BCIS International School Phuket vs Glenalmond Phuket International School
BCIS International School Phuket and Glenalmond Phuket International School are both in Phuket, about 23 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels and EYFS programmes. BCIS International School Phuket also offers British, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE and French, and Glenalmond Phuket International School also offers BTEC Qualification and Pearson Edexcel IGCSE. Published annual fees are THB 281,800 - 468,900 at BCIS International School Phuket and THB 270,000 - 950,000 at Glenalmond Phuket International School, which puts Glenalmond Phuket International School roughly 63% higher. BCIS International School Phuket takes pupils from 1 to 18, and Glenalmond Phuket International School from 1.5 to 18.
British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), French Curriculum
Curriculum
BTEC Qualification, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Pupils
Pupils
400
Pupils
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Typical class size
Typical class size
20
Typical class size
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Instruction language
Instruction language
English, French
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2017
Opened
2026
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
BCIS Phuket is located in Chalong, in the southern part of Phuket Island, Thailand. The campus sits between the popular residential areas of Rawai, Nai Harn, and Kathu, and is approximately 15–30 minutes from major shopping centres like Central Festival and local beaches. It is easily accessible by main roads such as Chaofa West Road and is situated near essential amenities including hospitals and supermarkets.
Location
Glenalmond Phuket International School is located in the Thalang district of Phuket, specifically within the Thanyapura Sports & Health Resort on Thepkasattri Road. This northern location provides a setting away from the heavily populated southern tourist areas. Being situated directly inside the resort grants students immediate access to the site's sports and wellness facilities.
Stages
Stages
BCIS Phuket is divided into Early Years, Primary, Secondary, and Sixth Form sections. The school admits children from 18 months old in its Early Years Centre and continues through Year 13 or Terminale, depending on the curriculum stream. Both British and French academic pathways are available throughout these levels.
Stages
The school accepts students from 1.5 to 18 years of age. The initial opening phase focuses on Early Years (EYFS) and Primary school students. Provisions are in place to expand into Key Stage 3 and the full Secondary and Sixth Form levels sequentially.
School type
School type
BCIS Phuket is a co-educational day school offering both British and French curriculum streams for students aged 18 months to 18 years.
School type
The institution is a co-educational, mainstream independent school.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
BCIS Phuket provides additional learning support for students with mild to moderate learning, emotional, behavioural, and communication needs. Support is delivered through in-class assistance and small group interventions, overseen by a dedicated Student Support Team. Individual learning plans are developed and regularly reviewed to target areas such as literacy, social communication, and emotional regulation. The team includes a SEN Coordinator and Student Learning Coach who work closely with teachers and families to ensure each student’s needs are met effectively.
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
BCIS Phuket is not affiliated with a specific national government but offers both the British (Cambridge) and French national curricula.
Country affiliation
The school has a direct affiliation with the United Kingdom. It delivers the National Curriculum for England and operates in formal partnership with Glenalmond College and Craigclowan School & Nursery, both located in Scotland.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
BCIS Phuket is not affiliated with any religion. It welcomes students and families of all cultural and religious backgrounds.
Religious affiliation
The school does not indicate a specific religious affiliation.
School day structure
School day structure
At BCIS Phuket, the school day typically begins at 8:00 am and runs through to 3:00 pm for most academic lessons, Monday to Friday. The day is structured around seven teaching periods, with a short morning break and a lunch break. After 3:00 pm, students can take part in a range of extracurricular clubs and activities, which may extend the school day until 5:00 pm. This structure applies across both the British and French curriculum streams.
School day structure
Specific details regarding the school day structure, including exact start and end times or specific lunch break periods, are not currently published.
Bus service details
Bus service details
BCIS Phuket offers a scheduled school bus service for students from Year 1 to Year 13. Pick‑up times run between 6:30 am and 7:00 am, with afternoon departures from 3:30 pm to 3:45 pm. Students travel in minibuses equipped with seatbelts and supervised by attendants. The bus routes cover areas including Rawai/Chalong, Phuket Town, Cape Panwa, Cherngtalay, Patong, Kamala, Kata, and Karon. Services during school camps are charged weekly with flat-rate fees.
Bus service details
The school does not currently publish information regarding the provision of a school bus or coach service.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application Fees A one-time entrance fee of THB 75,000 is required for all new students. This includes a non-refundable registration fee of THB 10,000 and a refundable deposit of THB 50,000, returned upon withdrawal with one term’s notice. Continuing students are charged an annual re-registration fee of THB 5,000.
Tuition Fees (Per Year)
British Curriculum Stream Nursery – Reception: THB 281,800 Year 1 – Year 2: THB 337,600 Year 3 – Year 6: THB 380,500 Year 7 – Year 9: THB 460,200 Year 10 – Year 13 (IGCSE & A Levels): THB 468,900
Fees are billed by term as follows: Term 1: 40% Term 2: 30% Term 3: 30%
Additional Fees Uniforms, textbooks, Cambridge and exam fees, specialist academies, extracurricular activities, and after-school clubs are charged separately. Lunch, library access, and accident insurance (up to THB 30,000) are included in the tuition fees.
Transportation Fees Rawai/Chalong route: THB 1,350/week Phuket Town, Cape Panwa, Cherngtalay, Patong, Kamala, Kata, and Karon: THB 1,650/week All buses are equipped with seatbelts and are supervised by attendants. Transport fees are invoiced monthly.
Learning Support If additional educational support is required beyond the school’s provisions, families must privately arrange and fund a Student Learning Coach (SLC) to assist in class and during school activities.
Sibling Discount Second child: 5% tuition discount Third child and beyond: 10% tuition discount
Boarding Fees The school does not offer boarding facilities.
Refund Policy The refundable deposit is returned with a one-term notice of withdrawal. Other refund terms are not publicly specified.
Payment Options Payments can be made via bank transfer or credit card through the school’s finance office.
Fee details
Application and Compulsory Fees
Application Fee: THB 5,000.
Placement Fee: THB 200,000. For second and subsequent children, this fee is reduced to THB 100,000.
Refundable Deposit: THB 150,000.
Annual Tuition Fees
Wee Bairns (up to 5 mornings only): THB 270,000.
Wee Bairns (up to 5 full days): THB 390,000.
Kindergarten 1 to 3: THB 490,000.
Year 1 to 6: THB 750,000.
Year 7 to 9: THB 950,000.
Discounts and Payment Terms
A 5% discount is provided for the payment of a full year in advance.
Sibling discounts include 5% for a second child and 15% for a third and any subsequent children.
The school's Admissions Policy governs all procedures regarding invoicing, payment methods, and refunds.
Other Costs and Information
A free uniform pack is provided for all enrolments. Additional uniform items can be purchased from the School Shop.
Additional fees are charged for transport, English Language Support (ELS), Special Educational Needs (SEN), external examinations, and specific external After School Activities.
Students in Year 3 and 4 are expected to bring their own tablet, while students in Year 5 and above must bring their own laptop.
Boarding fees and specific term-by-term fee breakdowns are not outlined in the current schedule.
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
BCIS Phuket offers two curriculum streams from Early Years to the end of secondary: the British Cambridge Curriculum and the French National Curriculum. The British stream begins with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), followed by Cambridge Primary (Years 1–6), Lower Secondary (Years 7–9), IGCSE qualifications (Years 10–11), and concludes with AS and A Level examinations in Years 12–13. The French stream follows the official programme of the French Ministry of Education, beginning with Maternelle and École Élémentaire, continuing through Collège, and culminating in the Diplôme National du Brevet and Baccalauréat. Both curriculum pathways are delivered on a shared campus and include instruction in English, French, and Thai depending on the stream.
Curriculum details
Glenalmond Phuket International School follows the National Curriculum for England across its different school stages. In the Early Years, students are taught according to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. For Primary and lower secondary levels (Years 1 to 9), the school integrates the core British curriculum with the Singapore Mathematics program. As students progress to Key Stage 4, they study towards Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel IGCSE qualifications. In the Sixth Form, the school offers specialized pathways for students to complete either A Level or Pearson BTEC qualifications. Furthermore, Mandarin Chinese is incorporated as a compulsory language subject throughout the curriculum.
1. Book a school visit or personalised campus tour. Families are encouraged to arrange an in-person tour to explore the facilities, meet the admissions team, and ask questions about the curriculum and student life. This visit can help clarify whether the school is the right fit for your child’s needs.
2. Submit the application form and supporting documents. Parents must complete the official BCIS application form and submit required documents, which include the child’s passport, visa (if applicable), recent school reports, and photographs. All documents should be emailed to the admissions office for review.
3. Schedule an interview and academic assessment. The school will invite your child for an interview and, for Year 1 and above, an academic screening to assess subject proficiency and English language needs. These assessments help determine grade placement and whether EAL support is required.
4. Receive an offer and confirm enrolment. If the application is successful, the school will issue a formal offer letter. Parents must accept the offer in writing and proceed with the enrolment confirmation.
5. Pay registration fees and prepare for school start. To secure the place, families are required to pay registration and relevant tuition fees. Prior to the start of term, arrangements such as uniforms, access cards, and learning materials will be finalised with the school team.
Admissions
1. Initial Enquiry & School Tour: To begin the process, prospective families can speak directly with a member of the Admissions Team to ask questions and receive guidance on the available entry pathways. During this initial stage, parents are also encouraged to book an official school tour. This allows families to view the campus and familiarize themselves with the daily environment at the school.
2. Application Submission: Families must then complete the official application form, which can be acquired directly at the school's reception desk or accessed online. Parents are required to submit this completed form alongside the Admissions Checklist and all required supporting documents. These application materials can be handed in either physically in person or sent digitally via email.
3. Interview & Assessment: Parents will attend an interview with the Admissions Team alongside either the Head of Primary and Early Years or the Head of School. Students applying for Year 1 and above must complete diagnostic assessments in both English and Mathematics. Additionally, non-native English speakers will take an English assessment to check for English Language Support (ELS) requirements, and Special Educational Needs (SEN) evaluations may be conducted if applicable to ensure appropriate provisions are in place.
4. Offer & Confirmation: If a place is offered, the school will send an official email to confirm the student's enrolment. This confirmation email will contain a signed copy of the Confirmation of Admission and the Agreement of Enrolment Form. Parents will also find specific details in this communication regarding the student's official start date and the direct contact information for their designated Homeroom Teacher.
Scholarships
Scholarships
BCIS Phuket offers academic scholarships to students entering Years 7 to 13 who demonstrate strong academic performance. For IGCSE candidates (Years 10–11), applicants must show evidence of achieving or targeting at least seven A or A* grades and maintain a GPA of 3.7 or higher. For A Level students (Years 12–13), continued academic excellence and strong AS Level outcomes are required. Scholarship applications must include school reports, attendance records (minimum 90%), teacher references, and may also include a portfolio or additional supporting documents.
Scholarships
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding the offering of scholarships.
Waitlist
Waitlist
BCIS Phuket does not operate a formal waitlist or pooled admissions system.
Waitlist
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding a waitlist or pool system.
