📋 In this guide
Choosing the right school is often the single most important decision expat families make before moving to Phuket — and it directly influences where you should live on the island. I've spoken with dozens of Phuket parents over the years, and the picture is nuanced: there is no single "best" school, only the best school for your child's age, your budget, your curriculum preference, and how far you're willing to commute. This guide gives you the honest breakdown.
Phuket School Landscape Overview
Phuket has five main international schools that expat families typically consider, plus a growing number of bilingual Thai schools that some families use for younger children. The island also has several Thai private schools with good reputations (Kajonkiet is the most established) for families who want a more affordable option with bilingual instruction.
| School | Location | Curriculum | Age Range | Approx. Annual Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BISP | Koh Kaew (near Bang Tao) | British National + IB | 2–18 | 550,000–720,000 THB |
| UWC Thailand | Phuket Town area | IB (PYP, MYP, DP) | 3–18 | 620,000–820,000 THB |
| HeadStart | Rawai | British (IGCSE/A-Level) | 3–18 | 280,000–440,000 THB |
| QSI Phuket | Kathu (central) | US (QSIU mastery) | 3–18 | 320,000–480,000 THB |
| BIS Phuket | Chalong / Rawai area | British | 3–16 | 350,000–520,000 THB |
BISP — British International School Phuket
British International School Phuket (BISP)
BISP is the flagship of Phuket international education — the largest school, the most comprehensive facilities, and the only one with a full IB Diploma Programme alongside its British National Curriculum pathway. The 35-acre campus near the Laguna area includes Olympic-standard swimming facilities, three football pitches, athletics track and a performing arts centre. It regularly sends students to top UK, US and Australian universities.
Sports: BISP's elite sports academy (football, swimming, golf, tennis, triathlon) is genuinely world-class — if your child is a serious athlete, BISP should be your first choice. Several BISP alumni have competed at national and international level.
The downside of BISP is cost and distance. It sits near Koh Kaew, about 15–20 minutes from Phuket Town and 20–30 minutes from Rawai on a good day. Bang Tao and Laguna families are closest. Fees for Years 10–13 (IGCSE/A-Level) exceed 700,000 THB/year before additional activities. Waiting lists in primary are real — apply early.
BISP fees 2026 (approximate, THB per year)
| Year Group | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|
| EY1–EY2 (Nursery, age 2–3) | 320,000–380,000 |
| EY3–EY4 (Pre-K, age 3–4) | 430,000–480,000 |
| Year 1–6 (Primary) | 555,000–580,000 |
| Year 7–9 (Middle) | 610,000–640,000 |
| Year 10–11 (IGCSE) | 660,000–680,000 |
| Year 12–13 (IB Diploma) | 700,000–720,000 |
Plus registration fee (~30,000 THB) and capital development levy (~60,000–100,000 THB one-off). Bus fees 50,000–90,000 THB/year extra.
BISP admissions enquiry →UWC Thailand
UWC Thailand (United World College)
UWC is part of the global United World College network — 18 schools worldwide focused on international-mindedness, sustainability and the IB curriculum from primary through diploma. The Phuket campus has a genuinely diverse student body (50+ nationalities) and a strong focus on arts, outdoor education and community service alongside academics. The IB Diploma results are among the strongest in Thailand.
UWC is the choice for families who prioritise the IB curriculum, international diversity and a values-based education. The fees are the highest on the island and a boarding option is available for secondary. Waiting lists exist at most year levels.
HeadStart International School
HeadStart International School
HeadStart is the heart of the Rawai expat community and genuinely the best-value quality international school on the island. British curriculum through IGCSE with A-Levels, a warm community feel, and a well-established network of expat families in the Rawai/Nai Harn area. Classes tend to be smaller than BISP or UWC, which many parents prefer.
The school is 10 minutes from the Rawai/Nai Harn beach area, which makes it the natural anchor for families choosing to live in Phuket's most popular long-term expat area. Many Rawai families who moved here specifically chose the area because of HeadStart. Not the most prestigious name globally, but the results are good and the community is fantastic.
QSI International School Phuket
QSI International School Phuket
QSI (Quality Schools International) uses the US-based QSI mastery curriculum — a non-traditional American approach where students advance when they demonstrate mastery of material rather than purely by age/year group. This works very well for some students (particularly those who've moved schools often) and less well for others who need traditional grade-based structure. Located in Kathu, it's central to the island with reasonable drive times from most areas.
Other School Options
BIS Phuket (British International School)
Located in the Chalong/Rawai area, BIS offers a British curriculum through GCSE (Year 11). Good value and well-regarded in the community, particularly for primary ages. Limited secondary provision compared to BISP or HeadStart.
Thai bilingual schools
For expats who want their children to be genuinely bilingual and are happy with a Thai-context education, schools like Kajonkiet International School (multiple Phuket campuses) offer a Thai curriculum with strong English instruction and international sections. Fees are significantly lower: 150,000–250,000 THB/year. A solid option for young children or families on a budget who plan to be in Phuket long-term.
Full Fees Comparison 2026
| School | Primary (yr/THB) | Secondary (yr/THB) | Registration | Capital levy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BISP | 555,000–580,000 | 610,000–720,000 | 30,000 | 60,000–100,000 |
| UWC Thailand | 620,000–680,000 | 700,000–820,000 | 40,000 | 80,000–120,000 |
| HeadStart | 280,000–360,000 | 360,000–440,000 | 15,000 | 20,000–40,000 |
| QSI Phuket | 320,000–380,000 | 400,000–480,000 | 20,000 | 30,000 |
| BIS Phuket | 350,000–400,000 | 420,000–520,000 | 18,000 | 25,000–40,000 |
| Kajonkiet Intl | 150,000–220,000 | 200,000–280,000 | 10,000 | 15,000 |
All fees are approximate 2026 figures. Schools review fees annually — confirm directly with admissions. Bus fees, lunch, uniforms and activities are additional at all schools.
How to Apply and Waiting Lists
The application process across Phuket's international schools is broadly similar:
- Initial enquiry and tour — contact the school, request a campus tour, discuss your child's current year level and previous school reports
- Application form + documents — passport copies, previous school reports (usually 2 years), birth certificate, any learning support assessments
- Assessment visit — most schools will ask young children to attend a half-day assessment. Older children may sit academic assessments.
- Offer and deposit — if a place is available, you'll receive an offer letter. A refundable deposit (typically 20,000–50,000 THB) secures the place.
- Waiting list — if no place is available, you're added to the waiting list. Keep in contact; movements happen, especially at the start of each term.
Which Area to Live Based on Your School
| School | Best area to live | Drive time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BISP | Bang Tao, Laguna, Surin, Kamala | 10–20 min | Bus also covers Rawai, Chalong, Patong |
| UWC Thailand | Phuket Town, Chalong, Koh Kaew | 10–25 min | Good central access |
| HeadStart | Rawai, Nai Harn, Chalong | 5–15 min | Rawai is the natural HeadStart community |
| QSI Phuket | Chalong, Kathu, Phuket Town, Kamala | 10–20 min | Central location suits most areas |
| BIS Phuket | Rawai, Chalong, Nai Harn | 5–15 min | South of island |
The Rawai & Nai Harn area guide covers why this area is so popular with HeadStart families. The Bang Tao & Laguna guide covers the BISP connection in detail. Chalong is a genuinely practical choice for families — central, affordable, and within 20 minutes of every school on the island.
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Ask a question →Frequently Asked Questions
BISP and UWC Thailand are the top academic choices — both offer IB programmes and outstanding facilities. HeadStart in Rawai is the best value quality school and very popular with the local expat community.
Annual fees range from about 280,000 THB at HeadStart up to 700,000–820,000 THB at UWC Thailand for secondary. BISP runs 550,000–720,000 THB depending on year group. Plus registration and capital levy fees.
Yes — BISP and UWC both have waiting lists, especially for primary year groups. Apply at least 6–12 months before your intended start date. HeadStart and QSI tend to have more availability.
Rawai and Nai Harn are best for HeadStart families. Bang Tao and Laguna are closest to BISP. UWC is in Phuket Town. Chalong is centrally located with reasonable drive times to most schools.
Yes, most international schools offer bus routes covering the main expat areas. BISP buses cover Bang Tao, Laguna, Rawai, Chalong, Patong and Kamala. Bus fees are typically 50,000–90,000 THB per year additional.