Meritton British International School vs Panyaden International School
Meritton British International School and Panyaden International School are both in Chiang Mai, about 4 km apart. Both schools offer British and EYFS programmes. Meritton British International School also offers Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels, and Panyaden International School also offers IB, IPC and IMYC. Published annual fees are THB 212,000 - 360,000 at Meritton British International School and THB 303,000 - 571,000 at Panyaden International School, which puts Panyaden International School roughly 53% higher. Meritton British International School takes pupils from 2 to 16, and Panyaden International School from 2 to 18. Panyaden International School is the larger school, with around 405 pupils to Meritton British International School's 300. Typical class sizes are 21 at Meritton British International School and 20 at Panyaden International School.
British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Curriculum
IB (DP), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum), British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils
Pupils
300
Pupils
405
Typical class size
Typical class size
21
Typical class size
20
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English, Thai
Opened
Opened
2018
Opened
2011
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
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Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Meritton British International School is situated at 168 Moo.7, Nong Kwai, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai, Thailand, a leafy green area just outside Chiang Mai’s old city. It lies within a residential neighbourhood near major local roads.
Location
Panyaden International School is located in the Hang Dong district, about 15 minutes south of Chiang Mai city centre, in a semi-rural setting surrounded by rice fields and greenery. It is accessible by local road networks, with parents commonly using a car, bicycle, or a parent‑organised bus.
Stages
Stages
The school serves Early Years (Pre‑Nursery to Reception, ages 2–5), Primary (Years 1–6, ages 5–11) and Secondary (Years 7–11, ages 11–16).
Stages
The school offers education from Nursery (about age 2) through Early Years (Kindergarten), Primary, Middle School (Years 7–9), and Secondary through to Year 13 (IB Diploma).
School type
School type
Meritton is a co‑educational day school. There are no boarding facilities offered.
School type
Panyaden is a fully co‑educational day school.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
The school has a designated SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) and offers shadow teachers and additional EAL support where needed, with costs based on actual need.
Additional learning support
Panyaden provides language support for students needing extra help in English (ESL) or Thai (TSL). These services are assessed via WIDA tools and delivered through co‑teaching models.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
There is no direct affiliation to any country’s government.
Country affiliation
The school has no formal country affiliation.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
Meritton has no religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
The school is not affiliated with any particular religion; however, Buddhist values are integrated into daily life and learning, reflecting Thai cultural traditions.
School day structure
School day structure
The typical daily schedule is not published online.
School day structure
School hours in Early Years run approximately 08:20–15:15, with optional after‑school clubs until 16:00–17:00.
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school does not currently publish details about a school bus or transport service.
Bus service details
Panyaden does not operate its own bus; however, there is a parent‑organised school bus coordinated via the Friends of Panyaden group.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
One-Time Payment Application and placement test: THB 3,000 (non-refundable)
New student enrolment fees: First child: THB 60,000 Second child: THB 45,000 Third child onward: Enrolment fee waived
Additional Learning Support (only if needed) English Additional Language (EAL): THB 70,000 per year
Other Costs After-school activities and uniforms are billed at actual cost.
Payment Methods Payment options include bank transfer.
Payment Terms Fees are invoiced per term and must be settled prior to the start of each term. The school reserves the right to amend fees without prior notice. Deposits are refundable upon return of materials and clearance of dues.
Fee details
Application Fee: THB 3,000 (non-refundable, payable at the time of application) Admissions Fee: THB 65,000 (non-refundable, payable upon acceptance to confirm a seat)
Security Deposit Nursery – Year 6: THB 5,000 (refundable) Year 7 – 13: THB 15,000 (refundable) Note: deposits are refunded upon withdrawal with required notice and deduction of any outstanding fees.
Annual Tuition Fees Nursery – Kindergarten 2: THB 303,000 Year 1 – 2: THB 331,000 Year 3 – 4: THB 370,000 Year 5 – 6: THB 380,000 Year 7 – 9: THB 443,000 Year 10 – 11: THB 466,000 Year 12 – 13 (IB Diploma): THB 571,000
Sibling Discount 2nd child: 10% 3rd child or more: 15% Note: discounts apply automatically and are adjusted if enrollment changes during the year.
Language Support Services EAL (English): THB 25,000 per term (max 6 terms) TAL (Thai): THB 17,000 per term (max 2 terms)
Other Charges IB Exam Fees (Year 13): Approx. THB 32,000 University postage (Years 12–13): THB 1,500–2,500 per application Transcript reprints: THB 300 per additional copy
Refund Policy Annual payment: Only Term 2 refundable if withdrawal occurs during Term 1 Term payment: No refunds after term begins Medical withdrawals are considered case by case No refund for dismissal or force majeure closures
Payment Options Bank transfer, Credit/debit cards, AMEX, and Alipay/WeChat Pay.
* Late fees: 1.5% monthly interest charged daily from term start for overdue payments
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
The school has a uniform. Parents can purchase school uniforms at the start of the academic year.
Uniform requirement
The school has an official uniform that is compulsory. Uniforms must fit properly, be clean and presentable, and shoulders, upper chest, upper back and upper legs must be covered. Modest dress is required. Alterations or copies of the uniform are not acceptable. Hoodies or non-uniform pullovers are not permitted unless issued by the school. On monk-visit days, students wear either a sarong over their shorts or the uniform long trousers.
Food options
Food options
The School Nutrition Policy states that food should not be brought from home. The school provides healthy and nutritious snacks and lunches every day, with lunch menus including Thai and international options. The school can accommodate special dietary requirements on request.
Food options
The school operates two on-site canteens. The Bamboo Canteen has a modern kitchen and serves healthy meals to over 700 students and staff daily.
House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
The school is a small, family-based international school founded in 2018.
Governance and ownership
The Panyaden Advisory Board (PAB) provides strategic guidance to the owner and executive management team for the development and improvement of the school. It comprises five members with backgrounds in marketing, governance, education, finance and operations, including Oliver Gritz (Chair), Prof. Erich Erber, Greg Smith, Piyapa Erber, Lamorna Cheesman and Romsai Tandakoseya; In Memoriam Thomas Tieber is noted as former Chair as of February 2025.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Meritton British International School follows the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework in Pre-Nursery through Reception, focusing on play-based and thematic learning. From Year 1 to Year 6, students follow the Cambridge Primary Curriculum, which covers English, Maths, Science, PE, and ICT. In Years 7 to 9, the curriculum continues with the Cambridge Lower Secondary programme. Students in Years 10 and 11 work towards the Cambridge IGCSE qualifications, typically taking six subjects across both core and elective areas. Thai language is taught across all levels, and Mandarin is offered to older students.
Curriculum details
Panyaden International School offers a bilingual curriculum combining international academic standards with Thai cultural values. In Early Years, the school follows the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework with equal instruction in Thai and English. The Primary Years (Years 1–6) use the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) alongside the British national curriculum. For Middle School (Years 7–9), students follow the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC), designed to support inquiry-based learning across subjects. From Year 10 to Year 11, students enter the Pre‑IB programme, preparing for the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) offered in Years 12–13. The curriculum includes Thai language and culture, English and Thai literacy, mathematics, science, humanities, art, physical education, and music across school stages.
Meritton supports students’ social and emotional development through integrated daily practices. SEL is delivered via circle time, the school’s values education programme, daily mindfulness, and a weekly Life Skills course. These elements are woven into the school day rather than taught as a separate subject. Staff such as the Values Coordinator and Life Skills teacher are involved in implementing this approach. The school follows the Values-based Education (VbE) framework to help students develop empathy, resilience, and emotional regulation.
Social & emotional learning
Panyaden supports Social and Emotional Learning through the work of its qualified school counsellor, Kru Sridevi, who offers individual counselling, classroom guidance lessons, and support for teachers and parents. The school integrates SEL into daily life using practices like meditation, life-skills education, and the “12 Wise Habits”, which encourage students to build emotional awareness and compassionate behaviour. These elements are delivered both explicitly in the curriculum and embedded throughout classroom routines. SEL is considered a shared responsibility across staff and is aligned with the school’s holistic educational approach.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding SEN support, including whether it can support specific learning needs or operate as a specialist SEN institution on its official website.
Special educational needs (SEN)
The school accepts students with documented learning differences, and admission decisions involve the Admissions team, the Learning Support teacher, and the Principal on a case-by-case basis. Support is provided through collaboration between classroom teachers, learning support teachers, teaching assistants, and specialist teachers to tailor learning to individual needs. However, Panyaden is not a specialist SEN institution and reserves the right to refuse admission if the student’s needs cannot be met by their existing programme.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
The website does not outline specific programmes or initiatives for English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners, such as intake levels, tailored courses, or structured support. However, several staff members are listed as English Language Learner (ELL) teachers, including Ms Sajina, Ms Anna, and Ms Maia. This indicates that the school provides some level of EAL support.
English as an additional language
Panyaden provides EAL support from Kindergarten through Year 11 via English for Academic Purposes classes in Secondary School and co‑teaching with language specialists in the sheltered immersion model. Language specialists work alongside homeroom and content teachers to adapt materials and support access to the curriculum across subjects. Incoming students are screened using WIDA assessments and progress is monitored with MAP testing aligned to English language development standards.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
The school integrates mental wellbeing into daily lessons rather than as a separate subject, embedding it within circle time, values education, daily mindfulness, and the weekly Life Skills course. Meritton provides pastoral care, counselling, and mentorship programmes to help ensure students feel safe, happy, and motivated. The school emphasises small class sizes and close student‑teacher relationships as part of its wellbeing approach. No dedicated on‑site mental health professionals are described, nor are external counselling services mentioned.
Mental wellbeing
The school counsellor offers individual consultation and maintains an open‑door policy, allowing drop‑in access and support during difficult times. Kru Sridevi extends psychosocial support to students, staff, and parents, drawing on her professional training in counselling psychology to address emotional challenges. SEL elements such as meditation, the 12 Wise Habits, and classroom guidance contribute to a culture that supports mental wellbeing across the student community
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
The school integrates safeguarding into its Wellbeing programme through daily routines like circle time, values education, mindfulness, and Life Skills lessons. All staff must provide full work histories and undergo police and child protection checks as part of the hiring process. While formal policies and reporting procedures are not publicly available, these measures indicate a structured approach to safeguarding.
Safeguarding
The school does not publicly disclose safeguarding or child protection policy documents on its website. However, it states that all prospective teachers and staff are required to submit detailed employment histories and undergo criminal background checks as part of the recruitment process. These measures are intended to ensure a safe and caring learning environment. Staff are also expected to model the school’s values and follow the 12 Wise Habits. Further information on the implementation or structure of safeguarding procedures is not available through the school’s public-facing resources.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
The campus is purpose-built and located just outside the historic old city of Chiang Mai, near forests and mountains. It includes a swimming pool, a grass sports field, a covered hard court, and green areas designated as playgrounds. There are outdoor climbing facilities and vegetable gardens. Every classroom is equipped with a Positive Air Pressure System and air purifiers. Small class sizes foster an intimate learning environment and strong student–teacher relationships.
Facilities overview
The campus spans 24 rai and features an award-winning Bamboo Assembly Hall, two libraries, two canteens, and a rice field. Early Years include two play areas and a kid-sized swimming pool. Primary facilities include a Life Skills Space, a playground, a Music Room, a Fine Arts Room, and a Theatre Room. Secondary facilities include a Science Centre with Biology, Chemistry, and Physics labs, a Music and Performance Arts Centre, and a Fine Arts Centre. The campus is sustainable, with buildings constructed from earth and bamboo, a Fresh Air System that provides PM2.5-free indoor air, and practices to reduce single-use plastics and compost waste.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
The school has a swimming pool, a grass sports field, and a covered hard court for athletic activities. Outdoor climbing areas are available for recreation and physical education.
Sports facilities
Multi-Purpose Sports Fields support outdoor sports and physical education. The Fitness Centre provides gym facilities for students. The Bamboo Assembly Hall hosts PE classes and sports during the day and serves as a venue for student performances in the evening. The Bamboo Assembly Hall reflects sustainability and serves as a central hub for school life.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
The school offers the Cambridge curriculum from Early Years through Year 11, including Cambridge Primary and Lower Secondary and Cambridge IGCSE for Years 10–11. The Pioneer Programme supports students in Years 10–11. English is the main language of instruction; Thai and Mandarin are taught. EYFS is used for Pre-Nursery to Reception, with small class sizes to support personalized learning.
Academic facilities
The campus includes a Science Centre with dedicated Biology, Chemistry, and Physics labs. It has a Music and Performance Arts Centre and a Fine Arts Centre. Primary learning spaces include a Life Skills Space, a Music Room, a Fine Arts Room, and a Theatre Room. There are two Libraries across the campus for academic resources.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
Values-based Education (VbE) and mindfulness are integrated into school life. Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Bronze is offered as an extracurricular program. The school hosts VbE writing competitions and other community activities, including events such as Meritton Day of Celebration.
Extra curricular facilities
The Bamboo Assembly Hall is used for assemblies, PE classes, and sports and also hosts student performances and dhamma talks. The Music and Performance Arts Centre and Fine Arts Centre support arts-related activities beyond class time. The Rice Fields provide an outdoor classroom experience, connecting students with local farming and the journey from field to table. The Swimming Pool supports PE lessons and after-school activities for younger learners.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Meritton British International School was founded in 2018 as a small, family-oriented international school, established by co‑founders aiming to offer a British-style education framed by core values. From its inception, the school has placed the Values‑based Education (VbE) approach at the centre of its ethos, embedding values like respect, responsibility, kindness, and integrity into daily life.
History
Panyaden International School was founded by Yodphet Sudsawad and officially opened on 18 May 2011, after construction of its campus began around December 2010. It is independently owned and was conceived to deliver a values-based education combining Buddhist principles and environmental mindfulness. The school’s architecture, designed by Markus Roselieb using earth and bamboo, reflects its commitment to sustainable design.
Community
Community
Meritton’s community engages through a broad range of cultural and school-wide events, including Songkran celebrations, the VbE Writing Competition, Meritton Day of Celebration, and Emergency Services Day. These events draw together students, families, and staff, often linking academic learning with values-based activities and cultural knowledge.
Community
The Panyaden community includes students, families, and staff from over two dozen nationalities. The school hosts events such as Thai Language and Culture Day, Loy Kratong, Makha Bucha, Vishaka Bucha, and friendly parent‑teacher sports games. On Fridays, the community typically wears traditional Lanna clothing, highlighting cultural connections .
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
There is no official Parent Teacher Association (PTA) mentioned on the school’s website. However, parents are actively included in school life through participation in events such as Open House for Early Years, Meritton Day of Celebration, and various cultural celebrations like Songkran. These events offer opportunities for parent involvement, though they appear to be organised by the school rather than through a formal parent-led group.
Parent teacher association
All parents are automatically members of Friends of Panyaden (FoP), which acts as the school’s parent association and has voting rights for its Board of Directors . FoP organises community-building activities such as family potluck dinners, a school market, and an annual general meeting. It also holds orientation events for new families and engages with leadership through management meetings to share ideas and raise community concerns. In addition, FoP promotes and participates in green/environmental initiatives in alignment with the school’s values.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
Meritton follows the Cambridge International Curriculum starting from Early Years. The program begins with the UK Early Years Foundation Stage framework and continues through Cambridge Primary (Year 1–6) and Cambridge Lower Secondary (Year 7–9), with Cambridge IGCSE in Year 10. The Pioneer Programme supports students entering the IGCSE curriculum in Years 10–11, and the school will begin offering Cambridge International AS & A Level in 2026.
Academic & intellectual
After-school Activities (ASA) include coding and robotics, offering hands-on experiences in STEM. Students join Model United Nations and World Scholar's Cup competitions, expanding research, writing, and public-speaking skills. Entrepreneurs test business ideas through ASA clubs, and several clubs are led by teachers, parents, and community experts who bring real-world experience. Students of all ages are invited to join one of our after-school clubs.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Arts and creative activities are part of student life, including events such as Art & Music Afternoon Tea Exhibitions. The school emphasizes creativity through its arts-related programming as part of a well-rounded curriculum.
Arts & creative
Dance, band, art, and cooking clubs are offered through the ASA program. Clubs are led by teachers, parents, and community experts who bring real-world experience. A wide variety of creative activities is available throughout the year.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
The main language of instruction is English, with Thai taught according to national guidelines and Mandarin taught for older students. The school's language program is designed to support multilingual communication alongside English instruction.
Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
The Meritton community participates in co-curricular programs such as the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, including Bronze Award practice journeys. These activities foster teamwork, resilience and social engagement as part of student life.
Social & hobbies
Board games and Zumba are offered as recreational clubs. ASA fosters social connections and allows students to explore shared interests. Clubs are open to students of all ages.
Community & service
Community & service
Values-based Education anchors school life, with regular life-skills projects, mindfulness and parent involvement, reinforcing a community-focused ethos. The campus environment supports community contributions through student-led initiatives and school-linked activities.
Community & service
Field trips and Journeys are part of Education Outside the Classroom, bringing classroom concepts to life. Journeys develop resilience, leadership, and self-confidence through outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. Service Learning Trips connect students with local communities through hands-on projects, aligning their efforts with UN Sustainable Development Goals and Panyaden values.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Leadership development is embedded in the curriculum and activities, including Enquiry-based Learning, life-skills projects, and participation in the International Award programs that emphasize leadership and personal responsibility. The school provides opportunities for students to take on roles in projects and community activities.
Leadership & professional
Entrepreneurs test their business ideas through ASA clubs. Athletic teams compete in CMAC, developing resilience, sportsmanship, and leadership. The 12 Wise Habits underpin leadership development across activities.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Mindfulness and wellbeing are central to the school's approach, with daily mindfulness practices and a formal wellbeing program. The campus design supports well-being with air-purified classrooms, a positive-pressure air system, a swimming pool, and outdoor facilities that promote physical activity and safe, connected learning. Small class sizes also support individualized attention and student-teacher connections.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
The Phoenix Athletics Programme emphasizes resilience, sportsmanship, and leadership. Sports on offer include volleyball, basketball, football, swimming, track, and badminton. Journeys provide outdoor learning such as hiking, camping, and wilderness cooking. Mindfulness and well-being are promoted as part of Panyaden's values.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
English is the main language of instruction. Thai is taught according to national guidelines, and Mandarin is taught for older students.
Language provision
The school teaches English and Thai. English is the main language of instruction in integrated subjects; Thai is used for Thai language and Culture/History, with Thai First Language and Thai Additional Language provisions. English Language (EAL) support is provided for learners who do not yet have English. Early Years combines the UK EYFS with the Thai national curriculum in a bilingual English-Thai program. Specialist subjects in Primary are delivered in both languages, with Drama in English and Art, Music, PE, Life Skills in Thai; Library sessions alternate between languages.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
The school uses English as the main language of instruction. Thai is taught according to national guidelines, and Mandarin is taught for older students.
Bilingual teaching
The Early Years and Primary Years use a bilingual English-Thai approach. English and Thai are taught by international and Thai teachers to support Thai language acquisition. English is the main language of instruction in integrated subjects, with Thai used for Thai language, Culture and History, and some specialist subjects. Thai language learning is supported by Thai First Language and Thai Additional Language provisions, and English as an Additional Language support is available.
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
The school does not have publicly available information on their awards.
Awards
Recognised for its sustainable, bamboo-and-earth architecture, including awards for eco-design and green construction.
Commended in WASC evaluation for integrating Buddhist values-based education and the “12 Wise Habits” into curriculum and community life.
Accreditations
Accreditations
Values-based Education (VbE) Quality Mark Recognised as the first school in Thailand to receive this mark for implementing values-driven education throughout the school community.
Cambridge International Curriculum The school follows the Cambridge International Primary and Lower Secondary Programme, aligning with the standards of Cambridge Assessment International Education.
Accreditations
Fully licensed by the Thai Ministry of Education.
Accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), affirming its educational standards and academic integrity.
Recognised as an IB World School, authorised to offer the IB Diploma Programme from Year 10–13.
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. School Visit (Optional but recommended) Families are encouraged to visit (virtually or in person) to see the campus and meet the admissions team.
2. Submit Application & Documents Complete the application form and submit copies of the student’s two most recent school reports (if applicable), birth certificate/passport, photo, and vaccination record.
3. Placement Test & Parent Meeting Students take assessments in English and Mathematics. For younger children (Pre-Nursery–Year 1), readiness is assessed socially and emotionally. There’s also a meeting to discuss school values and expectations. A placement test fee of THB 1,000 is payable on the day.
4. Assessment Feedback & Offer Letter The principal reviews results and makes a final decision. Parents receive an Offer of Place within 3 working days via email.
5. Complete Enrollment If accepted, parents submit required documents, sign enrollment forms, and pay the enrolment fee and any deposit. An invoice is issued with due date.
6. Orientation & Start Families receive an orientation pack, supply list, school calendar, and start date details.
Admissions
1. Register your interest Families are encouraged to arrange a personal visit (in-person or virtual) via the enquiry form to get a real sense of the school during term time.
2. Submit online application form Include supporting documents as requested. Application fee of THB 3,000 is payable on the assessment date.
3. Receive decision and offer Panyaden reviews the application and will notify families once a place is available.
4. Complete enrollment Accept the offer, pay required enrolment fee, and complete paperwork to confirm the place.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Meritton runs an International School Scholarship Programme, aimed at secondary students (Year 7 and above).
Scholarships available include 30% or 50% tuition discounts, with the possibility of a full (100%) scholarship awarded to outstanding candidates.
Candidates are invited to take assessments (English, Maths, Science), give a presentation, and attend an interview as part of the selection process.
Scholarships
The Panyaden Secondary Scholarship Programme offers scholarships of up to 100% tuition for high-achieving students entering Years 7 to 11 or the IB Diploma. It also includes additional waivers (e.g., 30%) for early applicants supported by the Erber Family Foundation. These opportunities are selective and typically announced once a year.