Astra Academy International School vs RBIS International School

	A Astra Academy International School Bangkok, Thailand	R RBIS International School Bangkok, Thailand
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year THB 486,000 - 519,000	Fees / year THB 264,000 - 570,000
Age range	Age range 5 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils	Pupils 130	Pupils 300
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 15
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2021	Opened 1971
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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.	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 Astra provides education for Primary and Secondary school levels.	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 The school is a co-educational day school. Boarding facilities are not offered.	School type RBIS is a co‑educational day school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school does not have publicly available information on their Additional Learning Support.	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 The school does not have any religious affiliation and serves students from all cultural backgrounds.	Religious affiliation RBIS does not have a religious affiliation.
School day structure	School day structure The school does not have their day structure publicly available.	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 have publicly available information on their 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 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.	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 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.	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 —	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 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.	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 The school does not have publicly available information on their Social and Emotional Learning.	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) The school does not have any dedicated SEN support.	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 offers 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 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.	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 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 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 —	Safeguarding policy View document
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 an official PTA.	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 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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 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	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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