Meritton British International School vs SBS International School Chiangmai
Meritton British International School and SBS International School Chiangmai are both in Chiang Mai, about 4 km apart. Both schools offer British, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels and EYFS programmes. Published annual fees are close, at THB 212,000 - 360,000 for Meritton British International School and THB 217,500 - 362,600 for SBS International School Chiangmai. Meritton British International School takes pupils from 2 to 16, and SBS International School Chiangmai from 1 to 18. SBS International School Chiangmai is the larger school, with around 500 pupils to Meritton British International School's 300. Typical class sizes are 21 at Meritton British International School and 25 at SBS International School Chiangmai.
British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, 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
300
Pupils
500
Typical class size
Typical class size
21
Typical class size
25
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2018
Opened
2014
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Meritton British International School is situated at 168 Moo.7, Nong Kwai, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai, Thailand, a leafy green area just outside Chiang Mai’s old city. It lies within a residential neighbourhood near major local roads.
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
The school serves Early Years (Pre‑Nursery to Reception, ages 2–5), Primary (Years 1–6, ages 5–11) and Secondary (Years 7–11, ages 11–16).
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
Meritton is a co‑educational day school. There are no boarding facilities offered.
School type
SBS is an English‑medium, co‑educational day school.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
—
Pupil nationality mix
—
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
The school has a designated SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) and offers shadow teachers and additional EAL support where needed, with costs based on actual need.
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
There is no direct affiliation to any country’s government.
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
Meritton has no religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliations.
School day structure
School day structure
The typical daily schedule is not published online.
School day structure
The website does not provide explicit daily start and end times or break/lunch details.
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school does not currently publish details about a school bus or transport service.
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 Application and placement test: THB 3,000 (non-refundable)
New student enrolment fees: First child: THB 60,000 Second child: THB 45,000 Third child onward: Enrolment fee waived
Additional Learning Support (only if needed) English Additional Language (EAL): THB 70,000 per year
Other Costs After-school activities and uniforms are billed at actual cost.
Payment Methods Payment options include bank transfer.
Payment Terms Fees are invoiced per term and must be settled prior to the start of each term. The school reserves the right to amend fees without prior notice. Deposits are refundable upon return of materials and clearance of dues.
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
—
Boarding arrangements
—
Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
—
Uniform requirement
—
Food options
Food options
—
Food options
—
House system
House system
—
House system
—
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
—
Governance and ownership
—
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Meritton British International School follows the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework in Pre-Nursery through Reception, focusing on play-based and thematic learning. From Year 1 to Year 6, students follow the Cambridge Primary Curriculum, which covers English, Maths, Science, PE, and ICT. In Years 7 to 9, the curriculum continues with the Cambridge Lower Secondary programme. Students in Years 10 and 11 work towards the Cambridge IGCSE qualifications, typically taking six subjects across both core and elective areas. Thai language is taught across all levels, and Mandarin is offered to older students.
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.
1. School Visit (Optional but recommended) Families are encouraged to visit (virtually or in person) to see the campus and meet the admissions team.
2. Submit Application & Documents Complete the application form and submit copies of the student’s two most recent school reports (if applicable), birth certificate/passport, photo, and vaccination record.
3. Placement Test & Parent Meeting Students take assessments in English and Mathematics. For younger children (Pre-Nursery–Year 1), readiness is assessed socially and emotionally. There’s also a meeting to discuss school values and expectations. A placement test fee of THB 1,000 is payable on the day.
4. Assessment Feedback & Offer Letter The principal reviews results and makes a final decision. Parents receive an Offer of Place within 3 working days via email.
5. Complete Enrollment If accepted, parents submit required documents, sign enrollment forms, and pay the enrolment fee and any deposit. An invoice is issued with due date.
6. Orientation & Start Families receive an orientation pack, supply list, school calendar, and start date details.
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
Meritton runs an International School Scholarship Programme, aimed at secondary students (Year 7 and above).
Scholarships available include 30% or 50% tuition discounts, with the possibility of a full (100%) scholarship awarded to outstanding candidates.
Candidates are invited to take assessments (English, Maths, Science), give a presentation, and attend an interview as part of the selection process.
Scholarships
Internal IGCSE Recognition Awards:
Orange Riband: Awarded to top-performing IGCSE student (8 A* grades)
Benefit: Full tuition for one year or 50% for two years of A-Level programme
Blue Riband: For next two top performers (6+ A* or A grades)
Benefit: 50% tuition reduction for one year
Presented formally with plaque; recognised in tertiary applications
Dr. Arthit World Academic Scholarships:
Open to candidates entering A-Level
Selection based on academic background, leadership, community involvement, extracurricular record
