Phuket is not only a holiday destination, but also an educational hub. Over the past decade, an influx of foreign nationals has led to a rapid increase in the number of international schools, and in 2024, there are 14 institutions on the island that accept students from 18 months to 18 years old.
There are no cookie-cutter approaches here: some schools operate according to the British system, others – the American one, and still others offer international programs that allow children to master academic subjects, communicate with representatives of different nationalities and master languages – from Russian to Chinese and Korean. Most students also study Thai, which gives them the opportunity to touch the local culture.
International schools are spread across the island. Lighthouse and BCIS are located in Chalong, Rawai and the southern parts of the island. Near Boat Lagoon and Royal Wharf are the British International School and Finnway International School, while in the north of the island, UWC impresses with its standard of education. Headstart International School has recently opened a new campus in Cherng Talay to provide the growing expat community with another option for quality education.
So, no matter where you decide to buy a property in Phuket, a high-quality school will always be just a few minutes away. This approach allows parents to not only give their children a great start in life, but also makes the island an attractive investment destination for real estate, as the educational infrastructure here is developing in step with the population growth and changing needs of modern families.
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British International School, Phuket (BISP)
British International School, Phuket – the school opened in 1996 and immediately received prestigious status. The campus is picturesque, but not fabulous – located in the center of the island, not far from Chalong and the east coast. This is convenient for families living in Phuket Town, Bang Tao, Kathu, Ao Po – and not only. About 1,150 children study here, and people from over 60 countries. The ratio of locals to foreigners is about 30 to 70. Thais, Russians, British, Australians, Chinese – the list is long.
The educational process here is based on the British program, adapted for different ages. Everything starts in kindergarten from the age of 3 and continues until 18, including full boarding for older children. Primary classes are individual, on average 18 students, maximum 24. From the 5th grade, the BYOD rule is in effect - students bring their MacBooks, which sounds like an innovation. The school uses modern technologies: two IT labs with robotics, programming, a green screen and 3D printing. The buildings are equipped with Wi-Fi, projectors and interactive whiteboards. Teachers are native English speakers, and are prepared to help those who do not speak the language well enough. Additional courses in Thai, Russian, French, Spanish and Chinese are another touch.
Exams? This is serious business. Students take IGCSE, IBDP, LAMDA, BTEC in sports – a sharp indicator of success. The average IBDP result is 33 points, 100% pass rate – a fact that speaks for itself. Admission is through an English test, checking of school reports, recommendations. If there are no places, a waiting list is created – a standard procedure.
A spacious campus with landscape design, laboratories, language rooms, music and fine arts studios, a theater hall, outdoor swimming pools of 50 and 25 meters, soccer fields, tennis courts, a baseball field, an indoor sports hall, a gym, a dance studio - the whole set. Even circus arts classes, including aerial acrobatics - for all-round development.
The school day starts at 7:50, but ends at 14:35 on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and 15:40 on Monday and Wednesday. The school bus runs on fixed routes, lunches are adapted to various diets (vegan, kosher, halal), and uniforms are required. In addition to classes, there are over 300 extracurricular activities each week, including sports, circus arts, drama, debate, public speaking, MOU, and more.
British International School, Phuket is a full-time school that combines high academic standards, a diverse arts and sport programme and a focus on the emotional wellbeing of its students. All of this helps its students gain entry to leading universities in the UK and Commonwealth.
For more information, please visit the official website: bisphuket.ac.th .
International Schools in Phuket
Licensed international schools in Phuket can be found in the current database (there are reviews there too). Some are very small, some are large, but almost all offer programs for preschoolers, primary and secondary schools. Some work on the British system, where everything is divided into stages, GCSE and A-Levels exams are a strict test of knowledge. Others work on the American model, giving freedom of choice of subjects, assessment according to the GPA system, and then SAT - all for admission to a university. Diplomas from these schools are valued all over the world, opening doors to top universities, giving many opportunities for further education. Interestingly, most of them are located in the southern part of the island.
UWC Thailand
UWC Thailand is an international school in the north of Phuket, in the Thalang area, close to Thanyapura, the airport and Bang Tao Beach.
The language of instruction is English, according to the IB program – from 18 months to 18 years. There are 360 students in the school, representing 57 countries; locals – 15%, foreigners – 85% (Thais, Chinese, Americans, Russians). The groups are small, average – 16, maximum – 24, so that everyone can get attention.
For children whose English is not yet up to standard, there is ESL, plus additional courses in Thai, French and Mandarin. Teachers work together with assistants; technology is in action - from 3D printers to videography, programming, robotics clubs. If necessary, there is a transition to virtual classes.
Entry is via English and math tests, plus an interview for students in grades 6–11; for primary school, a classroom observation. The day starts at 08:00 and ends at 14:30 for primary and 15:30 for secondary.
After school, TreeClub operates and a school bus picks up children from different areas.
Extracurricular activities? Over 150 activities a week, from drama to STEAM and sports. Pupils partner with Thanyapura, which has football pitches, a running track, swimming pools and tennis courts. Triathlon, Muay Thai, kayaking, cycling, hiking and sailing are all available for active recreation.
The school does not provide religious education, but creates an inclusive environment where everyone can develop their abilities.
Result: 85% of graduates enter prestigious universities around the world.
UWC Thailand is a three-program IB school that develops creative, balanced thinking, combined with all the necessary practical skills.
For more information, please visit the school's official website: uwcthailand.ac.th .
The Waldorf Phuket
The Waldorf Phuket is a school where everything is built on the ideas of Waldorf, but not like in ordinary institutions. Here the child is a whole being: mind, emotions, hands - everything is involved, and these are not just beautiful words.
The programs are designed for children from 3 to 9+ years old. They start in kindergarten, play, observe nature, create without rules - this is how the foundations of imagination and confidence are laid. Then, when the children grow up, the training becomes more structured: mathematics, nature, history, art, music - everything is mixed together, and this is a kind of transition from freedom to discipline.
The learning takes place outdoors, surrounded by nature – classrooms without walls, where live contact with nature helps to experience the world in a new way. Waldorf education here is multi-sensory learning: the head, heart, and hands are involved in every task. Small groups mean that everyone gets attention, even if everything sometimes seems a little chaotic.
For more information, visit the official website: waldorfphuket.com .
HeadStart International School
HeadStart International School is one of the most successful British international schools in Phuket. It has about 1,000 students from 45 countries, and the age group varies from 2 to 18 years. The program is English national, with a clear emphasis on language development. The emphasis is on academic achievement and an individual approach, which is confirmed by regular IGCSE and A Levels exams.
The school is located in the central part of the island, which makes it convenient for students from the areas of Rawai, Chalong, Patong, Kamala, Bang Tao and Thalang. In the morning, as early as 6:30, the school bus leaves - parents can be sure of the punctuality of their children.
The CAT4 test is used for admission to grades 3-13, assessing logical thinking, verbal, quantitative and spatial skills. This helps to collect a detailed knowledge profile of each child and to customise individual learning.
Classes here are not overcrowded - a maximum of 24 students, an average of 22, which makes it possible to pay attention to everyone. In addition to the main course, there are many additional classes. Dance - from hip-hop to jazz, theater skills, fine arts, sections on robotics and programming - all this is actively developing.
The sports infrastructure is impressive: two floodlit football pitches, a running track, swimming pools, a tennis court, gymnastics halls, basketball, volleyball, badminton – sport is the number one priority here. Additional language courses include Thai, Mandarin, French and German – broadening horizons and promoting global thinking.
The school provides the services of an educational psychologist for timely support of students. Tuition fees range from 300 to 420 thousand baht per year, plus an entrance fee of 50 thousand baht. High academic standards, a variety of extracurricular programs and an individual approach make HeadStart one of the leaders of international schools in Phuket.
For more information, please visit the official website: headstartphuket.com .
Finnway International School Phuket
Finnway International School Phuket is a small school that is rapidly gaining momentum. There are about 200 students from 26 countries studying here – locals make up about 30%, foreigners – 70% (Thais, Russians, British, Australians, Chinese).
The curriculum is Finnish, adapted to the conditions of Phuket with the participation of Finnish Global Education Solutions. The language of instruction is English. For those who are not yet confident in their knowledge, there is additional language support. Classes are small, an average of 15 students, a maximum of 20. No large groups - everyone gets attention.
Preschoolers have no technology at all – the 0% rule. Then, as they grow, the children are introduced to ICT – if necessary. If necessary, the school switches to virtual learning.
Admission is a separate story: interview with parents and the child, a campus tour, short testing in English and mathematics. If there are no places, a waiting list is created. Registration is desirable a week before the start of the school year, but enrollment is also allowed later.
The schedule varies: lessons for preschoolers start at 9:00, for elementary school children at 8:30, and end either at 14:30 or 15:00. After-school supervision is available (for an additional fee). The school bus runs on fixed routes. Meals are organized with special diets in mind. Uniforms are mandatory in elementary school, and optional in kindergarten.
The extracurricular program is a kaleidoscope: clubs, sections, circles in academic, creative, sports and STEM areas. Physical education twice a week - plus additional sections where you can play football, do gymnastics and more. The school has modern facilities: a gym, a library, music and art classes, the Center for Technological Projects, where children experiment with new technologies.
The Finnish approach here is not about dry theories. It is individual, fun and practice-oriented learning. Not only knowledge, but also general well-being is developed. Graduates get a chance to enter Finnish universities, where education is often free. Tuition varies from 6.2 to 8.5 thousand dollars per year. This is an option for those who value a high level of education and an individual approach - and are not afraid of change.
Website: https://finnwayphuket.com/ .
QSI International School of Phuket
One of the oldest international schools in Phuket – established in 2000, and immediately with a focus on the American system for children from 3 to 18 years old. The school is accredited by MSA and is associated with OAS – high academic standards, as they say. Originally conceived for the children of American diplomats, today it accepts students from 23 nationalities. Classes here are small, the average is only 10 students, the maximum is less than 15, which guarantees an individual approach.
The teachers are native English speakers, and the curriculum is American. If English is not yet in favor, intensive support courses are provided. Lessons in Thai, Russian, Chinese are also offered - languages to broaden your horizons. The educational process is based on projects - they teach you to think critically, creatively, in a new way.
The campus is set in spacious grounds near the major intersection between Tesco Lotus and Samkong on Bypass Road in Kathu. There is a library, computer room, sports fields and a football pitch – a full complement of sports facilities: a full-size basketball court, a newly built artificial grass pitch, and play areas. A school bus runs, lunches are provided and extra-curricular activities – from student council to art, cooking and guitar classes – are available to suit all interests.
The school's approach is not just teaching, but developing all-round potential: each student should become active, inquisitive and ready to adapt to a rapidly changing world. The result is graduates who successfully pass the SAT and continue their education at leading universities around the world, confirming a solid academic education.
For more information, please visit the official website: qsi.org/thailand/pkt .
Oak Meadow International School
Oak Meadow International School is a school in Chalong that offers an American program to children aged 3 to 18. It used to be just a kindergarten, but now it offers a full educational cycle, from early childhood to graduation. The curriculum is in English, but if necessary, there are Thai, Chinese, and Russian. Children are accepted from 3 years old.
The educational buildings are modern, clean, with a play area, sports ground and swimming pool. Everything for the development of the mind and body. Here, each child receives individual attention, critical thinking, creativity and social skills are developed. It seems that they want everyone to reveal their potential.
Admission is through an interview and testing to determine the level of preparation. Tuition varies from 6.7 to 11 thousand dollars per year, or from 220 to 360 thousand baht. Additional fees: registration - 3000 baht, entrance fee - 50 thousand baht, deposit - 30 thousand baht and materials - 10-15 thousand baht. They provide a school bus, lunches and a mandatory uniform.
For more information, please visit the official website: www.oakmeadow-phuket.com .
BCIS Phuket
BCIS Phuket is a primary and secondary school located in Chalong that teaches both the Cambridge and French curriculums. There are about 400 students from over 60 countries, a mix of nationalities that creates a global mix for the formation of worldviews.
The teaching is in English, but if the language is not yet mastered, there is ESL. Class sizes are maximum 25, with an average of 17, so individual attention is possible. Admission? It is through language skills testing – to understand how well the children speak English.
The infrastructure is interesting: modern laboratories, even hydroponic, there is a literature center with a library, rooms for creativity, a robotics class, an art workshop, a clothing design class, a theater, a music studio, a photo lab - and a unique planetarium with a dome projection, which you will not find anywhere else in Phuket. Sports are also a priority: an Olympic pool, sports halls, areas for rock climbing, tennis, gymnastics. Additionally - sections on football, athletics, triathlon, swimming, dancing, music, philosophy - the choice is wide.
The school day starts at 8:00 and ends at 15:30 – the balance, as they say. Additional fees include a registration fee (10,000 baht), an entrance fee (50,000 baht) and a deposit (50,000 baht); tuition ranges from 244,800 baht to 400,000 baht per year for senior classes.
The school was founded in 2017. They try to provide a diverse, high-quality education here – the experienced and caring teaching staff does not leave students indifferent. They do not just teach – they motivate, and children leave here happy and ready for new challenges.
For more information, visit the official website: bcisphuket.com .
Lighthouse International School
The school is located in Rawai and follows a Canadian curriculum with elements of Montessori and IB-inspired project-based learning. The school was founded by parents and educators with the idea that each student would find their own path through structured yet flexible learning that allows them to follow their passion.
The curriculum is taught in English by native speakers and assistants – small classes, averaging 10 children, to ensure everyone’s attention. Children are accepted into the preparatory group at age two, and the program continues until they receive a Canadian high school diploma, which opens the door to universities around the world. In addition, students can take the IGCSE, GED, SAT – and possibly receive fully funded scholarships to Canadian universities.
The school day starts at 8:30 and ends at 15:30, there is no mandatory uniform, and lunches are provided. As for sports, everything from a swimming pool to a fitness center, from a gym to a football field and a playground is for harmonious development.
Prices range from 180,000 to 290,000 baht per year, plus registration – 50,000 baht and an annual fee for educational materials – 10,000 baht. In terms of approximately 4.5–5.5 thousand dollars per year, depending on the level. And, yes, if the school has a religious Catholic bias – values are taken into account, which may be interesting for families seeking a well-rounded education.
Lighthouse International School Phuket is where Canadian standards meet individual attention, where creativity and potential development are not just words, but daily practice. Here children grow up learning to be global citizens, sometimes even in an environment where traditional values resonate.
School website: https://lighthousephuket.com/ .
International School of Phuket
International School of Phuket was founded in 2008 and operates under the British program of Cambridge University. It is not surprising that it is considered one of the most prestigious in Phuket.
The school pays attention to everyone - first, observation of the little ones in kindergarten, then tests, written and personal, for elementary grades, and for seniors - mixed exams with interviews. Each stage is like a test to understand who fits where.
But that's not all: ISP offers additional language courses - Thai, Mandarin, and special sections are organized for Russian and French children so that, as their language improves, they move on to the general class. Outside of lessons, there is a huge choice: language classes for beginners and advanced, piano lessons, guitar, Thai boxing sections.
The sports infrastructure is no less diverse: a football pitch, an indoor tennis court, a half-pipe skateboarding ramp, a 300-metre running track, a trampoline, a professional-grade playground – everything so that children can move and develop. In addition, the school provides a school bus, lunches and after-school care from 4pm to 8pm – so life becomes a little more convenient for everyone. For more information, visit the official website: ispphuket.com .
Wittaya Sathid School
Wittaya Sathid School has recently received international status – the result of active study of English, even if the basic program remains national. Teachers – native English and Thai speakers – do not just teach, but support the process, even if it seems that everything is standard. In kindergarten, classes start at 8:30, and in primary school – a little earlier, at 8:15; the end of lessons is 15:00 for little ones and 16:00 for older ones – the schedule varies, but everything is strictly on schedule. The curriculum is modern, with an emphasis on comprehensive development, where experienced teachers work in standard classes equipped with the latest technology. Here they use modern methods so that the child grows not only academically, but also develops in general, in his own way, without unnecessary smoothness and predictability. School website: https://wstpkt.ac.th/ .
Schools in Phuket for children from Russia
Studying under the Russian program in Phuket gives parents several options to ensure their children receive an education according to Russian standards, even if you are only here for a short time.
One of the solutions is full-time education at the Russian school "Rassvet". Here, classes are held on the campuses of the international school BISC, but everything remains according to Russian standards. Thanks to cooperation with the school at the Russian Embassy in Bangkok, the children continue their education in the Russian system. The usual food and familiar environment help them adapt. Details on the website shkola-na-phukete.ru .
There is another way – distance learning. Students take exams externally, and parents are not obliged to study with their children themselves – online schools, such as Foxford , take on support and provide feedback. However, the online format lacks live communication, which is important for socialization.
Another option is the ISP school. Everything here is built on the Cambridge program, but for Russian-speaking children. If the child does not yet speak English, there is the ELL program with intensive training (up to 70% of the time). And then - the "Mix Program", where the main subjects (Russian language, reading, mathematics, natural science) are taught in Russian, and the rest (English, music, physical education, swimming, ecology, Thai language and culture) - according to Cambridge. More details on ispphuket.com/ru . You can find out more about this school in the international schools section below.