BSB British International Primary School vs RC International School

	B BSB British International Primary School Bangkok, Thailand	R RC International School Bangkok, Thailand
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year THB 78,795 - 401,370	Fees / year THB 132,000 - 244,650
Age range	Age range 2 - 11 years	Age range 2 - 12 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)	Curriculum British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 180	Pupils 150
Typical class size	Typical class size 8	Typical class size 24
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1992	Opened 1998
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location BSB is located on Sukhumvit Soi 4 in central Bangkok’s Khlong Toei district, just a short walk from Nana BTS Skytrain station. The area combines residential quiet with access to shops, cafes, and essential amenities. Nearby Sukhumvit Road provides direct transport links to other parts of the city.	Location RC International School is situated at 25/3–4 Ruamrudee Soi 1, Ploenchit Road, Bangkok, nestled in a central district near Siam Square and Wireless Road. It’s just a 3-minute walk from Ploenchit BTS station, making it easily reachable by public transit.
Stages	Stages The school serves children aged 2 to 11 and is structured into Early Years (Nursery, Kindergarten, Reception) and Primary (Key Stages 1 and 2, Years 1–6). It follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and the National Curriculum for England.	Stages RCIS accepts children aged 18 months to 13 years, offering structured education across Nursery/Kindergarten, Primary Years, and Early Secondary Years. Although, much information is not known about the secondary years.
School type	School type BSB is a co-educational day school.	School type The school is co-educational and operates as a day school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school provides individual attention through small class sizes and low teacher-to-student ratios. However, no dedicated Special Educational Needs (SEN) or Additional Learning Needs (ALN) department or specialized provision is publicly described on the school’s website.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school is affiliated with the United Kingdom and follows the British education system.	Country affiliation The school is not affiliated with any country.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation BSB has no religious affiliation and operates as a secular institution.	Religious affiliation The school has no religious allegations.
School day structure	School day structure The school day typically runs from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM, with breaks for snacks and lunch. After-school activities and language lessons may continue into the late afternoon. Detailed timings for different year groups are provided upon enrolment.	School day structure For Primary Years, the day begins with assembly at 8:00 am, followed by a mid-morning snack at 9:30 am, lunch at 12:00 pm, and a second snack at 2:20 pm, at which point students go home unless they stay for after-school activities.
Bus service details	Bus service details BSB offers an optional school bus service for families. Buses are air-conditioned and fitted with seatbelts. Options include round-trip and one-way service, and fees vary based on distance. Transport arrangements are managed directly through the school and details are included in the school’s annual fee schedule.	Bus service details Yes, RCIS does offer a van service provided by the school. Fees are calculated based on your child’s distance from school. Each van is supervised by a teacher assistant who stays on board to care for the students.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and Registration Fees * Application Fee: THB 2,000 (non-refundable, payable upon submission of application form) * Registration Fee: THB 65,000 (one-time, non-refundable, payable upon initial enrolment) Tuition Fees (per term) * Nursery (2–3 years) * Half day (8:30am–12:00pm): 5 days – THB 55,000; 4 days – THB 46,500; 3 days – THB 34,700; 2 days – THB 27,000; 1 day – THB 16,000 * Full day (8:30am–2:00pm): 5 days – THB 65,000; 4 days – THB 51,000; 3 days – THB 41,000; 2 days – THB 31,000; 1 day – THB 19,000 * Early Years (3–4 years): THB 69,420 * Reception (4–5 years): THB 87,240 * Year 1 (5–6 years): THB 111,340 * Year 2 (6–7 years): THB 125,550 * Years 3–6 (7–11 years): THB 133,790 Additional Fees * ESL Support: THB 20,000 (Foundation), THB 22,000 (KS1 & KS2) * Development Fund: THB 3,500 per term * Uniform: THB 600 (Foundation), THB 800 (KS1 & KS2) per set * PE Kit: THB 500 per set (KS1 & KS2) Optional Fees * Lunch: THB 4,700 (Nursery), THB 8,500 (Early Years–Y6) * Transport: THB 25,000 round trip, THB 14,000 one way (seatbelts fitted; extra charge for off-route stops) Refund Policy * Tuition Fees: 85% refund before term starts; 50% unused portion within 30 days; no refund after 30 days * Bus Fees: 90% refund before term starts; 50% unused portion within 30 days; no refund after 30 days * Lunch: Fully refunded for unused days * Registration, Development Fund, and After School Activities: Non-refundable Payment Methods * Payment accepted via bank transfer.	Fee details Application Fees No separate application or enrolment fee is listed in the current schedule. Tuition Fees (Annual) * Nursery (3 days, Half Day): THB 132,000 + THB 3,000 general fee per term. * Nursery (3 days, Full Day): THB 147,600 + THB 3,000 general fee per term. * Nursery (5 days, Half Day): THB 163,200 + THB 3,500 general fee per term. * Nursery (5 days, Full Day): THB 203,850 + THB 3,500 general fee per term. * Kindergarten 1 (5 days, Half Day): THB 172,650 + THB 3,500 general fee per term. * Kindergarten 1 (5 days, Full Day): THB 203,850 + THB 3,500 general fee per term. * Kindergarten 2: THB 213,300 per year + THB 4,500 general fee per term. * Year 1: THB 213,300 per year + THB 4,500 general fee per term. * Year 2: THB 219,300 per year + THB 8,000 general fee per term. * Year 3: THB 225,840 per year + THB 8,000 general fee per term. * Year 4: THB 225,840 per year + THB 8,000 general fee per term. * Year 5: THB 235,275 per year + THB 8,500 general fee per term. * Year 6: THB 235,275 per year + THB 8,500 general fee per term. * Year 7: THB 244,650 per year + THB 8,500 general fee per term. Billing & Payment Fees are billed termly. Discounts include 2.5% for paying the full year in advance, and 5% for younger siblings. All fees are subject to change. Other Costs * Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs): THB 400–700 per class (10–14 classes per term). * Uniforms: Prices vary for each item. Payment Options The fee schedule does not specify accepted payment methods; parents should confirm options directly with the school.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniform is compulsory from Early Years; nursery is not compulsory. In Early Years the uniform is red shorts with a white polo shirt, and from Year 1 pupils wear blue BSB uniforms; a PE uniform is blue shorts and a blue t-shirt. Some after-school activities require extra uniforms, which can be purchased through the school office.	Uniform requirement The school uses a uniform. The uniform includes a dress shirt or blouse, pants or a skirt, a bow or neck tie, a PE shirt, and PE shorts.
Food options	Food options Snack is provided as a healthy mid-morning option; junk food is not encouraged. Lunch is a varied nutritious buffet prepared on the premises daily; vegetarian and other special lunches are available on request. Children may bring a packed lunch, and diets can be catered for with identification tags.	Food options The school provides two snacks and a lunch daily. Snack options include milk with sandwiches, cake, or fruit; lunch offers Thai and Western cuisine. Meals accommodate halal, Jain, and vegetarian dietary needs, and the price of meals is included in tuition.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is operated by The British School of Bangkok Ltd.	Governance and ownership The school began in 1998 with the purchase of a small kindergarten called Educare, which became Ruam Rudee Learning Centre under new ownership and later RC International School. It operates under private ownership. RC International School is licensed by the Ministry of Education to operate as an international school, is a member of the International Schools' Association of Thailand (ISAT), and is affiliated with the UK Qualifications and Curriculum Development Authority (QCDAN) and ACER; it is accredited by ONESQA.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details BSB British International Primary School follows the British National Curriculum, including the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for children aged 2 to 5 and the English National Curriculum for Years 1 to 6. In the Early Years and Reception classes, the curriculum emphasizes language, literacy, numeracy, physical development, and personal, social and emotional learning through structured play and guided activities. From Year 1 onwards, students follow Key Stage 1 (Years 1–2) and Key Stage 2 (Years 3–6), covering subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Computing, Art, Music, and Physical Education. Thai language is taught from Early Years upwards, and additional languages such as French, Japanese, Chinese, and Hindi are available through optional after-school programmes. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for transition into UK and international secondary schools.	Curriculum details RC International School follows the British Curriculum, adapted for its international student body. In the Nursery and Kindergarten years, the programme is based on the UK Foundation Stage guidance, covering six key learning areas: Personal, Social and Emotional Development; Communication, Language and Literacy; Mathematical Development; Knowledge and Understanding of the World; Physical Development; and Creative Development. The Primary Years (Years 1–6) follow the National Curriculum of England, with core subjects including English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Arts, Physical Education, and Thai language and culture. A Modern Foreign Language is introduced from Year 4. Students undertake both internal assessments and external standardised tests such as the International Schools’ Assessment (ISA) and UK SATs. In Year 7, the curriculum continues with the British Key Stage 3 framework. Co-curricular activities in arts, music, sports, and academic clubs complement the classroom learning experience.
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 BSB does not publicly disclose specific programmes or staff roles for social‑emotional learning beyond its general mission statements. The school’s mission mentions fostering empathy, resilience, inclusivity, curiosity and compassion, indicating attention to students’ social and emotional development.	Social & emotional learning In the Nursery and Kindergarten years, RC International School’s programme includes Personal, Social and Emotional Development as one of six core learning areas. This focuses on helping children develop confidence, relationships, and independence within a structured environment. In the Primary Years, class teachers incorporate activities and discussions that encourage teamwork, respect, and cooperation as part of daily learning. These elements are embedded within the curriculum rather than offered as a separate SEL programme.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school does not publicly provide detailed information on its provision for students with Special Educational Needs or which specific types of SEN can be supported.	Special educational needs (SEN) RC International School does not publicly disclose information regarding support for Special Educational Needs.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language BSB operates an English Language Centre to support children with limited English experience or reading difficulties. These lessons are delivered by a specialist teacher in individual or small-group sessions using varied contexts like games and songs to build vocabulary and confidence. Entry into the programme is based on language assessment from age 3½ and may include one‑to‑one reading support.	English as an additional language RC International School offers a Saturday English programme designed to help students improve their English skills. The classes are run in small groups, with a maximum teacher–student ratio of 1:10. The programme focuses on developing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing BSB does not publicly describe a specific mental wellbeing programme, team, or counselling services.	Mental wellbeing There is no publicly available information on programmes or staffing dedicated specifically to student mental wellbeing.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school states that safeguarding and child protection are of utmost importance, and it maintains tightly controlled entry/exit procedures, ID badges for adults and visitors, locks on gates, and constant supervision of students. Staff and student safety are reinforced with CCTV coverage and structured security protocols at the entrance and premises.	Safeguarding RC International School does not publicly outline its child protection or safeguarding policies on its website.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy View document	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school is located on Sukhumvit Soi 4 in Bangkok. The campus has a library, a swimming pool, and a playground. The school has a nurse's room and full-time qualified nurses. Security measures include a staffed main entrance, locked gates, visitor sign-in, and surveillance cameras to keep students safe.	Facilities overview RC International School is equipped with modern, state-of-the-art facilities. The newly built six-storey building provides spacious air-conditioned classrooms. It includes a computer laboratory and a science laboratory. A library/resource centre supports independent study and access to learning materials. Other spaces include a cafeteria, a music and art room, a swimming pool, a ballet and gymnastics room, a playground, and a mini gym.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The school has an on-site swimming pool. After-school sports and swimming programs are offered through the activities programme.	Sports facilities The sports facilities include a swimming pool for aquatic activities. A ballet and gymnastics room supports dance and gymnastic activities. A mini gym provides fitness equipment for physical development. A playground supports outdoor play and PE activities. The Sport page emphasizes life skills such as teamwork, responsibility, and leadership developed through sports.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The school teaches a British-based curriculum for children aged 2–11. The class structure includes Foundation Stage (Nursery/Pre-Prep, Early Years, Reception), Key Stage 1 (Year 1–2), and Key Stage 2 (Year 3–6). Class sizes are small: ratios are 1:6 in Nursery, 1:8 in Early Years, 1:9 in Reception, 1:10 in KS1, and 1:12 in KS2. Nursery follows Birth to 5 Matters with four developmental aspects: A Strong Child, A Skillful Communicator, A Competent Learner, and A Healthy Child. The curriculum includes Literacy, Numeracy, Science, Geography, History, and Computing.	Academic facilities The school has spacious air-conditioned classrooms. It includes a computer laboratory. It includes a science laboratory. It includes a library/resource centre.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The school offers an extensive after-school activities program including Ballet, Drama, Football, Science Club, Taekwondo, Swimming, Thai and Chinese Language, Computer, Ball Sports, Climbing, Gym, Modern Dance, and Tennis, with activities grouped by age and ability. Football is offered with football tryouts.	Extra curricular facilities Extra-Curricular Activities accommodate sports, arts, recreational games, and academic activities. RC encourages students to explore talents and develop interests beyond the classroom. The program supports widening horizons and social connections through guided activities. Music, drama, and art classes are offered under ART.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History BSB British International Primary School was founded in March 1992 and operates as a private company, The British School of Bangkok Ltd. Over the years, it has remained a single-campus British primary school catering to children aged 2–11 from multiple nationalities. It maintains its independent ownership, welcoming enrollment from a wide range of cultural backgrounds.	History RC International School began in 1998 with the acquisition of a small kindergarten, Educare, which had around 50 students. The centre was renamed Ruam Rudee Learning Centre, and as enrollment grew, Primary and Secondary Years were added in 2001, forming what became known as RC International School. A new school building and a swimming pool were built in 2004 to support this growth, and the school now serves approximately 150 students. The school’s development reflects both physical expansion and an evolution from early childhood education into a broader international school model.
Community	Community The school community includes families from over 40 nationalities who participate in cultural events such as International Day, Thai festivals like Loy Krathong and Songkran, as well as seasonal celebrations like Halloween and Christmas. These events provide opportunities for children and families to connect through culture and creativity in a collaborative environment.	Community RCIS organizes a variety of cultural events aligned with the school calendar, such as holiday celebrations and performances—they note, for example, a Christmas show marking the end of Term 1. The school also runs a Summer Programme that provides themed, project-based learning experiences for children during the holiday season.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association BSB maintains an active Parent‑Teacher community that engages in events such as the Art Gala, International Day celebrations, World Book Day, and traditional Thai festivals like Loy Krathong and Songkran, often with parental volunteer participation. The PTA coordinates these activities, facilitating involvement across the school year and supporting school‑family communication.	Parent teacher association RC International School’s website does not publicly disclose any information about a Parent-Teacher Association, specific parent groups, or collaborative events involving parents.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual After-school activities include Science Club and Computer, which promote scientific inquiry and digital literacy. These activities supplement the classroom learning by providing practical, hands-on experiences in science and computing. Activities are grouped by age and ability to ensure appropriate challenge; some activities such as climbing may have age restrictions.	Academic & intellectual RC International School follows the British Curriculum modified for international students. In Primary Years, core subjects are English, Mathematics, and Science, with additional subjects including ICT, Physical Education, History, Geography, Design Technology, Art, Music, Citizenship, and Thai Language and Culture; a Modern Foreign Language is introduced in Year 4. The Foundation Stage covers Nursery (ages 1.5 to 3) and Kindergarten 1 and 2 (ages 3 to 5) with six learning areas guiding development. The school day for Primary begins with an 8:00 am assembly, with snacks at 9:30 am, lunch at noon, and a second snack at 2:20 pm, and Years 2–6 undertake NC Tests (SATs) while Years 4–6 participate in the ISA.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The after-school programme includes Ballet, Drama, and Modern Dance. These activities develop artistic skills and provide performance opportunities. The Christmas Show showcases student performances.	Arts & creative Art and Music are part of the core curriculum, and there is a dedicated Music/Art room. RC's facilities include a Music/Art room, a library and resource centre, and spaces to support creative work. Extra-curricular activities include arts as part of the broader programme.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Thai, French, Japanese, Chinese and Hindi language lessons are offered as after-school language classes. The school recognizes the importance of maintaining a child's first language and may offer additional language lessons as after-school activities if there is sufficient demand. International Week highlights the countries in the school community and ends with a day when parents can share information about their own countries.	Cultural & language Thai Language and Culture is part of the curriculum. Mandarin Chinese and Thai Language are offered as foreign languages, with a Modern Foreign Language formally introduced in Year 4. Thai is a requirement of the Thai Ministry of Education and is integrated in the curriculum from Kindergarten 2; Thai can also be studied after hours or on Saturdays. English is a core subject within the Primary Years curriculum.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies After-school activities are grouped by age and ability to support social interaction and collaborative learning. The programme includes a broad range of physical activities and ball sports that foster teamwork and sportsmanship. Language offerings as after-school activities connect students with different cultures and peers.	Social & hobbies RC offers Extra-Curricular Activities across sports, arts, recreational games, and academic activities. English as a Second Language/Foreign Language classes are offered on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. After-school activities include swimming, computer, piano, Thai language, ballet, gymnastics, acoustic guitar, football, and tutoring.
Community & service	Community & service The Christmas Fair is held to raise funds for charity. International Week fosters community engagement by celebrating the school's diverse culture and inviting participation from families.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Student leadership opportunities include Head Students and Global Ambassadors. Student leaders participate in charity drives and other school events.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The after-school programme includes Swimming, Taekwondo, Gym, and various ball sports to promote physical health and wellbeing. Ballet, Drama, and Modern Dance support wellbeing through creative expression. Activities are grouped by age and ability to enable safe, enjoyable participation.	Lifestyle & wellbeing RC is housed in a six-storey building with facilities including spacious air-conditioned classrooms, a computer laboratory, a science laboratory, a library/resource centre, a cafeteria, a Music/Art room, a swimming pool, a ballet and gymnastics room, a playground, and a mini gym. Meals are provided (two snacks and lunch daily; Thai and Western options; dietary accommodations available) and a school van is available under special arrangement. The campus is located at 25/3-4 Ruamrudee Soi 1, Ploenchit Road, Bangkok 10330.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The British School of Bangkok provides a British-based curriculum for children aged between 2 years and 11 years. Thai language and culture are taught to all children from Early Years to Year 6, with Thai language learning and related cultural events (Songkran, Loy Krathong, International Day). An English Language Centre offers English language support for learners with limited English to access the curriculum, with lessons designed by a specialist language teacher; the program includes targeted support and begins with testing from age 3 ½.	Language provision The school follows the British Curriculum modified for international students. Core areas of study are English, Mathematics, and Science; Thai Language and Culture is included, and a Modern Foreign Language is introduced at Year 4. Saturday Class provides English as a Second Language/Foreign Language classes.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs The English Immersion Programme is offered during holidays in October and March–May for students from Thai schools; they attend the same classes and activities as RC International School students and improve their English proficiency.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards No specific awards granted directly to BSB in the past five years are listed on the school’s official website.	Awards No awards are listed on RCIS’s official website for the past five years.
Accreditations	Accreditations * Member of ISAT (International Schools Association of Thailand): ISAT connects international schools in Thailand with the Ministry of Education and the Private Education Commission. * Member of FOBISIA (Federation of British International Schools in Asia): This regional body promotes and supports UK-style schools and organizes academic and sporting events.	Accreditations * Thai Ministry of Education: This authorizes RCIS to operate as an international school in Thailand. * ONESQA (Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment): A national agency responsible for assessing and ensuring the quality of education in Thailand. * Member of the International Schools’ Association of Thailand (ISAT): ISAT serves as a representative body promoting standards and practices across member schools. * UK Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA): Reflects alignment with UK curriculum standards. * Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER): Signals connection to assessment and research practices in Australia.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Attend an open house or school tour if available. On request, families may be able to tour the campus and meet staff. These visits help parents get a feel for the learning environment. 2. Complete the application and submit required documents. The school requires an application form, proof of identity, and possibly academic records. Make sure your child’s age and current grade align with entry criteria based on the cut‑off date of August 31. 3. Assessment and placement. Applicants undergo an age‑appropriate assessment in areas such as English, mathematics, and reasoning. This helps the school place your child in the correct class or year level. 4. Parent and/or student interview. After assessment, there may be a meeting with admissions staff or teachers to discuss your child’s needs and readiness. This step ensures proper placement and mutual understanding. 5. Offer and enrolment. If accepted, the school issues an offer. Parents must pay the registration fee and complete required forms to confirm enrolment. Detailed fee and payment arrangements follow thereafter.	Admissions 1. – Book a campus tour Arrange a visit to tour the school campus. This is an opportunity to view classrooms, facilities, and meet staff. The admissions team can also explain more about the school’s curriculum, activities, and community during this visit. 2. – Fill up the application form Complete the school’s application form, ensuring all sections are filled out accurately. This form collects essential information about the student and the family to begin the enrolment process. 3. – Prepare the required documents Gather all necessary supporting documents such as previous school reports, identification documents, and any other records requested by the school. The admissions team will provide a list of what is required. 4. – Submit and set a date for the placement test Submit your completed application form along with the required documents. You will then schedule a placement test date, which helps the school understand the student’s current academic level. Step 6 – Pay the registration fee Once the placement process is complete, a registration fee is payable to confirm your child’s enrolment place. Step 7 – Final fees and uniform Pay the remaining applicable fees and purchase the school uniform as per the school’s uniform policy. Uniforms can be bought directly from the school.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships The school does not publicly disclose offering scholarships.
Waitlist	Waitlist BSB does not publicly disclose operating a formal waitlist or pool system.	Waitlist The school does not publicly disclose operating a waitlist or pool system.
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