British Concordance International School vs SBS International School Chiangmai
British Concordance International School and SBS International School Chiangmai are both in Chiang Mai, about 4 km apart. Both schools offer British, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels and EYFS programmes. British Concordance International School also offers BTEC Qualification, and SBS International School Chiangmai also offers Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) and Cambridge International AS Levels. Published annual fees are THB 187,000 - 330,000 at British Concordance International School and THB 217,500 - 362,600 at SBS International School Chiangmai, which puts SBS International School Chiangmai roughly 12% higher. British Concordance International School takes pupils from 2 to 18, and SBS International School Chiangmai from 1 to 18. SBS International School Chiangmai is the larger school, with around 500 pupils to British Concordance International School's 200. Typical class sizes are 22 at British Concordance International School and 25 at SBS International School Chiangmai.
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
500
Typical class size
Typical class size
22
Typical class size
25
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2022
Opened
2014
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
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
SBS International School Chiangmai is located at 225/900 Moo 11, Tambon Banwaen, Amphur Hangdong, Chiang Mai 50230. It is situated in Hang Dong district of Chiang Mai, with road access and regular transport connections to the city centre.
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 children aged 1 to 18, starting from Early Years Foundation Stage (ages 2‑5), proceeding through Cambridge Primary (ages 5‑11), Lower Secondary (ages 11‑14) and Upper Secondary including IGCSE and AS/A‑Levels (ages 14‑18).
School type
School type
The school is co‑educational and does not offer boarding facilities.
School type
SBS is an English‑medium, co‑educational day school.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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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
There is a dedicated Special Educational Needs (SEN) programme offering support for students with mild to moderate ADHD, ASD, dyslexia and similar learning needs. Support is provided via individual or small‑group sessions, guided by Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school does not have any official affiliation to one particular country beyond its British curriculum heritage.
Country affiliation
The school operates independently in Thailand. Although it is part of the Arthit Ourairat Institution, it does not state affiliation with another country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliations.
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 website does not provide explicit daily start and end times or break/lunch details.
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
No information on a school bus service or provider is mentioned on the school website.
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
Admission Interview/Test Fee: THB 3,000 (non-refundable) Admission Fee: THB 80,000 (one-time, non-refundable) Student Deposit: THB 50,000 (refundable with advance withdrawal notice) Security Deposit: THB 5,000 (refundable for material return and final billing)
Annual Tuition Fees Tiger Cubs (1–2 yrs): THB 226,400 Toddler to Reception (2–5 yrs): THB 217,500 Year 1 (5–6 yrs): THB 238,000 Year 2–3: THB 268,900 Year 4: THB 278,900 Year 5–6: THB 304,500 Year 7: THB 314,100 Year 8–9: THB 333,000 Year 10: THB 337,000 Year 11–13: THB 362,600
English Support Fees Primary (Year 1–6): ELS: THB 15,000/term IELS: THB 25,000/term
Secondary (Year 7–13): ELS only: THB 20,000/term
Individual SEN Support 1:1 in-class support: THB 285,000/year
Other Costs Campus Development Fee: THB 10,000/year (non-refundable)
Refund Policy Student deposit is only refundable if the school is notified one term in advance or upon Year 13 graduation, along with an exit interview.
Payment Options Bank Transfer, Credit Card, WeChat/Alipay, and Cash.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
The school has a uniform; a uniform fee of 450 Baht applies to the BCIS Summer Camp.
Uniform requirement
Uniforms are required and must be purchased from the School Shop before the child's first day.
Food options
Food options
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Food options
Lunch and a daily snack are provided as part of tuition.
House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
BCIS is part of the Ambassador Education Group.
Governance and ownership
The school is governed by a Board of Governors. The Chairman is Prof. Emeritus Dr. Pornchai Matangkasombut. The Board includes a Headmaster (Lee Philips) and multiple members, including a Parent Representative (Ms. Jeerawan Nigrotha) and a Teacher Representative (Mr. Francois de Kock), with the Board Secretary (Ms. Kanyanat Pureerod) also serving on the board. The branding indicates an association with Arthit Ourairat Institution.
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
SBS International School Chiangmai follows the English National Curriculum across all levels. In Early Years (ages 1–5), children follow the EYFS framework with a focus on play-based learning and early development. Primary students (Years 1–6) study core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science, alongside Computing, Art, Music, PE, and Thai language and culture. Secondary students (Years 7–9) follow the Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum, and in Years 10–11, they work toward Cambridge IGCSE qualifications. Students in Years 12–13 follow the Cambridge AS and A-Level programme. Thai language instruction is included at all levels, in line with national requirements.
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
The school integrates social and emotional development through its Early Years programme, which emphasizes Personal, Social & Emotional Development as one of seven key learning areas, encouraging children to recognise feelings, respect others, and develop resilience and independence. In Primary and Secondary, pastoral care is described as an “exceptional pastoral care” element of the educational experience, supporting student wellbeing alongside learning and celebrating success. The school also provides a confidential “Worry Box” for students to submit concerns electronically to support staff, with urgent cases referred immediately to the Secondary Principal.
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 Student Support Services include a SEN programme for students with mild to moderate ADD/ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) such as dyslexia. Support is delivered via Individual Education Plans (IEPs) through one‑to‑one, small group or whole‑class settings, led by a multi‑disciplinary team. This is not a specialist SEN institution, but it does offer structured support for these identified needs.
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 school offers an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme to support learners who need additional support in English or Thai (Thai as an Additional Language, TAL). Students are assessed and grouped by skill level, and small‑group support focuses on listening, reading, writing, and speaking to help them integrate into mainstream classes as quickly as possible.
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
Mental wellbeing support is facilitated through the “Worry Box” system, where students may submit concerns confidentially and receive follow‑up support from counsellors or the school leadership, especially in urgent cases referred to the Secondary Principal. Staff including school counsellors, psychologists, and nurses are available to support students who need emotional or psychological assistance, particularly in cases of alleged abuse or neglect.
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
SBS Chiangmai follows Thai Ministry of Education regulations and the Child Protection Act B.E. 2546 (2003), implementing Local Safeguarding Children’s Board (LSCB) procedures. The school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead is Siwalin Tansuwanwong, assisted by deputies in Early Years and Secondary, and a child protection governor oversees compliance. All staff are trained in recognising and reporting abuse or neglect, and there is a formal Abuse and Neglect Policy outlining types of abuse, mandated reporting duties, and support for victims.
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 school has state-of-the-art science laboratories, art studios, and technology integration to support learning across the Cambridge curriculum. It serves students aged 2 to 18 in an English-medium, co-educational environment. The campus is located in Hang Dong, Chiang Mai, Thailand. Facilities support the Early Years Foundation Stage and Cambridge pathway across primary, secondary, and IGCSE programs. The school emphasizes holistic development with a focus on social and emotional growth, as well as academic achievement.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
Both campuses have PE/sports facilities. They also include leisure spaces and playgrounds on each campus.
Sports facilities
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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
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is offered for ages 2 to 5. Cambridge International Curriculum is used for primary and secondary education. IGCSE qualifications are offered for Years 10 and 11. Cambridge AS and A Levels are offered for Years 12 and 13. The medium of instruction is English, with a mix of local and international staff.
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
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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
SBS International School Chiangmai was established in 2014 and is part of the Arthit Ourairat Institution network, founded by Dr. Arthit Ourairat. The school remains privately owned under this institution and maintains that identity in its governance structure. That is the extent of publicly‑available historical detail on its founding and ownership.
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
The school hosts a range of community and cultural events such as the Annual International Potluck, SBS Songkran Festival, Graduation Ceremonies, World Scholars Cup, open days, and interschool art competitions. These events involve students, families, and staff and reflect the school’s multicultural student body.
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
The school website does not mention a formal Parent Teacher Association (PTA) or any specific events, groups, or activities run under that name. If a PTA exists, it is not publicly detailed online.
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
The school offers a Cambridge Pathway from Early Years through Secondary. The Cambridge Examinations offered are IGCSE and AS/A Level. The May–June 2025 Cambridge Examinations results show Chandler, Gemmy, and Agnes achieving high marks. The New Era of Education emphasises future-ready skills.
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
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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
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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 school provides a range of co-curricular activities including sports, the Duke of Edinburgh programme, Model United Nations, internship programmes, and wellness initiatives.
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
The school runs community service programs and volunteering opportunities as part of its co-curricular offerings.
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 and professional development opportunities include the Duke of Edinburgh programme, Model United Nations, and internship programmes.
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
Sports life is active at SBS Chiangmai. Wellness initiatives are part of the program. Duke of Edinburgh and internship programmes support wellbeing and leadership development.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
Thai and Mandarin are taught as First Language options; Mandarin is offered as an Additional Language from Year 1; Thai Language and Culture is provided for all students; Thai as an Additional Language is available for non-native speakers. Language Support Programmes (EAL and TAL) provide additional English and Thai language support with IELS/ELS teachers to help students access the curriculum.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
Thai or Mandarin are offered as First Language classes, with Thai Language and Culture taught to all students and Mandarin as an Additional Language from Year 1. Thai as an Additional Language is available for non-native speakers. Core subjects (including English) follow the Cambridge International Primary framework.
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
The school does not have publicly available information on their awards,
Awards
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Prestigious international youth awards programme promoting personal growth, leadership, and service.
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
ONESQA – Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment (Thailand).
Cambridge Assessment International Education – Accredited as a: Cambridge International School Cambridge Professional Development Centre
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) – UK-based curriculum standards for early childhood 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
Submit required documents For non-Thai students, these typically include: Copy of student’s passport Copy of parent’s passport Grade report (transcripts) Birth certificate Family registration list Parent’s work permit and tax documents
These are required before scheduling further steps.
Admission test and interview Once documents are received, the school arranges:
1. An interview with the Principal (or designated staff).
2. Placement testing or an observation day (often a full morning) assessing academic level and language proficiency.
Placement offer / acceptance If successful, parents receive a formal offer letter and confirmation slip to indicate acceptance.
Official registration Upon acceptance, an information pack is provided to parents, with registration form specifying assigned teacher and student ID, plus orientation and next steps.
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.
