British Concordance International School vs SBS International School Chiangmai
British Concordance International School and SBS International School Chiangmai are both in Chiang Mai, about 4 km apart. Both schools offer British, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels and EYFS programmes. British Concordance International School also offers BTEC Qualification, and SBS International School Chiangmai also offers Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) and Cambridge International AS Levels. Published annual fees are THB 187,000 - 330,000 at British Concordance International School and THB 217,500 - 362,600 at SBS International School Chiangmai, which puts SBS International School Chiangmai roughly 12% higher. British Concordance International School takes pupils from 2 to 18, and SBS International School Chiangmai from 1 to 18. SBS International School Chiangmai is the larger school, with around 500 pupils to British Concordance International School's 200. Typical class sizes are 22 at British Concordance International School and 25 at SBS International School Chiangmai.
British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Curriculum
British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils
Pupils
200
Pupils
500
Typical class size
Typical class size
22
Typical class size
25
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2022
Opened
2014
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
British Concordance International School (BCIS) is located at 216 Moo 1, Tambon Nong Kwai, Hang Dong, Chiang Mai 50230, Thailand. It sits in a suburban area with access by car or school transport and is about a 30‑minute drive from the city centre, providing a quieter residential neighbourhood setting.
Location
SBS International School Chiangmai is located at 225/900 Moo 11, Tambon Banwaen, Amphur Hangdong, Chiang Mai 50230. It is situated in Hang Dong district of Chiang Mai, with road access and regular transport connections to the city centre.
Stages
Stages
BCIS follows the British curriculum, structured into three main stages: Early Years (Nursery through Reception, for ages 2–5), Primary (Years 1–6), and Secondary (up to Year 12/13, ages approximately 11‑18).
Stages
The school serves children aged 1 to 18, starting from Early Years Foundation Stage (ages 2‑5), proceeding through Cambridge Primary (ages 5‑11), Lower Secondary (ages 11‑14) and Upper Secondary including IGCSE and AS/A‑Levels (ages 14‑18).
School type
School type
The school is co‑educational and does not offer boarding facilities.
School type
SBS is an English‑medium, co‑educational day 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 provides in-class support for students with special needs through curriculum adjustments, modified assessments, and behaviour support strategies. For example, a student with dyslexia might receive extra time on tests, while a student with autism could be offered alternative assignments or oral assessments. The type of support depends on individual needs and may include behavioural interventions such as reinforcement techniques or calming strategies. Parents are encouraged to work with the school’s special education advisor to tailor the support to each child. To support students with limited English proficiency, BCIS uses a range of strategies, including ESL programs, multilingual staff, and buddy systems.
Additional learning support
There is a dedicated Special Educational Needs (SEN) programme offering support for students with mild to moderate ADHD, ASD, dyslexia and similar learning needs. Support is provided via individual or small‑group sessions, guided by Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school does not have any official affiliation to one particular country beyond its British curriculum heritage.
Country affiliation
The school operates independently in Thailand. Although it is part of the Arthit Ourairat Institution, it does not state affiliation with another country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliations.
School day structure
School day structure
The school day includes a morning session, a mid‑morning break, lunchtime, and an afternoon session; specific start and finish times are not listed.
School day structure
The website does not provide explicit daily start and end times or break/lunch details.
Bus service details
Bus service details
BCIS offers a school bus service for students, with annual transport fees calculated depending on the route and distance.
Bus service details
No information on a school bus service or provider is mentioned on the school website.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
One-Time Payment Fees Entrance Exam Fee: THB 3,300 Entrance Fee: THB 70,000 Lifetime Books Fee: THB 20,000 (This covers book use for the entire duration of a student’s time at BCIS)
Annual Tuition Fees Pre-Nursery, Nursery, Reception: THB 187,000 Year 1 – Year 4: THB 242,000 Year 5 – Year 6: THB 275,000 Year 7 – Year 9: THB 308,000 Year 10 – Year 13: THB 330,000 Note: A 25% tuition fee discount is available if parents pay full yearly tuition in advance for more than 3 years.
Other Annual Fees Lunch: THB 20,000 Capital Improvement / Material Fees: THB 20,000 School Bus: Ranges from THB 30,000–50,000 per year ESL Support: THB 50,000 per year Accident Insurance: THB 1,000 Uniform (5 sets): THB 4,500 (one-time purchase) Visa Fee: THB 3,000 per person EMS Fee (for visa processing): THB 1,500 per person Stationery Sets: Year 1–6: THB 400 per year Year 7–13: THB 800 per year Yearbook: THB 800 per year
Summer School Fees EYFS – Year 10: THB 10,000 per week / THB 39,000 per 4-week session
Sibling Discounts First child: Full fee Second child: 10% tuition discount Third child and up: 15% tuition discount
Payment Methods Accepted via bank transfer, Alipay, and credit card
Fee details
Admission Interview/Test Fee: THB 3,000 (non-refundable) Admission Fee: THB 80,000 (one-time, non-refundable) Student Deposit: THB 50,000 (refundable with advance withdrawal notice) Security Deposit: THB 5,000 (refundable for material return and final billing)
Annual Tuition Fees Tiger Cubs (1–2 yrs): THB 226,400 Toddler to Reception (2–5 yrs): THB 217,500 Year 1 (5–6 yrs): THB 238,000 Year 2–3: THB 268,900 Year 4: THB 278,900 Year 5–6: THB 304,500 Year 7: THB 314,100 Year 8–9: THB 333,000 Year 10: THB 337,000 Year 11–13: THB 362,600
English Support Fees Primary (Year 1–6): ELS: THB 15,000/term IELS: THB 25,000/term
Secondary (Year 7–13): ELS only: THB 20,000/term
Individual SEN Support 1:1 in-class support: THB 285,000/year
Other Costs Campus Development Fee: THB 10,000/year (non-refundable)
Refund Policy Student deposit is only refundable if the school is notified one term in advance or upon Year 13 graduation, along with an exit interview.
Payment Options Bank Transfer, Credit Card, WeChat/Alipay, and Cash.
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 follows the British national curriculum from Early Years through to Sixth Form. In the Early Years (ages 2–5), children follow the UK EYFS framework, focusing on seven areas of development including communication, maths, and physical development. Primary students (Years 1–6) study core subjects like English, maths, and science, alongside foundation subjects such as art, PE, and computing. In Secondary (Years 7–11), students follow Key Stage 3 and then prepare for Pearson Edexcel IGCSEs and BTEC qualifications in subjects such as science, business, and travel & tourism. In Years 12–13, students take A-Level courses through Pearson Edexcel. The school also includes PSHE across all stages and offers additional ESL support where needed.
Curriculum details
SBS International School Chiangmai follows the English National Curriculum across all levels. In Early Years (ages 1–5), children follow the EYFS framework with a focus on play-based learning and early development. Primary students (Years 1–6) study core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science, alongside Computing, Art, Music, PE, and Thai language and culture. Secondary students (Years 7–9) follow the Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum, and in Years 10–11, they work toward Cambridge IGCSE qualifications. Students in Years 12–13 follow the Cambridge AS and A-Level programme. Thai language instruction is included at all levels, in line with national requirements.
Complete the online application form via the BCIS website Provide student details (name, birthdate, nationality, previous school history, languages, contact info).
Submit the application Once submitted, the admissions team reviews the information and contacts you to arrange a campus tour or discussion.
Book a school tour/visit Explore facilities and ask admissions questions in person.
Receive feedback and guidance School responds with next steps, assessments, and timelines based on your submitted information.
Admissions
Submit required documents For non-Thai students, these typically include: Copy of student’s passport Copy of parent’s passport Grade report (transcripts) Birth certificate Family registration list Parent’s work permit and tax documents
These are required before scheduling further steps.
Admission test and interview Once documents are received, the school arranges:
1. An interview with the Principal (or designated staff).
2. Placement testing or an observation day (often a full morning) assessing academic level and language proficiency.
Placement offer / acceptance If successful, parents receive a formal offer letter and confirmation slip to indicate acceptance.
Official registration Upon acceptance, an information pack is provided to parents, with registration form specifying assigned teacher and student ID, plus orientation and next steps.
Scholarships
Scholarships
BCIS does offer an internal scholarship programme for students entering Year 3–9.
Categories & Number of Awards: 10 Academic Excellence scholarships 5 Creative & Performing Arts scholarships 5 Sport & Athletics scholarships
Eligibility: Applicants entering Years 3 through 9 for the upcoming academic year.
Must demonstrate excellence in academic, creative, or sporting areas.
