Rugby School Thailand vs Tara Pattana International School
Rugby School Thailand and Tara Pattana International School are both in Pattaya, about 11 km apart. Both schools offer British, Cambridge A Levels and Pearson Edexcel IGCSE programmes. Rugby School Thailand also offers Cambridge IGCSE, and Tara Pattana International School also offers EYFS. Published annual fees are THB 552,000 - 1,445,300 at Rugby School Thailand and THB 263,550 - 605,850 at Tara Pattana International School, which puts Rugby School Thailand roughly 130% higher. Rugby School Thailand takes pupils from 2 to 18, and Tara Pattana International School from 1 to 18. Rugby School Thailand is the larger school, with around 1,200 pupils to Tara Pattana International School's 350. Typical class sizes are 18 at Rugby School Thailand and 16 at Tara Pattana International School.
British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Curriculum
British Curriculum, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Pupils
Pupils
1,200
Pupils
350
Typical class size
Typical class size
18
Typical class size
16
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2017
Opened
2011
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Rugby School Thailand is located in Khao Mai Kaew, a semi-rural area of Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province, approximately 25 minutes from Pattaya. The school is accessible via well-connected roads from nearby residential communities in Pattaya, Sattahip, and Chonburi. The setting offers a peaceful natural environment, while still being within reach of urban amenities.
Location
Tara Pattana International School is located in Nong Prue, Banglamung District, Chonburi Province near Pattaya, Thailand. The school is about 4 km from Pattaya city centre, near Jomtien Beach and accessible via major roads connecting to Bangkok and Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Stages
Stages
* Pre-Prep School (Ages 2–6): Covers Pre-Nursery, Nursery, Reception, and Years 1–2. Focuses on play-based learning with a structured foundation aligned with the Early Years Framework.
Prep School (Ages 7–13): Years 3–8. Students transition from class-based teaching to subject-specialist instruction, particularly in upper years.
Senior School (Ages 13–16): Years 9–11. Students prepare for IGCSE examinations across a broad range of subjects.
Sixth Form (Ages 16–18): Years 12–13. Offers A Level pathways and university preparation programmes.
Stages
TPIS delivers an all-through British-style education from Playgroup, Nursery, and Reception (Early Years Foundation Stage) through Key Stages 1–6 (Primary, Secondary, and Sixth Form leading to IGCSE and A Levels).
School type
School type
Rugby School Thailand is a co-educational day and boarding school. Boarding options are available from Year 6, with flexible models such as part boarding, weekly boarding, and full boarding, allowing families to tailor arrangements to their needs.
School type
TPIS is a co‑educational day school, serving both girls and boys. The school does not offer boarding facilities
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Rugby School Thailand provides structured support for students with additional learning needs through its Support for Learning department. This includes tailored classroom strategies, small-group interventions, and specialist assistance where required. EAL (English as an Additional Language) support is also available across all age groups.
Additional learning support
TPIS provides an inclusive Learning Support and EAL programme, offering in-class support, intervention sessions like reading boosters, and tailored assistance for gifted learners. For more complex needs, the school may refer to external specialists. Support is arranged based on need and is not indefinite.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Rugby School Thailand is affiliated with Rugby School UK, adopting the British curriculum, and maintaining close ties in governance, values, and academic structure.
Country affiliation
It is independently operated and not formally affiliated with any national education authority.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The School has no religious affiliations.
Religious affiliation
TPIS has no religious affiliation; it is a secular international school welcoming students from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.
School day structure
School day structure
The length of the school day at Rugby School Thailand varies by division. In Pre-Prep (Pre-Nursery to Year 2), students arrive between 08:00 and 08:30, with the standard school day ending at 15:20; those in after-school clubs may stay until 17:00. In the Prep and Senior Schools (Years 3–13), students are picked up between 07:35 and 08:00, with classes concluding at 17:05. Participation in extracurricular clubs or activities may extend the day to 18:00. Students must be ready at their pick-up points ahead of scheduled bus departures.
School day structure
TPIS runs Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM to 3:40 PM, including a 20-minute morning break and a midday lunch break (12:00–1:00 PM). Some year groups also have a 15-minute late afternoon break.
Bus service details
Bus service details
Rugby School Thailand offers a daily and weekly bus service for students in Pattaya, Chonburi, and Bangkok. Operated by Montri Transportation Co., Ltd, the buses are equipped with seat belts, first-aid kits, and are supervised by trained monitors. Routes include areas like North/South Pattaya, Jomtien, and Sri Racha, and are adjusted annually based on demand. Parents manage bookings and changes through the school’s Service Support team.
Bus service details
TPIS operates a comprehensive school bus service covering major expatriate residential areas in Pattaya. Monthly fees vary by route and are payable per term. Safety guidelines and bus regulations are clearly defined on the Bus Routes & Fees page.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application and Enrolment Fees
* Application Fee: THB 5,500 (non-refundable) or USD 190 for overseas payments * Acceptance Fee: THB 200,000 (non-refundable, refundable for boarders after three terms) * Deposit: THB 100,000 (refundable with at least one term’s notice of withdrawal)
Tuition Fees (per year)
* Pre-Nursery / Nursery (Half Day): THB 333,000 * Pre-Nursery / Nursery (Full Day): THB 552,000 * Reception: THB 664,000 * Years 1–2: THB 711,000 * Year 3: THB 739,000 * Years 4–6: THB 748,000 * Years 7–8: THB 836,000 * Year 9: THB 922,000 * Years 10–11: THB 954,000 * Years 12–13: THB 975,000 Fees are split into three equal terms.
Boarding Fees *(Years 6–13 only)*
* Part Boarding (up to 3 nights/week): THB 271,500 * Weekly Boarding (up to 5 nights/week): THB 397,800 * Full Boarding (7 nights/week): THB 470,300 * Boarding Expenses Deposit: THB 20,000
Other Costs
* EAL & Learning Support: From THB 5,500 to THB 55,000 per term based on need * Music Lessons: THB 25,000 per year * Instrument Hire: THB 2,000 per term
Billing and Payment Terms * Invoices are issued before each term: * Payment is typically made via bank transfer; all bank charges are the payer’s responsibility. A 3% discount is available for full annual payment made by 13 August 2025. Late payments incur penalties. Fees include lunches and snacks; exam and textbook fees are also included and cannot be separated.
Fee details
Application Fees A one-time non-refundable application fee is required upon submission: - Nursery & Kindergarten: THB 3,000 - Reception to Year 13: THB 5,000
Upon acceptance, a non-refundable enrolment fee of THB 100,000 is payable to confirm placement.
Tuition Fees (Per Year) Fees are invoiced termly: Term 1 = 40%, Term 2 = 30%, Term 3 = 30%
Nursery: THB 263,550 Kindergarten (KG1): THB 345,450 Reception: THB 394,800 Years 1–2: THB 437,850 Years 3–6: THB 488,250 Years 7–9: THB 554,400 Years 10–11 (IGCSE): THB 605,850
Sixth Form (Years 12–13 A-Level Options): - Fully in-school A Levels: THB 642,600 - Blended programme (3 online subjects): THB 428,000 - 2 online + 1 in-school: THB 490,000 - 1 online + 2 in-school: THB 543,900 *All include access to an Independent Project Qualification (IPQ).*
Additional Fees Included in tuition: - Lunch and snacks (no deduction if declined) - Primary and KS3 textbooks - Exercise books and stationery - Accident insurance (up to THB 10,000) for incidents on campus, school trips, or buses
Charged separately: - Cambridge/Edexcel examination fees - Uniforms - ID cards - After-school clubs and specialist academies - Residential trips - Ror Dor (military cadet programme) - EAL support beyond standard provision - Additional learning needs support beyond the school's standard support structure
Sibling Discount - Second child: 5% discount on tuition - Third child and beyond: 10% discount
Late Enrolment Policy - Up to mid-term: full term fee charged - After mid-term but before ¾ term: 25% refund - After ¾ term: 50% refund *Discounts apply to tuition only and do not cover optional extras or enrolment fees.*
Payment Terms & Options - Tuition and additional fees are payable before the start of each term - Accepted payment methods: Bank transfer, QR code, Cash, and Credit card (Visa/Mastercard, subject to a 3% service charge) - Students may be excluded from classes or reports withheld if payments are not received and no arrangement is made
Boarding Fees The school does not offer boarding facilities.
Refund Policy - Enrolment fees are non-refundable - Tuition refunds follow the late enrolment structure (see above) - No other refund policy is published
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
Rugby School Thailand follows the British curriculum throughout all school stages. In the Pre-Prep School (ages 2–6), the focus is on play-based and exploratory learning, supported by structured activities and specialist lessons such as music, languages, and swimming. In Years 1 and 2, children develop literacy, numeracy, and inquiry skills through topic-based learning and specialist subject teaching. The Prep School (Years 3–8) offers a broad academic programme with increasing subject-specific instruction, including modern languages, humanities, and STEM. In the Senior School (Years 9–11), students follow the IGCSE curriculum, selecting from a wide range of subjects assessed through Cambridge, Pearson Edexcel, and Oxford AQA. In Sixth Form (Years 12–13), students study for A Levels, with optional enrichment options available.
Curriculum details
Tara Pattana International School follows the British National Curriculum from Early Years through to Sixth Form.
Children begin with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) in Playgroup, Nursery, and Reception. Primary students (Years 1–6) follow Key Stages 1 and 2, focusing on English, mathematics, science, humanities, and the arts.
In secondary (Years 7–9), students progress through Key Stage 3, before undertaking Pearson Edexcel IGCSE qualifications in Years 10–11.
Sixth Form students (Years 12–13) choose from in-school A Levels or a blended programme that combines in-person teaching with remote UK tutors. Thai is taught throughout, and Mandarin is offered as an elective in Key Stage 4.
1. Book a school tour or virtual consultation. The admissions team offers personalised tours and online sessions to help families learn about the curriculum, facilities, and boarding or day options. 2. Submit an application form. Parents complete and return the application form along with required documents, including a copy of the child’s passport, school reports from the past two years, and any specialist reports if applicable. An application fee is payable at this stage. 3. Assessment and interview. Applicants complete age-appropriate assessments, which may include English and maths tests and, if applying for scholarships, additional subject-specific evaluations. Interviews may also be conducted with academic staff or school leadership. 4. Receive offer and secure enrolment. If successful, the school will issue an offer letter. Parents confirm the place by paying the acceptance fee and refundable deposit. The school will then guide families through onboarding and term preparation.
Admissions
1. Book a campus visit or trial day. Parents are invited to tour the school and children may spend a trial day attending classes at no cost.
2. Submit application and attend assessments. Following your visit, you submit the application form. Younger students (Year 1–2) will take English and Maths tests, while Year 3 onwards complete the CAT4 cognitive assessment; previous school reports are required.
3. Review of results and placement decision. Admissions staff and Head of School discuss assessment outcomes with parents before confirming admission.
4. Finalise paperwork and payment. Once offered a place, families are required to provide documentation (passports, rental/registration, medical records), pay application/enrolment fees, and arrange uniform orders.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Scholarships are offered for students entering Years 7, 8, 9, 10, or 12, and may include up to 20% remission on tuition and boarding fees. These awards are merit-based and designed to support students with exceptional ability in the following categories:
* Academic Scholarships: Awarded based on entrance assessments, academic records, subject-specific tests, and interviews with senior staff. * Arts, Drama, Music, Design & Technology, and Sports Scholarships: Candidates must meet minimum academic requirements and present a portfolio or record of achievement. Assessment includes a department interview, audition or trial, or a practical test under timed conditions. * Sports Scholarships are available for: swimming, football, basketball, rugby, tennis, golf, volleyball, and athletics.
Scholarships
The school’s official website does not list any scholarships or sponsored financial aid programmes.
Waitlist
Waitlist
Rugby School Thailand does not publicly disclose information about operating a waitlist or pool system on their official website.
Waitlist
TPIS does not operate a public waitlist or pool system.
