British International School Phuket vs United World College - Thailand
British International School Phuket and United World College - Thailand are both in Phuket, about 11 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes, and British International School Phuket also offers British, BTEC Qualification and Cambridge IGCSE. Published annual fees are close, at THB 470,200 - 935,900 for British International School Phuket and THB 497,000 - 904,000 for United World College - Thailand. Both take pupils from 2 to 18. British International School Phuket is the larger school, with around 1,140 pupils to United World College - Thailand's 600. Typical class sizes are 10 at British International School Phuket and 6 at United World College - Thailand.
IB (DP), British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification, Cambridge IGCSE
Curriculum
IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils
Pupils
1,140
Pupils
600
Typical class size
Typical class size
10
Typical class size
6
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
1996
Opened
2016
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
UWC Thailand is situated in Thepkasattri, Thalang, in the northern part of Phuket, Thailand. The campus is nestled beside the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, offering a tranquil setting surrounded by rainforest. It is conveniently located just 15–20 minutes by car from Phuket International Airport and is accessible via main island roadways. The area is quiet and residential, with nearby wellness centres and outdoor recreational opportunities.
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
Early Years Programme (ages 2–5): Includes Junior and Senior Pre‑K (“Mini Mantas”) and Junior and Senior Kindergarten. The programme is play-based and follows the IB Primary Years philosophy, encouraging exploration and inquiry through thoughtfully designed learning environments.
Primary Years Programme (Senior K–Grade 5): Spanning Senior Kindergarten to Grade 5, this level integrates core subjects with specialist classes in Art, Music, PE, Thai Language & Culture, and Mindfulness. It emphasises concept-driven, student-led inquiry and culminates in the Grade 5 Exhibition.
Middle Years Programme (Grades 6–10): Grades 6 to 10 follow the IB MYP across eight subject groups, including Languages A & B, Sciences, Mathematics, Arts, Humanities, Technology, and PE. The programme encourages interdisciplinary thinking, global contexts, and service as action.
Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12): The final two years follow the full IB Diploma Programme, comprising six academic subjects and three core components: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). Students choose subjects at Higher or Standard Level, with strong academic and pastoral support throughout.
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
UWC Thailand is a co-educational international school serving both day and boarding students. Boarding is offered from Grade 9 onwards, with purpose-designed on-campus villas that house students in a supportive and supervised residential environment.
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
UWC Thailand welcomes students with a range of additional learning needs, provided these can be supported through the school's existing programmes and specialist team. The Learning Support Team comprises specialist teachers, a Speech and Language Pathologist, and an Occupational Therapist, offering services such as co-teaching, in-class adjustments, individual or small-group interventions, and therapy sessions as needed. Support focuses on four key areas: Cognition & Learning, Communication & Interaction, Social, Emotional & Mental Health, and Sensory & Physical . Families work collaboratively with the school, typically providing documentation at application and throughout their child’s time at UWC, to ensure tailored support plans are implemented effectively. Specialist services are integrated into students’ schedules and typically incur an additional cost. The school’s aim is to offer inclusive support where possible, but also balance resources to meet the needs of all learners.
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
UWC Thailand is not affiliated with any single country. It is a part of the United World Colleges (UWC) movement, a global network of schools and colleges with a shared educational mission and presence across four continents.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
BISP has no religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
UWC Thailand 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
School hours are from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Extra Curricular activities happen on select days after school and can range from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM for end times depending on the age group.
Bus service details
Bus service details
There is limited information available on the bus service.
Bus service details
UWC Thailand offers a school bus service for day students, with routes covering key areas along Phuket’s west coast. The exact routes are planned annually based on family interest and location. The service is available for students from Kindergarten upwards, and parents must submit a booking form to enrol. More information, including costs and stop locations, is available by contacting the school’s Support Services team.
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 and Enrolment Fees (One-Time, Non-Refundable):
* Application Fee: THB 7,000 – payable at the time of application submission. * Placement Fee: THB 100,000 – due upon acceptance to secure the student’s place. * School Development Fund: * THB 165,000 for families with one child * THB 220,000 for families with two or more children * Security Deposit (Refundable): THB 25,000 – less any outstanding charges.
* Manta Staff-Parent Association Fee (SPA): THB 500 per family * Uniforms: Purchased separately through the school’s shop * Bus Service: Optional; fees and routes provided on request * Examination Charges: External exams such as IB DP, SAT, TOEFL billed separately * Student Support Services, Accelerated English, Co-curricular, and Sports Travel: May incur extra costs depending on individual needs and participation.
Refund Policy: All school fees and one-time fees except security deposit are non-refundable once paid, regardless of withdrawal or change in enrolment plans.
Payment Options:
Payments can be made via: * Cash * PromptPay QR code * PayPal * Cheque (payable to “UWC Thailand International School”) * Credit card (Visa, MasterCard), WeChat, or Alipay (3% transaction fee applies) * Bank Transfer
All fees are payable in Thai Baht (THB) and must be submitted net of any bank or transaction charges.
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
UWC Thailand offers the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum from Early Years through Grade 12. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is followed from Senior Kindergarten through Grade 5, focusing on transdisciplinary, inquiry-based learning. Students in Grades 6–10 follow the Middle Years Programme (MYP), which includes eight subject groups and culminates in a personal project in Grade 10. In Grades 11 and 12, students complete the IB Diploma Programme (DP), selecting six subjects across different disciplines along with core components: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). English is the language of instruction, and Thai Language & Culture is integrated throughout the curriculum. Social Emotional Learning and Mindfulness are embedded across all levels of the programme.
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. Schedule a visit or attend an Open House: You can book a school tour or join an Open House to experience the campus and community firsthand. 2. Submit your application and pay the fee: Upload required documents (e.g. reports, transcripts), and submit the non-refundable application fee. 3. Attend an interview, assessment, or classroom visit: Your child will be invited for an age-appropriate interaction—this may be a formal assessment, interview, or class visit. 4. Receive a decision and confirm your place: Once reviewed, the school will offer a place or notify if the child will remain under consideration. Accepted families must confirm acceptance and complete additional paperwork and fees. 5. Apply for Thai visas (if required): The school will provide the necessary documents to support visa applications for non-Thai students.
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
UWC Thailand offers both full and partial scholarships to students entering the IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12. These scholarships are awarded through national committees in over 130 countries, including Thailand. Scholarships are awarded based on a selection process that considers merit, potential, and alignment with UWC values.
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.
