Glenalmond Phuket International School vs Kajonkiet International School Phuket
Glenalmond Phuket International School and Kajonkiet International School Phuket are both in Phuket, about 16 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels and EYFS programmes. Glenalmond Phuket International School also offers BTEC Qualification and Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, and Kajonkiet International School Phuket also offers British, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) and Cambridge IGCSE. Published annual fees are THB 270,000 - 950,000 at Glenalmond Phuket International School and THB 275,000 - 440,000 at Kajonkiet International School Phuket, which puts Glenalmond Phuket International School roughly 71% higher. Glenalmond Phuket International School takes pupils from 1.5 to 18, and Kajonkiet International School Phuket from 2 to 18.
BTEC Qualification, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Curriculum
British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils
Pupils
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Pupils
700
Typical class size
Typical class size
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Typical class size
20
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2026
Opened
2011
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
Kajonkiet International School Phuket is located in the Kathu area of central Phuket, Thailand. The school is nestled in a quiet, green valley about 15 minutes from Phuket Town and 30–40 minutes from most residential beach areas. It is accessible via local roads, with school transport routes covering key areas across the island. The location offers a balance between rural surroundings and proximity to urban amenities.
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
Kajonkiet International School Phuket is structured into four main sections:
* Early Years: Pre-Nursery, Nursery, and Reception (ages 2–5)
* Primary School: Years 1–6 (ages 5–11)
Secondary School: Years 7–11 (ages 11–16), leading to IGCSE examinations
Sixth Form: Years 12–13 (ages 16–18), preparing students for AS and A Level qualifications
School type
School type
The institution is a co-educational, mainstream independent school.
School type
KIS is a co-educational day school. It does not offer any boarding facilities, and all students attend on a day-only basis.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
—
Pupil nationality mix
—
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
The school supports students with mild to moderate Additional Learning Support Needs through its Learning Support department. Provision includes in-class support, small group interventions, and individualised learning plans, tailored by a team working in close collaboration with teachers and families.
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
Kajonkiet International School Phuket follows a British curriculum but does not have formal affiliation with the UK government or a specific country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school does not indicate a specific religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliation.
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
School hours typically run from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with exact timings depending on the age group. Breaks and lunch are scheduled within the day, and older students may have supervised study or extra-curricular sessions extending into the afternoon.
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
KIS offers a school transport service for students across Phuket. The service includes both one-way and round-trip options, with additional charges for routes beyond standard coverage zones. The bus schedule is managed by the school’s transport coordinator, and after-school buses are available for students involved in extra-curricular activities. Fees and route information are provided during the admissions process.
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 and Admission Fees
* Application & Placement Fee: THB 2,000 (non-refundable) * Entrance Fee: THB 60,000 (one-time, non-refundable) * Endowment Fee: THB 50,000 (refundable upon permanent withdrawal, with one-month written notice)
Tuition Fees (Annual / Per Term)
* Pre-Nursery (Half Day): THB 193,000 annually (Terms: 65,000 / 64,000 / 64,000) * Pre-Nursery / Nursery / Reception (Full Day): THB 275,000 (Terms: 93,000 / 91,000 / 91,000) * Year 1 / Year 2: THB 330,000 (Terms: 112,000 / 109,000 / 109,000) * Year 3 / Year 4: THB 340,000 (Terms: 116,000 / 112,000 / 112,000) * Year 5 / Year 6: THB 352,000 (Terms: 120,000 / 116,000 / 116,000) * Year 7 / Year 8 / Year 9: THB 391,000 (Terms: 133,000 / 129,000 / 129,000) * Year 10 / Year 11: THB 411,000 (Terms: 139,000 / 136,000 / 136,000) * Year 12 / Year 13: THB 440,000 (Terms: 150,000 / 145,000 / 145,000)
A 15% tuition discount applies to the second child enrolled.
Additional Fees
* EAL (English as an Additional Language): * Reception–Year 4: THB 44,000 annually * Year 5–6: THB 55,000 * Year 7–13: THB 59,000 (Paid in termly installments; applies to students needing intensive English support)
* Transport: * One-way: THB 33,000 annually (or THB 13,000 / 10,000 / 10,000 per term) * Roundtrip: THB 66,000 annually (or THB 26,000 / 20,000 / 20,000 per term) * A 20% surcharge applies to long-distance zones (e.g., Cherngtalay, Surin, Kamala, Rawai)
* Examination Fees (Years 11–13): Charged separately based on IGCSE and A-Level entries (invoiced in Term 2)
* Residential Trips: * Year 5–6: THB 5,000–9,500 * Year 7–10: THB 10,000–20,000
* Meals: Compulsory and includes snacks and lunch (cost included in tuition) * Other Costs: May include extra/co-curricular trips, after-school supervision, late fees, and educational supplies * Insurance: Accident insurance (up to THB 20,000 per incident) is provided at no cost
Billing Schedule and Payments
* Invoices Issued: * Term 1: 5 June 2025 * Term 2: 16 October 2025 * Term 3: 19 February 2026
* Due Dates: * Term 1: 15 July 2025 * Term 2: 5 December 2025 * Term 3: 20 March 2026
Late fees apply if payments are delayed, and student records may be withheld until balances are cleared.
Payment Methods
* Online via School Sync platform (QR code) * Credit card (2.7%–3.5% fee applies) * Bank transfer * Bank draft or crossed cheque payable to “Kajonkiet International School Phuket”
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
The school is a co-educational day school for children aged 2 to 18.
Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
—
Uniform requirement
—
Food options
Food options
—
Food options
—
House system
House system
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House system
—
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
The school is governed by a Board of Directors who report annually to the school community. The Board includes the President of the Kajonkiet School Group.
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
Kajonkiet International School Phuket (KIS) follows the British Curriculum from Early Years through Sixth Form. In Early Years and Primary (Pre-Nursery to Year 6), students follow the EYFS framework and National Curriculum for England, with an emphasis on literacy, numeracy, and topic-based learning. In Lower Secondary (Years 7–9), students study a broad academic programme aligned with Key Stage 3, which prepares them for IGCSEs. In Years 10 and 11, students work toward the Cambridge IGCSE, selecting from a range of subjects including English, mathematics, sciences, humanities, and creative arts. Sixth Form students (Years 12 and 13) pursue Cambridge International AS and A Levels, which are internationally recognised qualifications for university entry. Thai nationals are also required to study Thai language and culture.
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Social and emotional learning (SEL).
Social & emotional learning
Kajonkiet International School Phuket (KIS) supports students' social and emotional development through both curriculum-based and pastoral initiatives. In Early Years and Primary, SEL themes are embedded into the curriculum through structured classroom discussions and activities that promote empathy, cooperation, and responsible decision-making. The school’s broader pastoral framework encourages positive relationships and personal growth across all year levels. Key staff, help monitor students' social development and provide additional support when needed. The school also fosters a values-based environment that emphasizes trust, respect, and compassion
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)
KIS provides support for students with mild to moderate Special Educational Needs through its Learning Support Department. The school is not a specialist SEN institution but offers in-class support, small group intervention, and targeted one-to-one sessions where needed. Areas of support include difficulties in literacy, numeracy, attention, and some emotional or social challenges. The SEN team works closely with classroom teachers and parents to develop Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) tailored to student needs. KIS states that its SEN provision is flexible and regularly reviewed.
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
KIS supports students who are non-native English speakers through a dedicated EAL department. Provision includes in-class support, targeted withdrawal sessions, and differentiated instruction tailored to language proficiency. The EAL team collaborates with classroom teachers to adapt content and ensure students can access the mainstream curriculum. EAL students are assessed regularly, and support is gradually reduced as their language skills develop.
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
Mental wellbeing at KISP is supported through its whole-school pastoral care and safeguarding framework. The Student Wellbeing & Welfare Officer plays a key role in monitoring and supporting student mental health. The school encourages an environment where students can speak openly about concerns and offers staff support to promote emotional resilience. Safeguarding and pastoral care materials highlight the importance of early intervention and listening to student voices. Specific mental health programmes or professional counselling services are not publicly listed.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Safeguarding.
Safeguarding
KIS has a detailed Child Protection and Safeguarding policy aligned with Thai legislation and UK guidelines. The school maintains a Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputy Leads across both EYFS/Primary and Secondary divisions, supported by a Student Wellbeing & Welfare Officer. The safeguarding team undergoes annual training and is responsible for ensuring staff understand reporting procedures, information sharing, and risk management, including online safety. The policy outlines clear responsibilities for all staff, procedures for responding to concerns, and engagement with parents.
Kajonkiet International School Phuket is a co-educational day school for children aged 2 to 18, set in 15 Rai of spectacular grounds.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
The school follows the national curriculum for England, with all subjects taught in English, and offers Early Years Foundation Stage, Primary, Secondary, and Sixth Form.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
As activities outside the classrooms are important, KIS offers an extensive range of after-school activities open to children from Year 1 upwards.
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
Kajonkiet International School Phuket (KIS) was established in 2011 by the Kajonkiet Schools Group on a 45 rai (approximately 7.2 hectares) site in Kathu, Phuket, following the group’s expansion from Thai-language and bilingual programmes. KIS was launched to meet growing demand for English-medium education as Phuket’s population and international ties expanded. Guided by a Board of Directors that meets each term, the school’s governance is firmly rooted within the Kajonkiet Group, supported by a Senior Leadership Team led by Principal Gareth Eynon. Since opening, KIS has grown steadily and now serves over 550 students from ages 2 to 18.
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
KIS hosts a variety of community and cultural events throughout the year, including house competitions during break times and campus-wide celebrations that reflect both Thai culture and its international student body. Students often collaborate across age groups on community service and charitable initiatives, reflecting the school’s mission values. Parents, staff, and students work together at school-led events organized through the main school office.
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
While not formally labelled as a PTA, KIS fosters strong parent involvement through its broader school community and cultural values. Parents are encouraged to actively participate in school life by supporting academic, artistic, and sporting events, including student performances, sports fixtures, and cultural assemblies. The school highlights the importance of home engagement—encouraging reading, discussions on world issues, and nurturing interests like music, art, and drama. KIS also invites parents to promote charitable causes, environmental awareness, and global citizenship both at school and at home. Families are seen as partners in reinforcing the school’s shared values of respect, diversity, and responsibility. This shared ethos supports student development beyond academics, enriching the wider school culture.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
The school follows the national curriculum for England, and all subjects are taught in English. In Years 10–11 students study for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations, predominantly using Cambridge syllabuses. Thai nationals study Thai to IGCSE level. Option subjects include art and design, business studies, modern foreign languages, computing, drama, economics, geography, history, music, physical education and religious studies.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
Expressive and Performing Arts programmes are part of the school experience. The Primary curriculum includes art and design, technology, computing, music and drama. After-school activities include concerts and productions as part of the arts offer.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
Thai is taught as a language and modern foreign languages are part of the curriculum. Thai nationals are required to study Thai to IGCSE level. The school fosters an international community and world-mindedness through its shared values.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
A range of extra-curricular activities adds depth to learning, including daily clubs, field trips, residential courses, concerts, themed curriculum days and weeks, productions, sporting and house competitions, community projects and fundraising events. Students participate fully in school events including ECAs, sports and Expressive and Performing Arts programmes.
Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
KIS Community hosts events such as FunRun and Christmas concerts. The school's values include participation in charitable philosophy and actions and related initiatives. Curriculum includes community projects and fundraising events as part of ECAs.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
Students have opportunities to lead commensurate with their age and experience. The school encourages leadership through participation in school events and by taking on roles in activities and projects.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Pastoral Care provides support for academic, personal and social development, including one-to-one support, classroom guidance, targeted small groups and whole-school initiatives. The Pastoral Care Department maintains a Listening Team and private spaces for confidential support. Pastoral support is available from Early Years through to Key Stage 5.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
The school teaches in English and follows the English National Curriculum; all subjects are taught in English. EAL provides a structured, needs-based program with five EAL lessons per week delivered in small groups. At intake, students undergo a language assessment, and ESL is compulsory for those who would not be able to access the work.
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
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Awards
The school’s website does not list any awards granted to the institution in the past five years.
Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
Edexcel Approved Centre: KISP is an authorised centre to deliver Pearson Edexcel qualifications, including IGCSEs and A Levels, recognised by universities and employers worldwide.
Cambridge International Examinations (CIE): The school is registered to deliver Cambridge IGCSE and A Level programmes, which are globally recognised academic qualifications.
Thai Ministry of Education: The central logo represents authorisation from Thailand's Ministry of Education, confirming the school is licensed to operate as an international school in Thailand.
WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges): KISP holds initial accreditation from WASC, which ensures the school meets international standards for academic quality and continuous improvement.
ISAT (International Schools Association of Thailand): Membership in ISAT indicates the school is part of Thailand’s network of licensed international schools and adheres to quality and operational standards endorsed by the Thai Ministry of Education.
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. Arrange a school visit or open house. Parents are invited to tour the campus, meet the Registrar, and possibly connect with heads of Primary or Secondary. Visits include a tour, meetings with key staff, and explanations of assessment procedures.
2. Complete and submit an application form. Application forms can be downloaded from the school website or collected from the Registrar. Each student needs a separate form, and submissions must include the application fee and the most recent school reports.
3. Undergo admissions assessment. Depending on the age group, the school will administer assessments in English and mathematics, and conduct an interview. Younger students may instead complete an in-class observation. Past school reports are reviewed before assessments proceed.
4. Review and admissions decision. Subject teachers evaluate test results and provide recommendations. The Vice Principals of the relevant divisions review the full application dossier, including references, before confirming a decision.
5. Offer of place and confirmation. Successful applicants are notified by the Registrar. A formal invoice will be issued, and payment must be made before the student’s first day. Final enrolment is only confirmed after all forms, fees, and documentation are complete.
Scholarships
Scholarships
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding the offering of scholarships.
Scholarships
Kajonkiet International School Phuket offers scholarships to students in Years 7–13, covering Key Stage 3, IGCSE, and A-Level programmes. Scholarships are awarded to students demonstrating exceptional talent and commitment in academics, art, drama, dance, and music, or sports. Awards may include a bursary and are available both to internal and external candidates. Students are assessed through one of three scholarship assessment windows held annually, one per term. Year 6 students currently enrolled at KIS are specifically invited to apply in Term 3. In addition to fee support, scholarship recipients engage in enrichment opportunities such as scholar days, community service, and leadership training, which form part of the school’s extended academic calendar.
Waitlist
Waitlist
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding a waitlist or pool system.
Waitlist
The school does not publicly disclose information about operating a waitlist system.