Glenalmond Phuket International School vs Headstart International School Chaofah City Campus
Glenalmond Phuket International School and Headstart International School Chaofah City Campus are both in Phuket, about 18 km apart. Both schools offer BTEC Qualification, Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels programmes. Glenalmond Phuket International School also offers EYFS and Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, and Headstart International School Chaofah City Campus also offers British and Cambridge IGCSE. Published annual fees are THB 270,000 - 950,000 at Glenalmond Phuket International School and THB 347,000 - 491,000 at Headstart International School Chaofah City Campus, which puts Glenalmond Phuket International School roughly 46% higher. Glenalmond Phuket International School takes pupils from 1.5 to 18, and Headstart International School Chaofah City Campus from 2 to 18.
BTEC Qualification, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Curriculum
British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils
Pupils
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Pupils
1,500
Typical class size
Typical class size
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Typical class size
22
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2026
Opened
2005
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
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.
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
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.
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
The institution is a co-educational, mainstream independent school.
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
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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
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.
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
The school does not indicate a specific religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliations.
School day structure
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.
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
The school does not currently publish information regarding the provision of a school bus or coach service.
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 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.
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
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.
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. 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.
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
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding the offering of scholarships.
Scholarships
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Waitlist
Waitlist
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding a waitlist or pool system.
Waitlist
There is no information available about the waitlist process on the school's website.
