Headstart International School Chaofah City Campus vs Kajonkiet International School Phuket
Headstart International School Chaofah City Campus and Kajonkiet International School Phuket are both in Phuket, about 3 km apart. Both schools offer British, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels programmes. Headstart International School Chaofah City Campus also offers BTEC Qualification, and Kajonkiet International School Phuket also offers Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) and EYFS. Published annual fees are THB 347,000 - 491,000 at Headstart International School Chaofah City Campus and THB 275,000 - 440,000 at Kajonkiet International School Phuket, which puts Headstart International School Chaofah City Campus roughly 17% higher. Both take pupils from 2 to 18. Headstart International School Chaofah City Campus is the larger school, with around 1,500 pupils to Kajonkiet International School Phuket's 700. Typical class sizes are 22 at Headstart International School Chaofah City Campus and 20 at Kajonkiet International School Phuket.
British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Curriculum
British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils
Pupils
1,500
Pupils
700
Typical class size
Typical class size
22
Typical class size
20
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2005
Opened
2011
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
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.
Location
Kajonkiet International School Phuket is located in the Kathu area of central Phuket, Thailand. The school is nestled in a quiet, green valley about 15 minutes from Phuket Town and 30–40 minutes from most residential beach areas. It is accessible via local roads, with school transport routes covering key areas across the island. The location offers a balance between rural surroundings and proximity to urban amenities.
Stages
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.
Stages
Kajonkiet International School Phuket is structured into four main sections:
* Early Years: Pre-Nursery, Nursery, and Reception (ages 2–5)
* Primary School: Years 1–6 (ages 5–11)
Secondary School: Years 7–11 (ages 11–16), leading to IGCSE examinations
Sixth Form: Years 12–13 (ages 16–18), preparing students for AS and A Level qualifications
School type
School type
HeadStart is a co-educational day school, it does not offer boarding services.
School type
KIS is a co-educational day school. It does not offer any boarding facilities, and all students attend on a day-only basis.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
—
Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
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.
Additional learning support
The school supports students with mild to moderate Additional Learning Support Needs through its Learning Support department. Provision includes in-class support, small group interventions, and individualised learning plans, tailored by a team working in close collaboration with teachers and families.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
While the curriculum is based on the British system, HSIS is not officially affiliated with the United Kingdom or any other nation.
Country affiliation
Kajonkiet International School Phuket follows a British curriculum but does not have formal affiliation with the UK government or a specific country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliations.
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliation.
School day structure
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.
School day structure
School hours typically run from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with exact timings depending on the age group. Breaks and lunch are scheduled within the day, and older students may have supervised study or extra-curricular sessions extending into the afternoon.
Bus service details
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.
Bus service details
KIS offers a school transport service for students across Phuket. The service includes both one-way and round-trip options, with additional charges for routes beyond standard coverage zones. The bus schedule is managed by the school’s transport coordinator, and after-school buses are available for students involved in extra-curricular activities. Fees and route information are provided during the admissions process.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
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
Fee details
Application and Admission Fees
* Application & Placement Fee: THB 2,000 (non-refundable) * Entrance Fee: THB 60,000 (one-time, non-refundable) * Endowment Fee: THB 50,000 (refundable upon permanent withdrawal, with one-month written notice)
Tuition Fees (Annual / Per Term)
* Pre-Nursery (Half Day): THB 193,000 annually (Terms: 65,000 / 64,000 / 64,000) * Pre-Nursery / Nursery / Reception (Full Day): THB 275,000 (Terms: 93,000 / 91,000 / 91,000) * Year 1 / Year 2: THB 330,000 (Terms: 112,000 / 109,000 / 109,000) * Year 3 / Year 4: THB 340,000 (Terms: 116,000 / 112,000 / 112,000) * Year 5 / Year 6: THB 352,000 (Terms: 120,000 / 116,000 / 116,000) * Year 7 / Year 8 / Year 9: THB 391,000 (Terms: 133,000 / 129,000 / 129,000) * Year 10 / Year 11: THB 411,000 (Terms: 139,000 / 136,000 / 136,000) * Year 12 / Year 13: THB 440,000 (Terms: 150,000 / 145,000 / 145,000)
A 15% tuition discount applies to the second child enrolled.
Additional Fees
* EAL (English as an Additional Language): * Reception–Year 4: THB 44,000 annually * Year 5–6: THB 55,000 * Year 7–13: THB 59,000 (Paid in termly installments; applies to students needing intensive English support)
* Transport: * One-way: THB 33,000 annually (or THB 13,000 / 10,000 / 10,000 per term) * Roundtrip: THB 66,000 annually (or THB 26,000 / 20,000 / 20,000 per term) * A 20% surcharge applies to long-distance zones (e.g., Cherngtalay, Surin, Kamala, Rawai)
* Examination Fees (Years 11–13): Charged separately based on IGCSE and A-Level entries (invoiced in Term 2)
* Residential Trips: * Year 5–6: THB 5,000–9,500 * Year 7–10: THB 10,000–20,000
* Meals: Compulsory and includes snacks and lunch (cost included in tuition) * Other Costs: May include extra/co-curricular trips, after-school supervision, late fees, and educational supplies * Insurance: Accident insurance (up to THB 20,000 per incident) is provided at no cost
Billing Schedule and Payments
* Invoices Issued: * Term 1: 5 June 2025 * Term 2: 16 October 2025 * Term 3: 19 February 2026
* Due Dates: * Term 1: 15 July 2025 * Term 2: 5 December 2025 * Term 3: 20 March 2026
Late fees apply if payments are delayed, and student records may be withheld until balances are cleared.
Payment Methods
* Online via School Sync platform (QR code) * Credit card (2.7%–3.5% fee applies) * Bank transfer * Bank draft or crossed cheque payable to “Kajonkiet International School Phuket”
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
—
Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
—
Uniform requirement
—
Food options
Food options
—
Food options
—
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
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.
Curriculum details
Kajonkiet International School Phuket (KIS) follows the British Curriculum from Early Years through Sixth Form. In Early Years and Primary (Pre-Nursery to Year 6), students follow the EYFS framework and National Curriculum for England, with an emphasis on literacy, numeracy, and topic-based learning. In Lower Secondary (Years 7–9), students study a broad academic programme aligned with Key Stage 3, which prepares them for IGCSEs. In Years 10 and 11, students work toward the Cambridge IGCSE, selecting from a range of subjects including English, mathematics, sciences, humanities, and creative arts. Sixth Form students (Years 12 and 13) pursue Cambridge International AS and A Levels, which are internationally recognised qualifications for university entry. Thai nationals are also required to study Thai language and culture.
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.
Admissions
1. Arrange a school visit or open house. Parents are invited to tour the campus, meet the Registrar, and possibly connect with heads of Primary or Secondary. Visits include a tour, meetings with key staff, and explanations of assessment procedures.
2. Complete and submit an application form. Application forms can be downloaded from the school website or collected from the Registrar. Each student needs a separate form, and submissions must include the application fee and the most recent school reports.
3. Undergo admissions assessment. Depending on the age group, the school will administer assessments in English and mathematics, and conduct an interview. Younger students may instead complete an in-class observation. Past school reports are reviewed before assessments proceed.
4. Review and admissions decision. Subject teachers evaluate test results and provide recommendations. The Vice Principals of the relevant divisions review the full application dossier, including references, before confirming a decision.
5. Offer of place and confirmation. Successful applicants are notified by the Registrar. A formal invoice will be issued, and payment must be made before the student’s first day. Final enrolment is only confirmed after all forms, fees, and documentation are complete.
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
Kajonkiet International School Phuket offers scholarships to students in Years 7–13, covering Key Stage 3, IGCSE, and A-Level programmes. Scholarships are awarded to students demonstrating exceptional talent and commitment in academics, art, drama, dance, and music, or sports. Awards may include a bursary and are available both to internal and external candidates. Students are assessed through one of three scholarship assessment windows held annually, one per term. Year 6 students currently enrolled at KIS are specifically invited to apply in Term 3. In addition to fee support, scholarship recipients engage in enrichment opportunities such as scholar days, community service, and leadership training, which form part of the school’s extended academic calendar.
Waitlist
Waitlist
There is no information available about the waitlist process on the school's website.
Waitlist
The school does not publicly disclose information about operating a waitlist system.
