International Schools in Phuket
Phuket has 6 major international schools. All offer English-language curriculum, accept expat families, and are accredited by international bodies (IB, Cambridge, WASC). Most charge ฿300,000–700,000/year depending on grade level. Entry is competitive; apply 6–12 months before preferred start date.
BISP (British) in Rawai is most popular with expats. HeadStart (Montessori-focused) in Bang Tao is best for younger kids. UWC (IB Diploma) is for academically advanced families. All require entrance assessments and proof of English proficiency.
School Comparison (All 6 Schools)
| School | Location | Curriculum | Grades | Approx Fee/Year (THB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BISP (British International School Phuket) | Rawai (Sai Yuan Rd) | British GCSE, A-Level | K–12 | ฿350,000–650,000 |
| UWC (United World College) | Bang Tao | IB (Diploma focus) | 6–12 | ฿520,000–750,000 |
| HeadStart International School | Bang Tao | US curriculum + Montessori | K–12 | ฿280,000–550,000 |
| QSI (Quality Schools International) | Kathu (central) | US curriculum | K–12 | ฿250,000–480,000 |
| BIS (Bangkok International School Phuket Campus) | Kathu | US curriculum | K–6 | ฿280,000–420,000 |
| Kajonkiet Academy (International) | Phuket Town | Thai + English bilingual | K–12 | ฿150,000–320,000 |
2026 Annual Fees by Grade
| Grade | BISP | HeadStart | UWC | QSI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten | ฿350,000 | ฿280,000 | — | ฿250,000 |
| Grade 1–5 | ฿430,000 | ฿380,000 | — | ฿320,000 |
| Grade 6–8 | ฿520,000 | ฿450,000 | ฿520,000 | ฿380,000 |
| Grade 9–12 | ฿650,000 | ฿550,000 | ฿750,000 | ฿480,000 |
Fees exclude: materials/books (฿10,000–20,000/year), uniforms (฿5,000–10,000), meals/transport extras. Most schools offer payment plans (3–4 installments, no interest).
Schools by Area Proximity
Bang Tao / Laguna area: HeadStart, UWC (5–15 min from Laguna villas) — best for expats north of central Phuket
Rawai / Nai Harn: BISP (10–20 min from Rawai beaches) — best for south Phuket expats, closest school to expat hub
Central Phuket (Kathu/Patong): QSI, BIS (5–10 min central) — best for central Phuket residents, shorter commute than south/north
Phuket Town: Kajonkiet (walkable from Old Town) — best for budget families, Thai-heavy curriculum
Frequently Asked Questions
No work permit needed for students. Child's visa status: if on parent's Non-Imm O or LTR, child is automatically covered. If on Tourist visa, child can still attend school but must arrange appropriate long-term visa (usually Non-Imm O or ED). Schools handle most paperwork.
Possible but competitive. Schools assess English level and academic standing. Mid-year entry (Feb–March) more available than Sept. Discuss with admissions directly.
No. Education expenses not tax deductible in Thailand (unlike some countries). Tuition is paid from after-tax income.
BISP (Rawai) for traditional British curriculum, strong expat community. HeadStart (Bang Tao) for younger kids, smaller, supportive environment. QSI (Kathu) for central location and affordability. Try school tours in Nov–Dec (peak application season).
Limited merit-based scholarships at BISP and UWC (academic/sports excellence). No full scholarships for expat families. Some schools offer 10–20% sibling discounts. Ask during admission.