Ascot International School vs Astra Academy International School

	A Ascot International School Bangkok, Thailand	A Astra Academy International School Bangkok, Thailand
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year THB 263,285 - 572,084	Fees / year THB 486,000 - 519,000
Age range	Age range 1 - 17 years	Age range 5 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE, Montessori Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils	Pupils 500	Pupils 130
Typical class size	Typical class size 18	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1995	Opened 2021
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Ascot International School is situated in the leafy Saphan Sung area of Bangkok, on Ramkhamhaeng 118 Alley. The campus is accessible via major roads and is a short drive from Sukhumvit and Lat Phrao districts, offering a quieter, suburban setting with good transport links.	Location Astra Academy International School is located at 154 Ekkamai 14 Alley, in the Khlong Tan Nuea area of the Watthana District in Bangkok. The school is in a residential part of the Ekkamai neighborhood, which is connected to Sukhumvit Road. It is accessible by local roads and public transportation, including the nearby Ekkamai BTS station. The area includes housing, small businesses, and local amenities, making it practical for families living in central Bangkok.
Stages	Stages The school serves children aged 18 months to 18 years, with clearly defined stages: Early Years (18 mo–4 yrs), Primary (Years 1–6), Secondary (Years 7–11), and Sixth Form (Years 12–13).	Stages Astra provides education for Primary and Secondary school levels.
School type	School type Ascot is a co-educational day school.	School type The school is a co-educational day school. Boarding facilities are not offered.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school offers dedicated EAL (English as an Additional Language) support across all levels, including in-class inclusion and out-of-class extraction. It also provides tailored programs and adaptive technologies to support students with disabilities or specific learning differences.	Additional learning support The school does not have publicly available information on their Additional Learning Support.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Ascot does not have formal affiliation with any specific country.	Country affiliation The school is not affiliated with any country.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school has no religious affiliation.	Religious affiliation The school does not have any religious affiliation and serves students from all cultural backgrounds.
School day structure	School day structure Nursery–Reception sessions run from 08:00 to 14:30. Year 1–13 students attend from 07:40 to 15:00, with scheduled breaks and a lunch period mid-day.	School day structure The school does not have their day structure publicly available.
Bus service details	Bus service details Ascot’s website does not mention a dedicated school bus or coach service.	Bus service details The school does not have publicly available information on their bus service.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Initial Fees * Application Fee: THB 4,000 (non-refundable) * Enrollment Fee: THB 100,000 per child or THB 180,000 per family (non-refundable) * General Deposit: * THB 5,000 (Pre-Nursery to Year 6) * THB 10,000 (Year 7 to Year 13) * Refundable upon withdrawal if no damage occurs. Tuition Fees (Annual Total) * Pre-Nursery: THB 263,285 * EY1: THB 319,138 * EY2–EY3: THB 369,724 * Year 1–2: THB 430,182 * Year 3–6: THB 488,158 * Year 7–9: THB 522,653 * Year 10–11: THB 553,545 * Year 12–13: THB 572,084 Tuition is payable in three terms. Examination fees for IGCSE (Year 11) and IBDP (Year 13) are invoiced separately. Other Costs * Meal Fees (Annual): * Pre-Nursery to EY3: THB 32,000 * Year 1–6: THB 35,000 * Year 7–13: THB 37,000 * Stationery & Resources (Annual): Varies by year, e.g., THB 2,000 for Early Years; THB 20,000 for Years 12–13 * Residential Trips: Required for Years 3–10; fees range from THB 11,000 to THB 25,000 * Excursion Fees: * EY: THB 3,000 * Year 1–6: THB 3,500 * EAL (English as Additional Language) Support: * Level 1: THB 50,000/year * Level 2: THB 75,000/year * Level 3: THB 110,000/year Billing and Payment Terms * Fees are billed termly or annually. * A re-enrolment security fee of THB 50,000 per child is due mid-March and is credited against Term 1 fees. This becomes non-refundable if the child does not return. Payment Methods * Accepted at school: cash, cashier’s cheque, credit card (1.8% surcharge), or instalment plan. * Online and ATM banking: PromptPay and bank transfer options available * All bank charges must be paid by the parent. Confirmation of payment must be sent to the school.	Fee details Tuition Fees (per year) Year 1 to Year 4: 486,000 THB Year 5 to Year 6: 510,000 THB Year 7 to Year 11: 519,000 THB Additional Fees Application Fee: 3,500 THB (non-refundable; includes assessment) Registration Fee: 120,000 THB (one-time, non-refundable) Security Deposit: 30,000 THB (refundable against damages or lost items) Resource Fees (per term) Primary: 5,500 THB Secondary: 10,000 THB Dining Programme (per year) Year 1 to Year 6: 32,100 THB Year 7 to Year 11: 33,900 THB (Includes morning snack and lunch; vegetarian and allergy-conscious options available.) Other Fees Additional costs may apply for Intensive Language Programmes, English as an Additional Language (EAL), after-school enrichment classes, examination fees, and school trips. The school does not have their refund policy and payment methods publicly available.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements The school operates as a day school with no boarding facilities.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school requires a uniform. The Ascot Boutique uniform shop is located adjacent to the New Secondary building and sells Ascot uniforms. It is open Monday to Friday during normal school hours from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM during school holidays.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Meals are catered by Premier Chef. Snack and lunch menus for EY and PY-SY are published for the current academic year. Meals include vegetarian, dairy-free, and egg-free options, and menus rotate to provide a diverse range of dishes.	Food options Lunches are prepared with high-quality ingredients; every lunch features a vegan-friendly vegetarian option; Astra is a no-nut campus and we cater to food allergies and religious or cultural dietary restrictions; lunches include fresh fruit and vegetables; cooking is part of the Design Technology curriculum, and there is a Culinary Classroom; After School Enrichment classes are offered for those who wish to explore culinary arts.
House system	House system Ascot has a House System with four houses. In 2021–2022 the houses were renamed from Trojans, Aztecs, Vikings, and Titans to Thai mythical creature names: Trojans became Phraya Insee (purple); Aztecs became Phraya Kochasarn (green); Vikings became Phraya Naga (blue); Titans became Phraya Rachasee (orange). Throughout the year, students can earn house points through various activities, and House Colours Days provide competition; end-of-year trophy is awarded to the top house.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Ascot International School is an IB World School offering the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) in Early Years and Primary (Pre-Nursery to Year 6). In Secondary (Years 7–11), the school delivers a blend of the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) (currently in candidacy) and the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum. Students in Years 10 and 11 sit for IGCSE exams. In Years 12 and 13, students pursue the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP). Core subjects across the school include English, Mathematics, Sciences, Humanities, Arts, Languages, and Physical Education, with instruction in English. Additional support for English as an Additional Language (EAL) is provided where needed.	Curriculum details Astra Academy delivers the UK National Curriculum from Year 1 through Year 13. In the primary years, students experience broad learning across literacy, numeracy, science, and creative subjects. The approach is inquiry-driven, with a focus on helping students understand how to think critically and communicate clearly. In secondary school, students follow Key Stage 3 in Years 7 to 9, then prepare for Cambridge IGCSEs in Years 10 and 11. In Years 12 and 13, students work toward Cambridge A-Level qualifications. The school uses a structured progression model that builds academic depth and skill development across each stage, preparing students for university-level expectations.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar View document	Academic calendar View document
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Ascot embeds SEL within its IB PYP framework, focusing on emotional intelligence through inquiry-based learning in Early Years and Primary stages. The school’s pastoral system, including form tutors and daily/weekly check-ins, supports social and emotional growth from the first day of school. Specific mindfulness programmes are available to help students manage stress and improve focus. SEL is reinforced during activities like Harmony Day, which promotes cultural understanding and peer relationships.	Social & emotional learning The school does not have publicly available information on their Social and Emotional Learning.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Ascot is not a specialist SEN institution, but it incorporates a multi-agency Inclusive Learning Practices strategy to support students with learning differences or disabilities. Teachers use differentiated instruction, adapt environments, and deploy adaptive technologies to address physical, cognitive, and sensory learning barriers. Staff anticipate individual needs before the first day and adjust teaching materials, processes, and environments accordingly.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school does not have any dedicated SEN support.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Ascot offers EAL support at all levels, with Early Years incorporating language through play and repetition and primary through in-class inclusion and small-group extraction support. In Secondary Years 7–9, students are withdrawn from Mandarin classes for extra English lessons and may receive support during English lessons. At Key Stage 4, students are placed on either English First Language or English Second Language IGCSE tracks and sit external Cambridge English exams.	English as an additional language The school offers EAL.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Ascot’s wellbeing initiatives include mindfulness programmes and a structured pastoral support system provided by form tutors, with regular meetings and close communication with parents. The school emphasizes mental health by integrating wellbeing into the curriculum and offering resources for stress management. Extracurricular activities - including sports and arts- are offered to support student engagement and emotional balance.	Mental wellbeing Astra has a weekly timetabled Wellbeing lesson across all year groups, where students learn to recognize and express emotions constructively and build resilience. Additionally, the school’s Safeguarding policy promotes restorative conflict resolution, emotional awareness, and openness in addressing student concerns.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Ascot maintains robust safeguarding and child protection policies, with mandatory staff training and embedded procedures to ensure a safe environment. All community members are held responsible for student safety and trained regularly in child protection protocols. The school emphasizes proactive safeguarding, viewing student welfare as a fundamental responsibility of the institution.	Safeguarding Astra Academy’s safeguarding approach focuses on protecting children from abuse, preventing harm to their development, and ensuring they grow up with safe, effective care. The school has specific child protection procedures for addressing cases where a student may be at risk of significant harm. Bullying is addressed with a strict zero-tolerance policy, distinguishing it from ordinary conflict, and emphasizing early intervention. The school promotes restorative conflict resolution through its Wellbeing program, encouraging students to understand their emotions and communicate effectively. Astra’s medium size fosters close relationships among staff and students, making it easier to detect and respond to issues early and maintain a safe, supportive environment.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy View document	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Ascot International School Bangkok is located in Ramkhamhaeng, Bangkok. It is a full IB Continuum School offering the IB Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, Diploma Programme, and Career-related Programme. The school serves students from Early Years through secondary. It has modern facilities to support inquiry-based and international education.	Facilities overview The school is a future-focused British International School for ages 5 to 18, with a green, innovative campus in Sukhumvit (Ekkamai Soi 14). The campus is spacious and located in Bangkok's Thong Lo-Ekkamai area. The school opened its doors in October 2021. The curriculum is based on the British National Curriculum and wellbeing is a focus. The campus is designed with sustainability in mind and holds Eco School Status under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Ascot offers the Ascot Football Academy (AFA), which provides structured football development for student-athletes. AFA emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship, with expert coaching and world-class training. The program supports students in balancing athletic commitments with academics. Football development is a major extracurricular offering at Ascot.	Sports facilities The Facilities page shows images of campus spaces. Arts and performances spaces are part of campus life, as indicated by the Performances gallery. Wellbeing is integrated into the curriculum with weekly Wellbeing lessons. The campus is located in the Thong Lo-Ekkamai area of Bangkok.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Early Years (ages 18 months to 4 years) follows the IB Primary Years Programme with hands-on experiences and inquiry-based learning. Primary Years (Years 1–6) follow the IB PYP with a transdisciplinary approach. Secondary (Years 7–9) follows the IB Middle Years Programme; Years 10–11 offer IGCSE courses. The Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP) prepare students for university study and future careers. Ascot is an IB World School accredited to deliver all four IB programmes.	Academic facilities The school provides Primary to Secondary education. The curriculum is based on the British National Curriculum. Small class sizes and individual talent development coaching are core features. UK-experienced teachers contribute to the learning environment. The campus emphasizes wellbeing as part of its educational approach.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities AFA provides structured football development as part of the extracurricular program. It emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship with expert coaching and training. The program runs alongside academic commitments to support student-athletes. Football development is a prominent extracurricular offering at Ascot.	Extra curricular facilities The school uses a Talent Development Matrix to identify and nurture student talents. Arts and performances are part of campus life. Wellbeing and growth mindset are integrated into the curriculum. The Eco School Initiative demonstrates sustainability engagement.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Ascot International School began in 1995 as Park Place International School to fill a need for early-years education in Bangkok’s Saphan Sung district. It expanded into primary education soon after, and by 2009 had opened a secondary school. The institution was renamed Ascot around that time, became a Cambridge IGCSE centre in 2010, earned CIS accreditation in 2011 and 2014, and received IB Diploma authorisation in 2016.	History Astra Academy opened in October 2021 as the newest institution under the Kids’ Academy family, backed by over 18 years of experience in international schooling. It initially accepted students in Years 1–3 and 7–9, with around 80 students ranging from Years 1 to 10, following the English National Curriculum. The school anticipates expanding to around 500 students and fully extending its program to Year 13 over the coming years.
Community	Community Ascot hosts regular community events such as Harmony Day and Chinese New Year celebrations, which involve students, families, and staff in cultural and inclusive activities . Its school newsletter, "Jod Mai Khao," is published every two weeks to keep the community informed about campus life and upcoming events Ascot International School .	Community Astra Academy features a globally diverse community, with more than 50% of its students representing over 20 different countries. The school celebrates this international mix through events like International Day, where students and families share cultural traditions, dress, and food. Such initiatives help create a close-knit and inclusive atmosphere that fosters intercultural appreciation and friendships across backgrounds.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school does not publicly detail a formal Parent Teacher Association on its website. However, it includes active parental engagement through events like International Day, cultural celebrations, and regular parent–teacher meetings coordinated by class teachers and form tutors. These forums allow parents to support events, volunteer, and receive updates on school activities such as Harmony Day and seasonal fairs.	Parent teacher association The school does not have an official PTA.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school is an IB World School authorised to deliver all four IB programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme (DP), and the Career-related Programme (CP). Early Years (18 months to 4 years) follow the PYP. Primary Years (Years 1–6) also follow the PYP. Secondary includes Years 7–9 in the MYP, Years 10–11 with IGCSE, and the DP and CP complete the IB continuum.	Academic & intellectual The school follows the British Curriculum for Primary to Secondary (ages 5 to 18). The curriculum uses Key Stages (KS1 to KS5) with formal assessments at the end of each Key Stage. The framework is based on the British National Curriculum with an emphasis on wellbeing. UK-experienced teachers deliver instruction.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The campus includes dedicated labs, art studios, and music rooms. It also features libraries to support creative work.	Arts & creative Art and Music are core subjects in both Primary and Secondary. In Primary, the curriculum includes English, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, ICT, Art, Music and PE, with Wellbeing, Thai and Mandarin Chinese; all students have a weekly Mandarin lesson. In Secondary, arts are included as visual and expressive subjects, and students participate in performances.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language All classes are conducted in English, except for specialist lessons such as Thai and Mandarin.	Cultural & language Thai and Mandarin Chinese are taught as language subjects. Thai is delivered with higher weekly units for Thai nationals (five per week) than for foreign nationals (two per week). All students have one weekly Mandarin Chinese lesson. The student body is approximately 50:50 Thai to non-Thai.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies The Ascot Football Academy (AFA) develops young athletes through discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship.	Social & hobbies There are after-school Enrichment lessons and a program of Wellbeing; every year group has a weekly Wellbeing lesson. Physical Education is part of the core timetable, and lessons frequently utilize Astra's spacious green campus for outdoor learning.
Community & service	Community & service The Diploma Programme includes community and personal growth through CAS.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The Career-related Programme provides pathways that combine academic study with practical skills and real-world experience. The school reports university progressions for its graduates, including the Class of 2024/25 going to universities.	Leadership & professional In the British Curriculum, secondary levels include KS3-5 with Cambridge iGCSE and A Levels. The program includes leadership development, career planning, upskilling and intercultural fluency.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The campus is located in Ramkhamhaeng, Bangkok, in beautiful green surroundings. The Ascot Football Academy supports sport, and shuttle buses operate to Ramkhamhaeng, Krungthep Kreetha, and nearby areas.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Wellbeing is integrated into the timetable with weekly Wellbeing lessons; Physical Education is part of the curriculum; outdoor lessons occur on the spacious green campus when weather allows.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision All classes are conducted in English, with specialist lessons in Thai and Mandarin. French is offered as part of the language program. Students study at least two languages as part of the IB curriculum, and language learning is integrated across all IB programmes.	Language provision Languages taught include English, Thai and Mandarin Chinese. English is taught as a core subject in Year 1 to Year 6. Thai is taught with five weekly lessons for Thai-national students and two for foreign nationals. All students have one Mandarin Chinese lesson per week, with optional further Mandarin study available through after-school Enrichment.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards The school does not publicly disclose any awards won in the past five years on its website.	Awards Eco School Thailand Recognition Astra has been awarded Eco School Status, making it the first international school in Thailand to earn this designation. The program promotes sustainable practices, environmental learning, and green campus initiatives, supported by the Thai Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
Accreditations	Accreditations * International Baccalaureate (IB) World School (PYP & DP; MYP candidate): Authorized to deliver the Primary Years and Diploma Programmes; working towards Middle Years authorisation, marking its progress towards the IB continuum. * Council of International Schools (CIS): International accreditation awarded in 2011 and again in 2014, reflecting adherence to global standards from nursery through Year 13. * Cambridge International Examination Centre: Since 2010, the school has been authorized to offer Cambridge IGCSE exams .	Accreditations Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) Astra is officially recognized as a Cambridge International School, meaning it is authorized to offer globally respected Cambridge programs such as IGCSE and A-Levels. ISAT – International Schools Association of Thailand Membership in ISAT connects Astra with other accredited international schools in Thailand, promoting quality, collaboration, and compliance with Thai Ministry of Education standards. Department of Environmental Quality Promotion (Thailand) This is a government agency under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Recognition from this department reflects Astra’s integration of environmental education and sustainability practices.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Book an Open House or school tour. Attending sessions - such as the one held 31 January 2025 - lets you walk the campus, meet teachers, and see the environment firsthand. 2. Submit an application. Once you've visited, complete the online form, attach required documents (e.g. birth certificate, passport) and pay the non-refundable THB 4,000 application fee. 3. Attend assessments and interviews. Pre-Nursery–Year 2 applicants have a parent interview and informal assessment; Years 3–6 take English and Maths tests plus an interview; Years 7–13 complete assessments and meet with the Head of Secondary. 4. Receive results and offer. Within 3–5 working days, the Admissions Team informs you of your outcome and issues an Offer of Place, including a fee invoice. 5. Confirm your child’s place. To secure enrolment, pay the enrolment fee by the deadline and complete tuition payment. At this stage, uniforms and resources can also be purchased.	Admissions School Tour (Optional) Schedule a school tour either in-person or virtually with the admissions team. Online Application Apply through the OpenApply portal: Fill out the application form Upload two years of school reports/transcripts Submit required ID and documents Pay the application fee Admissions Review The admissions team evaluates your application and may contact you for further discussions or clarification. Interview or Assessment (if needed) Depending on grade level, an interview or academic screening might be arranged. Acceptance & Enrollment Upon acceptance: You’ll receive a formal offer Complete enrollment forms Pay the necessary fees to secure the spot
Scholarships	Scholarships The school offers academic scholarships for entry into Years 4, 5, 10, and Year 12 (IB Diploma Programme) for the 2025–2026 academic year. Applicants must submit a THB 1,000 registration fee and sit an examination in late March. Results are communicated shortly afterward. The scholarships are awarded based on academic performance and are limited to those year groups.	Scholarships The school does not have publicly available information on their scholarships.
Waitlist	Waitlist Ascot operates an open-entry policy and does not maintain a formal waitlist. Admission is offered to families whose children’s needs can be met by the school’s programmes and resources.	Waitlist The school does not have a waitlist.
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