Finnway International School Phuket vs Prasan Gateway International School (PGIS)
Finnway International School Phuket and Prasan Gateway International School (PGIS) are both in Phuket, about 13 km apart. Both schools offer IEYC and IPC programmes. Finnway International School Phuket also offers Bespoke and Thai, and Prasan Gateway International School (PGIS) also offers British and Chinese National. Published annual fees are THB 225,000 - 351,000 at Finnway International School Phuket and THB 238,000 - 394,500 at Prasan Gateway International School (PGIS), which puts Prasan Gateway International School (PGIS) roughly 10% higher. Finnway International School Phuket takes pupils from 2 to 12, and Prasan Gateway International School (PGIS) from 2 to 13. Typical class sizes are 15 at Finnway International School Phuket and 16 at Prasan Gateway International School (PGIS).
IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Bespoke Curriculum, Thai Curriculum
Curriculum
IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum, Chinese National Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
143
Pupils
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Typical class size
Typical class size
15
Typical class size
16
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2018
Opened
2025
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Finnway International School Phuket is located in Koh Kaew, near the Royal Phuket Marina, along Thepkrasattri Road. The area is a central residential hub with access to gated communities, marinas, and key road links. It is roughly 20–30 minutes from major expat areas and Phuket Town. The school’s location makes it accessible for families living across the island.
Location
Prasan Gateway International School is located in Chalong, Phuket, Thailand. The campus is near Robinson's Chalong on Soi Tai-Iad. The address is 45/9 Moo 1 Soi Ta-lad, Chalong, Mueang, Phuket 83130, Thailand.
Stages
Stages
The school accepts students from Pre-Kindergarten (age 2) through Grade 6 (age 12). The structure includes Early Years (Pre-K to K3) and Primary School (Grades 1–6). Secondary education is not currently offered.
Stages
Pre-K to K2, Primary, Secondary
School type
School type
Finnway is a co-educational international day school. It does not offer any form of boarding. The school is open to students of all nationalities and operates independently.
School type
International school
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Finnway provides support for students with mild to moderate learning needs through a designated Learning Support teacher. Assistance may include small-group or one-on-one interventions, particularly in early years and primary.
Additional learning support
English Learning Support and Assessment and Support are provided.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school is not affiliated with any specific country. It implements a curriculum based on the Finnish National Core Curriculum, adapted for international learners.
Country affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliation. It operates as a secular institution and does not include religious instruction in its curriculum.
Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
The school does not publicly provide detailed information about its daily schedule.
School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
Finnway offers an optional school bus service for families who require transportation support. The service is available upon request and subject to availability, with specific routes and arrangements managed through the school office. It is not included in tuition and is billed separately.
* English as an Additional Language (EAL): THB 42,000/year (for students requiring EAL support) * Intensive English Programme (IEP): THB 65,000/year * Uniforms: Not included in tuition; purchased separately * School Bus Service: Optional; charged separately (cost depends on route and availability) * After-school Activities: Optional; fees vary by activity and term
Payment Terms and Methods
* Tuition may be paid annually or by trimester. * A discount of 8% is available for full-year tuition paid in advance. * Sibling Discount: 10% off tuition for the second child; 50% off entrance fee for siblings. * Enrollment is confirmed only once the entrance fee and deposit are paid. * Payment Methods: * Bank transfer (school provides banking details upon invoicing)
Refund Policy
* The refundable deposit is returned at withdrawal, provided one term’s notice is given and no fees are outstanding. * Tuition and entrance fees are non-refundable unless otherwise stated in the school’s withdrawal policy.
Fee details
Application and one‑time fees - Application & Placement Fee: THB 4,500 (one‑time, non‑refundable). - Entrance Fee: THB 50,000 (one‑time, non‑refundable). Payable within two weeks of accepting an offer or immediately for immediate entry. The Entrance Fee is waived for qualifying early enrolments per the school's published offer. - Endowment (deposit) Fee: THB 30,000 (refundable subject to conditions). To be eligible for refund a written notice of withdrawal must be submitted at least 60 days before the intended withdrawal date; refunds are only available after a student has completed a minimum of one full academic year.
Tuition fees by year group (annual and per‑term) Note: Tuition is billed in three termly payments; the per‑term numbers below are calculated by dividing the published annual tuition equally into three term payments, in line with the school's termly billing structure.
- Early Years (Ages 2–5) - Annual tuition: THB 240,000 – THB 260,000 per year. - Per term (three equal termly instalments): THB 80,000 – THB 86,667 per term (annual ÷ 3).
- Primary School (Ages 5–11) - Annual tuition: THB 310,000 – THB 340,000 per year. - Per term (three equal termly instalments): THB 103,333 – THB 113,333 per term (annual ÷ 3).
- Lower Secondary (Years 7–8 / Years 7–9 referenced) - The published tuition page directs families to the current fee table for exact Lower Secondary rates; a specific standard annual range is not listed in the main tuition summary. The school's published promotional (discounted) annual figures for Lower Secondary after a 30% discount are shown as approximately THB 238,000 – THB 252,000; per‑term for those discounted figures is approximately THB 79,333 – THB 84,000 (discounted annual ÷ 3).
Promotions, discounts and sibling reductions - A promotional discount of 30% on tuition has been published as available for qualifying enrolments; discounted annual examples are published for Pre‑K, Primary and Lower Secondary. - Sibling discounts are published; the school notes 10% off tuition for the second child and 15% off for the third child (discounts do not apply in combination with certain promotional offers). - Referral discount: a 5% referral discount for both referrer and referred family has been published (terms apply and does not combine with some other discounts).
Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard billing is termly: tuition is structured into three termly instalments and should be settled one month before the start of each term; mid‑term enrolments must pay immediately. - The Entrance Fee is due within two weeks of accepting an offer or immediately for immediate entry. - Monthly payment plan: families enrolling for a full academic year may elect a monthly payment plan. The monthly plan remains eligible for the 30% promotional discount, but a 10% service charge applies to the discounted tuition when the monthly plan is used. The school's published notes do not specify the number of monthly instalments in the plan; the 10% service charge is explicitly stated.
Boarding - Boarding is not offered or published as part of PGIS programmes; PGIS publications refer to Early Years, Primary and Lower Secondary day programmes and facilities rather than any boarding provision.
Other costs and recurring charges - Learning materials (published guidance): KG THB 3,000 per year; Primary THB 8,000 per year; Secondary THB 15,000 per year. - Insurance: THB 1,800 per year (published as an additional annual cost). - Uniform: THB 500 per set (published guidance; families should budget for multiple sets). - Extracurricular activities, after‑school programmes, field trips and special activities: additional fees may apply; these are charged separately as required. Lunch fees are referenced in promotional waiver terms in certain enrolment offers.
Refunds and cancellation terms - Application & Placement Fee (THB 4,500) is non‑refundable. - Entrance Fee (THB 50,000) is one‑time and non‑refundable (waiver conditions for early enrolment have been published). - Endowment (deposit) THB 30,000 is refundable only after the student completes at least one full academic year and provided a written withdrawal notice at least 60 days before the withdrawal date; published policy requires completion of the minimum period before refund.
Fee payment options and practical notes - The school's public tuition and admissions pages publish billing timetables, the monthly plan and service charges, promotional discounts and the list of fees above, but accepted payment instruments (for example: specific bank transfer instructions, credit/debit card acceptance, online payment gateway names) are not published on the tuition page. Families should use the school's admissions contact channels for the school's current accepted payment methods and bank details.
Example — typical first‑year cost (illustrative using published items) - For a child in Early Years with no discounts, a typical first‑year charge would include: Application Fee THB 4,500 + Entrance Fee THB 50,000 + Endowment THB 30,000 + Annual tuition THB 240,000 = THB 324,500 (this example sums the published items for first‑year enrolment). Published promotional waivers and discounts can change the first‑year total; the Entrance Fee and lunch fees have been shown as waivable under certain early enrolment offers.
Key practical points for parents - Tuition is normally paid in three termly instalments due one month before each term; a monthly plan is offered for full‑year enrolments with a published 10% service charge on discounted tuition. Application and Entrance fees are one‑time charges with stated refund rules; the Endowment deposit is refundable only after the minimum enrolment period and notice requirements are met. Additional annual charges for learning materials, insurance and uniform are published and should be budgeted for alongside tuition.
If you need the school's current fee table for a specific year group or the exact, up‑to‑date list of accepted payment methods and bank details, the admissions office listed on the school's contact page can provide the current official fee table and payment instructions.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
Uniforms are required. Uniforms cost 500 THB per set; uniforms are provided in the Nursery package fee.
Food options
Food options
Lunch and snacks are provided; milk is provided during the afternoon snack; parents are encouraged to pack a healthy snack.
Food options
Daily healthy lunch and snacks included in Nursery tuition.
House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
Finnway International School Phuket is fully registered and licensed by the Thai Ministry of Education as an international school. The Finnish Curriculum is localised for the Phuket community and the school is the first Finnish-inspired school on Phuket.
Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Finnway International School Phuket follows a Finnish-based curriculum adapted for international students from Pre-K to Grade 6.
The Early Years programme (Pre-K to K3) is play-based and theme-led, incorporating elements of the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) with Finnish educational practices.
In Primary School (Grades 1–6), students study English, Mathematics, Environmental Studies, and Social Studies through a thematic approach, supported by the International Primary Curriculum (IPC).
Additional subjects include Thai language and culture, Mandarin Chinese, Art, Music, and Physical Education. Assessment is continuous and based on classroom observation, projects, and feedback. No external exams are used.
Curriculum details
The International Curriculum at PGIS Phuket combines the British National Curriculum framework with the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). IEYC is used in the Early Years, IPC guides the Primary years, and Lower Secondary is offered for Years 7–8. The English National Curriculum is integrated to provide globally recognized standards and strengthen mathematics and literacy. The Chinese Immersion Programme develops Mandarin language skills through 3 hours of after-school sessions and 100 minutes of in-school sessions weekly, covering K–Grade 3 and Grades 4–6, with Youth Chinese Test (YCT) assessments and end-of-year performances. English Language Learning (ELL) support is provided for students from Year 1 to Year 7 to help with English proficiency. The programme emphasises multilingualism, global citizenship, and project-based, inquiry-led learning.
The school does not publicly disclose detailed information regarding its SEL practices.
Social & emotional learning
Student Well-Being is prioritized, with Counseling Services and a pastoral-care mentor program to support students' emotional and social development.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
Finnway supports students with additional learning needs through a designated Learning Support teacher, offering small-group or individualized interventions. It is not a specialist SEN school, but children with mild to moderate learning challenges can receive support on site.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Learning Support includes English Support (ESL), Specialized Support Plans (IEPs), and in-class support to address diverse learning needs.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
Students in Grades 1 to 6 who require EAL receive assistance through both small group sessions and one-on-one support. Additionally, students with limited English proficiency may enter an Intensive English Programme (IEP), with further personalized support.
English as an additional language
ELL (English Language Learning) support is provided by dedicated ELL teachers with collaborative lesson planning with homeroom teachers, using CLIL-derived approaches and targeted language instruction in small groups.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
The school does not publicly disclose detailed information regarding dedicated mental wellbeing programmes.
Mental wellbeing
Student Well-Being includes counseling services and pastoral care to support mental and emotional health.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
The school does not publicly disclose its specific safeguarding or child protection policies.
Safeguarding
The school maintains high standards of child safeguarding, health, safety, and wellbeing.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
Finnway International School Phuket has brand-new, Finnish-inspired facilities designed as meaningful learning spaces for each student level. The campus is located in Boat Lagoon, Phuket, in a secure and tranquil setting. The facilities support outside-classroom learning and holistic development, with spaces designed for Pre-K through Grade 6. The health and safety of students is prioritized with secure access and monitored spaces.
Facilities overview
Spacious, well-equipped classrooms. STEAM and innovation learning spaces. Multilingual library resources. Indoor and outdoor learning areas. Secure, child-friendly campus facilities.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
Finnway uses a Finnish Curriculum localised for Phuket's international community, with English as the primary language of instruction. English is the medium of instruction across Pre-K to G6, and English-language support is available through EAL and an Intensive English Programme (IEP). EAL costs 42,000 Baht per year; IEP costs 65,000 Baht per year for G1–G3 and 70,000 Baht per year for G4–G6. Outside classroom learning is integrated into the academic approach, including frequent off-campus field trips.
Academic facilities
Spacious, well-equipped classrooms support daily learning. STEAM and innovation spaces enable hands-on exploration. Multilingual library resources provide access to language materials. Indoor and outdoor learning areas support a range of pedagogies. Secure, child-friendly campus facilities create a safe environment for learning.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
Extracurricular offerings include the After-School Programme (ASP) and Finnish Discovery Camps. The school emphasises outside-classroom learning with frequent off-campus field trips to museums, zoos, planetariums, Thai cultural centres, and other local destinations.
Extra curricular facilities
The ECA Program offers after-school activities and holiday camps. Activities include Sports & Fitness (soccer and Muay Thai), STEM/robotics, ESL, Performing Arts (drama and K-pop dance), and a Chinese Immersion Program. Winter and Summer Camps run during holidays under IPC and IEYC frameworks. The program is delivered in small groups by experienced international teachers on PGIS's safe, modern campus facilities.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Finnway International School Phuket began in April 2018 under the name Rainbow Trout Creativity, The Harbour School, founded by Thai educators Kanokkarn (Nae) and Pakakrit (Bank) Wasiksiri. It started with six students and focused on Finnish-inspired early years education. By 2019, the school had expanded its Early Years programme through K3 and gradually added Primary grades. On 29 August 2022, it moved to a larger campus and rebranded as Finnway International School Phuket. The school remains owned and operated by the founding Wasiksiri family.
History
Founded in February 2025, Prasan Gateway International School (PGIS) was established in Chalong, Phuket to provide international education for families seeking a nurturing, academically focused, and globally minded learning environment. The founders created the school to meet growing demand for an international school that balances strong academic standards with personalized care and multicultural understanding. They envisioned a place where students from diverse cultural backgrounds learn together, form meaningful connections, and gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world. From its inception, PGIS has focused on building a welcoming community where every child is known, valued, and supported.
Community
Community
Finnway hosts regular community events throughout the year, including Chinese New Year, Songkran water play, and Christmas celebrations. The school shares weekly newsletters with families, providing updates, upcoming events, and photo highlights. Programmes like the annual summer camp also offer students the chance to engage with peers in hands-on and seasonal activities.
Community
PGIS hosts classroom projects, performances, celebrations, and community events as part of its annual calendar. The News & Events content includes posts about a Year of Learning, Growth & Achievement and other activities that involve students, families, and staff. These events complement the IPC-based curriculum and provide opportunities for student engagement beyond daily classroom learning.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
Finnway’s PTA consists of parent volunteers who serve as class representatives from K2 through Grade 6. They support events such as graduation ceremonies, holiday celebrations, and seasonal school activities. PTA members assist during parent-teacher conferences and work with school staff on planning and logistics. Opportunities to join or volunteer are shared through the school’s newsletters. The PTA serves as a liaison between families and staff to strengthen school community involvement.
Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
The school offers Pre-K through Grade 6. The school uses English as the primary language of instruction. Finnish Way combines an academic curriculum of excellence with personalised, hands-on learning and the holistic development of the whole child. The curriculum emphasises project-based and outside-classroom learning and uses Cambridge resources with a comprehensive assessment framework for Grades 1–6.
Academic & intellectual
After-school and holiday programs extend learning beyond the classroom. STEM programs include STEM+Art and robotics classes that spark innovation and problem-solving. ESL builds language confidence in a supportive environment. The Chinese Immersion Program provides two levels of Mandarin from beginner to intermediate, integrating language learning with STEAM projects, storytelling and cultural activities.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Art and Music are part of the Grade 1–6 curriculum. The Finnish Way supports a holistic approach to arts and creativity within Finnway. Finnway offers outside-classroom learning and after-school activities that include arts-related experiences.
Arts & creative
Performing Arts classes foster creativity, confidence and self-expression, including drama, film making and K-pop dance. Students will explore various dance styles and mindfulness integrated into the program with mindful yoga for kids. Chinese Classical Dance classes build flexibility, strength and coordination, with a 10-week course and age-appropriate schedules. Summer and Winter Camps provide theme-based programs that keep children active and engaged during holidays.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
English is the primary language of instruction. An after-school Academic Language Programme offers Chinese, English, Thai, and Russian for kindergarten and primary students. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is available for Grades 1–6, with an Intensive English Programme (IEP) for some students.
Cultural & language
The Chinese Immersion Program provides Mandarin language education from beginner to intermediate levels. The CIP integrates language learning with STEAM projects, storytelling and cultural activities to enhance bilingual development. The CIP is aligned with the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). Tailored beginner and intermediate levels are available for native and non-native speakers.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
After-school activities are diverse and align with students' interests. Frequent off-campus field trips supplement curriculum goals. Outside classroom learning is a core aspect of Finnway's approach.
Social & hobbies
Sports and fitness programs include youth soccer and Muay Thai, promoting teamwork and a healthy lifestyle. The Performing Arts offering includes drama, dance (K-pop) and film making, with mindful yoga for kids supporting balance and well-being. Chinese Classical Dance classes build flexibility, strength and coordination, with a 10-week course and age-based schedules. Summer and Winter Camps provide theme-based activities to keep children active and engaged during holidays.
Community & service
Community & service
Community Service is a formal subject for Grades 1–6. Field trips and activities contribute to social responsibility. The school emphasises well-being and citizenship.
Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
The Finnish Way emphasizes the happy, healthy, and holistic development of the whole child. Growth and well-being are integrated into learning, including cognitive, emotional, and physical development. Learning includes outside-classroom experiences and field trips to support well-being.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Sports and fitness programs build confidence, discipline and a healthy body. Mindful yoga for kids supports mindfulness and well-being. Holiday camps keep children active and engaged, contributing to a balanced lifestyle outside the regular school day.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
The school provides English-medium instruction and teaches a Finnish curriculum localized for Phuket. It is the first Finnish-inspired school in Phuket offering English-medium education and is overseen by Finland Education through Finnish Global Education Solutions.
Language provision
Languages taught include English and Chinese. English is the language of instruction, with English Learning Support available. The Chinese Immersion Program provides bilingual development for native and non-native speakers. The CIP aligns with the International Primary Curriculum (IPC).
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
The school teaches English and Chinese. The Chinese Immersion Program (CIP) is part of the curriculum and is designed for native and non-native speakers. CIP integrates language learning with STEAM projects, storytelling, and cultural activities to enhance bilingual development. CIP is aligned with the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and offers beginner and intermediate levels.
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
PGIS offers a Unique Chinese Immersion Program for Global Learners. The CIP integrates language learning with STEAM projects, storytelling, and cultural activities. Beginner and intermediate levels are available for native and non-native speakers. The CIP is aligned with the International Primary Curriculum (IPC).
Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
Licensed by Thailand’s Ministry of Education: This ensures the school meets all legal requirements for international schools operating in Thailand, including curriculum, staffing, and facilities standards.
Partner of Finnish Global Education Solutions (FGES): This partnership provides academic guidance and curriculum implementation support, ensuring the school follows the Finnish National Core Curriculum in an international context.
Education Finland Member School: Recognized as part of Finland’s national education export programme, confirming that the school aligns with Finnish education quality standards abroad.
Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Submit the official application form and pay the non-refundable application fee of THB 2,000. You must also provide the child's and parents’ passports and visa copies, birth certificate, two passport-sized photos, past school reports or transcripts (in English), and any relevant educational assessments or specialist reports.
2. The school reviews applications in the order they are received. If appropriate, they will schedule an assessment: Early Years applicants may be observed during play, while Primary applicants complete a short placement assessment with the Head of Primary. A parent interview with the Principal is also part of the process.
3. If a place is offered, the family must confirm enrollment within seven days by paying the entrance fee (THB 50,000) and refundable deposit (THB 40,000). The place is not guaranteed unless these payments are made.
4. The first tuition installment is due by 1 June for students starting in August, or prior to the student’s first day if joining mid-year. Once enrollment is confirmed, the school will arrange orientation, class placement, uniform purchases, and transport registration if applicable.
Admissions
1. Eligibility: The school accepts applications from students aged 2 to 12 for Early Years and Primary programs. It is open to both local and international students, offering a globally recognized curriculum designed to meet learners at every stage. This ensures a flexible pathway for diverse families. 2. Rolling Admissions: Applications are accepted year-round for ages 2–12, with a flexible approach that can accommodate different start dates. New students may join as space permits, and, if necessary, placement assessments may be required to determine the appropriate class placement. 3. Placement assessments: If required, placement assessments may be needed as part of the admissions process. These assessments help determine the best-fit class level and ensure an appropriate start for the student. The admissions team is available to answer questions and guide families through the process. 4. Partnership with Families: Education is a partnership between the school and families. From the moment of application, the admissions team works closely with families to understand the child's needs and aspirations. 5. Next steps: For more information or to schedule a campus visit, contact the admissions office (fastest response via WhatsApp or email admissions@pgisphuket.com).
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
Merit Scholarships: Eligibility criteria include fluent English, demonstrated financial need, excellence in sports, music, arts, or leadership, and strong academic performance and character. Merit Scholarships can cover partial or full tuition depending on achievements. For new students, Merit Scholarships are awarded based on the entrance assessment, application materials, and prior achievements; for current students, they are awarded at the end of each academic year based on performance and achievements.
Waitlist
Waitlist
Finnway uses a waitlist system when classes are full. Applications are processed in the order received, and places are offered as space becomes available. If the family does not confirm within the specified timeframe, the offer may be extended to the next applicant.
