International School of Samui vs PBISS International School

	I International School of Samui Koh Samui, Thailand	P PBISS International School Koh Samui, Thailand
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year THB 434,526 - 618,585	Fees / year THB 244,030 - 449,230
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils	Pupils 300	Pupils 500
Typical class size	Typical class size 9	Typical class size 19
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2007	Opened 2005
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The school is on Koh Samui’s northeast coast, tucked between Chaweng and Bophut, alongside the main ring road and adjacent to Bandon Hospital and the Big C shopping centre. The island is accessible via domestic and international flights, with regular ferry services and road links to other parts of Thailand.	Location PBISS is situated in Chaweng Noi, on the northeastern coast of Koh Samui, close to Bo Phut in Surat Thani province. The campus benefits from being accessible via local roads, and traffic—particularly during school drop‑off and pick‑up—can be congested at peak times, so planning travel accordingly is advised.
Stages	Stages ISS is divided into stages: Early Years (ages 3–4), Primary School (Reception–Year 6; ages 4–11), Senior School (Years 7–11; ages 11–16), and Sixth Form (Years 12–13; ages 16–18), each following age-aligned curriculum progressions.	Stages The school serves students from early years through pre‑university levels, structured as: Foundation Stage (Nursery–FS2) Primary School (Years 1–6) Secondary School and Sixth Form (Years 7–13) This structure allows progression from early childhood learning through Cambridge IGCSE and A‑Level studies
School type	School type ISS is co‑educational and does not offer boarding facilities.	School type PBISS is a co‑educational day school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support ISS provides tiered learning support. This includes Wave 2 (group or in-class support) and Wave 3 (one-on-one individual programmes) for students with additional needs. For complex needs, an assessment and external professional input may be required. They also offer EAL (English as an Additional Language) support across stages.	Additional learning support The school does not reference a formal Special Educational Needs (SEN) programme, but offers English Language Support (ELS) for students identified as needing extra help with English.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation There is no formal national affiliation.	Country affiliation While PBISS follows the Cambridge (British) curriculum, there is no formal affiliation with any specific country’s education authority beyond this curricular framework.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school is secular and has no religious affiliation.	Religious affiliation PBISS is secular and has no religious affiliation.
School day structure	School day structure Early Years: 8:30 AM to 2:50 PM Primary School: 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM Senior School: 8:20 AM to 3:00 PM After‐school activities run from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Thursday.	School day structure Foundation Stage (Nursery–FS2): Students arrive by 8:30 for flag ceremony; classes end at 15:00; supervised in the playroom until 16:00 if not collected. Years 1–6: Arrival before 8:30 for flag ceremony; lessons begin at 9:00 and end at 15:00; supervised in playground until 16:00. Years 7–11: Same start time; lessons finish at around 16:00; students wait in the secondary canteen area for collection. Years 12–13: Timetables are flexible, so finishing times vary depending on subjects and schedule.
Bus service details	Bus service details ISS offers a door-to-door bus service divided into three zones based on distance from the school.	Bus service details PBISS offers a school bus service for Primary and Secondary students. Availability is limited, operating on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Joining Fee: THB 75,000 per child (non-refundable). Capped at THB 150,000 per family. For Early Years, this is deferred until Reception. For one-term enrolments only, THB 37,500 is payable. Security Bond: THB 75,000 per child (refundable with one full term’s notice). Reservation Fee: Optional, to secure a higher place on waiting lists; refundable under set conditions. Annual Tuition Fees Early Years: THB 434,526 Reception – Year 2: THB 480,558 Year 3 – Year 6: THB 534,992 Year 7 – Year 9: THB 573,922 Year 10 – Year 11: THB 618,585 Year 12 – Year 13: THB 494,868 annually (introductory 20% discount for Term 1 joiners; normally THB 618,585) Bus Service (Door-to-Door) Zone 1: Term 1 – THB 24,334; Term 2 – THB 19,468; Term 3 – THB 14,600. Zone 2: Term 1 – THB 29,788; Term 2 – THB 23,830; Term 3 – THB 17,873. Zone 3: Term 1 – THB 43,743; Term 2 – THB 34,994; Term 3 – THB 26,246. One-way trips are 75% of the round-trip. A 25% discount applies for siblings. Other Costs Extra Learning Support: Level 2 – THB 8,085 per month Level 3 – THB 51,975 per month Uniforms: Compulsory from Reception upwards; purchased at the school shop (Year 12–13 may buy externally). Examination Fees: IGCSE, AS & A Level – THB 5,445 per subject. School Trips: Costs billed separately; summer term residentials are optional. Refunds Tuition: 50% refundable if one month’s notice before start of term; 25% if less than a month. Non-refundable once the term begins. Security Bond: Refundable with one full term’s notice (except Sixth Form early withdrawal). Payment Methods Payment accepted by bank transfer, cheque, cash, or credit card (Visa/MasterCard). Overseas payments accepted via SWIFT transfer.	Fee details Application Fee Pre-Nursery to FS2: No fee Years 1–2: THB 1,000 Years 3–6: THB 1,500 Years 7–13: THB 2,000 This fee is non-refundable and covers assessments, interviews, and processing. Admissions Fee (One-time, non-refundable) Pre-Nursery to FS2: No fee Years 1–3: THB 42,500 Years 4–8: THB 47,500 Years 9–13: THB 55,000 Refundable Security Deposit: THB 30,000 per student Refundable upon withdrawal with one full term’s written notice, provided there are no outstanding fees. Annual Tuition Fees Pre-Nursery/Nursery: THB 244,030 FS1–FS2: THB 248,470 Years 1–2: THB 269,710 Years 3–6: THB 300,190 Years 7–8: THB 349,000 Years 9–11: THB 391,340 Years 12–13: THB 449,230 Note: Tuition includes school books (except Years 9–13), some school trips, lunch and snacks, learning resources, and accident coverage on campus (up to THB 30,000 per incident). English Language Support (ELS) For students requiring additional English support: Level 1: THB 10,000 per term Level 2: THB 20,000 per term Level 3: THB 35,000 per term Additional Costs School uniform (purchased at the school office) Primary Extra-Curricular Activities (paid separately) School bus service (limited places; fees vary by route) Discounts Sibling discount: 10% off second child, 20% off third and beyond (applies to mid-term enrollments) Annual prepayment discount: 5% off tuition when all three terms are paid in advance Refund Policy Tuition fees are generally non-refundable except under specific conditions.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniform is mandatory. Boys wear a blue ISS shirt with grey shorts; girls wear a blue ISS blouse with a grey skirt (or shorts). Shoes must be black with no logos; PE kit is a white ISS shirt with blue/black shorts; hats are encouraged outdoors; hair colouring is discouraged, with coloured sprays allowed only on special occasions.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school was founded in 2007 by Jeremy and Victoria Lees. In 2022 they handed over day-to-day running and Executive Leadership to Stephen Andrews, who sits on the Executive Board of the school.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details ISS follows the British National Curriculum and is licensed as both a Cambridge International Examinations Centre and a Pearson Edexcel Examinations Centre. In Primary (Reception–Year 6), students follow the Cambridge Primary programme, adjusted for its multicultural student body. In Senior School (Years 7–11), pupils study for the Cambridge IGCSE qualifications, choosing from 22 subject options. In Sixth Form (Years 12–13), students progress to Cambridge A Levels, selecting from 20 subject choices. Additionally, ISS offers Future Skills courses—such as Public Speaking, Entrepreneurship, and Critical Thinking—alongside core academic subjects.	Curriculum details PBISS bases its curriculum on Cambridge International Standards, tailored with a STEM+ integration across all levels to support learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics alongside core disciplines. In the Primary School (ages 5–11), the Cambridge x STEM+ curriculum develops skills in English, Mathematics, Science, and beyond with specific learning objectives for each year. In the final four years, the Secondary stages, students follow Cambridge IGCSE and International A‑Level courses. Throughout all stages, lessons include core subjects such as English, mathematics, science, and humanities alongside creative subjects like music, design, art, and drama. This structure offers a coherent progression from early years through to pre-university qualifications, grounded in Cambridge frameworks and enriched by hands-on STEM components.
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 ISS integrates SEL into its Early Years and PSHE curriculum. Reception classes follow Personal, Social & Emotional Development goals, such as self-regulation, managing feelings, and building relationships, following the EYFS framework. In later years (Year 5 and Year 10), PSHE units focus on mental health awareness: recognising emotions, understanding triggers, seeking help, and building resilience.	Social & emotional learning PBISS emphasises respect, kindness, and positive interaction as part of its behaviour and wellbeing framework. Students are encouraged to report bullying, and teachers can assign individualised learning programmes or set daily/weekly goals to support positive behaviours. Support structures include advisory processes where staff communicate concerns to parents in writing and monitor improvements.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) ISS offers structured learning support through a Response-to-Intervention model. Wave 2 support includes group or in-class teaching adjustments, while Wave 3 provides one-on-one programmes for more complex needs, developed collaboratively with a SENCO, specialist teachers, and external professionals. This is not a specialist SEN institution, but rather a mainstream school that accommodates diverse needs.	Special educational needs (SEN) PBISS is not a specialist SEN institution, and no detailed provision for specific SEN conditions is publicly disclosed.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language ISS provides a dedicated EAL programme for students whose first language is not English. Support includes pull-out language classes, in-class assistance, immersion strategies, use of online resources, assessments, cultural integration activities, and regular communication with parents.	English as an additional language PBISS offers a mandatory English Language Support (ELS) programme for students identified during admission or internal assessments as needing additional help. This programme has three levels, with fees ranging from THB 10,000 to 35,000 per term depending on the student’s proficiency and needs. Students placed in ELS must attend alongside their regular curriculum.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The school addresses mental wellbeing directly within its PSHE curriculum. In Year 5 and Year 6, students learn about the importance of sleep, physical activity, hobbies, social connections, and lifestyle habits in supporting mental health. In Year 10, students explore emotional triggers, resilience-building techniques, and how to spot signs of stress or distress. No separate counselling services or dedicated wellbeing staff are mentioned publicly.	Mental wellbeing PBISS offers a mental health support structure, overseen by the school counselor, Sofia Asengmaba. Teachers refer students, the counselor creates a tailored support plan, and if additional assistance is needed, referrals are made to local mental health professionals or social services.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding ISS has a clear safeguarding framework, and every staff member receives annual training in child protection, not just teachers. The school employs a Designated Safeguarding Lead and two deputies, whose contact details are displayed around campus. Staff involved in hiring follow Safer Recruitment practices, including identity, qualification, background, and police checks. A formal child protection policy outlines reporting procedures and expected conduct to prioritise student safety.	Safeguarding PBISS maintains a formal Child Protection Policy, including designated Child Protection Coordinators for different school levels (EYFS, Primary, Secondary), plus deputies and a Child Protection Officer (the Headmaster), supported by a school counsellor and administrative team. The policy outlines preventative strategies, procedures for handling concerns, an annual review schedule, and a child-friendly summary for pupils. Additionally, the Visitors and Volunteers Policy ensures that all non-staff individuals are vetted, sign-in/out, supervised, and vetted via induction and background checks to enhance child safety.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview ISS has spacious classrooms and high-quality facilities designed to support a British ethos of education. The facilities support a broad range of sports and extracurricular activities and are maintained for active student use. The school hosts matches and events against local island schools.	Facilities overview The school operates on Koh Samui with a campus designed for Early Years through secondary education. It emphasizes a STEM+ approach integrated into Cambridge International learning. The campus includes spaces dedicated to hands-on projects and innovations, supporting inquiry-based learning across age groups.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Key sports facilities support team sports and swimming, with regular inter-school matches on the island.	Sports facilities The school provides facilities and programs to support physical education and team sports as part of the curriculum and school life.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Academic spaces are complemented by a broad curriculum, with dedicated spaces for subjects across the age range 3–18 and resources to support Cambridge and Edexcel qualifications.	Academic facilities The school uses Cambridge International standards with a curriculum spanning early years to upper secondary, including IGCSE and A-Level pathways. The campus includes dedicated science, technology, engineering, and math facilities to support STEM+ learning.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities A comprehensive programme of after-school activities, school trips and excursions complements the academic curriculum and fosters wider personal development.	Extra curricular facilities A range of extra-curricular activities is available, including clubs and projects that complement the Cambridge curriculum and STEM+ focus.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The school was founded in 2007 by Jeremy and Victoria Lees, who originally named it Bluewater in recognition of Koh Samui’s clear blue waters, before renaming it to International School of Samui in 2010, officially commemorated by the British Ambassador’s visit. Jeremy served as Founding Headmaster until 2021, and in 2022, the Lees passed leadership to Mr. Stephen Andrews; they remain on the school’s executive board.	History PBISS was established in 2005 to meet the educational needs of the Samui community, blending internationally accredited British curriculum with a “Thai Heart” ethos. The school was founded to serve families on Koh Samui and has grown to include students from numerous nationalities. Ownership details and changes over time are not publicly specified on the website.
Community	Community ISS regularly brings its international community together through year-round cultural and service events, such as the Marine Conservation Programme and Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions, which are woven into school life and curriculum. The school calendar includes seasonal community gatherings and academic showcases that involve students, families, and staff.	Community PBISS brings its community together through a range of school-wide events. The annual STEM Expo allows students to showcase projects such as robotics, 3D printing, and design work to parents and peers. Seasonal celebrations like Christmas performances and Halloween activities are also part of the calendar, creating opportunities for families and staff to gather. In addition, the school hosts cultural and community-focused events, highlighted in its news updates and photo galleries, which reflect both local traditions and international school life.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school’s website does not provide specific information about a Parent Teacher Association (PTA), including events, groups, or activities.	Parent teacher association The school does not publicly mention a formal Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), including any specific groups, committees, or PTA-led events. There is no reference to parent councils or organized parent-led initiatives on the website.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school teaches the National Curriculum of England and Cambridge Curriculum to students from 3 to 18. It is licensed as a Cambridge International Examinations Centre and a Pearson Edexcel Examinations Centre. English-speaking teachers with UK-recognised qualifications support the curriculum. There are 22 IGCSE subjects and 20 A Level options, with language offerings including Mandarin, Spanish, German, French and Thai, and Future Skills courses such as Public Speaking, Entrepreneurship and Critical Thinking.	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The school offers private music lessons on campus with instruments including piano, bass, drums, guitar, keyboards, singing and saxophone. Trinity Rock & Pop exams are offered as part of the music program, and school bands perform regularly at school and external events. ISS has varied music clubs and ECAs, and drama is provided as part of extra-curricular activities.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The Thai Language, Culture & History curriculum follows Office of the Private Education Commission guidelines, with weekly Thai culture and history lessons. Thai language lessons run 2–4 times per week depending on key stage, and Thai nationality students study Thai IGCSE by law. The school celebrates Thai traditions such as Loy Krathong and Songkran and arranges related trips. Language options include Mandarin, Spanish, German, French and Thai.	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Sport and extra-curricular activities are integral to ISS, with a weekly timetable of after-school sports and activities run by teachers, parents, volunteers and outside professionals. A number of sports matches are organised each term between local island schools. Drama, music and school trips are among the activities offered as part of the ECA program.	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service The Marine Conservation Program engages students with marine biology and environmental awareness, including field trips and supervised scuba diving on Koh Tao. The program is delivered with marine biologists and conservation partners. ISS is an International Award Centre qualified to deliver The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, which develops volunteering, transferable skills, fitness and adventure to help students find purpose.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional ISS is an International Award Centre qualified to deliver The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, which develops leadership, teamwork and practical skills alongside volunteering and personal development. The DoE program focuses on transferable skills, fitness, volunteering and adventure to help students find purpose. DoE activities are integrated with the school's broader leadership and personal development opportunities.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Pastoral care is a hallmark of ISS, supporting student well-being. The Organic Farm provides outdoor, hands-on learning that promotes physical activity and nutrition awareness, while cooperative garden work builds social skills. After-school sport and activities support healthy movement and social engagement. The school fosters a caring, traditional British school environment that underpins student wellbeing.	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school offers language options including Mandarin, Spanish, German, French and Thai. Thai language, culture and history is taught under the Thai Language, Culture & History curriculum, with lessons focusing on Thai language and culture; all students attend at least one Thai culture and history lesson weekly. Thai language teaching is mainly focused on students of Thai nationality (or dual nationality) whose native language is Thai. Mandarin, Spanish, German and French are offered as foreign languages in the curriculum.	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards The school does not list any awards in the past five years on its official website.	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations ISQM Gold Accreditation (Outstanding School) In March 2024, ISS was inspected by the Education Development Trust (EDT) under their International Schools Quality Mark framework and judged “outstanding” across all eight assessed standards, earning the highest available ISQM Gold status. This reflects excellence in curriculum, leadership, teaching, resources, and student care. Licensed under Thailand’s Private School Act ISS is officially authorised to teach both the National Curriculum of England and the Cambridge curriculum to students aged 3–18 in line with Thai government regulations. Cambridge International Examinations Centre Recognised by Cambridge University to offer Cambridge curriculum programmes and related IGCSE/A Level examinations. Pearson Edexcel Examinations Centre Approved to conduct Pearson Edexcel examinations alongside Cambridge, providing additional qualification pathways. * Member of ISAT (International Schools Association of Thailand) ISS is part of the national network representing accredited international schools in Thailand.	Accreditations Cambridge Accreditation PBISS is accredited by Cambridge International, authorising it to deliver the Cambridge curriculum and examinations. Cambridge International Official Test Centre (TH189) The school is designated as an official Cambridge exam centre, allowing students to sit for assessments on-site. WASC Accreditation PBISS also holds accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), which ensures compliance with recognised standards for international schools.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Enquiry and School Visit Begin by contacting the admissions team to arrange a campus tour or a virtual meeting via Google Meet at your convenience. 2. Meeting with Head of School Where possible, a meeting (in person or online) is arranged with the Head of School. This offers a chance to discuss your child’s specific needs and the school’s expectations. 3. Admissions Testing (Years 3–11) Applicants joining Years 3 through 11 must complete two online assessments: the NGRT (English) and the CAT (Cognitive Ability Test). These can be taken either at home or on-site. 4. Documentation & Payment Upon acceptance, parents submit required documents—including application and medical forms, previous school reports, passports (for child and parents), birth certificate, and photos—and pay the joining fee, security deposit, and first term’s tuition to confirm enrollment. 5. Visa Support (if applicable) ISS provides full support for visa issuance. Each student may receive an ED-Visa, and one parent may obtain a Non‑O guardian visa. The school keeps families informed of any updates.	Admissions 1. Submit Application & Documents Parents begin by submitting an online application via the Apply Now page, along with required documents like birth certificate, previous school reports, and identification. 2. Assessment & Offers While the site does not detail formal testing, the Admissions Procedure Policy implies that, once all documentation and fees are received, the school proceeds with enrollment and issues an offer for confirmed placement. 3. Confirm Placement & Pay Fees To secure the place, parents must make the required payments (application, admissions fee, and security deposit) and formally accept the offer as guided through the application process. 4. Enrollment Finalised Upon completion of the above, the student’s enrollment is finalised, and a start date is confirmed by the school.
Scholarships	Scholarships The ISS website does not provide any information about scholarship programmes—whether need-based, merit-based, or otherwise.	Scholarships PBISS offers scholarships to current students who demonstrate outstanding records, including academic performance and other achievements. Details on the application process, eligibility criteria, or the scope of scholarships are not publicly disclosed on the website.
Waitlist	Waitlist The International School of Samui operates a waitlist system through the use of a Reservation Fee. Parents may choose to pay this fee to secure a higher position on the class waiting list. If the school is unable to offer a place within eight weeks of the child’s expected enrolment date, the Reservation Fee is refundable.	Waitlist The school does not publicly disclose any waitlist or pool system for admissions. There is no information available on the website indicating that PBISS operates such a system.
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