Glenalmond Phuket International School vs Headstart International School Chaofah City Campus

	G Glenalmond Phuket International School Phuket, Thailand	H Headstart International School Chaofah City Campus Phuket, Thailand
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year THB 270,000 - 950,000	Fees / year THB 347,000 - 491,000
Age range	Age range 1½ - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum BTEC Qualification, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Pearson Edexcel IGCSE	Curriculum British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 1,500
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 22
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2026	Opened 2005
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Glenalmond Phuket International School is located in the Thalang district of Phuket, specifically within the Thanyapura Sports & Health Resort on Thepkasattri Road. This northern location provides a setting away from the heavily populated southern tourist areas. Being situated directly inside the resort grants students immediate access to the site's sports and wellness facilities.	Location HeadStart’s Chaofah City Campus is located in Mueang Phuket District, on the island of Phuket, Thailand, at 39/99 Moo 4, Vichitsongkram Road. It sits between Phuket Town and Patong, offering convenient access from major residential areas. The campus is within reach of main transport routes, including Chaofa West Road, and has on-site parking. The surrounding area includes schools, medical centres, and housing developments.
Stages	Stages The school accepts students from 1.5 to 18 years of age. The initial opening phase focuses on Early Years (EYFS) and Primary school students. Provisions are in place to expand into Key Stage 3 and the full Secondary and Sixth Form levels sequentially.	Stages * Foundation (Ages 2–5) Includes Preschool, Early Years 1, and Early Years 2. Follows the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework with a focus on learning through play and early development. * Primary School (Ages 5–11) Covers Year 1 to Year 6, following the British National Curriculum. * Secondary School (Ages 11–16) Encompasses Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9) and Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11). Students work toward Cambridge IGCSE qualifications. * Sixth Form (Ages 16–18) Offers two pathways: Cambridge A Levels (academic) or BTEC qualifications, preparing students for university or career paths.
School type	School type The institution is a co-educational, mainstream independent school.	School type HeadStart is a co-educational day school, it does not offer boarding services.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support HeadStart International School’s Student Support Team offers a broad range of academic, emotional, and social assistance to ensure each student has the guidance they need. Support is provided through: * Learning Support for students with Additional Educational Needs (AEN): includes assessment, Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), in-class accommodations, small groups or one-on-one instruction, and collaboration with external agencies when necessary * Specialist Support: access to services such as clinical psychologists and referrals to speech and language therapists as needed * Counselling Services: available to all students for educational, vocational, personal, social, and mental health guidance, with support provided in coordination with key school staff and safeguarding teams.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school has a direct affiliation with the United Kingdom. It delivers the National Curriculum for England and operates in formal partnership with Glenalmond College and Craigclowan School & Nursery, both located in Scotland.	Country affiliation While the curriculum is based on the British system, HSIS is not officially affiliated with the United Kingdom or any other nation.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school does not indicate a specific religious affiliation.	Religious affiliation The school has no religious affiliations.
School day structure	School day structure Specific details regarding the school day structure, including exact start and end times or specific lunch break periods, are not currently published.	School day structure The school day begins at 8:00 AM, followed by six academic lessons. Lessons are structured in 55-minute blocks, with scheduled breaks. Regular classes finish at 3:20 PM. After that, students may join Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs) from 3:30–4:20 PM, and specialised Academy programmes from 4:30–6:00 PM, depending on enrolment and age group.
Bus service details	Bus service details The school does not currently publish information regarding the provision of a school bus or coach service.	Bus service details Yes, the school offers a bus and van service across key residential zones in Phuket. Buses are seatbelt-equipped, and staffed by trained drivers and ride monitors. Families can gather more information and register for service through the school office.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and Compulsory Fees Application Fee: THB 5,000. Placement Fee: THB 200,000. For second and subsequent children, this fee is reduced to THB 100,000. Refundable Deposit: THB 150,000. Annual Tuition Fees Wee Bairns (up to 5 mornings only): THB 270,000. Wee Bairns (up to 5 full days): THB 390,000. Kindergarten 1 to 3: THB 490,000. Year 1 to 6: THB 750,000. Year 7 to 9: THB 950,000. Discounts and Payment Terms A 5% discount is provided for the payment of a full year in advance. Sibling discounts include 5% for a second child and 15% for a third and any subsequent children. The school's Admissions Policy governs all procedures regarding invoicing, payment methods, and refunds. Other Costs and Information A free uniform pack is provided for all enrolments. Additional uniform items can be purchased from the School Shop. Additional fees are charged for transport, English Language Support (ELS), Special Educational Needs (SEN), external examinations, and specific external After School Activities. Students in Year 3 and 4 are expected to bring their own tablet, while students in Year 5 and above must bring their own laptop. Boarding fees and specific term-by-term fee breakdowns are not outlined in the current schedule.	Fee details * Application Fee: THB 5,000 per child (non-refundable; applies to all applicants, Years 3–13 require an entrance test) * Entrance Fee: THB 100,000 per child (one-time, non-refundable) * Endowment Fee: THB 75,000 per child (refundable upon permanent withdrawal, subject to conditions) Tuition Fees by Year Group (2025–2026) Preschool & Early Years–Reception (EY-REC) * Term 1: THB 139,000 * Term 2: THB 104,000 * Term 3: THB 104,000 * Annual Total: THB 347,000 Years 1–6 * Term 1: THB 174,000 * Term 2: THB 130,000 * Term 3: THB 130,000 * Annual Total: THB 434,000 Years 7–9 * Term 1: THB 197,000 * Term 2: THB 147,000 * Term 3: THB 147,000 * Annual Total: THB 491,000 Years 10–13 * Term 1: THB 245,500 * Term 2: THB 245,500 * Annual Total: THB 491,000 Billing Schedule * Fees are billed termly, with Years 10–13 billed twice per year * Invoices are emailed before each payment period Additional Costs * EAL or AEN Support: THB 50,000/year (if applicable) * Uniforms: Purchased separately at school reception * School Bus: Charged additionally based on service * Book Fees, Music Lessons, Trips, Competitions: Variable depending on enrolment * Exam Fees: Billed separately for IGCSEs, AS/A Levels, and BTECs Refund Policy * Endowment Fee is refundable if: * The student completes the academic year * 30-day written notice before the last day of Term 3 * All outstanding fees are cleared Payment Options * Cash * Bank transfer (proof required) * Thai and foreign credit/debit cards * In-person at school or online
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement Uniforms are required and sold at the school shop during school hours; there is a no-exchange policy after purchase and new uniforms should be bought as children grow. Foundation wear a white blouse with a dark blue pinafore or blue shirt with dark blue shorts; Primary and Secondary wear a blue shirt with beige skirts or beige shorts; Sixth Form wears a grey shirt with grey trousers or a grey skirt; a HeadStart jacket is optional and House shirts are worn on Fridays.
Food options	Food options —	Food options Lunch is provided for all pupils unless there are special dietary requirements; specific dietary requirements must be specified at enrollment. Foundation and Key Stage 1 receive snacks, and a coffee shop operated by an external operator is available. The Food Service Committee represents pupils, teachers, parents and professionals and can be contacted for menu input. Weekly menus are published for Foundation & Key Stage 1 and for Primary & Secondary, and there is an allergy notice regarding potential allergens.
House system	House system —	House system Every student and staff member is allocated to a House. There are four Houses: Red Phoenixes, Yellow Cheetahs, Green Dragons, Blue Tigers. Friday is House shirt day; competitions include House Quiz, sports fixtures, and other activities, with House merits and yearly prizes based on points.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership The school is licensed by the Thai Ministry of Education to provide programmes from preschool to secondary and operates across two campuses (Chaofah City Campus and Cherngtalay Campus). It is a member of the Cambridge International School Network and holds Accreditation by Education Development Trust (ISQM Silver) and other standards; FOBISIA membership was established in 2025. The governance framework includes a school board.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Glenalmond Phuket International School follows the National Curriculum for England across its different school stages. In the Early Years, students are taught according to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. For Primary and lower secondary levels (Years 1 to 9), the school integrates the core British curriculum with the Singapore Mathematics program. As students progress to Key Stage 4, they study towards Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel IGCSE qualifications. In the Sixth Form, the school offers specialized pathways for students to complete either A Level or Pearson BTEC qualifications. Furthermore, Mandarin Chinese is incorporated as a compulsory language subject throughout the curriculum.	Curriculum details Head Start International School Chaofah City Campus follows the British National Curriculum across all school stages. In Foundation, students learn through the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), focusing on early literacy, numeracy, and social development. Primary School (Years 1–6) covers English, Maths, Science, Humanities, Computing, Languages, PE, Art, and Music. In Secondary (Years 7–9), students follow Key Stage 3 before progressing to IGCSEs in Years 10–11 through Cambridge and Pearson exam boards. In Sixth Form (Years 12–13), students can pursue AS and A Levels or opt for the vocational BTEC pathway. Thai Language and Culture is taught in accordance with national requirements, with multiple language options available for non-Thai students.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar View document
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Social and emotional learning (SEL).	Social & emotional learning Social and emotional learning is supported through the work of the Student Support Team, which includes counsellors and pastoral staff. The school provides classroom-based Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE). Homeroom teachers and pastoral coordinators monitor students' wellbeing and support character development through learner attributes such as resilience, respect, and collaboration. Peer mentoring and house activities also help to build emotional and social skills.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school offers Special Educational Needs (SEN) support for its students. Detailed provisions for this support are outlined in the Special Educational Needs Provision document, which is available in the school's Admissions Guidebook. The institution operates as a mainstream school rather than a dedicated specialist SEN facility. Beyond this, the school does not publicly disclose information regarding the specific types of SEN supported, staff members, or further specialized initiatives.	Special educational needs (SEN) HeadStart defines students with Additional Educational Needs (AEN) as those experiencing significantly greater learning difficulties than peers. These may include difficulties in academic attainment, communication, emotional intelligence, or physical impairments. The Learning Support Coordinator leads identification, assessment, and intervention following UK Code of Practice procedures. Support includes Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) developed with families and teachers, and regular reviews. The school provides support for mild to moderate needs and may guide families to alternative provisions if a student's needs exceed in-school resources. AEN services incur additional fees.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school provides English Language Support (ELS) for students requiring assistance with English. These specific arrangements are governed by the English Language Support Provision document, which can be found in the Admissions Guidebook.	English as an additional language HeadStart International School Chaofah City Campus offers support for students who require English as an Additional Language (EAL). Students in Years 1 to 11 who are identified as needing additional English support must attend extra classes until they meet the school’s English assessment standards. This support is provided through a combination of small-group instruction during and after school hours, as well as in-class individual support. Further details about the curriculum or staffing of the EAL programme are not publicly disclosed.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The school supports the mental wellbeing of its students by incorporating mindfulness into its wider curriculum. The campus features dedicated specialist rooms specifically designed for mindfulness practices. Aside from these physical provisions and curriculum integration, the school does not publicly disclose information regarding further mental wellbeing programmes, staff, or initiatives.	Mental wellbeing HeadStart offers a counselling service led by qualified school counsellors based in the Student Support Office. Support is available for issues such as stress, low mood, anxiety, relationships, grief, and school-related concerns. Counselling is open to all students, with particular focus on at-risk students and those with additional needs. Counsellors also work on resilience-building through mindfulness, coaching, and growth mindset strategies. The counselling team collaborates with homeroom teachers, academic leaders, and safeguarding staff to ensure student wellbeing is prioritised.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Safeguarding.	Safeguarding Safeguarding at HeadStart is the responsibility of all staff, volunteers, and community members. The school maintains systems such as a Designated Safeguarding Person, a Student Concern Committee, a Staff Code of Conduct, and other supporting policies. All staff undergo induction and training on safeguarding expectations. The school follows Safer Recruitment practices, including background checks for employees, and has procedures for managing allegations of abuse. Safeguarding policies align with UK and Thai legislation and the standards of accrediting bodies. Systems are also in place for students to raise concerns, with staff acting in the best interests of the child at all times.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy View document
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview Chaofah City Campus is centrally located on 15 Rai (24,000 sqm) of Kathu landscape. It is a purpose-built campus with modern facilities. It supports an academic, artistic, and physical education experience for students aged 2 to 18. The facilities are designed to enable learning across Foundation, Primary and Secondary education. The campus includes a large library, drama and performance spaces, a dining hall, and on-site dining facilities.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities The school provides two floodlit, all-weather football pitches and a 200m running track, plus a 100m sprint track. There is a 25m swimming pool and a covered children's pool. Outdoor tennis courts are available, and a multipurpose sports hall supports basketball, volleyball, badminton and gymnastics. Locker rooms and showers, a fully fitted fitness gym, and a multi-purpose fitness studio support physical education.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities The school has 62 modern and fully equipped classrooms, including 4 science labs (Chemistry, Physics, Biology) and a dedicated Sixth Form lab. There is a Year 12/13 study room and lounge. There are 14 dedicated language classrooms, 3 large Art Studios, and 3 Music classrooms with three additional practice rooms. There are 4 large ICT suites (3 in Secondary and 1 in Primary) plus 2 additional ICT suites to support the EAL programme. A Design and Technology suite includes laser cutters, 3D printers and extensive resistant materials equipment. The Primary Campus includes a dedicated Primary Playground.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities The campus includes a large, well stocked library. It provides dance and drama facilities including a dedicated Drama Studio and three additional hall venues. There are three Learning Support and counselling rooms. A 500-seat auditorium supports assemblies and performances, and a 300-seat dining hall serves meals. A School Café and shop are available on-site.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Glenalmond Phuket International School is a newly established educational institution set to open in August 2026. The school was founded in formal partnership with the Glenalmond Group in the United Kingdom. Its foundational structure includes close ties with Glenalmond College, an independent Scottish boarding school with over 175 years of history, as well as Craigclowan School & Nursery. The school was established to provide the English National Curriculum in Thailand, initially opening with Early Years and Primary stages before planned expansions into secondary education.	History HeadStart’s Chaofah City Campus opened in 2005 focused on delivering the British National Curriculum to its international student body. The campus started modestly and has grown to enroll over 1,000 students from more than 50 nationalities, reinforcing its role as a key provider of international education in Phuket. Over time, the school has expanded both its facilities and staff, building on its founding mission to offer quality education in an international environment.
Community	Community As the school is currently in its pre-opening phase, it is actively recruiting staff and enrolling founding families to build its initial student and parent body. Because the campus is located directly within the Thanyapura Sports & Health Resort, the school community is closely integrated with the surrounding sports and wellness environment.	Community The school runs a full calendar of cultural and community events, such as beach clean-ups for Eco Week, international celebrations, and graduation ceremonies at both Foundation and Year 13 levels. It also hosts specialized parent panel discussions—for example, Russian-speaking and Mandarin-speaking community forums—to support cultural connections among families. In addition, transition meetings like the Year 6-to-7 parent session and orientation days help strengthen the sense of belonging for both students and parents
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Because the institution is in its pre-opening phase, the school does not publicly disclose information regarding an active Parent Teacher Association (PTA) or specific PTA events, groups, and activities at this time.	Parent teacher association At HeadStart Chaofah City Campus, the Parent Committee plays a central role in school life, with involvement explicitly reflected in the school’s mission and values. The committee includes representatives from the Foundation, Primary, and Secondary sections and aims to reflect the national and linguistic diversity of the school community. Members meet at least three times per academic year, typically after each term’s mid-term break, to collaborate with the School Management Team on a variety of topics. The committee advises on parental views regarding policies such as bullying, safety, homework, and behaviour. It also contributes to organising welcome events, guest speaker sessions, fundraisers, and extracurricular support activities. The Parent Committee is not a platform for personal complaints, which are addressed through the school’s formal Complaints Procedure. Communication between the school and the committee is primarily via email.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual The school offers the English National Curriculum for students aged 2 to 18. The school was founded in 2005. The school has more than 1,000 students representing over 50 nationalities. The school provides a quality teaching and learning environment delivered by professional educators, supporting engaging learning programmes and strong academic results.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision English is the language of instruction under the English National Curriculum. French is taught by a French teacher. Mandarin Language Day is planned for Term 2 2026.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards Education Development Trust: International School Quality Mark (ISQM) Silver (2022, also awarded in 2017)
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations * Cambridge International School: Licensed to deliver Cambridge International Examinations including IGCSE, AS, and A Levels, recognised globally by universities and employers. * BTEC Approved Centre (Pearson): Offers vocational qualifications in the Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) framework for Sixth Form students. * Education Development Trust (EDT): Accredited with the International School Quality Mark (ISQM). Evaluated on 8 quality standards, consistently rated as "good with outstanding features". * International Schools Quality Mark (ISQM) – Silver Accreditation: Recognised for meeting high international standards in educational practice and school improvement. * International School Association of Thailand (ISAT): Member of ISAT, a professional association supporting international schools in Thailand. * The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award: Authorised provider of this personal development programme for young people. * Ministry of Education (Thailand): Licensed by the Thai Ministry of Education to operate Preschool through Secondary education programmes. * Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment (ONESQA): Compliant with national Thai quality assurance and evaluation standards. * Office of the Private Education Commission (Thailand): Recognised as an approved private educational institution. * Ministry of Social Development and Human Security: Affiliated under government guidelines supporting social responsibility and safeguarding.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Initial Enquiry & School Tour: To begin the process, prospective families can speak directly with a member of the Admissions Team to ask questions and receive guidance on the available entry pathways. During this initial stage, parents are also encouraged to book an official school tour. This allows families to view the campus and familiarize themselves with the daily environment at the school. 2. Application Submission: Families must then complete the official application form, which can be acquired directly at the school's reception desk or accessed online. Parents are required to submit this completed form alongside the Admissions Checklist and all required supporting documents. These application materials can be handed in either physically in person or sent digitally via email. 3. Interview & Assessment: Parents will attend an interview with the Admissions Team alongside either the Head of Primary and Early Years or the Head of School. Students applying for Year 1 and above must complete diagnostic assessments in both English and Mathematics. Additionally, non-native English speakers will take an English assessment to check for English Language Support (ELS) requirements, and Special Educational Needs (SEN) evaluations may be conducted if applicable to ensure appropriate provisions are in place. 4. Offer & Confirmation: If a place is offered, the school will send an official email to confirm the student's enrolment. This confirmation email will contain a signed copy of the Confirmation of Admission and the Agreement of Enrolment Form. Parents will also find specific details in this communication regarding the student's official start date and the direct contact information for their designated Homeroom Teacher.	Admissions 1. Book a campus tour or open day visit. Parents are encouraged to visit the school to gain insight into the learning environment, facilities, and curriculum. Tours are arranged by appointment and may include meetings with school leaders or admissions staff. 2. Fill out the Application Form. A parent or carer completes the school’s application form, which is available online. This form collects essential details about the student, academic history, and any additional needs. 3. Entrance Examination (Years 3–13). Students applying for Years 3 to 13 must sit an entrance exam to assess academic suitability. A non-refundable fee of 3,000 THB applies for each student being assessed. 4. Interview with Head of Primary or Secondary. Following the exam, the student and family attend an interview with the relevant Head of School. This helps determine readiness, support needs, and student-school fit. 5. Complete the Home and School Partnership Agreement. If a place is offered, parents/guardians sign a formal agreement confirming their understanding of the school’s expectations, values, and policies (e.g. code of conduct, dress code). 6. Submit Required Documents. The registrar will request key documentation, including ID, school reports, health records, and any relevant learning support assessments. 7. Receive Invoice and Pay Fees. The accounting department issues an invoice by email. Once fees are paid, the student’s enrolment is confirmed.
Scholarships	Scholarships The school does not publicly disclose information regarding the offering of scholarships.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist The school does not publicly disclose information regarding a waitlist or pool system.	Waitlist There is no information available about the waitlist process on the school's website.
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