British International School Phuket

BISP supports Social and Emotional Learning through a whole-school wellbeing model that includes emotional, social, and cognitive dimensions. Weekly wellbeing lessons in Primary and targeted sessions in Secondary help students develop skills such as emotional regulation, gratitude, optimism, and forming healthy social connections. BISP’s core values—Respect, Compassion, and Integrity—are actively reinforced in interactions and wellbeing activities. The House system further promotes SEL through mixed-age collaboration, leadership opportunities, and a strong sense of belonging.

BISP supports students with additional educational needs through its Learning Support department, which operates under the school’s values of Respect, Compassion, and Integrity. The school adopts an inclusive and graduated approach, working closely with the wellbeing and counselling teams, and where necessary, external specialists such as speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and educational psychologists. Support is coordinated through collaborative investigation, intervention, and assessment, with provision accessible to all relevant teaching staff. The department works directly with families and teachers to identify barriers to learning and promote student independence. BISP is not a specialist SEN school but offers structured support for a range of mild to moderate learning needs.

British International School Phuket offers structured support for non-native English speakers through its English Language Acquisition (ELA) programme. Students are assessed on entry and placed into one of several pathways, including Intensive English (IEC), Main ELA, Extra English (EE), IGCSE ESL, or IB English B, depending on their CEFR level. Specialised language acquisition teachers collaborate with the Multilingual Learning Research Center (MLRC) to deliver up-to-date, research-based instruction. Progress is monitored using WIDA and Cambridge English exams, with increasing integration into mainstream subjects as proficiency improves. The school’s approach focuses on small groups, targeted language development, and well-being support, helping English learners access the full curriculum.

BISP promotes institutional wellbeing through a model that includes five interconnected dimensions: physical & mental, emotional, social, spiritual, and cognitive wellbeing. Every student in Primary has a dedicated weekly wellbeing lesson, while Secondary students receive year-group specific sessions focused on topics such as interpersonal relationships. The school employs a team of trained counsellors who support students and parents, provide therapeutic services, and contribute to wider safeguarding efforts. The school also runs parent wellbeing workshops and encourages staff wellbeing through an open-door policy, social events, and access to counselling. A House system fosters belonging, leadership, and inclusion across age groups, enhancing student agency and peer support.

British International School Phuket (BISP) defines safeguarding as all actions taken to promote student welfare and protect children from harm. The school aligns its safeguarding practices with UNICEF’s definition of child protection, which includes prevention and response to violence, exploitation, and abuse. Its policies are guided by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, Thai Child Protection Act, and the UK’s ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ framework. BISP’s Child Protection Policy is reviewed annually, and the school expects all staff, parents, and visitors to uphold its safety standards. Designated Safeguarding Leads include the Primary and Secondary School Principals and the Thai Director.