Aster International School Bangkok vs Bangkok International Preparatory & Secondary School
Aster International School Bangkok and Bangkok International Preparatory & Secondary School are both in Bangkok, about 7 km apart. Both schools offer British, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels and EYFS programmes, and Bangkok International Preparatory & Secondary School also offers BTEC Qualification, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) and Cambridge International AS Levels. Published annual fees are THB 247,731 - 509,356 at Aster International School Bangkok and THB 295,000 - 821,100 at Bangkok International Preparatory & Secondary School, which puts Bangkok International Preparatory & Secondary School roughly 47% higher. Both take pupils from 2 to 18. Bangkok International Preparatory & Secondary School is the larger school, with around 1,600 pupils to Aster International School Bangkok's 500. Typical class sizes are 15 at Aster International School Bangkok and 22 at Bangkok International Preparatory & Secondary School.
British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Curriculum
British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils
Pupils
500
Pupils
1,600
Typical class size
Typical class size
15
Typical class size
22
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2022
Opened
2003
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Aster International School is situated in the Chong Nonsi area, on Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Road in central Bangkok. The campus is housed in purpose-built modern facilities close to local amenities and accessible via main city roads.
Location
Bangkok Prep is situated in a central, well-connected area of Bangkok, close to major transport routes and residential neighbourhoods. The school benefits from convenient access to public transport, making it practical for families living in different parts of the city. Its urban setting allows students to engage with Bangkok’s wider cultural and community opportunities.
Stages
Stages
The school caters to students from Early Years Foundation Stage, Primary & Lower Secondary, and Upper Secondary leading to IGCSEs, A-Levels, or a high school diploma.
Stages
The school is structured into Early Years, Primary, Secondary, and Sixth Form (Years 12–13). Students begin from Pre-Nursery and progress through to Year 13, following a continuous British curriculum framework.
School type
School type
Aster is a co-educational day school with no boarding facilities.
School type
Bangkok Prep is a co-educational day school serving students aged 3–18. It does not offer boarding, with all pupils attending on a day-school basis.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Students receive tailored support plans based on assessments, ensuring that learners with diverse needs can fully participate in classroom activities.
Additional learning support
The school provides Learning Support to students who require additional academic assistance. Support is determined through assessment during the admissions process and may include tailored interventions or withdrawal sessions. EAL (English as an Additional Language) support is also available for students who need it.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school is not affiliated with any country.
Country affiliation
Bangkok Prep follows the English National Curriculum and operates as a British international school, though it is independently managed and not formally affiliated with the UK government.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
Aster is not affiliated with any religion. The school welcomes students from diverse faiths and backgrounds.
Religious affiliation
The school is non-religious and does not follow or promote any particular faith tradition.
School day structure
School day structure
The school does not have publicly available information on their day structure.
School day structure
The school operates on a weekday schedule with different start and finish times by section. Early Years and Primary students finish earlier in the afternoon, while Secondary and Sixth Form students have a slightly longer day. Scheduled breaks and lunch periods are built into the timetable for all age groups.
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school does not offer a bus service.
Bus service details
Bangkok Prep provides a door-to-door bus service for students, coordinated by an external transport partner. Additionally, a free shuttle service connects the school to nearby public transport during peak times. Families can choose the most suitable travel option based on location and schedule preferences.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Enrollment Fee This is a one-time fee. Pre-Nursery to Reception: 65,000 THB Year 1 to Year 13: 125,000 THB
Refundable Deposit A one-time refundable deposit of 65,000 THB is required for students from Pre-Nursery to Year 13. Terms and conditions apply.
General Fee Charged per term (three terms per year), this fee is 23,153 THB. It covers lunch, snacks, drinks, insurance, learning resources, books, day trips, and in-school guest programs.
Tuition Fee Charged per term, with three terms in an academic year.
Pre-Nursery: 82,577 THB Nursery to Reception: 110,360 THB Year 1 to Year 2: 126,567 THB Year 3 to Year 4: 129,268 THB Year 5 to Year 6: 133,127 THB Year 7 to Year 9: 146,633 THB Year 10: 163,997 THB Year 11 (payable for two terms): 245,995 THB Year 12: 169,785 THB Year 13 (payable for two terms): 254,678 THB
EAL (English as an Additional Language) If required, EAL support is charged at 25,000 THB per term.
Refund Policy The refundable deposit is only returned under specific conditions:
The student must have been enrolled for at least one full term. The school must receive a 60-day notice of withdrawal. The student graduates from Aster at the end of Year 13.
If these conditions are not met, the deposit is not refunded
Payment Methods Bank Transfer Cash Cheque Credit Card
Fee details
Application Fees
A one-time Assessment Fee of THB 5,000 and a Placement Fee of THB 30,000 are required at application. Upon acceptance, a Registration Fee of THB 120,000–160,000 (depending on year level) and a Security Deposit of THB 60,000 are payable to secure the place. The Security Deposit is refundable upon withdrawal with at least 45 days’ written notice, provided all school accounts are cleared. All other application-related fees are non-refundable.
Tuition Fees (Per Year) British Curriculum Stream Pre-Nursery: THB 575,930 Nursery (Full Day): THB 609,000 Reception: THB 682,500 Year 1 – Year 2: THB 703,500 Year 3 – Year 4: THB 719,250 Year 5 – Year 6: THB 756,000 Year 7 – Year 9: THB 808,500 Year 10 – Year 11 (IGCSE): THB 821,100 Year 12 – Year 13 (Sixth Form): THB 714,000
Fees are billed twice per academic year (August–December and January–June). Tuition includes lunch (except in Sixth Form), World Languages, field trips, BISA/TISAC sports fixtures, and the school yearbook.
Additional Fees English as an Additional Language (EAL): THB 50,000 – 100,000 per period (based on level of support) Learning Support (LS): THB 35,000 – 80,000 per period (depending on tier) Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs): THB 250 administration fee per activity block Uniforms: Purchased from the school shop External Examinations (IGCSE, AS & A Levels): Billed separately Student Accident Insurance: Included in tuition fees
Transportation Fees A door-to-door bus service is available at an additional cost, with rates based on distance. A free shuttle service also operates to and from nearby public transport during morning and afternoon peak hours.
Sibling Discount A 5 % tuition discount is applied for the second and subsequent children, applicable to the younger siblings only.
Boarding Fees Bangkok Prep is a day school and does not offer boarding facilities.
Refund Policy The Security Deposit is refundable upon written notice of withdrawal given at least 45 days in advance, provided all obligations and accounts have been settled. Other fees, including the Assessment, Placement, and Registration fees, are non-refundable.
Payment Options Tuition and fees can be paid by bank transfer, cheque, bill payment, mobile/internet banking, or credit card (Thai-issued cards; instalment options available). Cash payments are accepted up to THB 50,000. A 2 % prepayment discount is offered for early settlement of Period 2 fees. Late payments incur a 1.25 % monthly surcharge on outstanding balances.
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
Aster International School offers a British-style curriculum with an emphasis on real-world learning and student engagement. The early years program is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and focuses on communication, personal development, and basic skills through play.
In primary and lower secondary, Aster blends the English National Curriculum with project-based learning. Students explore core subjects like English, math, and science through interdisciplinary projects that also incorporate art, languages, and physical education. Specialist subjects include Mandarin, French, and Thai, with lessons adapted to student needs.
In the upper secondary years, students prepare for IGCSEs and A-Level examinations while also having the option to complete a high school diploma. Instruction becomes more focused on subject specialization, and students are encouraged to develop academic responsibility. Outside the classroom, Aster supports learning through enrichment clubs, sports, language classes, and Thai cultural activities.
Curriculum details
Bangkok International Preparatory & Secondary School (Bangkok Prep) follows the National Curriculum for England from Early Years through Sixth Form. In Early Years, children learn through the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, focusing on play-based and experiential learning. The Primary School (Years 1–6) builds on the English curriculum, developing core skills in literacy, numeracy, science, and the arts. In Secondary School (Years 7–9), students follow the Key Stage 3 curriculum before progressing to the Cambridge IGCSE programme in Years 10–11. The Sixth Form (Years 12–13) offers a choice between A Levels and BTEC vocational qualifications, providing both academic and applied learning pathways. Thai language is compulsory for Thai nationals, and World Languages are available for other students, with EAL support for those who need additional English assistance.
1. Book a Tour & Informal Introduction Families are invited for a school tour to explore the campus, meet staff, and understand the British-style enhanced curriculum and school values.
2. Submit Application & Documents Download and complete the application form, then submit it along with required documents, such as:
Child’s passport or birth certificate Parent(s)’ passport or Thai ID Immunization record Recent transcripts (if applicable)
3. Selection Process Applications are reviewed, and qualifying candidates may be invited to participate in an entrance exam and/or interview.
4. Notification & Offer Families receive admissions decisions shortly after selection. Offers are made for available seats.
5. Enrollment & Fee Payment Upon acceptance, families must confirm enrollment by paying requested fees and completing registration protocols.
Admissions
1. Enquiry Families begin by completing the Online Enquiry Form available on the school website. Once submitted, the Admissions Office contacts the family to discuss the child’s needs, preferred entry date, and available year group places. The team also provides details on school tours and the next steps in the process.
2. Visit and Tour Parents are invited to take a guided campus tour, either in person or virtually, to view learning spaces and facilities. During the visit, the Admissions team explains the curriculum, co-curricular opportunities, and support services offered. Overseas applicants can schedule a virtual meeting if travel is not possible.
3. Application Submission Families complete the Application Form and submit it with supporting documents, such as passport copies, birth certificate, recent school reports, and any learning support information if applicable. An Assessment Fee is required at this stage to process the application.
4. Assessment and Interview The school conducts age-appropriate assessments for all applicants. Early Years students participate in observation-based sessions, while applicants for Year 3 and above take written or online assessments. Secondary applicants may also complete a CAT4 cognitive test and an interview with senior staff. Assessments typically last between 30 minutes and three hours, depending on the year level.
5. Offer and Acceptance Successful applicants receive an official Offer Letter within approximately one to two weeks after assessment. The offer outlines the Placement, Registration, and Security Deposit fees that must be paid to secure the place. Parents confirm acceptance by paying the required fees within the specified timeframe, after which the child’s start date is confirmed.
Scholarships
Scholarships
The school does not have publicly available information on their scholarships.
Scholarships
Bangkok Prep offers a range of scholarships for secondary students, particularly in the Sixth Form (Years 12–13). These scholarships are available in four categories: Academic Excellence, Performing Arts, Sport, and Visual Arts. They are open to both internal and external applicants and are awarded based on a combination of portfolio review, interview, and assessment in the relevant field. Scholarship recipients are expected to uphold strong academic performance and positive conduct throughout their studies. Full details, including eligibility criteria, application timelines, and requirements, are published annually on the school’s official website.
Waitlist
Waitlist
The school does not have a waitlist.
Waitlist
Bangkok Prep does not operate a formal waitlist or pool system. When a year group reaches capacity, applicants are informed and may be offered a place on a holding list for future openings. The Admissions team contacts families directly if a vacancy arises. Placement decisions are made based on assessment results, school reports, and the availability of space in the relevant year group.
