Aster International School Bangkok vs Heathfield International School
Aster International School Bangkok and Heathfield International School are both in Bangkok, about 13 km apart. Both schools offer British, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels and EYFS programmes. Published annual fees are THB 247,731 - 509,356 at Aster International School Bangkok and THB 291,000 - 539,400 at Heathfield International School, which puts Heathfield International School roughly 10% higher. Both take pupils from 2 to 18. Aster International School Bangkok is the larger school, with around 500 pupils to Heathfield International School's 180. Typical class sizes are 15 at Aster International School Bangkok and 25 at Heathfield International School.
British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Curriculum
British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils
Pupils
500
Pupils
180
Typical class size
Typical class size
15
Typical class size
25
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2022
Opened
2007
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
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Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Aster International School is situated in the Chong Nonsi area, on Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Road in central Bangkok. The campus is housed in purpose-built modern facilities close to local amenities and accessible via main city roads.
Location
Heathfield International School is located on Soi Ramkhamhaeng 132/1 in the Saphan Sung district of eastern Bangkok. The area is a residential suburb offering relatively easy access via major roads like Ramkhamhaeng Road. It is approximately 25–30 minutes by car from Suvarnabhumi Airport, depending on traffic.
Stages
Stages
The school caters to students from Early Years Foundation Stage, Primary & Lower Secondary, and Upper Secondary leading to IGCSEs, A-Levels, or a high school diploma.
Stages
The school caters to children aged approximately 2 to 18 years. It is divided into Early Years (Nursery and Reception), Primary School (Years 1–6), Secondary School (Years 7–11), and Sixth Form (Years 12–13). The curriculum is based on the British National Curriculum, including IGCSE and A-Level qualifications.
School type
School type
Aster is a co-educational day school with no boarding facilities.
School type
Heathfield is a private, co-educational international day school. It does not offer boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Students receive tailored support plans based on assessments, ensuring that learners with diverse needs can fully participate in classroom activities.
Additional learning support
Heathfield International School offers structured EAL (English as an Additional Language) and academic support for students who require help accessing the mainstream curriculum. Students identified as needing this support receive five dedicated English language sessions per week, focused on academic English, comprehension, and reintegration into subject classrooms. This service is provided at an additional cost and is tailored for learners who do not yet meet the school’s standard English proficiency requirements.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school is not affiliated with any country.
Country affiliation
The school is not officially affiliated with any country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
Aster is not affiliated with any religion. The school welcomes students from diverse faiths and backgrounds.
Religious affiliation
The school does not have any religious affiliation and operates as a secular institution.
School day structure
School day structure
The school does not have publicly available information on their day structure.
School day structure
Precise timings are not publicly listed on the school's website.
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school does not offer a bus service.
Bus service details
The school website does not explicitly confirm the provision of a school bus service.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Enrollment Fee This is a one-time fee. Pre-Nursery to Reception: 65,000 THB Year 1 to Year 13: 125,000 THB
Refundable Deposit A one-time refundable deposit of 65,000 THB is required for students from Pre-Nursery to Year 13. Terms and conditions apply.
General Fee Charged per term (three terms per year), this fee is 23,153 THB. It covers lunch, snacks, drinks, insurance, learning resources, books, day trips, and in-school guest programs.
Tuition Fee Charged per term, with three terms in an academic year.
Pre-Nursery: 82,577 THB Nursery to Reception: 110,360 THB Year 1 to Year 2: 126,567 THB Year 3 to Year 4: 129,268 THB Year 5 to Year 6: 133,127 THB Year 7 to Year 9: 146,633 THB Year 10: 163,997 THB Year 11 (payable for two terms): 245,995 THB Year 12: 169,785 THB Year 13 (payable for two terms): 254,678 THB
EAL (English as an Additional Language) If required, EAL support is charged at 25,000 THB per term.
Refund Policy The refundable deposit is only returned under specific conditions:
The student must have been enrolled for at least one full term. The school must receive a 60-day notice of withdrawal. The student graduates from Aster at the end of Year 13.
If these conditions are not met, the deposit is not refunded
Payment Methods Bank Transfer Cash Cheque Credit Card
The school uniform represents the identity of students and there are three categories: the standard school uniform, the sports uniform, and house shirts available in four colors.
Food options
Food options
The school provides snack and lunch; meals are nutritious and a balanced diet with local and international dishes. Halal, vegetarian, and allergy accommodations are available. Meals are served in a spacious, air-conditioned canteen.
Food options
Meals are provided via the school canteen, prepared by Food House; each dish is designed by a certified nutritionist and cooked by professional chefs. Weekly menus are published and dietary restrictions are accommodated with customised meals.
House system
House system
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House system
There are four houses named Dickens, Rowling, Shakespeare, and Tolkien. Students are placed in a house on entry and remain in that house until graduation. Points are awarded for achievements and behaviour, with biweekly tallies and assemblies; a trophy is awarded to the house with the highest points.
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
The school is accredited by ONESQA and affiliated with ISAT, GBAC, FOBISIA, and Cambridge International Examinations to offer IGCSEs and A Levels. It is accredited by the Education Development Trust and holds the International School Quality Mark.
Governance and ownership
The school is private, with a co-educational and non-religious profile.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Aster International School offers a British-style curriculum with an emphasis on real-world learning and student engagement. The early years program is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and focuses on communication, personal development, and basic skills through play.
In primary and lower secondary, Aster blends the English National Curriculum with project-based learning. Students explore core subjects like English, math, and science through interdisciplinary projects that also incorporate art, languages, and physical education. Specialist subjects include Mandarin, French, and Thai, with lessons adapted to student needs.
In the upper secondary years, students prepare for IGCSEs and A-Level examinations while also having the option to complete a high school diploma. Instruction becomes more focused on subject specialization, and students are encouraged to develop academic responsibility. Outside the classroom, Aster supports learning through enrichment clubs, sports, language classes, and Thai cultural activities.
Curriculum details
Heathfield International School follows the English National Curriculum from Early Years through Sixth Form, offering a clear progression from EYFS in Nursery and Reception to IGCSEs and A Levels. In Early Years, the focus is on foundational skills through play-based and thematic learning. The Primary School (Years 1–6) delivers a broad curriculum including English, mathematics, science, humanities, technology, and the arts. In Secondary (Years 7–9), students deepen their subject knowledge before progressing to the Cambridge IGCSE programme in Years 10–11. Sixth Form students (Years 12–13) choose from a range of Cambridge A Level subjects to prepare for university entrance. A varied co-curricular programme, including options like Robotics, Coding, French, Taekwondo, and Cooking, complements the academic curriculum.
Aster approaches SEL through project‑based and experiential learning, enabling students to work in teams, present ideas, and solve real-world challenges. This method naturally builds emotional awareness, empathy, and collaboration.
Social & emotional learning
Heathfield supports students' social and emotional development through a house system, where pupils are placed into one of four houses. Students earn points for demonstrating helpful behaviour, a positive attitude, and good work. These points are collected fortnightly and celebrated in school assemblies, encouraging a sense of belonging and personal responsibility.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
Aster does not have a dedicated SEN programme.
Special educational needs (SEN)
The school does not publicly detail a dedicated SEN department or specialist staff on its website.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
The school does offer EAL.
English as an additional language
Heathfield offers a defined EAL & Academic Support programme, to help non-native speakers access the mainstream curriculum.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
The school does not have publicly available information on their mental wellbeing support.
Mental wellbeing
Heathfield does not publicly disclose a formal mental health or counselling programme.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
Aster International School’s safeguarding policy ensures that every child is protected and supported within a safe environment. The policy is based on Thai law and international child rights agreements. A designated committee oversees all safeguarding matters, and all staff are required to report concerns using official forms. Staff must follow clear rules for professional conduct, communication, and student interactions to prevent risks and maintain student safety.
The policy outlines how to respond to student disclosures with care, and emphasizes confidentiality during investigations. All school staff undergo background checks and child protection screenings during hiring. The policy also defines types of abuse and helps staff recognize warning signs. Clear procedures are in place to ensure concerns are reported, investigated, and handled appropriately.
Safeguarding
The school does not publicly provide details on its safeguarding or child protection policies.
The school is housed in purpose-built, modern facilities in the center of Bangkok. The campus includes large modern classrooms, a Sixth-Form Suite, a Technology Lab, an auditorium, sports and swimming spaces, an indoor play zone, a library, and outdoor gardens and playground. The learning environment provides space, light and resources to grow emotionally, socially and academically. The facilities are designed to support a British-style international education and enable project-based learning across the curriculum.
Facilities overview
Early Years spaces are purpose-built, bright, and secure, with dedicated indoor and outdoor play areas. The school has a canteen where meals are prepared by Food House; meals are designed by a certified nutritionist and dietary needs can be accommodated. Heathfield follows the National Curriculum of England from Nursery through A-Level, with small class sizes and the use of digital learning tools. The after-school program includes Robotics and Coding, French, Taekwondo, Cooking, and Reading clubs. Inter House Sport Day and TISAC events provide opportunities for student sport.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
Sports and swimming spaces are on the campus, supporting physical education and school sport activities. The campus also includes an indoor play zone for younger learners.
Sports facilities
Inter House Sport Day is organized at Heathfield. Heathfield participates in TISAC events, including Football Boy U11, Football Girls U9, Maths, and Athletics. The after-school program includes Taekwondo and various sports clubs.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
Foundation uses the British EYFS curriculum for Foundation Stage. Primary and Lower Secondary follow an enhanced English National Curriculum delivered through Project Based Learning, with specialist lessons in Music, PE, Languages (Chinese/French), and Enhanced Thai. Upper Secondary continues an enhanced English National Curriculum, with IGCSEs and A-Levels, and an option to follow a High School Diploma pathway. The school is accredited to offer Cambridge IGCSEs and A Levels.
Academic facilities
The school follows the National Curriculum of England from Nursery through A-Level, with IGCSE and A-Level pathways. The curriculum includes Mathematics, Science, English, arts, humanities, technology, and physical education, with digital learning tools. Teaching is delivered by experienced UK-qualified teachers. Small class sizes support individualized learning.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
All students can join the after-school ECA programme, which is optional but encouraged. ECAs change termly and include Sports, Music, Art, Yoga, Robotics, Well-being, and Languages.
Extra curricular facilities
The after-school program includes Robotics Club, Coding Club, French Club, Taekwondo, Cooking, and Reading clubs; activities are delivered by teachers and external experts.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Aster International School began operations in August 2022. It was founded by Dr. Parita Suephan, an educator with experience in international school development and a doctoral degree in Comparative and International Education from Columbia University. The school was created to serve families looking for a smaller international school setting with a focus on academic structure and cultural diversity. Although relatively new, Aster has enrolled students from a range of national backgrounds and has steadily expanded its programs and facilities.
History
Heathfield International School Bangkok began in 2007 as Lord Shaftesbury International School and later partnered with Heathfield School in Kidderminster, UK, becoming Heathfield International School of Bangkok. It operates as a private, co-educational, non-religious day school serving Nursery through Year 12 following the British curriculum.
Community
Community
Aster is a welcoming school with students from over 37 different countries, and about half of them are from outside Thailand. The school focuses on building a strong sense of community through hands-on learning, language classes in Thai, Chinese, and French, and activities led by students. These include things like storytelling with classmates, helping others, and learning how to work together and understand different cultures.
Community
The school hosts a variety of cultural and community events throughout the year, including seasonal festivals and house-based activities such as inter-house sports days and celebratory gatherings. It fosters a welcoming community atmosphere where students, parents, and staff engage in shared learning and school spirit.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
The school does not have a Parent Teacher Association.
Parent teacher association
Heathfield International School encourages parent involvement and fosters a collaborative relationship between families and staff. While the school does not publicly list a formal PTA structure on its website, community participation is reflected in regular school events and cultural celebrations. Parents are often invited to attend or support school-wide activities, particularly in the Early Years and Primary stages.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
The Foundation Stage uses a play-based curriculum based on the British EYFS. Primary and Lower Secondary follow an enhanced English National Curriculum delivered through Project Based Learning that connects across disciplines and real-world questions. Specialist lessons include Music, PE, Languages (Chinese and French), and Enhanced Thai. Upper Secondary continues with an enhanced English National Curriculum, with options to study IGCSEs and A Levels or a High School Diploma pathway.
Academic & intellectual
The school follows the National Curriculum of England from Nursery to A-Levels. Small class sizes ensure personalised learning and differentiated teaching to support individual needs. The curriculum covers core subjects such as mathematics, science, and English, with a broad range of options in the arts, humanities, technology, and physical education; at the A-Level stage students select subjects aligned with their interests and future goals.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
All students have access to after-school ECAs. ECAs rotate termly and include sports, music, art, yoga, robotics, wellbeing, and languages. ECAs cover ages 2 to 18.
Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
Language pathways are offered in Chinese and French, with an Enhanced Thai program for Thai nationals. Primary and Lower Secondary follow an enhanced English National Curriculum. The school provides a British-style international education.
Cultural & language
Afterschool activities include a French Club. These clubs are led by teachers and external experts and cover a range of activities such as Robotics Club, Coding Club, and Reading Club, supporting language learning and intercultural engagement.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
ECAs are offered to students across the full age range and include sports, music, art, yoga, robotics, wellbeing, and languages.
Social & hobbies
Afterschool clubs include Robotics, Coding, French, Taekwondo, Cooking, and Reading, along with various sports clubs. These activities foster teamwork, creativity, and personal growth beyond the classroom.
Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
The school provides university counselling to guide subject choices and university and career plans. An Academic Advisor supports students with internship placements and university applications. Cambridge International Examinations accredits the school to offer IGCSEs and A Levels.
Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
The campus includes large modern classrooms, a Sixth-Form Suite, Technology Lab, Auditorium, sports and swimming spaces, an indoor play zone, a library, and outdoor gardens and playgrounds. Wellbeing is a core focus supported by WISDOM values. ECAs include wellbeing activities, and safeguarding protocols prioritize student welfare.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
The school operates a four-house system named Dickens, Rowling, Shakespeare, and Tolkien; pupils are placed in a house when they join the school and remain in that house until they graduate. House life includes biweekly point tallies and assemblies with certificates, promoting identity, teamwork, and recognition. Inter House Sport Day and a range of sports clubs support physical activity and wellbeing.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
The school offers specialist language instruction in Chinese and French, and an enhanced Thai programme for Thai nationals. These languages are taught as part of the curriculum, with language pathways in Chinese and French and an enhanced Thai program. The school serves students from ages 2 to 18, providing language provision across Foundation to Upper Secondary.
Language provision
The school teaches in English as the language of instruction. The National Curriculum of England is followed from Nursery through to A-Level. Core subjects include Mathematics, Science, and English, with a broad range of options in the arts, humanities, technology, and physical education. An after-school French program is available.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
The school does not have publicly available information on their awards.
Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
Accredited by ONESQA (Thailand’s Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment).
Member of the International Schools Association of Thailand (ISAT).
A member of the Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA).
Also affiliated with the Greater Bangkok Athletics Conference (GBAC) for sports events.
Holds authorization from Cambridge International Examinations to deliver IGCSEs and A‑Levels.
A candidate school for accreditation through the Education Development Trust’s International School Quality Mark (ISQM).
Accreditations
ISQM (International Schools Quality Mark) – Bronze Accreditation This is a school improvement framework recognising good practice in international schools. Bronze status indicates foundational achievement in quality assurance.
IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) Heathfield is authorised to deliver Cambridge IGCSE exams, which are globally recognised qualifications for students typically aged 14–16.
ISA (Independent Schools Association) The school is affiliated with this UK-based body representing independent schools. Membership offers access to guidance and peer networking in the international education sector.
Oxford AQA Approved Centre Heathfield is registered to offer qualifications from Oxford International AQA Examinations, a provider of UK curriculum-based assessments.
ISAT (International Schools Association of Thailand) This Thai association supports international schools and promotes collaboration between educational institutions in the region.
ONESQA (Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment – Thailand) This government agency oversees school quality assurance and external evaluation for educational institutions operating in Thailand.
ASA (Amateur Swimming Association – Swim School Member) Indicates that the school meets standards set by the UK’s national governing body for swimming instruction.
TISAC (Thailand International Schools Activity Conference) Membership allows the school to participate in inter-school events and competitions in sports, the arts, and academics with other Bangkok international schools.
Edexcel (Pearson) Approved Centre The school is authorised to deliver Edexcel qualifications, including IGCSE and A-Level programmes.
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Book a Tour & Informal Introduction Families are invited for a school tour to explore the campus, meet staff, and understand the British-style enhanced curriculum and school values.
2. Submit Application & Documents Download and complete the application form, then submit it along with required documents, such as:
Child’s passport or birth certificate Parent(s)’ passport or Thai ID Immunization record Recent transcripts (if applicable)
3. Selection Process Applications are reviewed, and qualifying candidates may be invited to participate in an entrance exam and/or interview.
4. Notification & Offer Families receive admissions decisions shortly after selection. Offers are made for available seats.
5. Enrollment & Fee Payment Upon acceptance, families must confirm enrollment by paying requested fees and completing registration protocols.
Admissions
Visit the campus or attend an open day Families are encouraged to attend an on-site tour or open house to view the facilities, meet teachers, and discuss the curriculum. Children may also be observed in a classroom setting during the visit.
Submit the application and documents Applications can be submitted by email to the admissions team. Required documents include a completed application form, a copy of the child’s passport and visa, previous school reports, and a student health certificate.
Assessment and interview For Year 3 and above, students are required to take a CAT4 cognitive abilities test, an English proficiency test, and may attend a formal interview. Younger children are assessed more informally through play and observation.
Receive an offer and complete enrolment If the child is offered a place, parents are required to pay the enrolment and security deposit fees and will receive the Parent Handbook, uniform guidelines, and start-of-term instructions.
Scholarships
Scholarships
The school does not have publicly available information on their scholarships.
Scholarships
The school does not list any scholarships or fee assistance programmes on its website.
Waitlist
Waitlist
The school does not have a waitlist.
Waitlist
Heathfield does not publicly indicate that it operates a formal waitlist or pool system.