Panyaden International School vs SBS International School Chiangmai
Panyaden International School and SBS International School Chiangmai are both in Chiang Mai, about 3 km apart. Both schools offer British and EYFS programmes. Panyaden International School also offers IB, IPC and IMYC, and SBS International School Chiangmai also offers Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels. Published annual fees are THB 303,000 - 571,000 at Panyaden International School and THB 217,500 - 362,600 at SBS International School Chiangmai, which puts Panyaden International School roughly 51% higher. Panyaden International School takes pupils from 2 to 18, and SBS International School Chiangmai from 1 to 18. The two are similar in size, at around 405 and 500 pupils. Typical class sizes are 20 at Panyaden International School and 25 at SBS International School Chiangmai.
IB (DP), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum), British Curriculum, 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
405
Pupils
500
Typical class size
Typical class size
20
Typical class size
25
Instruction language
Instruction language
English, Thai
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2011
Opened
2014
Bus service
Bus service
—
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Panyaden International School is located in the Hang Dong district, about 15 minutes south of Chiang Mai city centre, in a semi-rural setting surrounded by rice fields and greenery. It is accessible by local road networks, with parents commonly using a car, bicycle, or a parent‑organised bus.
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 offers education from Nursery (about age 2) through Early Years (Kindergarten), Primary, Middle School (Years 7–9), and Secondary through to Year 13 (IB Diploma).
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
Panyaden is a fully co‑educational day school.
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
Panyaden provides language support for students needing extra help in English (ESL) or Thai (TSL). These services are assessed via WIDA tools and delivered through co‑teaching models.
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
The school has no formal country affiliation.
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
The school is not affiliated with any particular religion; however, Buddhist values are integrated into daily life and learning, reflecting Thai cultural traditions.
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliations.
School day structure
School day structure
School hours in Early Years run approximately 08:20–15:15, with optional after‑school clubs until 16:00–17:00.
School day structure
The website does not provide explicit daily start and end times or break/lunch details.
Bus service details
Bus service details
Panyaden does not operate its own bus; however, there is a parent‑organised school bus coordinated via the Friends of Panyaden group.
Bus service details
No information on a school bus service or provider is mentioned on the school website.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application Fee: THB 3,000 (non-refundable, payable at the time of application) Admissions Fee: THB 65,000 (non-refundable, payable upon acceptance to confirm a seat)
Security Deposit Nursery – Year 6: THB 5,000 (refundable) Year 7 – 13: THB 15,000 (refundable) Note: deposits are refunded upon withdrawal with required notice and deduction of any outstanding fees.
Annual Tuition Fees Nursery – Kindergarten 2: THB 303,000 Year 1 – 2: THB 331,000 Year 3 – 4: THB 370,000 Year 5 – 6: THB 380,000 Year 7 – 9: THB 443,000 Year 10 – 11: THB 466,000 Year 12 – 13 (IB Diploma): THB 571,000
Sibling Discount 2nd child: 10% 3rd child or more: 15% Note: discounts apply automatically and are adjusted if enrollment changes during the year.
Language Support Services EAL (English): THB 25,000 per term (max 6 terms) TAL (Thai): THB 17,000 per term (max 2 terms)
Other Charges IB Exam Fees (Year 13): Approx. THB 32,000 University postage (Years 12–13): THB 1,500–2,500 per application Transcript reprints: THB 300 per additional copy
Refund Policy Annual payment: Only Term 2 refundable if withdrawal occurs during Term 1 Term payment: No refunds after term begins Medical withdrawals are considered case by case No refund for dismissal or force majeure closures
Payment Options Bank transfer, Credit/debit cards, AMEX, and Alipay/WeChat Pay.
* Late fees: 1.5% monthly interest charged daily from term start for overdue payments
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
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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
Panyaden International School offers a bilingual curriculum combining international academic standards with Thai cultural values. In Early Years, the school follows the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework with equal instruction in Thai and English. The Primary Years (Years 1–6) use the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) alongside the British national curriculum. For Middle School (Years 7–9), students follow the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC), designed to support inquiry-based learning across subjects. From Year 10 to Year 11, students enter the Pre‑IB programme, preparing for the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) offered in Years 12–13. The curriculum includes Thai language and culture, English and Thai literacy, mathematics, science, humanities, art, physical education, and music across school stages.
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. Register your interest Families are encouraged to arrange a personal visit (in-person or virtual) via the enquiry form to get a real sense of the school during term time.
2. Submit online application form Include supporting documents as requested. Application fee of THB 3,000 is payable on the assessment date.
3. Receive decision and offer Panyaden reviews the application and will notify families once a place is available.
4. Complete enrollment Accept the offer, pay required enrolment fee, and complete paperwork to confirm the place.
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
The Panyaden Secondary Scholarship Programme offers scholarships of up to 100% tuition for high-achieving students entering Years 7 to 11 or the IB Diploma. It also includes additional waivers (e.g., 30%) for early applicants supported by the Erber Family Foundation. These opportunities are selective and typically announced once a year.
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
