BCIS International School Phuket vs Headstart International School Chaofah City Campus
BCIS International School Phuket and Headstart International School Chaofah City Campus are both in Phuket, about 5 km apart. Both schools offer British, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels programmes. BCIS International School Phuket also offers Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), EYFS and French, and Headstart International School Chaofah City Campus also offers BTEC Qualification. Published annual fees are THB 281,800 - 468,900 at BCIS International School Phuket and THB 347,000 - 491,000 at Headstart International School Chaofah City Campus, which puts Headstart International School Chaofah City Campus roughly 12% higher. BCIS International School Phuket takes pupils from 1 to 18, and Headstart International School Chaofah City Campus from 2 to 18. Headstart International School Chaofah City Campus is the larger school, with around 1,500 pupils to BCIS International School Phuket 's 400. Typical class sizes are 20 at BCIS International School Phuket and 22 at Headstart International School Chaofah City Campus.
British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), French Curriculum
Curriculum
British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils
Pupils
400
Pupils
1,500
Typical class size
Typical class size
20
Typical class size
22
Instruction language
Instruction language
English, French
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2017
Opened
2005
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
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
HeadStart’s Chaofah City Campus is located in Mueang Phuket District, on the island of Phuket, Thailand, at 39/99 Moo 4, Vichitsongkram Road. It sits between Phuket Town and Patong, offering convenient access from major residential areas. The campus is within reach of main transport routes, including Chaofa West Road, and has on-site parking. The surrounding area includes schools, medical centres, and housing developments.
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
* Foundation (Ages 2–5) Includes Preschool, Early Years 1, and Early Years 2. Follows the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework with a focus on learning through play and early development.
* Primary School (Ages 5–11) Covers Year 1 to Year 6, following the British National Curriculum.
* Secondary School (Ages 11–16) Encompasses Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9) and Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11). Students work toward Cambridge IGCSE qualifications.
* Sixth Form (Ages 16–18) Offers two pathways: Cambridge A Levels (academic) or BTEC qualifications, preparing students for university or career paths.
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
HeadStart is a co-educational day school, it does not offer boarding services.
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
HeadStart International School’s Student Support Team offers a broad range of academic, emotional, and social assistance to ensure each student has the guidance they need. Support is provided through:
* Learning Support for students with Additional Educational Needs (AEN): includes assessment, Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), in-class accommodations, small groups or one-on-one instruction, and collaboration with external agencies when necessary
* Specialist Support: access to services such as clinical psychologists and referrals to speech and language therapists as needed
* Counselling Services: available to all students for educational, vocational, personal, social, and mental health guidance, with support provided in coordination with key school staff and safeguarding teams.
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
While the curriculum is based on the British system, HSIS is not officially affiliated with the United Kingdom or any other nation.
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 has no religious affiliations.
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
The school day begins at 8:00 AM, followed by six academic lessons. Lessons are structured in 55-minute blocks, with scheduled breaks. Regular classes finish at 3:20 PM. After that, students may join Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs) from 3:30–4:20 PM, and specialised Academy programmes from 4:30–6:00 PM, depending on enrolment and age group.
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
Yes, the school offers a bus and van service across key residential zones in Phuket. Buses are seatbelt-equipped, and staffed by trained drivers and ride monitors. Families can gather more information and register for service through the school office.
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 Fee: THB 5,000 per child (non-refundable; applies to all applicants, Years 3–13 require an entrance test) * Entrance Fee: THB 100,000 per child (one-time, non-refundable) * Endowment Fee: THB 75,000 per child (refundable upon permanent withdrawal, subject to conditions)
Tuition Fees by Year Group (2025–2026)
Preschool & Early Years–Reception (EY-REC) * Term 1: THB 139,000 * Term 2: THB 104,000 * Term 3: THB 104,000 * Annual Total: THB 347,000
Years 1–6 * Term 1: THB 174,000 * Term 2: THB 130,000 * Term 3: THB 130,000 * Annual Total: THB 434,000
Years 7–9 * Term 1: THB 197,000 * Term 2: THB 147,000 * Term 3: THB 147,000 * Annual Total: THB 491,000
Years 10–13 * Term 1: THB 245,500 * Term 2: THB 245,500 * Annual Total: THB 491,000
Billing Schedule
* Fees are billed termly, with Years 10–13 billed twice per year * Invoices are emailed before each payment period
Additional Costs
* EAL or AEN Support: THB 50,000/year (if applicable) * Uniforms: Purchased separately at school reception * School Bus: Charged additionally based on service * Book Fees, Music Lessons, Trips, Competitions: Variable depending on enrolment * Exam Fees: Billed separately for IGCSEs, AS/A Levels, and BTECs
Refund Policy
* Endowment Fee is refundable if: * The student completes the academic year * 30-day written notice before the last day of Term 3 * All outstanding fees are cleared
Payment Options
* Cash * Bank transfer (proof required) * Thai and foreign credit/debit cards * In-person at school or online
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
Head Start International School Chaofah City Campus follows the British National Curriculum across all school stages. In Foundation, students learn through the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), focusing on early literacy, numeracy, and social development. Primary School (Years 1–6) covers English, Maths, Science, Humanities, Computing, Languages, PE, Art, and Music. In Secondary (Years 7–9), students follow Key Stage 3 before progressing to IGCSEs in Years 10–11 through Cambridge and Pearson exam boards. In Sixth Form (Years 12–13), students can pursue AS and A Levels or opt for the vocational BTEC pathway. Thai Language and Culture is taught in accordance with national requirements, with multiple language options available for non-Thai students.
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. Book a campus tour or open day visit. Parents are encouraged to visit the school to gain insight into the learning environment, facilities, and curriculum. Tours are arranged by appointment and may include meetings with school leaders or admissions staff.
2. Fill out the Application Form. A parent or carer completes the school’s application form, which is available online. This form collects essential details about the student, academic history, and any additional needs.
3. Entrance Examination (Years 3–13). Students applying for Years 3 to 13 must sit an entrance exam to assess academic suitability. A non-refundable fee of 3,000 THB applies for each student being assessed.
4. Interview with Head of Primary or Secondary. Following the exam, the student and family attend an interview with the relevant Head of School. This helps determine readiness, support needs, and student-school fit.
5. Complete the Home and School Partnership Agreement. If a place is offered, parents/guardians sign a formal agreement confirming their understanding of the school’s expectations, values, and policies (e.g. code of conduct, dress code).
6. Submit Required Documents. The registrar will request key documentation, including ID, school reports, health records, and any relevant learning support assessments.
7. Receive Invoice and Pay Fees. The accounting department issues an invoice by email. Once fees are paid, the student’s enrolment is confirmed.
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
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Waitlist
Waitlist
BCIS Phuket does not operate a formal waitlist or pooled admissions system.
Waitlist
There is no information available about the waitlist process on the school's website.
