Key Facts at a Glance
- Schools covered: BISP, UWC Thailand, HeadStart, QSI, BIS, Kajonkiet International
- Fee range: ฿180,000 (Kajonkiet) to ฿800,000+/year (UWC, BISP top year groups)
- Most oversubscribed: BISP and UWC — apply 12–24 months early
- Area coverage: Bang Tao/Laguna (BISP), Rawai (HeadStart, QSI), Phuket Town area (UWC, BIS, Kajonkiet)
Last updated: March 2026 — confirm current fees directly with schools
The Comparison Table
Here's the core data. All figures are annual fees in Thai Baht (฿). Add 15–25% for extras like bus, uniforms, activities, and school trips.
| School | Curriculum | Location | Primary Fees | Secondary Fees | Waiting List | Class Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BISP | British/IB | Koh Kaew | ฿500k–580k | ฿600k–780k | Long (12–24mo) | 20 |
| UWC Thailand | IB only | Phuket Town | ฿500k–620k | ฿650k–850k | Very long | 18 |
| HeadStart Int'l | British | Rawai | ฿250k–320k | ฿300k–380k | Moderate | 20–22 |
| QSI Int'l | American | Rawai area | ฿280k–340k | ฿320k–400k | Short | 15–18 |
| BIS | British | Koh Kaew | ฿320k–400k | ฿380k–480k | Moderate | 22 |
| Kajonkiet Int'l | Thai-Int'l | Kathu | ฿150k–200k | ฿180k–240k | Short | 25 |
School Profiles
Six schools. Two locations dominate: Koh Kaew (Bang Tao side) and Rawai (south Phuket). Each has a distinct character.
BISP (British International School Phuket)
British National Curriculum + IB
Location: Koh Kaew — 15 min from Bang Tao/Laguna, 40 min from Rawai
Facilities: Outstanding. 50m pool, full sports complex, performing arts centre, modern science blocks.
Strong point: Best facilities on the island. IB results are consistently strong. Established reputation.
Honest note: Waiting list is genuinely long. Families often rent in Koh Kaew or Bang Tao to be near school. If you're coming from abroad, apply before you arrive.
Learn MoreUWC Thailand
IB (PYP, MYP, Diploma)
Location: Between Phuket Town and Thalang — central but not in an expat cluster
Facilities: Excellent. Modern campus, strong STEM labs, arts facilities.
Strong point: Internationally diverse student body. IB specialist (all programmes). Outstanding university prep. Boarding available.
Honest note: Most expensive option. Very competitive entry. Not ideal if you want a tight-knit local community.
Learn MoreHeadStart International
British National Curriculum
Location: Sai Yuan Road, Rawai — heart of south Phuket expat community
Facilities: Solid. Smaller campus than BISP, but well-maintained. Good sports fields, pool, art studio.
Strong point: Genuine community feel. Primary is particularly strong. Rawai location is ideal if you live south. Friendlier admissions process.
Honest note: Smaller facilities than BISP. Secondary cohorts are smaller (may be a plus or minus). Not IB, so less university flexibility.
Learn MoreQSI International School
American Mastery-Based
Location: Rawai/Nai Harn area — near HeadStart, south Phuket
Facilities: Modern, compact. Good computer labs, science facilities.
Strong point: Flexible curriculum. Great for American families or frequent movers. Small class sizes mean individual attention.
Honest note: Mastery-based system is different from traditional progress. Some kids thrive, others find it unusual. Smaller school means fewer extracurriculars.
Learn MoreBIS (British International School)
British National Curriculum
Location: Koh Kaew — same area as BISP, newer development
Facilities: Good. Well-equipped for a smaller school.
Strong point: Slightly more accessible fees than BISP. Same curriculum. Growing school with good facilities.
Honest note: Smaller reputation than BISP. Less established alumni network. Often positioned as "BISP alternative".
Learn MoreKajonkiet International
Thai-International Hybrid
Location: Kathu — central Phuket, not in main expat zones
Facilities: Adequate. Smaller, more basic setup.
Strong point: Most affordable option. Centrally located. Thai language immersion for kids. Good for families wanting cultural balance.
Honest note: Not purely international. Different feel from Western-oriented schools. Best if you want Thai culture alongside international curriculum.
Learn MoreChoosing a School by Area
Where you live matters — school commutes in Phuket can be brutal. Here's where to look based on your neighbourhood:
| You live in... | Best school match |
|---|---|
| Bang Tao / Laguna / Cherng Talay | BISP (Koh Kaew, ~20 min) |
| Rawai / Nai Harn | HeadStart (~10 min) or QSI (~15 min) |
| Phuket Town | UWC Thailand (~15 min), BIS (~15 min) |
| Chalong | HeadStart or QSI (~20–25 min) |
| Patong / Kamala / Surin | BISP (30–40 min), or consider Bang Tao relocation |
| Kata / Karon | HeadStart (~25 min), QSI (~25 min) |
Applying — What the Schools Don't Always Tell You
- BISP and UWC waiting lists: Apply 12–24 months before your arrival. Serious.
- HeadStart and QSI: More flexible. 3–6 months notice usually fine.
- Documents needed: Last 2 school reports, school reference letter, assessment day (most schools).
- Start of school year: August. Mid-year intake possible at HeadStart and QSI.
- Assessment: Most schools do an informal assessment day — don't stress. It's to find the right year group.
- Registration fees: ฿5,000–20,000 typically (non-refundable).
Additional Costs Beyond Tuition
- School bus: ฿30,000–60,000/year depending on distance
- Uniforms: ฿5,000–12,000 initial set
- Lunches: Typically included or ฿3,000–5,000/month
- After-school activities: ฿3,000–8,000/term
- School trips: ฿5,000–20,000/year
Realistic total: add 15–25% on top of tuition fees.
Insider Tips from a 6-Year Resident
- Apply to BISP from your home country. The waiting list starts before you arrive. Email admissions now if you're thinking of moving in the next 18 months.
- Visit on a school day. Every school looks different empty vs full. You need to see the vibe with students there.
- Check the school bus route. From Kamala to BISP is 40+ minutes each way. That's brutal for a 7-year-old.
- Talk to parents, not just admissions. Phuket expat Facebook groups have candid reviews. Ask the hard questions there.
- Kajonkiet as a bridge. Some families use it as a one-year placeholder while waiting for BISP or UWC spots. It works.
Frequently Asked Questions
BISP and UWC are the top academic choices with strong IB and university outcomes. HeadStart is excellent for primary and smaller classes. The best choice depends on your area, curriculum preference (British vs American vs IB), and budget. BISP is ideal if you're near Bang Tao; HeadStart if you're south Phuket.
Annual fees range from ฿150,000–850,000 depending on school and year group. Kajonkiet is cheapest at ฿150k–200k. BISP and UWC are priciest at ฿500k–850k. Add 20% for buses, uniforms, activities, and trips.
Typically 12–24 months. It's genuinely one of the toughest school admissions in Thailand. Apply as soon as you know you're moving to Phuket. Some families apply 2 years in advance.
Yes, especially for primary. It has a genuine community feel and the Rawai location is ideal for south Phuket families. Secondary is smaller but well-resourced. Fees are reasonable. Waiting list is shorter than BISP or UWC. It punches above its weight for a smaller school.
Yes. HeadStart and QSI accommodate mid-year starts more easily than BISP and UWC. If you're arriving mid-year, contact HeadStart, QSI, or BIS first — they'll have spaces. BISP and UWC prefer August starts.
Related Guides
Ready to Explore?
Contact these schools directly for updated fees and to book an assessment day.