend an interview via video conference. These meetings allow staff to better understand a student's academic profile, learning needs, and language proficiency.
2. Provide supporting documents and pay the application fee. Parents can then apply via the online application form. Supporting documents are required typically including a child’s passport, birth certificate, school reports, and any known learning or health-related information. The application fee must be paid before the admissions process begins, unless an exemption is granted.
3. Assessment and interviews. Depending on age and background, applicants may complete academic or cognitive screening, English proficiency testing, or learning support assessments. Parents and students may also speak with ELA or LS coordinators, the Thai Director, or Boarding staff if relevant.
4. Admissions review and decision. The Headmaster or relevant Principal reviews the complete profile and assessment outcomes. Applicants will be notified whether they receive a full offer, conditional offer, or are declined. Offers will include acceptance deadlines and payment instructions.
5. Finalise enrolment. Upon accepting the offer, families complete any required payments and receive placement guidance. The student is then enrolled into the school's systems, and staff are informed of any relevant needs or pathways (e.g., ELA, High Performance Sport).
Admissions
1. Book a campus tour or open day visit. Parents are encouraged to visit the school to gain insight into the learning environment, facilities, and curriculum. Tours are arranged by appointment and may include meetings with school leaders or admissions staff.
2. Fill out the Application Form. A parent or carer completes the school’s application form, which is available online. This form collects essential details about the student, academic history, and any additional needs.
3. Entrance Examination (Years 3–13). Students applying for Years 3 to 13 must sit an entrance exam to assess academic suitability. A non-refundable fee of 3,000 THB applies for each student being assessed.
4. Interview with Head of Primary or Secondary. Following the exam, the student and family attend an interview with the relevant Head of School. This helps determine readiness, support needs, and student-school fit.
5. Complete the Home and School Partnership Agreement. If a place is offered, parents/guardians sign a formal agreement confirming their understanding of the school’s expectations, values, and policies (e.g. code of conduct, dress code).
6. Submit Required Documents. The registrar will request key documentation, including ID, school reports, health records, and any relevant learning support assessments.
7. Receive Invoice and Pay Fees. The accounting department issues an invoice by email. Once fees are paid, the student’s enrolment is confirmed.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Academic Scholarships BISP offers academic scholarships to both internal and external Secondary School students. External candidates may apply for the Dr. Arthit World Academic Scholarship, which is awarded based on academic excellence, English proficiency, leadership, community engagement, and interview performance. Internal students are automatically considered for the IGCSE Riband Awards. The Orange Riband grants full tuition for one year (or 50% for two years) to the top IGCSE performer with at least 8 A*. The Blue Riband offers a 50% tuition reduction for one year to two students with 6 or more A* or A grades.
Sports Scholarships Sports scholarships are available to external applicants only for entry into BISP’s High Performance Academies in swimming, football, golf, tennis, and aerial arts. Awards are partial and may include boarding. Selection is based on competitive performance, trials, rankings, and coach references. Applicants must also meet academic and behavioural standards. Aerial Arts applicants submit performance videos, a personal statement, and a character reference.
Arts Scholarships BISP offers partial Visual Arts scholarships, which may include boarding, to students with strong artistic talent. Applicants should have an A*/A in IGCSE Art or equivalent, a portfolio of at least 10 pieces, and ideally a record of public exhibition. Recipients are expected to pursue IB Visual Arts and contribute to the school’s creative community.
Scholarships
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Waitlist
Waitlist
If a qualified applicant cannot be offered a place due to limited availability, they may be placed on a waitlist. Priority is given based on factors such as having siblings at the school, diversity within the year group (gender, nationality, language), date of application, and ability to thrive in the BISP community.
Waitlist
There is no information available about the waitlist process on the school's website.
