Headstart International School Cherngtalay Campus vs Kajonkiet International School Phuket
Headstart International School Cherngtalay Campus and Kajonkiet International School Phuket are both in Phuket, about 9 km apart. Both schools offer British, Cambridge (Primary) and Cambridge (Secondary) programmes, and Kajonkiet International School Phuket also offers Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels and EYFS. Published annual fees are THB 347,000 - 491,000 at Headstart International School Cherngtalay Campus and THB 275,000 - 440,000 at Kajonkiet International School Phuket, which puts Headstart International School Cherngtalay Campus roughly 17% higher. Headstart International School Cherngtalay Campus takes pupils from 2 to 14, and Kajonkiet International School Phuket from 2 to 18. Kajonkiet International School Phuket is the larger school, with around 700 pupils to Headstart International School Cherngtalay Campus's 400. Typical class sizes are 22 at Headstart International School Cherngtalay Campus and 20 at Kajonkiet International School Phuket.
British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary)
Curriculum
British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils
Pupils
400
Pupils
700
Typical class size
Typical class size
22
Typical class size
20
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2023
Opened
2011
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
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.
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
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.
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
This is a co‑educational day school. There are no boarding facilities available at this campus.
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
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
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.
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
The school is not affiliated with any country.
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 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.
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
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.
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 and Enrolment Fees
* Application Fee: THB 5,000 per child (non-refundable) * Entrance Fee: THB 100,000 (one-time, non-refundable) * Endowment Fee: THB 75,000 (refundable upon permanent withdrawal, subject to conditions)
Tuition Fees by Year Group
* 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
Billing Schedule
* Billed termly by email, 3 times per year
Sibling Discounts
* 2nd child: 10% discount on tuition fees * 3rd+ child: 15% discount * Entrance and Endowment fees only apply to the first two children
* 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)
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
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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
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.
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.