British International School Phuket vs Headstart International School Cherngtalay Campus
British International School Phuket and Headstart International School Cherngtalay Campus are both in Phuket, about 7 km apart. Both schools offer British programmes. British International School Phuket also offers IB, BTEC Qualification and Cambridge IGCSE, and Headstart International School Cherngtalay Campus also offers Cambridge (Primary) and Cambridge (Secondary). Published annual fees are THB 470,200 - 935,900 at British International School Phuket and THB 347,000 - 491,000 at Headstart International School Cherngtalay Campus, which puts British International School Phuket roughly 68% higher. British International School Phuket takes pupils from 2 to 18, and Headstart International School Cherngtalay Campus from 2 to 14. British International School Phuket is the larger school, with around 1,140 pupils to Headstart International School Cherngtalay Campus's 400. Typical class sizes are 10 at British International School Phuket and 22 at Headstart International School Cherngtalay Campus.
IB (DP), British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification, Cambridge IGCSE
Curriculum
British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary)
Pupils
Pupils
1,140
Pupils
400
Typical class size
Typical class size
10
Typical class size
22
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
1996
Opened
2023
Bus service
Bus service
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Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
British International School Phuket (BISP) is located in the Koh Kaew area in the northeast of Phuket Island, Thailand. The campus is set on 44 acres of secure, landscaped grounds, offering a quiet and spacious learning environment away from the island’s busier tourist zones. The school is approximately 35–40 minutes from Phuket International Airport and easily accessible via the main road, which connects to central Phuket Town and surrounding residential areas. This makes it convenient for both local and expatriate families commuting daily, as well as for boarders arriving from abroad.
Location
HeadStart Cherngtalay Campus is situated at 9/2 Srisoonthorn Rd, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand. It lies in a family-friendly suburb near Laguna, Boat Avenue, and Pasak, with local shops, cafés, and clinics within easy reach. The school is accessible via quality roads.
Stages
Stages
BISP provides a continuous educational pathway for children aged 2 to 18 years old, divided into clearly structured stages. The Early Years section (Nursery and Reception) focuses on play-based learning for ages 2–5. This leads into the Primary School (Years 1–6), where students follow the National Curriculum of England. The Secondary School comprises Years 7–13 and is further divided into Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9), IGCSE (Years 10–11), and Sixth Form (Years 12–13), which offers the IB Diploma Programme and BTEC in Sport. Boarding is available from Year 4 onwards.
Stages
The school offers education from Foundation (age 2) through to Year 9 (age 14). It includes Early Years (Foundation), Primary School (Years 1–6), and Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3, Years 7–9)—all in preparation for students to transition to the Chaofah City Campus from Year 10 onwards.
School type
School type
British International School Phuket is a co-educational day and boarding school, with boarding available for weekly or full boarding for students in Years 4–13. Approximately 120 students currently board on campus.
School type
This is a co‑educational day school. There are no boarding facilities available at this campus.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
BISP offers a dedicated Learning Support Department that works closely with students, families, and teachers to ensure inclusive access to the curriculum. The support is available for students from Primary through Sixth Form and includes tailored interventions, in-class support, and accommodations for specific learning differences. The school also coordinates with external professionals to provide occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and educational psychology assessments when needed. Individual learning plans and exam accommodations are designed based on the student’s needs, and the Learning Support team aims to promote independence and confidence in each learner.
Additional learning support
While specific facilities for Cherngtalay are not detailed online, HeadStart campuses provide Learning Support for Additional Educational Needs (AEN), including small‑group tuition, Individual Education Plans (IEPs), and collaboration with external specialists when needed.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school follows the English National Curriculum and is governed by international accreditations, but it has no direct national affiliation.
Country affiliation
The school is not affiliated with any country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
BISP has no religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliations.
School day structure
School day structure
The school day begins around 8 am and ends between 3 pm–4 pm, varying slightly by age group. It includes morning lessons, a mid-day lunch break, and afternoon sessions, with extra and co curricular activities after the last period.
School day structure
The school operates Monday to Friday, starting with homeroom from 8:00 to 8:20 am. Students attend six academic lessons, with a morning break at 10:15 and a lunch break from 12:30 to 1:25 pm. The final lesson ends at 3:20 pm, followed by a short break. Optional Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs) run from 3:30 to 4:20 pm, and Academy programmes are available from 4:30 to 6:00 pm.
Bus service details
Bus service details
There is limited information available on the bus service.
Bus service details
HeadStart Cherngtalay offers a school transport service for students living in the surrounding areas. The service includes air-conditioned vans with seatbelts and designated drop-off and pick-up points. Transport staff are trained to ensure safety and punctuality. Parents coordinate directly with the school’s transport coordinator for routes, availability, and fees.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application & Enrolment Fees
* Application Fee: THB 6,000 (non-refundable, one-time) * Placement Fee: THB 200,000 (per family with one student) or THB 250,000 (for families with more than one student) * Refundable Bond: THB 150,000 per student, refundable upon withdrawal with a full term’s notice.
All tuition, boarding, and transportation fees are based on a three-term academic year. Fees are invoiced termly and cover the full school year unless otherwise noted.
Annual Tuition Fees by Year Group
* Nursery & Reception: THB 470,200 * Year 1–3: THB 714,300 * Year 4: THB 719,900 * Year 5: THB 722,200 * Year 6: THB 731,100 * Year 7–8: THB 931,300 * Year 9–10: THB 935,900 * Year 11 & 13: THB 914,500 * Year 12: THB 935,900
Annual Boarding Fees (Available from Year 4)
Weekly Boarding: * Year 4–6: THB 377,500 * Year 7–10 & Year 12: THB 436,000 * Year 11 & 13: THB 436,000
Full Boarding: * Year 4–6: THB 451,000 * Year 7–10 & Year 12: THB 485,000 * Year 11 & 13: THB 485,000
Annual Transportation Fees (Optional)
* Year 3–10 & Year 12: THB 95,100 * Year 11 & 13: THB 95,100
* Endowment Fee: Refunded with 30-day written notice before end of Term 3 and no outstanding balance * Term Fees: * Term 1: 90 days' notice * Terms 2 & 3: 45 days' notice * Refunds processed \~2 weeks after last day of school year
Included in Fees
* Meals and snacks (Foundation & Primary) * ECAs (Extra-Curricular Activities) * Accident insurance * School trips * Duke of Edinburgh Award (registration billed separately)
Additional Charges
* Uniforms, bus service, academies, academic competitions, music lessons, lost library books, textbooks * EAL Support: THB 50,000/year (for students needing English language assistance) * AEN Support: THB 50,000/year (for students with additional educational needs)
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
British International School Phuket delivers the National Curriculum of England in Key Stages 1 to 3 (Years 1–9). In Years 10 and 11, students follow the IGCSE programme. For Years 12 and 13, students may pursue the full International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or select individual IBDP courses. Alternatively, students can opt for the BTEC International Extended Diploma in Sport. All graduates earn the BISP High School Diploma, which is accredited by CIS, NEASC, and the Thai Ministry of Education. BISP is also an exam centre for SAT, PSAT, LAMDA, ABRSM, Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, and Cambridge Assessment, and includes a well-being curriculum as part of its academic offering.
Curriculum details
HeadStart Cherngtalay follows the British Curriculum from Early Years through to Key Stage 3. The Foundation stage uses the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) framework, focusing on early literacy, numeracy, and personal development. Primary students (Years 1–6) follow Key Stages 1 and 2, which include English, maths, science, computing, PSHE, humanities, and the arts. In Years 7–9 (Key Stage 3), students follow a subject-based timetable with English, maths, science, geography, history, ICT, art, music, PE, and languages such as French, Mandarin, or Russian. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for the transition to the Cambridge IGCSE pathway offered at the Chaofah City campus from Year 10 onward. Instruction is primarily in English, with tailored support provided for English language learners.
1. Schedule a visit or virtual meeting (optional but encouraged). Parents may book an on-campus tour or attend an interview via video conference. These meetings allow staff to better understand a student's academic profile, learning needs, and language proficiency.
2. Provide supporting documents and pay the application fee. Parents can then apply via the online application form. Supporting documents are required typically including a child’s passport, birth certificate, school reports, and any known learning or health-related information. The application fee must be paid before the admissions process begins, unless an exemption is granted.
3. Assessment and interviews. Depending on age and background, applicants may complete academic or cognitive screening, English proficiency testing, or learning support assessments. Parents and students may also speak with ELA or LS coordinators, the Thai Director, or Boarding staff if relevant.
4. Admissions review and decision. The Headmaster or relevant Principal reviews the complete profile and assessment outcomes. Applicants will be notified whether they receive a full offer, conditional offer, or are declined. Offers will include acceptance deadlines and payment instructions.
5. Finalise enrolment. Upon accepting the offer, families complete any required payments and receive placement guidance. The student is then enrolled into the school's systems, and staff are informed of any relevant needs or pathways (e.g., ELA, High Performance Sport).
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
Academic Scholarships BISP offers academic scholarships to both internal and external Secondary School students. External candidates may apply for the Dr. Arthit World Academic Scholarship, which is awarded based on academic excellence, English proficiency, leadership, community engagement, and interview performance. Internal students are automatically considered for the IGCSE Riband Awards. The Orange Riband grants full tuition for one year (or 50% for two years) to the top IGCSE performer with at least 8 A*. The Blue Riband offers a 50% tuition reduction for one year to two students with 6 or more A* or A grades.
Sports Scholarships Sports scholarships are available to external applicants only for entry into BISP’s High Performance Academies in swimming, football, golf, tennis, and aerial arts. Awards are partial and may include boarding. Selection is based on competitive performance, trials, rankings, and coach references. Applicants must also meet academic and behavioural standards. Aerial Arts applicants submit performance videos, a personal statement, and a character reference.
Arts Scholarships BISP offers partial Visual Arts scholarships, which may include boarding, to students with strong artistic talent. Applicants should have an A*/A in IGCSE Art or equivalent, a portfolio of at least 10 pieces, and ideally a record of public exhibition. Recipients are expected to pursue IB Visual Arts and contribute to the school’s creative community.
Scholarships
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Waitlist
Waitlist
If a qualified applicant cannot be offered a place due to limited availability, they may be placed on a waitlist. Priority is given based on factors such as having siblings at the school, diversity within the year group (gender, nationality, language), date of application, and ability to thrive in the BISP community.
Waitlist
There is no information available about the waitlist process on the school's website.
