Aster International School Bangkok vs RBIS International School

	A Aster International School Bangkok Bangkok, Thailand	R RBIS International School Bangkok, Thailand
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year THB 247,731 - 509,356	Fees / year THB 264,000 - 570,000
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)	Curriculum British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils	Pupils 500	Pupils 300
Typical class size	Typical class size 15	Typical class size 15
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2022	Opened 1971
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
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 RBIS is on Soi Rajavithi 2, Rajavithi Road, Samsennai, Phayathai district, Bangkok 10400, within a 10-minute walk of Victory Monument BTS Station and close to the Aree neighborhood. The area offers convenient public transport access and sits in a mature city suburb.
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 RBIS serves students aged approximately 18 months to 18 years, structured as Early Years (up to age 5), Primary (ages 5–11, Key Stages 1–2), Secondary (11–14, Key Stage 3), and Sixth Form/Post‑16 (14–18, IGCSE and post‑16 pathways).
School type	School type Aster is a co-educational day school with no boarding facilities.	School type RBIS is a co‑educational day school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
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 RBIS offers Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), Behavior Support Plans (BSPs), a Nurture Group, and 1–2–1 intervention sessions for students with SEN - supported by teaching assistants and collaboration among SENCo, parents, and specialists.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school is not affiliated with any country.	Country affiliation RBIS is affiliated with the British education system, following the English National Curriculum throughout its programmes.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Aster is not affiliated with any religion. The school welcomes students from diverse faiths and backgrounds.	Religious affiliation RBIS does not have a religious affiliation.
School day structure	School day structure The school does not have publicly available information on their day structure.	School day structure The specific daily timings for class start/end times, breaks, and transitions for Primary and Secondary sections are not detailed on the publicly available school website.
Bus service details	Bus service details The school does not offer a bus service.	Bus service details RBIS provides a school bus service available upon request—details and routes are arranged directly through the school.
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	Fee details Application and Registration Fees * Application and assessment fee: THB 5,000 (non-refundable) * Registration fee: THB 100,000 (non-refundable) * Capital levy (for short-term families): THB 40,000 per term for up to three terms, instead of the registration fee * Refundable deposit: THB 30,000, returned upon withdrawal with one full term’s notice and no outstanding balance Annual Tuition Fees by Year Group * Toddler: THB 264,000 * Nursery: THB 294,000 * Pre-Reception: THB 348,000 * Reception: THB 348,000 * Years 1–2 (Key Stage 1): THB 429,000 * Years 3–6 (Key Stage 2): THB 444,000 * Years 7–9 (Key Stage 3): THB 534,000 * Years 10–11 (Key Stage 4): THB 570,000 * Years 12–13 (Sixth Form): THB 564,000 Other Costs * Meals: Early Years THB 36,000 per year, Primary THB 39,000, Secondary THB 42,000. * Educational enhancement (ECAs/trips): Early Years THB 9,000, Primary THB 15,000, Secondary THB 18,000 per year. * Learning materials for Years 10–11: THB 10,000 per year. * SEN or English support (if required): THB 60,000–360,000 per year, depending on level. * Uniforms, external exams, and residential trips are billed separately. Payment Terms Payments are accepted via bank transfer, cheque, or credit card (1.5% fee for card payments). A late payment fee of 1.5% per month applies. Advance payment plans (1–3 years) offer 5–10% discounts.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
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 The school provides mid-morning snacks and lunch. A healthy diet supports physical and intellectual development, improves behaviour, focus, and academic performance.
House system	House system —	House system RBIS has a four-house system: Unicorn, Dragon, Lion and Phoenix. Students are assigned to a house on joining RBIS, and each house has two elected House Captains and two Vice-captains (Primary and Secondary) to coordinate activities and represent the house at meetings.
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 RBIS International School is governed by a Board of Directors. Current board members are Arwenun Klipbua (Executive Director), Amornrat (Assistant Professor), Kannaporn, and Timothy Ralph Cooper (Headmaster).
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 RBIS follows the English National Curriculum from Early Years Foundation Stage (ages 18 months–5) through to Upper Secondary (ages 16–18) with distinct Key Stages 1–5 . At Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9), students study a broad range of subjects as a foundation before moving into the pre‑IGCSE Year 9 programme . In Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11), students take Cambridge IGCSE subjects across core and elective options, including English, Maths, Sciences, Humanities, Thai (for Thai nationals), and Mandarin for non-native speakers . Post‑16 (Years 12–13, Key Stage 5), students choose between Cambridge A‑Levels, BTEC qualifications, or an RBIS High School Diploma, with support for IELTS/SAT testing if required. These varied pathways offer both academic and vocational routes leading to university entry in Thailand and abroad.
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 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 RBIS references SEL mainly through its pastoral care framework and its Nurture Group, a small, specialized class that targets both academic and social‑emotional development for learners struggling to access the curriculum. The school also uses Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs) with clear goals and strategies to promote positive behavior. Its well-being pages describe a threefold focus on pastoral care, personalized learning and student well‑being.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Aster does not have a dedicated SEN programme.	Special educational needs (SEN) RBIS states that families can consult the school SENCo; provision can include IEPs (Individual Education Plans), BSPs, teaching assistant support, and the Nurture Group for students who need a modified pace and environment. The Thai-language SEN page adds that support may involve curriculum/teaching adjustments, health‑professional advice, and peer-circle arrangements; needs are reviewed to ensure support is “adequate and effective.” The site does not describe RBIS as a specialist SEN school; it presents SEN provision within a mainstream international school setting.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school does offer EAL.	English as an additional language RBIS runs an EAL programme and places students using internal English assessments aligned to CEFR levels. Students close to CEFR B1 join mainstream lessons with targeted in‑class language support; those below B1 may enter the English Language Centre (ELC) for more intensive provision before progressively transitioning to full timetables. The site notes that all teachers are qualified specialists and classes are small, enabling individual attention.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The school does not have publicly available information on their mental wellbeing support.	Mental wellbeing RBIS publishes a well‑being page stating that student well‑being is embedded alongside pastoral care and personalized learning. The page defines well‑being and positions it as a core part of school life, but does not name a counselling team, referral pathway, or formal mental‑health programme. Broader pastoral statements reiterate individualized attention and student well‑being as a core strand.
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 RBIS International School has a comprehensive safeguarding policy covering all students, overseen by Designated Safeguarding Leads and a board representative. The policy outlines clear procedures for reporting and responding to concerns, including escalation to local authorities if necessary. All staff undergo regular safeguarding training and follow strict codes of conduct, with safer recruitment practices in place. Students are supported through PSHEE lessons, online safety education, and anti-bullying initiatives. The policy is reviewed annually by the school’s Board of Management.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy View document	Safeguarding policy View document
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview 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 RBIS International School operates on a single Bangkok campus at Soi Rajavithi 2, Samsennai, Phayathai. It offers an all-through program from Early Years to Senior School and Sixth Form. Class sizes are small: Nursery up to 12 students; Primary up to 20; Secondary up to 20. The school provides lunch with a mid-morning snack and offers Thai and international buffet options, with accommodations for food allergies. A school bus service is available on inquiry.
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 Physical Education is included in the timetable and RBIS participates in inter-school sports and competitions. The program emphasizes health, teamwork, and perseverance. Students have opportunities to engage in sport through organized activities and competitions as part of the curriculum and extracurricular program. The RBIS Discover and Beyond The Classroom offerings include ECAs and competitions that support sports involvement.
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 RBIS follows the British Curriculum from Early Years to Secondary, with EYFS ages 18 months–5 years, Primary ages 5–11, and Secondary ages 11–18. The secondary pathway includes IGCSE and A-Levels, with options for BTEC or a High School Diploma, and post-16 support for university admissions including IELTS and SAT. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided, along with a Language Centre and a Nurturing Programme for students with special needs. Thai language and culture are taught in line with Thai government regulations; Thai nationals complete Thai language and culture lessons and may take IGCSE Thai. Mandarin Chinese is taught as a modern foreign language from Year 1, with progression to HSK tests, delivered by native-speaking teachers in partnership with the Friendship Language Academy.
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 Beyond The Classroom offerings include ECAs, Educational Trips, and Competitions. Leadership Programmes include Community Service, FOBISIA, Round Square, Student Council, and the House System. Students are encouraged to take on leadership roles and participate in conferences to build a personal portfolio. The school emphasizes holistic development through clubs, competitions, service opportunities, and experiential learning.
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 RBIS was founded in 1971 as Rasami British International School in central Bangkok. Over time it grew into a single-campus day school serving students from 18 months to 18 years. The school is privately operated under its own governance and joined FOBISIA in October 2023. Ownership details beyond this are not publicly disclosed.
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 Students at RBIS participate regularly in community service projects, such as rebuilding a playground in Phitsanulok and packing meals for the homeless with the Bangkok Community Help Foundation. They also celebrate cultural events like Loy Krathong and host annual charity fundraisers and Jog-A-Thon events.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school does not have a Parent Teacher Association.	Parent teacher association The school refers to families and alumni collaborating via community-driven events. Parents contribute to charity projects, festival celebrations (e.g. Loy Krathong), and community-service fundraisers, and are invited to join alumni and community social media forums
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 RBIS provides enrichment beyond the classroom through educational trips and a range of competitions. It participates in FOBISIA and Round Square networks, offering leadership opportunities through activities such as a Student Council and a House System. The school supports inquiry, collaboration, and critical thinking through clubs, societies, and intercultural engagements. An English-language learning framework is supported by an English-language emphasis and EAL provision to help students access mainstream curriculum.
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 RBIS emphasises arts, music, and drama and provides opportunities in performing arts as part of the curriculum. Students engage in creative expression through a structured arts program and related performances. The school integrates arts into the broader learning experience to develop creativity, communication, and collaboration. The curriculum includes arts-based activities alongside core subjects.
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 The school hosts a multicultural environment with over 30 nationalities represented. Thai language is taught in accordance with Thai government regulations, and Mandarin Chinese is taught from Year 1 by a qualified native teacher. The school also supports global citizenship through international programmes and affiliations, including Model United Nations and membership in Round Square and FOBISIA.
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 Beyond-the-classroom activities include a wide range of extracurricular clubs, competitions, and inter-school events. Students participate in Student Council and a House System to develop leadership and teamwork. The school emphasises active participation in cultural and recreational activities, including inter-school sports and academic competitions.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Community service programs and volunteering are part of RBIS's leadership offerings, encouraging social responsibility and service to others. The school emphasises civic engagement and partnership with local and international organisations as part of student development. Opportunities for service are integrated with leadership activities and school culture.
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 RBIS offers leadership programmes through student governance, clubs, and community projects, fostering initiative and collaborative skills. University and Careers Guidance is provided to support pathways after RBIS, including preparation for post-16 options. The Sixth Form pathway and personalised subject choices help students plan for university admissions and future careers.
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 Pastoral care, health and safety, and student wellness are prioritized to support well-being and safe learning environments. Mindfulness, physical fitness, and outdoor activities are encouraged as part of a balanced educational approach. The school emphasises holistic development, resilience, and positive mental health as part of daily school life.
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 RBIS teaches English as the main language of instruction within the British Curriculum, with an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program to support learners. Thai language and culture are taught as regular subjects across Early Years to Secondary, with native and non-native groups and Thai national progression to IGCSE Thai. Mandarin Chinese is offered as a modern foreign language from Year 1, with three weekly lessons delivered by native-Mandarin teachers; Primary students pursue the Youth Chinese Test (YCT) and Secondary students pursue the HSK.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching RBIS uses English as the main language of instruction within the British Curriculum. There is no school-wide bilingual program described. Thai language and culture are taught as regular subjects. Mandarin Chinese is taught as a modern foreign language.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards The school does not have publicly available information on their awards.	Awards * Youth International Excellence Award 2023: Given by the Teachers Council of Thailand, this award recognizes outstanding school contributions to youth academic, music and sports performance.
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 * EDT accreditation: RBIS is accredited by the Education Development Trust (EDT), a UK-based inspectorate that evaluates British international schools for teaching quality and student outcomes. * FOBISIA membership: The school joined the Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA) in October 2023, reflecting its alignment with British-style education standards across Asia.
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 1. If available, book an Open House or school visit. During your visit, an admissions officer will give a tour, walk through facilities, and answer questions in person. 2. Complete the application form. You’ll need to submit child’s passport copy, academic transcripts from the past 12 months, a reference letter from the previous school, and a valid residence permit or visa. 3. Student assessment. RBIS administers an internal assessment, including English placement (to determine EAL support) and cognitive testing (e.g. CAT4 for gifted identification). 4. Application review. The admissions team, together with academic leadership, reviews all documents and assessment results before confirming an offer or waitlist status. 5. Enrollment and fee payment. Once an offer is accepted, payment of registration, tuition deposit or capital levy, and confirmation of tuition fees is arranged. Your child is then officially enrolled.
Scholarships	Scholarships The school does not have publicly available information on their scholarships.	Scholarships RBIS offers Merit Scholarships for students aged 11–13 who demonstrate high achievement in academics, arts, music or sport. These awards range from 20% to 50% of tuition, and candidates must complete school-administered assessments and attend an interview. There are also Leadership Scholarships that may offer 20% up to full tuition to students showing leadership potential in various fields; both types require submission of an application form by the published deadline.
Waitlist	Waitlist The school does not have a waitlist.	Waitlist RBIS does operate a waitlist or placement pool: applicants may receive an offer or be placed on a waiting list depending on availability for a given year group. The site indicates that offers are conditional until assessments and places are confirmed. However, detailed public explanation of waitlist timelines or criteria is not provided.
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