United World College - Thailand

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

UWC Thailand has no religious affiliations.

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.

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.

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.

UWC Thailand embeds SEL through practices guided by its Head of Mindfulness and school counsellors. The school uses tools like the “Wellness Wheel,” daily “Time‑In” mindfulness sessions, structured conflict-resolution circles (“council”), and conflict resolution to strengthen emotional skills and self-regulation . These initiatives are integrated across age groups to promote empathy, resilience, presence, and respectful communication.

UWC Thailand is not a specialist SEN institution, but it provides inclusive support via its Learning Support Team. This team includes specialist teachers, a Speech & Language Pathologist, and an Occupational Therapist . They address needs related to cognition & learning, communication & interaction, social–emotional wellbeing, and sensory or physical areas with tailored in-class adjustments, small-group work, and therapy sessions. Support is coordinated with families and implemented through ongoing planning within the school’s mainstream structure.

The school does not publicly disclose specific information about EAL programmes or support services.

UWC Thailand supports student mental wellbeing through integrated whole-school practices and community engagement. Initiatives include peer support networks, regular check-ins during homeroom, and conflict-resolution practices such as student-led discussions. The school hosts “Counsellor Coffee Mornings” to involve parents in wellbeing topics and foster open communication. Wellbeing representatives within the Student Council also help promote mental health awareness and student voice. The school’s approach is informed by mindfulness, positive psychology, and a commitment to fostering belonging and resilience across all year groups.

UWC Thailand follows the UWC Common Standards for Safeguarding and has a published Child Safeguarding Policy that is shared with all parents and students . All staff are required to undergo background checks before employment, act as mandated reporters, and follow formal protocols when concerns arise. The school also uses secure ID systems, visitor controls, and campus design features to promote safety.

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.

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.

UWC Thailand does not maintain a formal waitlist.