BCIS International School Phuket vs Glenalmond Phuket International School

	B BCIS International School Phuket Phuket, Thailand	G Glenalmond Phuket International School Phuket, Thailand
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year THB 281,800 - 468,900	Fees / year THB 270,000 - 950,000
Age range	Age range 1 - 18 years	Age range 1½ - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), French Curriculum	Curriculum BTEC Qualification, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils 400	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English, French	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2017	Opened 2026
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location BCIS Phuket is located in Chalong, in the southern part of Phuket Island, Thailand. The campus sits between the popular residential areas of Rawai, Nai Harn, and Kathu, and is approximately 15–30 minutes from major shopping centres like Central Festival and local beaches. It is easily accessible by main roads such as Chaofa West Road and is situated near essential amenities including hospitals and supermarkets.	Location Glenalmond Phuket International School is located in the Thalang district of Phuket, specifically within the Thanyapura Sports & Health Resort on Thepkasattri Road. This northern location provides a setting away from the heavily populated southern tourist areas. Being situated directly inside the resort grants students immediate access to the site's sports and wellness facilities.
Stages	Stages BCIS Phuket is divided into Early Years, Primary, Secondary, and Sixth Form sections. The school admits children from 18 months old in its Early Years Centre and continues through Year 13 or Terminale, depending on the curriculum stream. Both British and French academic pathways are available throughout these levels.	Stages The school accepts students from 1.5 to 18 years of age. The initial opening phase focuses on Early Years (EYFS) and Primary school students. Provisions are in place to expand into Key Stage 3 and the full Secondary and Sixth Form levels sequentially.
School type	School type BCIS Phuket is a co-educational day school offering both British and French curriculum streams for students aged 18 months to 18 years.	School type The institution is a co-educational, mainstream independent school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support BCIS Phuket provides additional learning support for students with mild to moderate learning, emotional, behavioural, and communication needs. Support is delivered through in-class assistance and small group interventions, overseen by a dedicated Student Support Team. Individual learning plans are developed and regularly reviewed to target areas such as literacy, social communication, and emotional regulation. The team includes a SEN Coordinator and Student Learning Coach who work closely with teachers and families to ensure each student’s needs are met effectively.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation BCIS Phuket is not affiliated with a specific national government but offers both the British (Cambridge) and French national curricula.	Country affiliation The school has a direct affiliation with the United Kingdom. It delivers the National Curriculum for England and operates in formal partnership with Glenalmond College and Craigclowan School & Nursery, both located in Scotland.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation BCIS Phuket is not affiliated with any religion. It welcomes students and families of all cultural and religious backgrounds.	Religious affiliation The school does not indicate a specific religious affiliation.
School day structure	School day structure At BCIS Phuket, the school day typically begins at 8:00 am and runs through to 3:00 pm for most academic lessons, Monday to Friday. The day is structured around seven teaching periods, with a short morning break and a lunch break. After 3:00 pm, students can take part in a range of extracurricular clubs and activities, which may extend the school day until 5:00 pm. This structure applies across both the British and French curriculum streams.	School day structure Specific details regarding the school day structure, including exact start and end times or specific lunch break periods, are not currently published.
Bus service details	Bus service details BCIS Phuket offers a scheduled school bus service for students from Year 1 to Year 13. Pick‑up times run between 6:30 am and 7:00 am, with afternoon departures from 3:30 pm to 3:45 pm. Students travel in minibuses equipped with seatbelts and supervised by attendants. The bus routes cover areas including Rawai/Chalong, Phuket Town, Cape Panwa, Cherngtalay, Patong, Kamala, Kata, and Karon. Services during school camps are charged weekly with flat-rate fees.	Bus service details The school does not currently publish information regarding the provision of a school bus or coach service.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application Fees A one-time entrance fee of THB 75,000 is required for all new students. This includes a non-refundable registration fee of THB 10,000 and a refundable deposit of THB 50,000, returned upon withdrawal with one term’s notice. Continuing students are charged an annual re-registration fee of THB 5,000. Tuition Fees (Per Year) British Curriculum Stream Nursery – Reception: THB 281,800 Year 1 – Year 2: THB 337,600 Year 3 – Year 6: THB 380,500 Year 7 – Year 9: THB 460,200 Year 10 – Year 13 (IGCSE & A Levels): THB 468,900 Fees are billed by term as follows: Term 1: 40% Term 2: 30% Term 3: 30% Additional Fees Uniforms, textbooks, Cambridge and exam fees, specialist academies, extracurricular activities, and after-school clubs are charged separately. Lunch, library access, and accident insurance (up to THB 30,000) are included in the tuition fees. Transportation Fees Rawai/Chalong route: THB 1,350/week Phuket Town, Cape Panwa, Cherngtalay, Patong, Kamala, Kata, and Karon: THB 1,650/week All buses are equipped with seatbelts and are supervised by attendants. Transport fees are invoiced monthly. Learning Support If additional educational support is required beyond the school’s provisions, families must privately arrange and fund a Student Learning Coach (SLC) to assist in class and during school activities. Sibling Discount Second child: 5% tuition discount Third child and beyond: 10% tuition discount Boarding Fees The school does not offer boarding facilities. Refund Policy The refundable deposit is returned with a one-term notice of withdrawal. Other refund terms are not publicly specified. Payment Options Payments can be made via bank transfer or credit card through the school’s finance office.	Fee details Application and Compulsory Fees Application Fee: THB 5,000. Placement Fee: THB 200,000. For second and subsequent children, this fee is reduced to THB 100,000. Refundable Deposit: THB 150,000. Annual Tuition Fees Wee Bairns (up to 5 mornings only): THB 270,000. Wee Bairns (up to 5 full days): THB 390,000. Kindergarten 1 to 3: THB 490,000. Year 1 to 6: THB 750,000. Year 7 to 9: THB 950,000. Discounts and Payment Terms A 5% discount is provided for the payment of a full year in advance. Sibling discounts include 5% for a second child and 15% for a third and any subsequent children. The school's Admissions Policy governs all procedures regarding invoicing, payment methods, and refunds. Other Costs and Information A free uniform pack is provided for all enrolments. Additional uniform items can be purchased from the School Shop. Additional fees are charged for transport, English Language Support (ELS), Special Educational Needs (SEN), external examinations, and specific external After School Activities. Students in Year 3 and 4 are expected to bring their own tablet, while students in Year 5 and above must bring their own laptop. Boarding fees and specific term-by-term fee breakdowns are not outlined in the current schedule.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniforms are compulsory. The full BCIS uniform is worn daily, including attire for regular classes, PE and swimming. Uniforms are available from the School Shop.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Fresh meals and snacks are prepared on-site by trained chefs and supported by a nutritionist. The four-week rotating menu includes local Thai dishes and international favourites.	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership BCIS Phuket is part of the International Schools Partnership (ISP) network.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details BCIS Phuket offers two curriculum streams from Early Years to the end of secondary: the British Cambridge Curriculum and the French National Curriculum. The British stream begins with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), followed by Cambridge Primary (Years 1–6), Lower Secondary (Years 7–9), IGCSE qualifications (Years 10–11), and concludes with AS and A Level examinations in Years 12–13. The French stream follows the official programme of the French Ministry of Education, beginning with Maternelle and École Élémentaire, continuing through Collège, and culminating in the Diplôme National du Brevet and Baccalauréat. Both curriculum pathways are delivered on a shared campus and include instruction in English, French, and Thai depending on the stream.	Curriculum details Glenalmond Phuket International School follows the National Curriculum for England across its different school stages. In the Early Years, students are taught according to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. For Primary and lower secondary levels (Years 1 to 9), the school integrates the core British curriculum with the Singapore Mathematics program. As students progress to Key Stage 4, they study towards Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel IGCSE qualifications. In the Sixth Form, the school offers specialized pathways for students to complete either A Level or Pearson BTEC qualifications. Furthermore, Mandarin Chinese is incorporated as a compulsory language subject throughout the curriculum.
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 —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school does not publicly disclose information specifically about Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) provision on their website.	Social & emotional learning The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Social and emotional learning (SEL).
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) BCIS Phuket provides in-class and small-group support for students with mild to moderate learning, emotional, behavioural, and communication needs. Interventions are coordinated by a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) and supported by mainstream teachers and specialist staff. The SEN team monitors progress, collaborates with families, and refers cases beyond the school’s capacity to appropriate external services. The school is not a specialist SEN institution, but it offers structured support within a mainstream setting.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school offers Special Educational Needs (SEN) support for its students. Detailed provisions for this support are outlined in the Special Educational Needs Provision document, which is available in the school's Admissions Guidebook. The institution operates as a mainstream school rather than a dedicated specialist SEN facility. Beyond this, the school does not publicly disclose information regarding the specific types of SEN supported, staff members, or further specialized initiatives.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school does not publicly disclose information regarding specific English as an Additional Language (EAL) programmes or support on their website	English as an additional language The school provides English Language Support (ELS) for students requiring assistance with English. These specific arrangements are governed by the English Language Support Provision document, which can be found in the Admissions Guidebook.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing BCIS Phuket does not publicly provide detailed information about mental wellbeing programmes on their website.	Mental wellbeing The school supports the mental wellbeing of its students by incorporating mindfulness into its wider curriculum. The campus features dedicated specialist rooms specifically designed for mindfulness practices. Aside from these physical provisions and curriculum integration, the school does not publicly disclose information regarding further mental wellbeing programmes, staff, or initiatives.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding BCIS Phuket has a formal Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy in place, aligned with the ISP Group’s safeguarding framework and adopted by the school in 2024. All staff and contractors undergo Safer Recruitment procedures, including background checks and mandatory annual safeguarding training. The policy outlines roles and responsibilities for designated safeguarding leads (DSLs), who are responsible for reporting, record-keeping, and staff training. It also includes escalation procedures and guidance on how to respond to concerns about student welfare. The safeguarding approach covers both physical and online safety and is supported by site-level security measures and regular drills.	Safeguarding The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Safeguarding.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy View document	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview BCIS Phuket has two campuses in Chalong, a Junior campus and a Senior campus, located about 200 metres apart. The Junior campus provides modern, fully equipped homeroom classrooms, a junior library, a computer lab and LEGO learning spaces, plus a dance studio and a multipurpose space. It also includes a canteen, a nature café and extensive outdoor facilities such as a covered stadium, an athletic running track, a swimming pool, a FIFA pitch, a FIFA‑certified synthetic turf pitch and a tennis court. The Senior campus, opened in 2019, houses state‑of‑the‑art classrooms and dedicated spaces for science, languages and the arts, including three science labs, a hydroponic laboratory, a literature and language centre, a library and creative area, Apple and Microsoft discovery rooms, and a robotics lab. Phuket's first planetarium is on the Senior campus, supporting immersive STEAM learning, alongside performance and creative spaces and outdoor facilities including a 50m pool, rooftop tennis court, basketball court, volleyball field and futsal field.	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Junior campus features a FIFA pitch, a FIFA‑certified synthetic turf pitch and a regulation tennis court, plus a covered stadium and an athletic running track and swimming pool. Senior campus provides a 50m Olympic‑size swimming pool, rooftop tennis court, basketball court, volleyball field and futsal field, as well as a school gym. Together, the two campuses offer extensive aquatic, court and field facilities to support competitive and recreational sport.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Senior campus offers three science labs and a hydroponic laboratory, a literature and language centre, a dedicated library and creative area, Apple and Microsoft discovery rooms, and a robotics lab. It also includes an art workshop, a blackbox theatre and music studios, as well as a photo and media studio. These spaces support Cambridge and French curricula and broader STEAM learning across the school.	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Junior campus provides a dance studio, LEGO spaces, parkour wooden play area, castle play area with a trampoline, an education garden with go‑carts and other active play spaces, plus a multipurpose area and a school canteen. Senior campus adds a blackbox theatre, art workshop and gallery, a robotics lab, music and media studios, a cue sports room and school café, a 50m swimming pool, rooftop tennis, a basketball court, a volleyball field and a futsal field, and a large gym for fitness and performance activities. Phuket's first planetarium also supports STEAM and enrichment activities across both campuses.	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Berda Claude International School (BCIS) Phuket was founded in 2017. It is a privately owned school established by Claude and Maïté Berda and is part of the International Schools Partnership (ISP), a global network of private schools.	History Glenalmond Phuket International School is a newly established educational institution set to open in August 2026. The school was founded in formal partnership with the Glenalmond Group in the United Kingdom. Its foundational structure includes close ties with Glenalmond College, an independent Scottish boarding school with over 175 years of history, as well as Craigclowan School & Nursery. The school was established to provide the English National Curriculum in Thailand, initially opening with Early Years and Primary stages before planned expansions into secondary education.
Community	Community The BCIS community regularly comes together for inclusive events designed to foster cultural exchange and social engagement. Activities such as Science Mornings, Coffee Mornings, and Thai New Year (Songkran) celebrations are examples of how the school brings families and staff together. Events are often participatory, with students, staff, and parents involved in both formal and informal gatherings .	Community As the school is currently in its pre-opening phase, it is actively recruiting staff and enrolling founding families to build its initial student and parent body. Because the campus is located directly within the Thanyapura Sports & Health Resort, the school community is closely integrated with the surrounding sports and wellness environment.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The BCIS PTA plays an active role in organizing and supporting school events. They help host regular Coffee Mornings, social events, and cultural activities, and act as a bridge between the school and its parent body. The PTA also collaborates with staff for community-focused initiatives, such as wellbeing activities and seasonal celebrations. They serve as a feedback channel for parents and help strengthen school-home partnerships through regular involvement and volunteer efforts.	Parent teacher association Because the institution is in its pre-opening phase, the school does not publicly disclose information regarding an active Parent Teacher Association (PTA) or specific PTA events, groups, and activities at this time.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school provides two internationally accredited pathways: Cambridge International (British) and the French National curriculum, with progression to IGCSEs, A Levels, Brevet and the French Baccalaureate. The learning journey covers ages 2 to 18. The main languages of instruction are English and French, and there is targeted English language support (EAL) with a Cambridge English programme offered at three levels. Translanguaging is encouraged, allowing home languages to enhance learning across the curriculum.	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The senior campus features an art workshop, gallery and fashion design area, a blackbox theatre, music studios, and photography/media spaces. The junior campus hosts a dance studio and additional creative spaces. The campus environment supports STEAM through the planetarium and dedicated spaces for creative and artistic exploration.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The school hosts a multilingual community with over 50 nationalities and more than 30 languages represented. English and French are the main languages of education, with translanguaging used to strengthen learning across languages. Students follow British and French curricula, from age 2 to 18, and have access to English language support (EAL). Through the International Schools Partnership network, students gain international exchanges and global opportunities.	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies The school offers a broad extracurricular programme, including a wide range of clubs and sports opportunities. Facilities include a FIFA-standard pitch, a synthetic turf pitch, a rooftop tennis court, basketball and volleyball facilities, and a range of swimming options across campuses. The planetarium and other high-end facilities support enrichment in science, technology, arts and performance.	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service BCIS emphasises global citizenship and community involvement, with annual initiatives focused on social responsibility and environmental conservation. The school supports a diverse, inclusive community of students from over 50 nationalities. Local and global outreach is integrated into the learning experience.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Students develop life skills and leadership capabilities through the Cambridge-aligned framework and ISP programmes, with global skill-building opportunities and exchanges. The school participates in ISP networks to connect students with international opportunities and leadership experiences. The leadership team and staff sustain a culture of independent learning and personal development.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Safeguarding is central to school life, with a dedicated safeguarding team, comprehensive policies and a wellbeing programme supported by school counsellors. The campus environment includes modern learning spaces, two purpose-built campuses and safety measures that support student welfare and health. The school provides health and safety measures, clear emergency guidelines and 24/7 supervision to ensure a secure learning surroundings.	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English and French are the main languages of instruction. Thai is mandatory for all age groups, while Chinese and Spanish are offered as additional languages. English language support is provided through an EAL programme with three levels. French language support is delivered through the FLSco programme, with early assistance from CP and gradual curriculum integration, and progression milestones (B2 for Middle School, C1 for Secondary).	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school uses a bilingual education model with English and French as the main languages of instruction, supported by EAL as needed. It follows dual curricula—British Cambridge and French curricula—for ages 2 to 18, and translanguaging uses home languages to enhance learning.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs Translanguaging for learning is a central feature of the curriculum. An English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme provides structured, multi-tiered English language support to enable access to the curriculum. French language learning is provided through the FLSco French programme from early years, with early language assistance and gradual curriculum integration; progression in later years requires French proficiency (B2 for Middle School, C1 for Secondary). Thai is mandatory for all ages, while Chinese and Spanish are offered as additional languages.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards BCIS Phuket does not list any school-wide awards on its official website.	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations Council of International Schools (CIS): An international accreditation body that ensures schools uphold globally recognized benchmarks of teaching, learning, and administration. Agence pour l’Enseignement Français à l’Étranger (AEFE): Accreditation by the French Ministry of Education that confirms the French stream meets national French curriculum and quality standards for overseas schools. International Schools Association of Thailand (ISAT): A national network that supports accredited international schools in Thailand, promoting educational quality, professional development, and regulatory compliance. Ministry of Education (Thailand): Official licensing by the Thai government certifies that BCIS operates legally and meets national educational regulations. Office of the Private Education Commission (Thailand): Recognition from Thailand’s governing body for private schools ensures compliance with operational and curriculum standards. Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (Thailand): This registration affirms the school’s adherence to student welfare and child protection regulations set by Thai law. ONESQA (Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment): National accreditation that confirms BCIS meets Thailand’s education quality benchmarks and supports ongoing institutional improvement.	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Book a school visit or personalised campus tour. Families are encouraged to arrange an in-person tour to explore the facilities, meet the admissions team, and ask questions about the curriculum and student life. This visit can help clarify whether the school is the right fit for your child’s needs. 2. Submit the application form and supporting documents. Parents must complete the official BCIS application form and submit required documents, which include the child’s passport, visa (if applicable), recent school reports, and photographs. All documents should be emailed to the admissions office for review. 3. Schedule an interview and academic assessment. The school will invite your child for an interview and, for Year 1 and above, an academic screening to assess subject proficiency and English language needs. These assessments help determine grade placement and whether EAL support is required. 4. Receive an offer and confirm enrolment. If the application is successful, the school will issue a formal offer letter. Parents must accept the offer in writing and proceed with the enrolment confirmation. 5. Pay registration fees and prepare for school start. To secure the place, families are required to pay registration and relevant tuition fees. Prior to the start of term, arrangements such as uniforms, access cards, and learning materials will be finalised with the school team.	Admissions 1. Initial Enquiry & School Tour: To begin the process, prospective families can speak directly with a member of the Admissions Team to ask questions and receive guidance on the available entry pathways. During this initial stage, parents are also encouraged to book an official school tour. This allows families to view the campus and familiarize themselves with the daily environment at the school. 2. Application Submission: Families must then complete the official application form, which can be acquired directly at the school's reception desk or accessed online. Parents are required to submit this completed form alongside the Admissions Checklist and all required supporting documents. These application materials can be handed in either physically in person or sent digitally via email. 3. Interview & Assessment: Parents will attend an interview with the Admissions Team alongside either the Head of Primary and Early Years or the Head of School. Students applying for Year 1 and above must complete diagnostic assessments in both English and Mathematics. Additionally, non-native English speakers will take an English assessment to check for English Language Support (ELS) requirements, and Special Educational Needs (SEN) evaluations may be conducted if applicable to ensure appropriate provisions are in place. 4. Offer & Confirmation: If a place is offered, the school will send an official email to confirm the student's enrolment. This confirmation email will contain a signed copy of the Confirmation of Admission and the Agreement of Enrolment Form. Parents will also find specific details in this communication regarding the student's official start date and the direct contact information for their designated Homeroom Teacher.
Scholarships	Scholarships BCIS Phuket offers academic scholarships to students entering Years 7 to 13 who demonstrate strong academic performance. For IGCSE candidates (Years 10–11), applicants must show evidence of achieving or targeting at least seven A or A* grades and maintain a GPA of 3.7 or higher. For A Level students (Years 12–13), continued academic excellence and strong AS Level outcomes are required. Scholarship applications must include school reports, attendance records (minimum 90%), teacher references, and may also include a portfolio or additional supporting documents.	Scholarships The school does not publicly disclose information regarding the offering of scholarships.
Waitlist	Waitlist BCIS Phuket does not operate a formal waitlist or pooled admissions system.	Waitlist The school does not publicly disclose information regarding a waitlist or pool system.
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