British Concordance International School vs Meritton British International School

	B British Concordance International School Chiang Mai, Thailand	M Meritton British International School Chiang Mai, Thailand
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year THB 187,000 - 330,000	Fees / year THB 212,000 - 360,000
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 16 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils	Pupils 200	Pupils 300
Typical class size	Typical class size 22	Typical class size 21
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2022	Opened 2018
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location British Concordance International School (BCIS) is located at 216 Moo 1, Tambon Nong Kwai, Hang Dong, Chiang Mai 50230, Thailand. It sits in a suburban area with access by car or school transport and is about a 30‑minute drive from the city centre, providing a quieter residential neighbourhood setting.	Location Meritton British International School is situated at 168 Moo.7, Nong Kwai, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai, Thailand, a leafy green area just outside Chiang Mai’s old city. It lies within a residential neighbourhood near major local roads.
Stages	Stages BCIS follows the British curriculum, structured into three main stages: Early Years (Nursery through Reception, for ages 2–5), Primary (Years 1–6), and Secondary (up to Year 12/13, ages approximately 11‑18).	Stages The school serves Early Years (Pre‑Nursery to Reception, ages 2–5), Primary (Years 1–6, ages 5–11) and Secondary (Years 7–11, ages 11–16).
School type	School type The school is co‑educational and does not offer boarding facilities.	School type Meritton is a co‑educational day school. There are no boarding facilities offered.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support BCIS provides in-class support for students with special needs through curriculum adjustments, modified assessments, and behaviour support strategies. For example, a student with dyslexia might receive extra time on tests, while a student with autism could be offered alternative assignments or oral assessments. The type of support depends on individual needs and may include behavioural interventions such as reinforcement techniques or calming strategies. Parents are encouraged to work with the school’s special education advisor to tailor the support to each child. To support students with limited English proficiency, BCIS uses a range of strategies, including ESL programs, multilingual staff, and buddy systems.	Additional learning support The school has a designated SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) and offers shadow teachers and additional EAL support where needed, with costs based on actual need.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school does not have any official affiliation to one particular country beyond its British curriculum heritage.	Country affiliation There is no direct affiliation to any country’s government.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school has no religious affiliation.	Religious affiliation Meritton has no religious affiliation.
School day structure	School day structure The school day includes a morning session, a mid‑morning break, lunchtime, and an afternoon session; specific start and finish times are not listed.	School day structure The typical daily schedule is not published online.
Bus service details	Bus service details BCIS offers a school bus service for students, with annual transport fees calculated depending on the route and distance.	Bus service details The school does not currently publish details about a school bus or transport service.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details One-Time Payment Fees Entrance Exam Fee: THB 3,300 Entrance Fee: THB 70,000 Lifetime Books Fee: THB 20,000 (This covers book use for the entire duration of a student’s time at BCIS) Annual Tuition Fees Pre-Nursery, Nursery, Reception: THB 187,000 Year 1 – Year 4: THB 242,000 Year 5 – Year 6: THB 275,000 Year 7 – Year 9: THB 308,000 Year 10 – Year 13: THB 330,000 Note: A 25% tuition fee discount is available if parents pay full yearly tuition in advance for more than 3 years. Other Annual Fees Lunch: THB 20,000 Capital Improvement / Material Fees: THB 20,000 School Bus: Ranges from THB 30,000–50,000 per year ESL Support: THB 50,000 per year Accident Insurance: THB 1,000 Uniform (5 sets): THB 4,500 (one-time purchase) Visa Fee: THB 3,000 per person EMS Fee (for visa processing): THB 1,500 per person Stationery Sets: Year 1–6: THB 400 per year Year 7–13: THB 800 per year Yearbook: THB 800 per year Summer School Fees EYFS – Year 10: THB 10,000 per week / THB 39,000 per 4-week session Sibling Discounts First child: Full fee Second child: 10% tuition discount Third child and up: 15% tuition discount Payment Methods Accepted via bank transfer, Alipay, and credit card	Fee details One-Time Payment Application and placement test: THB 3,000 (non-refundable) New student enrolment fees: First child: THB 60,000 Second child: THB 45,000 Third child onward: Enrolment fee waived Library book deposit: THB 6,000 (refundable) Chromebook deposit (Years 7–11): THB 6,000 (refundable) Tuition Fees (Per Term) * Pre-Nursery: THB 212,000 * Nursery–Reception: THB 224,000 * Years 1–2: THB 266,000 * Years 3–6: THB 286,000 * Years 7–9: THB 318,000 * Years 10–11 (IGCSE): THB 360,000 Sibling Discounts 10% (second child), 15% (third), 20% (fourth and beyond). Other Annual Fees Lunch & Snacks: Pre-Nursery–Year 2: THB 21,600 per year Years 3–11: THB 23,600 per year Books & Learning Platforms: Pre-Nursery: THB 2,000 Nursery–Reception: THB 5,000 Years 1–6: THB 7,500 Years 7–9: THB 11,000 Years 10–11: THB 12,000 Activities & Field Trips: THB 6,000 per year Insurance supplement: THB 1,300 Chromebook usage (Years 7–11): THB 5,000 Additional Learning Support (only if needed) English Additional Language (EAL): THB 70,000 per year Other Costs After-school activities and uniforms are billed at actual cost. Payment Methods Payment options include bank transfer. Payment Terms Fees are invoiced per term and must be settled prior to the start of each term. The school reserves the right to amend fees without prior notice. Deposits are refundable upon return of materials and clearance of dues.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school has a uniform; a uniform fee of 450 Baht applies to the BCIS Summer Camp.	Uniform requirement The school has a uniform. Parents can purchase school uniforms at the start of the academic year.
Food options	Food options —	Food options The School Nutrition Policy states that food should not be brought from home. The school provides healthy and nutritious snacks and lunches every day, with lunch menus including Thai and international options. The school can accommodate special dietary requirements on request.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership BCIS is part of the Ambassador Education Group.	Governance and ownership The school is a small, family-based international school founded in 2018.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details BCIS follows the British national curriculum from Early Years through to Sixth Form. In the Early Years (ages 2–5), children follow the UK EYFS framework, focusing on seven areas of development including communication, maths, and physical development. Primary students (Years 1–6) study core subjects like English, maths, and science, alongside foundation subjects such as art, PE, and computing. In Secondary (Years 7–11), students follow Key Stage 3 and then prepare for Pearson Edexcel IGCSEs and BTEC qualifications in subjects such as science, business, and travel & tourism. In Years 12–13, students take A-Level courses through Pearson Edexcel. The school also includes PSHE across all stages and offers additional ESL support where needed.	Curriculum details Meritton British International School follows the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework in Pre-Nursery through Reception, focusing on play-based and thematic learning. From Year 1 to Year 6, students follow the Cambridge Primary Curriculum, which covers English, Maths, Science, PE, and ICT. In Years 7 to 9, the curriculum continues with the Cambridge Lower Secondary programme. Students in Years 10 and 11 work towards the Cambridge IGCSE qualifications, typically taking six subjects across both core and elective areas. Thai language is taught across all levels, and Mandarin is offered to older students.
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 BCIS employs a dedicated SEL Counselling Coordinator who leads the school counselling programme, delivers PSHE lessons up to Year 9, and provides individual and group counselling sessions to support students' social and emotional development. This coordinator collaborates with homeroom teachers to identify students needing SEL support and helps create interventions and Individual Education Plans (IEPs). Beyond classroom integration, SEL provision is structured through this explicit staffing and coordination.	Social & emotional learning Meritton supports students’ social and emotional development through integrated daily practices. SEL is delivered via circle time, the school’s values education programme, daily mindfulness, and a weekly Life Skills course. These elements are woven into the school day rather than taught as a separate subject. Staff such as the Values Coordinator and Life Skills teacher are involved in implementing this approach. The school follows the Values-based Education (VbE) framework to help students develop empathy, resilience, and emotional regulation.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) There is no specific public overview of Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision on the BCIS website. However, the Our Team page includes a Special Educational Needs Coordinator, which indicates the school allocates a staff position focused on SEN support. This role suggests that support is provided case‑by‑case, collaboratively involving teachers and the student support team to develop Individualised Educational Plans (IEPs) for students with academic or behavioural needs.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school does not publicly disclose information regarding SEN support, including whether it can support specific learning needs or operate as a specialist SEN institution on its official website.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The BCIS website does not provide a dedicated section outlining its EAL provision. However, the Our Team page lists several ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers, including a Lead Teacher of ESL, indicating that structured language support is in place for students with English language learning needs.	English as an additional language The website does not outline specific programmes or initiatives for English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners, such as intake levels, tailored courses, or structured support. However, several staff members are listed as English Language Learner (ELL) teachers, including Ms Sajina, Ms Anna, and Ms Maia. This indicates that the school provides some level of EAL support.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing There is no dedicated section or formal programme on mental health or wellbeing on the BCIS website. However, the SEL Counselling Coordinator role includes providing individual and group counselling to students experiencing social, emotional, or behavioural challenges, alongside teaching PSHE lessons up to Year 9 to support personal development. An Academic & Social Emotional Counselor is also listed on the team, working with secondary students in collaboration with parents and teachers to support wellbeing and academic progress.	Mental wellbeing The school integrates mental wellbeing into daily lessons rather than as a separate subject, embedding it within circle time, values education, daily mindfulness, and the weekly Life Skills course. Meritton provides pastoral care, counselling, and mentorship programmes to help ensure students feel safe, happy, and motivated. The school emphasises small class sizes and close student‑teacher relationships as part of its wellbeing approach. No dedicated on‑site mental health professionals are described, nor are external counselling services mentioned.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding BCIS, as part of the Ambassador Education Group (AEG), follows a detailed Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy aligned with Thai law and international standards. The school appoints Child Protection Officers (CPOs) to handle concerns, supported by a central Child Safeguarding Team (CST AEG) responsible for training, policy oversight, and investigations. All staff, visitors, and volunteers must sign the safeguarding policy and undergo annual training. The policy outlines mandatory reporting protocols, protects whistleblowers acting in good faith, and enforces strict conduct rules. Safeguarding procedures extend to recruitment, student admissions, and visitor access, with 24-hour CCTV and codes of conduct in place. This reflects a school-wide commitment to ensuring student safety through defined roles, regular training, and clear response procedures.	Safeguarding The school integrates safeguarding into its Wellbeing programme through daily routines like circle time, values education, mindfulness, and Life Skills lessons. All staff must provide full work histories and undergo police and child protection checks as part of the hiring process. While formal policies and reporting procedures are not publicly available, these measures indicate a structured approach to safeguarding.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy View document	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview BCIS operates on two campuses. Campus 1 houses early years and lower primary in a modern building with ten purpose-built classrooms across two levels. Campus 2 houses upper primary (Years 5–6) and lower secondary (Years 7–9) with room for expansion to upper secondary (Years 10–11) and sixth form (Years 12–13). Both campuses include leisure spaces and playgrounds, art and science labs, performing arts studios, and PE/sports facilities.	Facilities overview The campus is purpose-built and located just outside the historic old city of Chiang Mai, near forests and mountains. It includes a swimming pool, a grass sports field, a covered hard court, and green areas designated as playgrounds. There are outdoor climbing facilities and vegetable gardens. Every classroom is equipped with a Positive Air Pressure System and air purifiers. Small class sizes foster an intimate learning environment and strong student–teacher relationships.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Both campuses have PE/sports facilities. They also include leisure spaces and playgrounds on each campus.	Sports facilities The school has a swimming pool, a grass sports field, and a covered hard court for athletic activities. Outdoor climbing areas are available for recreation and physical education.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities BCIS opened in August 2022 and is licensed by the Ministry of Education to teach up to Year 13 (6th Form). The Early Years Curriculum follows the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The Primary Curriculum covers Key Stages 1 and 2. The Secondary Curriculum covers Key Stages 3 and 4. BCIS offers IGCSEs and A-levels through Pearson Edexcel and Cambridge International; it is a Pearson/Edexcel Approved Centre and offers Pearson BTEC qualifications as part of its Pathways to Success.	Academic facilities The school offers the Cambridge curriculum from Early Years through Year 11, including Cambridge Primary and Lower Secondary and Cambridge IGCSE for Years 10–11. The Pioneer Programme supports students in Years 10–11. English is the main language of instruction; Thai and Mandarin are taught. EYFS is used for Pre-Nursery to Reception, with small class sizes to support personalized learning.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities BCIS provides enriching extracurricular activities, including sports, music, robotics, and debate. The program emphasizes enquiry-based learning and a broad, investigatory approach to learning beyond the classroom.	Extra curricular facilities Values-based Education (VbE) and mindfulness are integrated into school life. Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Bronze is offered as an extracurricular program. The school hosts VbE writing competitions and other community activities, including events such as Meritton Day of Celebration.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History British Concordance International School was founded in August 2022 on a purpose-built campus in Chiang Mai as part of the Ambassador Education Group (AEG). The school opened with a vision to introduce social and experiential learning in a British curriculum setting. Operating under the umbrella of AEG, it benefits from the group’s broader educational infrastructure and governance.	History Meritton British International School was founded in 2018 as a small, family-oriented international school, established by co‑founders aiming to offer a British-style education framed by core values. From its inception, the school has placed the Values‑based Education (VbE) approach at the centre of its ethos, embedding values like respect, responsibility, kindness, and integrity into daily life.
Community	Community BCIS hosts a diverse, multicultural community and regularly stages cultural and community events, such as Lunar New Year, Loy Krathong, International Dance Day, Odd Socks Day, and environmental and charity drives. These events engage students, staff, and families and reflect a commitment to inclusivity and local cultural awareness.	Community Meritton’s community engages through a broad range of cultural and school-wide events, including Songkran celebrations, the VbE Writing Competition, Meritton Day of Celebration, and Emergency Services Day. These events draw together students, families, and staff, often linking academic learning with values-based activities and cultural knowledge.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The BCIS website does not reference a formal Parent Teacher Association (PTA), specific parent-led groups, or structured parent-teacher events under that title. While the school shares parent‑collaboration events and community activities on its News & Events pages, there is no publicly available information about an officially constituted PTA, its regular meetings, committees, or ongoing parent-driven initiatives.	Parent teacher association There is no official Parent Teacher Association (PTA) mentioned on the school’s website. However, parents are actively included in school life through participation in events such as Open House for Early Years, Meritton Day of Celebration, and various cultural celebrations like Songkran. These events offer opportunities for parent involvement, though they appear to be organised by the school rather than through a formal parent-led group.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual BCIS delivers a rigorous British curriculum. It opened in August 2022 on a purpose-built campus in Chiang Mai and is licensed by the Thai Ministry of Education to teach up to Year 13 (6th Form). The Early Years Foundation Stage guides education from birth to age five; the UK Primary Curriculum covers Key Stages 1 and 2; the British Secondary Curriculum covers Key Stages 3 and 4. IGCSE courses are provided through Pearson Edexcel and Cambridge International GCSEs for Year 10–11, providing a pathway to International A Levels; as part of BCIS Pathways to Success, BTEC qualifications are integrated for senior years.	Academic & intellectual Meritton follows the Cambridge International Curriculum starting from Early Years. The program begins with the UK Early Years Foundation Stage framework and continues through Cambridge Primary (Year 1–6) and Cambridge Lower Secondary (Year 7–9), with Cambridge IGCSE in Year 10. The Pioneer Programme supports students entering the IGCSE curriculum in Years 10–11, and the school will begin offering Cambridge International AS & A Level in 2026.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Facilities include dedicated art and science laboratories and performing arts studios. Campus 1 houses Early Years and Lower Primary; Campus 2 hosts Upper Primary and Lower Secondary; both campuses provide leisure spaces and playgrounds to support arts projects and performances. BCIS offers extensive co-curricular programmes to explore creative pursuits.	Arts & creative Arts and creative activities are part of student life, including events such as Art & Music Afternoon Tea Exhibitions. The school emphasizes creativity through its arts-related programming as part of a well-rounded curriculum.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language BCIS has a multicultural community with students from more than 29 nationalities. The school emphasizes global citizenship and intercultural understanding within its community. Diversity is a core strength, and the school works closely with families as partners in education to support students.	Cultural & language The main language of instruction is English, with Thai taught according to national guidelines and Mandarin taught for older students. The school's language program is designed to support multilingual communication alongside English instruction.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies BCIS offers extensive co-curricular programmes that extend learning beyond the classroom. Campus facilities include leisure spaces and playgrounds to support recreational and social activities. The school fosters a diverse, inclusive community where students can pursue interests alongside academics.	Social & hobbies The Meritton community participates in co-curricular programs such as the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, including Bronze Award practice journeys. These activities foster teamwork, resilience and social engagement as part of student life.
Community & service	Community & service Community is central at BCIS. The school describes its community as a core strength and emphasizes partnership with families in education. It aims to develop students who engage with the world thoughtfully and purposefully. It also seeks to deepen global understanding through experiences that connect school with its host city, Chiang Mai.	Community & service Values-based Education anchors school life, with regular life-skills projects, mindfulness and parent involvement, reinforcing a community-focused ethos. The campus environment supports community contributions through student-led initiatives and school-linked activities.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional BCIS provides leadership programmes and opportunities for entrepreneurship, career development, and professional skills. The school emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and adaptability as part of its learning approach. As a Pearson/Edexcel Approved Centre, BCIS integrates BTEC Tech Awards and BTEC Level 1 & 2 certificates for Year 10–11, expanding practical pathways.	Leadership & professional Leadership development is embedded in the curriculum and activities, including Enquiry-based Learning, life-skills projects, and participation in the International Award programs that emphasize leadership and personal responsibility. The school provides opportunities for students to take on roles in projects and community activities.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Student wellbeing is a central focus of BCIS, with a holistic approach that supports social and emotional development. The school works closely with families to foster a supportive environment for each student. Facilities include leisure spaces and playgrounds that contribute to physical well-being. The community emphasizes global citizenship and well-being as part of daily school life.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Mindfulness and wellbeing are central to the school's approach, with daily mindfulness practices and a formal wellbeing program. The campus design supports well-being with air-purified classrooms, a positive-pressure air system, a swimming pool, and outdoor facilities that promote physical activity and safe, connected learning. Small class sizes also support individualized attention and student-teacher connections.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision English is the main language of instruction. Thai is taught according to national guidelines, and Mandarin is taught for older students.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching The school uses English as the main language of instruction. Thai is taught according to national guidelines, and Mandarin is taught for older students.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards The school does not have publicly available information on their awards,	Awards The school does not have publicly available information on their awards.
Accreditations	Accreditations Member of the Council of International Schools (CIS). Approved Pearson/Edexcel Education Centre for International GCSE and A‑Level examinations. Recognised Cambridge English Examinations Preparation Centre. Member of the International Schools Association of Thailand (ISAT). Accredited by ONESQA – Thailand’s Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment.	Accreditations Values-based Education (VbE) Quality Mark Recognised as the first school in Thailand to receive this mark for implementing values-driven education throughout the school community. Cambridge International Curriculum The school follows the Cambridge International Primary and Lower Secondary Programme, aligning with the standards of Cambridge Assessment International Education.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Complete the online application form via the BCIS website Provide student details (name, birthdate, nationality, previous school history, languages, contact info). Submit the application Once submitted, the admissions team reviews the information and contacts you to arrange a campus tour or discussion. Book a school tour/visit Explore facilities and ask admissions questions in person. Receive feedback and guidance School responds with next steps, assessments, and timelines based on your submitted information.	Admissions 1. School Visit (Optional but recommended) Families are encouraged to visit (virtually or in person) to see the campus and meet the admissions team. 2. Submit Application & Documents Complete the application form and submit copies of the student’s two most recent school reports (if applicable), birth certificate/passport, photo, and vaccination record. 3. Placement Test & Parent Meeting Students take assessments in English and Mathematics. For younger children (Pre-Nursery–Year 1), readiness is assessed socially and emotionally. There’s also a meeting to discuss school values and expectations. A placement test fee of THB 1,000 is payable on the day. 4. Assessment Feedback & Offer Letter The principal reviews results and makes a final decision. Parents receive an Offer of Place within 3 working days via email. 5. Complete Enrollment If accepted, parents submit required documents, sign enrollment forms, and pay the enrolment fee and any deposit. An invoice is issued with due date. 6. Orientation & Start Families receive an orientation pack, supply list, school calendar, and start date details.
Scholarships	Scholarships BCIS does offer an internal scholarship programme for students entering Year 3–9. Categories & Number of Awards: 10 Academic Excellence scholarships 5 Creative & Performing Arts scholarships 5 Sport & Athletics scholarships Eligibility: Applicants entering Years 3 through 9 for the upcoming academic year. Must demonstrate excellence in academic, creative, or sporting areas. Application requirements: Completed application form (personal details, academic history, goals video). Supporting documents (recent transcripts, letters of recommendation). For arts: portfolio or performance recordings. For sports: record of achievements and awards. Selection Process: Review by committee, possible interview shortlist. Awards may cover partial/full tuition, travel, accommodation or enrichment resources.	Scholarships Meritton runs an International School Scholarship Programme, aimed at secondary students (Year 7 and above). Scholarships available include 30% or 50% tuition discounts, with the possibility of a full (100%) scholarship awarded to outstanding candidates. Candidates are invited to take assessments (English, Maths, Science), give a presentation, and attend an interview as part of the selection process.
Waitlist	Waitlist The school does not have a waitlist.	Waitlist The school does not have a waitlist.
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