Best International Schools In Phuket
As each month passes, Phuket is becoming more and more attractive as a place to relocate to. As Thailand’s largest island, it offers modern living, stunning beaches and a well-connected travel hub. It has the perfect balance of a paradise location which is easily accessible, a safe environment for children, beautiful scenery and modern amenities. It’s no wonder that many families are looking to relocate here. It’s a big step and there are many questions which must be answered, some of the most common questions are about visas.
Who needs a visa? Will my children need a visa to study? Which are the best schools for them and where are the best places to live? There are also logistical questions. How will I get all of my belongings there, and which are the best international moving companies?
Finding the best school which will prepare your child(ren) for the big, wide world is one of the primary concerns for an expat family when they are relocating to a new place. Luckily, a part of Phuket’s allure lies in its fantastic international schools which cleverly take advantage of this incredible location and its vibrant community. Therefore, we have come up with a top 5 best International schools in Phuket, these include British, American and Finnish curriculum schools.
So let’s take a look at the best international schools available in Phuket. We hope that this information will make it easier for you and your family to choose the right school for your child.
Disclaimer: Please note that this is in no way in any particular order.
International Schools In Phuket With British Curriculum & School Systems
1. Headstart International School
LOCATION: Kathu, Phuket
ACADEMICS: Early years / Primary / Secondary (age range 2 – 18)
HeadStart International School, Phuket was founded in 2005 but now boasts over 800 pupils, it is one of the few schools on Phuket which offers Cambridge AS and A levels. A co-educational British International School, its pupils range in age from 2 to 18 years of age. With their easily accessible central location on the island and generous and well equipped, six acre grounds, it’s easy to see why this school is so popular.
Their ethos of encouraging children to thrive and develop a lifelong love of learning is clearly stated in their motto “Inspiring a love of learning”. They pride themselves on having an excellent teaching staff and offer academic and co-curricular activities both inside and outside the classroom, often involving themselves with the wider community. They have a good academic track record and pride themselves on encouraging students to be kind and hard working. Parents also receive complimentary access to their Fitness Gym every weekend at specified times.
MORE INFORMATION: https://headstartphuket.com/
2. British International School Phuket (BISP)
LOCATION: Koh Keaw, Phuket
ACADEMICS: Early years / Primary / Secondary
BISP looks at teaching as being more than just book-learning, their holistic approach plaits together the three strands of learning, well-being and passion to give a complete and well-rounded education. BISP are affiliated with the World Academy of Sport as they see the importance of high performance in academic and performance sport subjects to go hand in hand, this affiliation enables their high performing sports students to complete their IB Diploma over a period of three years instead of two. In addition to their sports programs, they also have excellent opportunities for the arts subjects with purpose built, multi-functional art studios where the students are encouraged to express themselves through a variety of artistic expressions. They welcome visiting artists, arrange exhibitions and performances and venture out with community projects.
Website: https://www.bisphuket.ac.th/
3. UWC Thailand
LOCATION: Thalang, Phuket
ACADEMICS: Early years / Primary / Secondary
The main driver behind UWC Thailand is diversity. It is an IB World school, its students are from over 60 nationalities. It ensures that equality is fundamental by allowing each culture an equal status. The school offers the groundbreaking curriculum of Social- Emotional Learning and Mindfulness (SEL&M) which combines academic and life learning through activities and experiences, there is outdoor education, service learning and many other activities and learning processes including acceptance and sustainability.
MORE INFORMATION: https://uwcthailand.ac.th/
4. Kajonkiet International School (KIS)
LOCATION: Kathu, Phuket
ACADEMICS: Early years / Primary / Secondary
Kajonkiet International School Phuket strives to establish a dynamic and supportive atmosphere. In order to get where they want their students to be, they follow their KIS cores. By providing chances for ongoing professional growth, a supportive environment, and the highest caliber of practitioners, they work to provide and keep these professionals. As a result, their teachers will design the ideal learning atmosphere where kids can succeed. With a wealth of possibility and sustainability, KIS is built around its innovative, pioneering, and enthusiastic community.
MORE INFORMATION: https://www.kisp.academy/
5. BCIS Phuket
LOCATION: Chalong, Phuket
ACADEMICS: Early years / Primary / Secondary
The Cambridge program and the French program are the two school curricula that BCIS Phuket offers as options. With two distinct programs approved by the French Ministry of Education, the Thai Ministry of Education, the Cambridge Assessment International Education, and the French Ministry of Education. BCIS Phuket provides students from the age of 18 months to 18 years with a cutting-edge, top-notch education on a purpose-built campus in Chalong, in the south of Phuket.
MORE INFORMATION: https://bcisphuket.com/
6. International School of Phuket (ISP)
LOCATION: Rawai, Phuket
ACADEMICS: Early years / Primary / Secondary
ISP uses Cambridge International Curriculum for progress reports, examinations and standardized testing. This ensures students are not only healthy physically, emotionally and spiritually, but also academically. The Cambridge International Curriculum sets a global standard for education and is recognised by universities and employers worldwide. Their curriculum is flexible, challenging, and inspiring. It is also culturally sensitive yet international in approach. Cambridge students develop an informed curiosity and a lasting passion for learning. They also gain the essential skills they need for success at university and in their future careers.
MORE INFORMATION: https://internationalschoolphuket.com/
International Schools In Phuket With American Curriculum & School Systems
1. Quality International School Phuket (QSI)
LOCATION: Kathu, Phuket
ACADEMICS: Elementary / Secondary
If you’re looking for a school with some history, QSI is the oldest International School in Phuket, now in its 22nd year. The intake age ranges from three to eighteen and encourages its students to be adaptive with a passion for learning. QSI is a not-for-profit organization and, as such, sees itself as being able to concentrate on education over profits. Accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA) and affiliated with the Department of State Office of Overseas Schools, it follows the American curriculum.
Its location, in impressive grounds, is on the Bypass Road in Phuket by the Samkong Intersection.
MORE INFORMATION: https://phuket.qsi.org/
2. BUDS International School Phuket
LOCATION: Chalong, Phuket
ACADEMICS: Early years / Primary
Specifically a school for younger children, i.e. of nursery, kindergarten and primary school age from 12 months to 12 years, Buds International School Phuket is the oldest of its kind on the island, originally dating back to the early 1990’s. With an impressive staff to pupil ratio of 3:1 and maximum class sizes of 14, this school offers the personal touch necessary for the education and preparation for ‘big school’ that younger children need. Its tuition is bilingual, English and Thai, and the school is open to an international and Thai student intake, however, the predominance of teaching is done in English. BUDS is an acronym for Behavior, Understanding, Development, Safety; the core ideals of the school’s philosophy.
MORE INFORMATION: https://www.buds-phuket.com/
3. LightHouse International School
LOCATION: Rawai, Phuket
ACADEMIC: Early years / Primary / Secondary
The Lighthouse International School is an alternative school which bases its philosophy to education on the Waldorf model, a three pronged approach engaging head, heart, and hands; or thinking, feeling, and doing, integrating academic, arts and practical skills within a holistic umbrella. Founded jointly by parents and educators, who themselves have six children at the school, it is the newest of the international schools here on the island. With a student intake of 18 months up to secondary, they are accredited by the Cambridge International Schools Network and offer IGCSE’s through this body, however, the school emphasizes learning through projects and real-life experiences over learning by rote.
MORE INFORMATION: https://www.lighthousephuket.com/
4. Oak Meadow International School
LOCATION: Wichit, Phuket
ACADEMIC: Early years / Primary / Secondary
Oak Meadow follows the American Calvert Curriculum, it is a very individual school which looks to meet any singular needs a student may have, whatever their ability, and welcomes students with special needs. Their philosophy is that everyone can succeed given the chance, and given the individual nurturing to enable this outcome, through music, art and language. Their premises are surrounded by lush greenery in the beautiful scenery of Phuket.
MORE INFORMATION: https://www.oakmeadowphuket.com/
International Schools In Phuket With Finnish Curriculum & School Systems
1. Rainbow Trout – Finnish School
LOCATION: Ko Kaeo, Phuket
ACADEMIC: Early years / Primary
The Finnish education system is widely known for its excellence and high standards. The Rainbow Trout School, a Finnish curriculum school with a student age range of two to six years old, is the only one of its kind on the island. The fundamental ethos behind its philosophy is that each child is an individual but also part of a larger society and has a responsibility to both. Creativity is seen as the basis from which to learn many key skills, be they in math or science or language and look to harbor a positive attitude to learning in their students. Play is at the heart of this school’s daily life but it is engineered to enable the students to learn through it.
MORE INFORMATION: https://www.rainbowtroutcreativity.com/
Choosing a school for your child is a very big decision to make. And with such a wide variety and choice of schools, this can seem a little daunting. However, each school will be very willing to answer any questions you may have and will be glad to show you around. Hopefully these introductions to the International Schools here on Phuket will help you draw up a short list of contenders.
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