Phuket has six international schools worth considering for expat families. They range from a globally ranked IB institution (UWC Thailand) to a genuinely affordable Thai-international option (Kajonkiet). The right choice depends heavily on your budget, your preferred curriculum, where you live on the island, and how long you plan to stay.
This is the guide I wish existed when I first spoke to Phuket expat parents asking where to enrol their kids. It's not based on marketing brochures — it's based on what the parent community actually says, year after year.
The 6 International Schools: At a Glance
| School | Curriculum | Location | Primary Y1 Fees/yr | Secondary Y10 Fees/yr | Year Founded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BISP | British / IB | Koh Kaew | ฿620,000 | ฿760,000 | 1996 |
| UWC Thailand | IB only | Thalang | ฿590,000 | ฿800,000 | 2015 |
| HeadStart International | British / Cambridge | Rawai (Sai Yuan Rd) | ฿390,000 | ฿480,000 | 2004 |
| QSI International | US / QSI Custom | Rawai | ฿430,000 | ฿530,000 | 2003 |
| BIS (British International) | British / IGCSE | Kathu | ฿310,000 | ฿400,000 | 2006 |
| Kajonkiet International | Thai-international | Phuket Town / Thalang | ฿150,000 | ฿220,000 | 1996 |
*Fees are approximate 2026 tuition only. Add registration fees (฿50,000–150,000), capital levies (฿50,000–200,000), activity fees and transport. See our full school fees guide for complete Year 1 costs.
Detailed School Reviews
BISP — British International School Phuket
The largest and most established international school in Phuket. BISP offers British National Curriculum from Foundation through to GCSE, then IB Diploma or A-Levels at Sixth Form. Consistently strong IGCSE and IB results. Excellent sports facilities — 25m pool, multiple courts, large campus.
Who it suits: British-curriculum families wanting the most stable, established option. Best if you're planning to stay 3+ years — the community here is deep. Long-stay Bang Tao/Laguna families who want a direct school bus route.
What to know: Waiting lists are real — especially Year 7–9. Apply 6–12 months ahead. The Bang Tao location works well if you're in the Laguna area but is a long bus ride from Rawai or Chalong.
UWC Thailand (United World College)
The most internationally-focused school on the island. UWC Thailand is IB-only from Year 1, with a strong emphasis on global citizenship, service and cultural diversity. IB Diploma results are among the highest in Southeast Asia — average 36+ points (world average: 29).
Who it suits: Families committed to the IB philosophy who want a genuinely multicultural environment. Less suited to children planning to return to British or American curricula partway through school. The Thalang campus is excellent but remote from south Phuket.
What to know: UWC's unique culture is not for everyone — the school community is intensely engaged and expects family participation. The IB-from-age-3 approach creates great critical thinkers but means no familiar British curriculum structure.
HeadStart International School
The school of choice for the Rawai/Nai Harn expat community. Smaller, more personal than BISP, with a genuine community feel. British curriculum from Early Years to IGCSE (Year 11), increasingly strong academic results. Outstanding Early Years programme — well-regarded for 3–7 year olds.
Who it suits: Families living in Rawai, Nai Harn, Kata or Karon who want a British education without the long bus journey to Koh Kaew. Great for younger children and families who want a school that knows every child's name.
What to know: Growing rapidly — Year 6–9 filling up. Sixth Form options are limited compared to BISP. If your child will be with you for Sixth Form/A-Levels, check availability carefully.
QSI International School
Quality Schools International — a US-curriculum network with schools worldwide. Excellent for American families or those likely to move internationally (the QSI system transfers seamlessly between QSI schools globally). Smaller than BISP with excellent individual attention. The mastery-based learning model suits self-directed learners particularly well.
Who it suits: American families, expats with children who've struggled with rigid British/IB systems, or those planning multiple international moves who need curriculum continuity.
BIS Phuket (British International School)
Offers a recognisable British curriculum at a significantly lower price point than BISP. IGCSE at secondary level. Smaller facilities and less extensive extracurricular than BISP, but academically sound. Good option for families who want a British-structured education at a more manageable cost.
Who it suits: British families on a tighter school budget, or those living in central Phuket (Kathu, Patong) where the commute to BISP or HeadStart is impractical.
Kajonkiet International School
The most affordable international-standard school in Phuket. Thai-international curriculum with strong English instruction. Popular with Thai-expat mixed families, children planning to stay in Thailand long-term, and budget-conscious families who want English-medium education without full international school fees.
Who it suits: Mixed Thai-foreign families, long-term Phuket residents committed to the Thai education system, or families where budget is a primary consideration. Less suited to children who may move to Western school systems later.
Area-to-School Matching Guide
Where you live in Phuket matters a lot for school choice. Most schools run buses but they're long rides from some areas. If your child is young, a 90-minute bus each way every day is a serious quality-of-life consideration.
| Area | Closest School | Best Option | Journey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rawai / Nai Harn | HeadStart (Sai Yuan Rd) | HeadStart or QSI | 5–15 min |
| Chalong | HeadStart / QSI | HeadStart, QSI or BISP bus | 15–25 min |
| Bang Tao / Laguna | BISP (Koh Kaew) | BISP | 20–30 min via bus |
| Surin / Cherng Talay | UWC Thailand (Thalang) | BISP or UWC | 15–25 min |
| Phuket Town | BISP (Koh Kaew) | BISP or Kajonkiet | 10–20 min |
| Kata / Karon | HeadStart (Rawai) | HeadStart or QSI | 20–30 min |
| Kamala | BISP bus route | BISP (long bus) or local | 30–45 min by bus |
| Patong | BIS (Kathu) | BIS | 15–20 min |
⚠️ Waiting Lists Are Real
BISP, UWC and HeadStart all have waiting lists for popular year groups (typically Y3–4, Y7–9). If you're planning a move and your children are in these year groups, apply 6–12 months before your intended start date. Schools give priority to families already based in Phuket.
Application and Admissions Tips
- Start early: Best results come from applying in the January–March window for September entry.
- Request a school tour: Every school offers this and it's the best way to feel the culture. Take your child.
- Ask about sibling policy: Most schools prioritise siblings of existing pupils, which matters if you're planning more children.
- Check the school bus route: Confirm it covers your area before you commit to a property.
- Read the fee schedule fully: Registration, capital levies, activity fees and transport can add ฿100,000–300,000 to Year 1 costs beyond tuition.
- Ask about the school's approach to new arrivals: How do they support children who arrive mid-year or speak limited English?
Plan Your Family's Phuket Move
Use our Full School Fees Guide for complete Year 1 cost breakdowns, or our Cost Calculator to build a family budget including school fees.
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