Compare International Schools in Hatyai, Thailand

American Prep International School is located in Hat Yai, the largest city in Songkhla Province in southern Thailand. The campus is situated in an urban area close to residential neighbourhoods, shopping centres, and local amenities. Hat Yai International Airport is around 15 km away, and the city is well-connected by major roads and rail links. While public transport options are available, most families use private vehicles; no school transport service is currently listed.

APIS offers education from Pre-Kindergarten (age 2) to Grade 6 (approximately age 12). The school is structured into an Early Years programme (Pre-K to Kindergarten) and an Elementary programme (Grades 1 to 6).

APIS is a co-educational day school. There are no boarding facilities offered.

The school does not publicly disclose information regarding provision for Additional Learning Needs or Special Educational Needs on its website.

The school follows the American curriculum, specifically based on the California Department of Education model, but is not officially affiliated with a specific U.S. state or federal agency.

APIS is a secular school with no religious affiliation.

The school day begins at 8:30 AM with a flag-raising ceremony followed by homeroom, and classes run until 3:30 PM. The campus is open from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays, but only for students participating in supervised, school-sponsored programmes; otherwise, students should depart by 4:00 PM.

There is no explicit or confirmed information about bus services on APIS’s website.

Uniforms are mandatory for all students. Boys wear a shirt tucked into prescribed pants with a belt and top buttons fastened except the top one; girls wear a shirt with a modest skirt; athletic shoes are acceptable for both. Non-uniform days are allowed on approved occasions with guidelines.

The school has a canteen on campus. Canteen protocol includes speaking English at the table, proper table etiquette, and cleanliness.

The school is owned and founded by Dr. Phakdee Mangmiwatthana; there is a local management team supporting day-to-day operations.

American Prep International School delivers the American curriculum based on California Department of Education (CDE) standards. Core subjects include English language studies, mathematics, science, social studies, information technology, art, music, and physical education. A qualified Thai teacher provides Thai language and culture instruction in compliance with the Thai Ministry of Education. From Grade 4, students use laptops and e-books to support learning. The school incorporates project-based learning, STEM activities, and character education through the “5 C’s”: Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Creativity, Compassion, and Communication. The programme is designed for students aged 2–12, preparing them for further education in international or bilingual schools in Thailand or abroad.

APIS emphasizes emotional and social growth within its elementary programme, promoting compassion, empathy, and collaborative learning in daily activities. They integrate the “5 C’s”, Creativity, Critical thinking, Collaboration, Communication, Compassion- across the curriculum to nurture these qualities. There is no further detail on specific staff roles, dedicated SEL programmes, or structured support systems.

The school does not publicly disclose information regarding provisions, programmes, or staff support specifically for students with Special Educational Needs.

The school does not publicly disclose information regarding support for English as an Additional Language learners.

While APIS emphasizes a supportive and engaging environment in its welcome message, stating they aim for students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, there is no publicly available detail on specific mental wellbeing programmes, counselling services, or dedicated staff.

APIS has confirmed that a teacher on their staff recently obtained safeguarding certification, demonstrating the school’s attention to student safety and their staff’s readiness to protect students. No additional policies, procedures, or details are provided in the public domain.

1. Submit Application; Download the Student Application Form from the school website and contact the Admissions Office to arrange an appointment. The completed form may be emailed directly to the school or printed, filled out by hand, and delivered in person.

2. Schedule Appointment & Complete Requirements: Meet with the Admissions Office to sit a placement test and attend an interview, followed by a conference between parents and the Admissions Committee. Families must also provide the necessary documents, which include recent colour photographs of the student, a copy of the birth certificate, house registration, student ID card (for students aged over 15), a current medical certificate, and the official transcript from the previous school. Non-Thai applicants must additionally present a copy of their passport, copies of parents’ passports with valid non-immigrant visas or work permits, and other proof of legal status in Thailand.

3. Register as an Official Student: After acceptance, complete the registration with the Finance Office, including payment of the admission fees and required deposits.

4. Attend Orientation: All new students take part in a general orientation, with middle school students also completing an introduction to the school’s e-learning systems. Parents and designated guardians for Pre-K to Grade 5 students must submit photographs for school security records.

5. Age Guidelines: Pre-Kindergarten applicants must be two years old by August 1. Grade 1 applicants must be six years old by the same date.

The school does not publicly disclose any scholarship programmes or eligibility criteria.

The school does not publicly state the operation of a waitlist or pool system.

Bloomsbury International School Hatyai is based in Hatyai, in southern Thailand’s Songkhla province. The campus is a short drive from Hat Yai International Airport and well connected by major road links, making it accessible for families living locally or commuting from surrounding areas. Its position near the Malaysian border offers opportunities for cross-cultural experiences and regional travel.

Education spans ages 2 to 18, structured into Early Years (EYFS) for ages 2–5, Primary years (Key Stages 1 and 2), and Secondary (Key Stages 3–5), culminating in IGCSE (Years 10–11) and A‑Level (Years 12–13) qualifications.

The school is co‑educational, offering both day and boarding options.

Bloomsbury runs a structured EAL (English as an Additional Language) programme, especially for students from Years 3 to 6 whose English is still developing. This programme uses a Sheltered Immersion model, meaning instruction is tailored to help emerging English learners build proficiency across listening, speaking, reading, and writing until they can fully access the mainstream curriculum independently.

The school also notes that for students with additional learning needs, its teachers are equipped to provide personalised support and accommodations, though details about specific types of SEN support aren’t outlined publicly.

The school follows a British-style curriculum and operates as an approved Cambridge International Examination delivery centre.

There is no indication of any religious affiliation.

Specific details about daily scheduling, such as start/end times and break routines, are not publicly disclosed on the website.

Bloomsbury offers a transportation service, with routes covering Hat Yai and Songkhla. For the 2025–26 year, annual bus fees are approximately THB 63,700 for Hat Yai and THB 81,900 for Songkhla.

Boarding is offered on campus in the Scotland building. The campus includes dedicated boarding facilities for students who stay on site. On-site boarding is available as part of Bloomsbury's campus provisions.

There is an on-site Dining Hall on campus, and meals are provided for students.

The school operates a house system.

Bloomsbury International School Hatyai follows a British-style curriculum from Early Years through to Sixth Form. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is delivered for children aged 2–5, focusing on play-based learning and early literacy and numeracy skills. In Primary School (Key Stages 1 and 2, Years 1–6), students follow the English National Curriculum, studying core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science, along with Thai language, Chinese, ICT, humanities, arts, and physical education. Secondary School (Key Stages 3–4, Years 7–11) follows the Cambridge International Curriculum, leading to IGCSE examinations in Year 11 across a range of academic and creative subjects. Sixth Form (Years 12–13) students study Cambridge International A Levels, selecting subjects in preparation for university entrance in Thailand and overseas. Throughout all stages, the curriculum integrates co-curricular activities, cultural studies, and personal development programmes alongside academic learning.

The school holds assemblies led by a Guidance Counsellor, such as sessions demonstrating stress‑management techniques like calming breaths and “shake‑it‑off” exercises to help students manage pressure. Additionally, a guidance team member emphasizes breaking challenges into manageable steps and providing individualized emotional support. These efforts reflect an intent to support students’ emotional well‑being through direct practical strategies and personal care. Beyond these examples, the school does not publicly disclose specific SEL programmes, staff roles, or structured frameworks; additional details are not available.

The school states that teachers are equipped to deliver personalised support and accommodations for students with additional learning needs. However, it does not specify the types of SEN supported, staff qualifications, or whether it operates as a specialist SEN institution. No further details are publicly available regarding the nature or scope of SEN provision.

Bloomsbury provides an EAL programme for Year 3 to Year 6 students who are still developing their English language skills. This programme uses a Sheltered Immersion model, delivering intensive instruction targeted at listening, speaking, reading, and writing proficiency. Students receive support for between one term up to two years, depending on their proficiency, as assessed by NGRT or the EAL team. This indicates a structured and tailored approach to EAL support for the relevant age group.

Bloomsbury invites professional health providers to conduct comprehensive eye and ear health screenings for students, in partnership with Sikarin Hospital. While helpful for physical well‑being and indirectly supporting mental readiness, the school does not explicitly outline dedicated mental health support programmes or staff such as school counsellors beyond the guidance sessions mentioned in SEL. Therefore, no further dedicated mental wellbeing initiatives are publicly detailed.

The school maintains robust safeguarding measures aligned with British systems: a Designated Safeguarding Lead, annual child protection training for all staff, campus security guards, and a nurse on site in collaboration with a private hospital. Regular fire and lockdown drills are conducted to ensure preparedness. Their Safeguarding policy emphasizes physical, emotional, and cultural safety, risk assessments precede all events, and programmes are in place to support students with behavioral, emotional, or linguistic needs while maintaining confidentiality in line with the CIS Code of Ethics.

1. Families start the process by contacting the school’s Admissions team, usually via phone or email, to express interest and request further details about the school. This initial conversation allows the team to answer questions and outline the next steps.

2. Prospective families are then encouraged to arrange a visit to the school. During this visit, they can tour the facilities, meet members of the Admissions team, and speak with a school leader to gain a clearer understanding of the learning environment.

3. Before making a decision, families may opt for a free trial week. This trial period provides both the family and the school with an opportunity to assess suitability before committing to full enrolment.

4. If proceeding, families complete the school’s application form and submit the necessary documents, which may include previous school records, health information, and photographs. At this stage, the enrolment fee is also paid.

5. Students entering Year 4 and above are given a diagnostic assessment. This typically takes place during their trial or first week and helps the school place the student appropriately while identifying any additional support needed.

6. Once all paperwork, assessments, and payments are completed, a mutually agreed Monday is set as the student’s first official day at the school.

There is no information publicly available about scholarships or financial aid programs on Bloomsbury’s official website or third-party summaries.

The school does not publicly disclose operating any formal waitlist or admission pool system. No references are available on the official site or affiliated platforms.

Southern International School Hatyai is located on Rajuthit Road in Hat Yai, a commercial hub in Songkhla Province, southern Thailand, close to the Malaysian border. The city is known for its shopping centres, markets, and dining options, and attracts both local and expatriate families.

Hat Yai International Airport is about 15 km away, providing domestic and regional connections, and the city is linked to other parts of Thailand and Malaysia by road and rail. Most families travel to the school by private vehicle, though a school bus service is available.

The school offers three educational stages: Early Years (Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten 1 & 2), Primary (Years 1–6), and Secondary (Years 7–13).

Southern International School Hatyai is a co-educational day school. There are no boarding facilities mentioned, indicating it operates solely as a day school.

The school does not publicly outline a dedicated Learning Centre or specific provisions for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) or English as an Additional Language (EAL). Any support for individual learning needs is not detailed on the website, and families are encouraged to contact the school directly for information on available assistance and accommodations.

The school does not have a formal affiliation with any country but follows British and international curricula, including the National Curriculum of England, IPC, IGCSE, and A-Levels.

There is no stated religious affiliation; the school is secular in nature.

The school day runs from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM across all phases (Early Years, Primary, Secondary). After-school clubs are offered for students from KG 1 to Year 13 Tuesday through Thursday, from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM.

Southern International School Hatyai offers a school bus service, though specific details such as the provider, coverage, or pricing are not publicly provided.

Uniforms are required for all students. All SIH uniforms can be purchased from the School Shop on the first floor, open 8:30 am to 4:00 pm on weekdays. Students wear socks (white in the primary) with plain black shoes; during PE, training shoes are worn. Hair should be neat and tidy and tied back if long.

SIH has three houses: Mars (Red), Neptune (Blue) and Venus (Green). Students are allocated to a house on enrolment and remain in that house; siblings are placed in the same house. The house system runs year-round with events and a year-end trophy for the winning house.

Luke Peacock is the Head of School. SIH was established in 2015.

Southern International School Hatyai delivers a British-based international curriculum from Early Years through Sixth Form. In Early Years (Pre-KG to Year 1), students follow the Oxford International Curriculum, incorporating the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Primary School (Years 1–6) combines the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) with the National Curriculum for England to provide thematic, subject-linked learning. Lower Secondary (Years 7–9) uses the Cambridge Lower Secondary Curriculum for core subjects such as English, mathematics, and science. Upper Secondary (Years 10–11) prepares students for Cambridge IGCSE examinations across a range of subjects. In Sixth Form (Years 12–13), students work towards A Level qualifications offered through Oxford AQA and Cambridge International Examination boards. Thai and Mandarin are taught alongside the core programme at various stages.

Class teachers oversee students' daily welfare, with each child assigned to a tutor group that offers academic and emotional support through regular check-ins. The school includes PSHE (Personal, Social, Health Education) lessons delivered through homeroom time, focusing on attributes like resilience, self-esteem, risk management, teamwork, and critical thinking, aligned with key themes of health, relationships, and wider-world awareness.

Southern International School Hatyai employs a Learning Support Coordinator, indicating an internal role for overseeing learning support needs. According to the ISQM inspection, the school is well resourced to support students with special needs and those in early stages of English language acquisition, and provision leadership is described as "good." The report also notes that teachers are informed of students’ specific learning needs, and each supported student has a “passport for learning”, outlining tailored strategies. This shows that SEN support includes classroom coordination, individualized planning, and a structured approach to inclusion. The school does not market itself as a specialist SEN institution but demonstrates clear internal capacity to assist such learners.

There is no public information indicating any structured support programs for English as an Additional Language on the school’s official site.

SIH emphasizes the importance of student well-being through its pastoral framework: regular tutor support, community values like kindness and cooperation, and involvement in PSHE lessons. Anecdotal insights from school communications highlight activities such as wellbeing-focused student poster sessions, showing active engagement with mental and physical health themes.

The school’s safeguarding team operates under a clear framework of policies, staff training, and a proactive culture of shared responsibility. Regular safeguarding assemblies help reinforce the importance of safety, awareness, and open communication among students. Policies are reviewed regularly and made accessible to the school community, ensuring all stakeholders understand procedures for child protection and wellbeing.

1. Initial Contact and Application: Families are encouraged to make an appointment with the school’s Admissions Officer, either via online application or direct communication. Parents complete the application form and provide all required documents, including birth certificate, recent photographs, latest school report (in English if necessary), ID or passport copies, and other relevant paperwork.

2. Discovery Day: The school arranges a 3-day Discovery Day for prospective students, with the possibility of extending to a maximum of 5 days in special circumstances, subject to agreement by the Principal and relevant Head of Primary or Secondary. During this period, students participate in school activities and are assessed.

3. Assessment and Decision: Following Discovery Day, the Admissions Officer informs parents of the school’s decision. If the application is successful, an appointment is scheduled to complete registration procedures.

4. Registration Completion: Parents finalise the registration by submitting any outstanding documents, signing the last page of the Parent & Student Handbook, and settling any applicable admission fees.

The school does not publicly provide any information regarding scholarships, including availability, eligibility criteria, or application procedures.

The school does not publicly state that it operates a formal waitlist or enrolment pool system.