British Concordance International School vs Singapore International School - Chiangmai
British Concordance International School and Singapore International School - Chiangmai are both in Chiang Mai, about 9 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels and EYFS programmes. British Concordance International School also offers British and BTEC Qualification, and Singapore International School - Chiangmai also offers Cambridge International AS Levels and Singapore. Published annual fees are THB 187,000 - 330,000 at British Concordance International School and THB 324,300 - 564,300 at Singapore International School - Chiangmai, which puts Singapore International School - Chiangmai roughly 72% higher. Both take pupils from 2 to 18. Singapore International School - Chiangmai is the larger school, with around 280 pupils to British Concordance International School's 200. Typical class sizes are 22 at British Concordance International School and 20 at Singapore International School - Chiangmai.
British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Curriculum
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Singapore Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
200
Pupils
280
Typical class size
Typical class size
22
Typical class size
20
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2022
Opened
2017
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
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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
The school is located in Si Phum, the historic central district of Chiang Mai, roughly 400 m west of the Chang Phuak city gate, near Wat Lok Molee and Wat Pa Phrao Nai. It lies within walking distance of city-centre amenities and is accessible by local roads from the Old City.
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 2 to 18 years, structured into Nursery–Kindergarten (2 – 6 years), Primary School (6 – 12 years), Secondary School (12 – 16 years), and Sixth Form (16 – 18 years).
School type
School type
The school is co‑educational and does not offer boarding facilities.
School type
SISB Chiang Mai is a 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
Singapore International School Chiangmai offers structured support for students requiring additional help in language acquisition. The school provides Chinese Learning Support (CLS) and two levels of English Learning Support (ELS1 and ELS2). These services are designed to assist students who may need extra guidance to meet the school’s trilingual curriculum expectations in English, Chinese, and Thai.
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 is part of the Singapore International School (SISB) group, following the Singapore and UK curricula, but operates independently in Thailand. There is no formal affiliation with the Singapore government.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
The school does not have a 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
At SISB Chiangmai, the school day runs from 8:00 am, with end times varying by level: 2:30 pm for Nursery to Kindergarten, 3:30 pm for Primary (P1–P6), and 4:00 pm for Secondary and Sixth Form (G7–G12).
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 Chiang Mai campus does not clearly state the availability of a school bus 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
Sibling Discount 5% for the second child 10% for third child onward
Refund Policy A deposit refund requires 1 1-term written notice. Credited within 1 month after departure, subject to clearance of accounts. Tuition & Enrolment Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Payment Methods Cash, Credit Card, Alipay/WeChat, and Bank Transfer.
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
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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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
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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
Singapore International School Chiangmai offers a trilingual curriculum with English as the primary language of instruction, and additional instruction in Chinese and Thai. In Early Years (Nursery to Kindergarten), students follow the UK’s EYFS framework. From Primary School, the Singapore Curriculum is used, emphasising core subjects including English, Mathematics, and Science. In Secondary School, students prepare for the Cambridge IGCSE examinations. In Years 11–12 (Sixth Form), students undertake Cambridge International AS and A Level courses. Across all stages, the curriculum is designed to build bilingual and bicultural competencies alongside academic progression.
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 does not publicly disclose detailed information about Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) on its website. However, it does state that Pastoral Care and Career Guidance is part of the timetable for secondary students, aimed at building life skills and personal growth. Homeroom teachers support this by mentoring students individually.
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)
There is no publicly available information on the SISB Chiangmai site regarding support for Special Educational Needs on their 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
SISB Chiangmai does not mention any dedicated English as an Additional Language (EAL) programming on its official website.
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 does not publicly disclose structured mental wellbeing programmes. It refers to pastoral care provided by homeroom teachers as part of student support in secondary and Sixth Form years.
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 does not publicly disclose safeguarding or child protection policies on its official website.
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 Chiang Mai campus is modern and well equipped with the latest educational resources. It features an eco-friendly campus designed to support personalised learning and progress. The environment supports well-rounded development, experiential learning, and student guidance. It offers activities that extend learning beyond the classroom, including taekwondo and hip-hop dancing. The school provides the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award as part of its programme offerings.
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
The campus is modern and equipped with contemporary resources to support learning across the curriculum. The school delivers the Singapore curriculum with a foundation in English, Chinese, and Thai languages. The Primary programme covers core subjects such as English, Math, Science, and Chinese, with ICT, Drama, Art, Social Studies, and Physical Education. The Secondary programme combines Singapore and Cambridge approaches, preparing students for Cambridge IGCSE in Grades 9–10 and Cambridge International AS and A Levels in the Sixth Form. Pastoral Care and Career Guidance are included as part of student support.
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
Well-rounded development activities include taekwondo and hip-hop dancing, open to learners from international kindergarten. Experiential learning is promoted through local and international trips. Students can participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award as part of the school programmes.
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
SISB Chiangmai opened in 2017 as the first Singapore International School in Northern Thailand and is operated by SISB Public Company Limited, which founded its first campus (Ekkamai, Bangkok) in 2001 and now manages several branches across Thailand. The Chiang Mai campus was purpose‑built and completed in late 2016, with operations beginning the following year as part of SISB’s strategic expansion beyond Bangkok.
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 community participates in events such as International Day, Chinese New Year, Songkran Festival, and Sports Day, which involve students, staff, and families in cultural celebration and school life. Community engagement also spans service-oriented activities like K1 students donating to local charities as part of Global Citizenship learning.
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
While the school describes strong parent‑school partnerships, the structure and specific functioning of a formal Parent Teacher Association (PTA) are not detailed on the site. Parents are actively involved in organizing events such as Sports Day, Christmas festivities, and International Week through volunteer support teams or similar collaborative roles. There is mention of regular parent‑teacher meetings, though formal PTA governance, elected groups, or scheduled activities are not documented publicly.
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 Chiang Mai campus offers Nursery to Sixth Form (2-18 years old).
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
The school provides activities and programmes that include drama and art as part of the curriculum and general development.
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
In Nursery-Kindergarten (2-6 years), English, Chinese, and Thai are developed; Primary (6-12 years) includes English, Chinese, and other subjects; Secondary (12-16 years) and Sixth Form (16-18 years) follow a Singapore-Cambridge curriculum with multilingual aspects.
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
Well-rounded development includes activities such as taekwondo and hip-hop dancing; experiential learning through local and international trips.
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 participates in programmes like the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award.
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
The principal is Daniel Maxwell; the school emphasises personalised guidance and leadership development.
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
The campus is described as eco-friendly with modern facilities designed to support students' growth and well-being.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
Languages taught include English, Chinese, and Thai. In Nursery-Kindergarten, students develop a strong foundation in English, Chinese, and Thai. In Primary, English and Chinese are core subjects within the curriculum.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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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 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
Council of International Schools (CIS) SISB is fully accredited by CIS, validating its global academic standards and quality assurance processes.
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) Accredited by NEASC, a U.S.-based agency that certifies the educational quality of international schools.
Cambridge International School Authorised to offer Cambridge IGCSE, AS, and A Levels.
Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB) SISB is an official iPSLE exam centre authorised by SEAB since 2016.
Hanban (Confucius Institute Headquarters) Recognised as a certified test centre for Mandarin proficiency assessments.
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. Get in Touch Contact the school by phone or submit an online inquiry to discuss your child’s educational needs. You can also book a school tour to visit the campus and speak with the admissions team in person.
2. Submit Application Form Complete the SISB application form and submit all required documents as advised by the Admissions Office. These typically include identification, past school reports, and health records.
3. Take an Assessment After the application is reviewed, SISB will schedule an assessment and an interview for your child. The format may vary depending on the year level, with younger students often assessed through observation.
4. Admission Decision Families will be informed of the admissions outcome by phone or email. If a place is offered, you will receive a formal letter of acceptance.
6. Payment of School Fees Pay the applicable tuition and enrolment fees according to the instructions provided by the Admissions Office.
7. Enrollment Once fees are settled and documents are complete, your child is officially enrolled.
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.
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
SISB does not currently promote any active scholarship programs; however, SISB Chiang Mai has previously conducted secondary scholarship examinations offering up to 100% tuition scholarships for successful applicants in Grades 7–9 (Lower Secondary / IGCSE levels). These scholarship opportunities were campus-specific and not part of a regular annual program. They were typically promoted through open house events or regional education fairs, allowing selected students to receive partial or full tuition waivers based on academic performance and assessment outcomes.
Waitlist
Waitlist
The school does not have a waitlist.
Waitlist
The school does not officially publish a waitlist policy, but admissions are clearly noted to be “subject to availability”, indicating that places may not always be open.
