Meritton British International School vs SBS International School Chiangmai
Meritton British International School and SBS International School Chiangmai are both in Chiang Mai, about 4 km apart. Both schools offer British, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels and EYFS programmes. Published annual fees are close, at THB 212,000 - 360,000 for Meritton British International School and THB 217,500 - 362,600 for SBS International School Chiangmai. Meritton British International School takes pupils from 2 to 16, and SBS International School Chiangmai from 1 to 18. SBS International School Chiangmai is the larger school, with around 500 pupils to Meritton British International School's 300. Typical class sizes are 21 at Meritton British International School and 25 at SBS International School Chiangmai.
British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Curriculum
British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils
Pupils
300
Pupils
500
Typical class size
Typical class size
21
Typical class size
25
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2018
Opened
2014
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
Yes
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
SBS International School Chiangmai is located at 225/900 Moo 11, Tambon Banwaen, Amphur Hangdong, Chiang Mai 50230. It is situated in Hang Dong district of Chiang Mai, with road access and regular transport connections to the city centre.
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 serves children aged 1 to 18, starting from Early Years Foundation Stage (ages 2‑5), proceeding through Cambridge Primary (ages 5‑11), Lower Secondary (ages 11‑14) and Upper Secondary including IGCSE and AS/A‑Levels (ages 14‑18).
School type
School type
Meritton is a co‑educational day school. There are no boarding facilities offered.
School type
SBS is an English‑medium, 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
There is a dedicated Special Educational Needs (SEN) programme offering support for students with mild to moderate ADHD, ASD, dyslexia and similar learning needs. Support is provided via individual or small‑group sessions, guided by Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
There is no direct affiliation to any country’s government.
Country affiliation
The school operates independently in Thailand. Although it is part of the Arthit Ourairat Institution, it does not state affiliation with another country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
Meritton has no religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliations.
School day structure
School day structure
The typical daily schedule is not published online.
School day structure
The website does not provide explicit daily start and end times or break/lunch details.
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school does not currently publish details about a school bus or transport service.
Bus service details
No information on a school bus service or provider is mentioned on the school website.
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
Admission Interview/Test Fee: THB 3,000 (non-refundable) Admission Fee: THB 80,000 (one-time, non-refundable) Student Deposit: THB 50,000 (refundable with advance withdrawal notice) Security Deposit: THB 5,000 (refundable for material return and final billing)
Annual Tuition Fees Tiger Cubs (1–2 yrs): THB 226,400 Toddler to Reception (2–5 yrs): THB 217,500 Year 1 (5–6 yrs): THB 238,000 Year 2–3: THB 268,900 Year 4: THB 278,900 Year 5–6: THB 304,500 Year 7: THB 314,100 Year 8–9: THB 333,000 Year 10: THB 337,000 Year 11–13: THB 362,600
English Support Fees Primary (Year 1–6): ELS: THB 15,000/term IELS: THB 25,000/term
Secondary (Year 7–13): ELS only: THB 20,000/term
Individual SEN Support 1:1 in-class support: THB 285,000/year
Other Costs Campus Development Fee: THB 10,000/year (non-refundable)
Refund Policy Student deposit is only refundable if the school is notified one term in advance or upon Year 13 graduation, along with an exit interview.
Payment Options Bank Transfer, Credit Card, WeChat/Alipay, and Cash.
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
Uniforms are required and must be purchased from the School Shop before the child's first day.
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
Lunch and a daily snack are provided as part of tuition.
House system
House system
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House system
—
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
The school is a small, family-based international school founded in 2018.
Governance and ownership
The school is governed by a Board of Governors. The Chairman is Prof. Emeritus Dr. Pornchai Matangkasombut. The Board includes a Headmaster (Lee Philips) and multiple members, including a Parent Representative (Ms. Jeerawan Nigrotha) and a Teacher Representative (Mr. Francois de Kock), with the Board Secretary (Ms. Kanyanat Pureerod) also serving on the board. The branding indicates an association with Arthit Ourairat Institution.
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
SBS International School Chiangmai follows the English National Curriculum across all levels. In Early Years (ages 1–5), children follow the EYFS framework with a focus on play-based learning and early development. Primary students (Years 1–6) study core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science, alongside Computing, Art, Music, PE, and Thai language and culture. Secondary students (Years 7–9) follow the Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum, and in Years 10–11, they work toward Cambridge IGCSE qualifications. Students in Years 12–13 follow the Cambridge AS and A-Level programme. Thai language instruction is included at all levels, in line with national requirements.
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
The school integrates social and emotional development through its Early Years programme, which emphasizes Personal, Social & Emotional Development as one of seven key learning areas, encouraging children to recognise feelings, respect others, and develop resilience and independence. In Primary and Secondary, pastoral care is described as an “exceptional pastoral care” element of the educational experience, supporting student wellbeing alongside learning and celebrating success. The school also provides a confidential “Worry Box” for students to submit concerns electronically to support staff, with urgent cases referred immediately to the Secondary Principal.
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 Student Support Services include a SEN programme for students with mild to moderate ADD/ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) such as dyslexia. Support is delivered via Individual Education Plans (IEPs) through one‑to‑one, small group or whole‑class settings, led by a multi‑disciplinary team. This is not a specialist SEN institution, but it does offer structured support for these identified needs.
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
The school offers an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme to support learners who need additional support in English or Thai (Thai as an Additional Language, TAL). Students are assessed and grouped by skill level, and small‑group support focuses on listening, reading, writing, and speaking to help them integrate into mainstream classes as quickly as possible.
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
Mental wellbeing support is facilitated through the “Worry Box” system, where students may submit concerns confidentially and receive follow‑up support from counsellors or the school leadership, especially in urgent cases referred to the Secondary Principal. Staff including school counsellors, psychologists, and nurses are available to support students who need emotional or psychological assistance, particularly in cases of alleged abuse or neglect.
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
SBS Chiangmai follows Thai Ministry of Education regulations and the Child Protection Act B.E. 2546 (2003), implementing Local Safeguarding Children’s Board (LSCB) procedures. The school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead is Siwalin Tansuwanwong, assisted by deputies in Early Years and Secondary, and a child protection governor oversees compliance. All staff are trained in recognising and reporting abuse or neglect, and there is a formal Abuse and Neglect Policy outlining types of abuse, mandated reporting duties, and support for victims.
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 school has state-of-the-art science laboratories, art studios, and technology integration to support learning across the Cambridge curriculum. It serves students aged 2 to 18 in an English-medium, co-educational environment. The campus is located in Hang Dong, Chiang Mai, Thailand. Facilities support the Early Years Foundation Stage and Cambridge pathway across primary, secondary, and IGCSE programs. The school emphasizes holistic development with a focus on social and emotional growth, as well as academic achievement.
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
—
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
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is offered for ages 2 to 5. Cambridge International Curriculum is used for primary and secondary education. IGCSE qualifications are offered for Years 10 and 11. Cambridge AS and A Levels are offered for Years 12 and 13. The medium of instruction is English, with a mix of local and international staff.
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
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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
SBS International School Chiangmai was established in 2014 and is part of the Arthit Ourairat Institution network, founded by Dr. Arthit Ourairat. The school remains privately owned under this institution and maintains that identity in its governance structure. That is the extent of publicly‑available historical detail on its founding and ownership.
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 school hosts a range of community and cultural events such as the Annual International Potluck, SBS Songkran Festival, Graduation Ceremonies, World Scholars Cup, open days, and interschool art competitions. These events involve students, families, and staff and reflect the school’s multicultural student body.
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
The school website does not mention a formal Parent Teacher Association (PTA) or any specific events, groups, or activities run under that name. If a PTA exists, it is not publicly detailed online.
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
The school offers a Cambridge Pathway from Early Years through Secondary. The Cambridge Examinations offered are IGCSE and AS/A Level. The May–June 2025 Cambridge Examinations results show Chandler, Gemmy, and Agnes achieving high marks. The New Era of Education emphasises future-ready skills.
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
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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
The school provides a range of co-curricular activities including sports, the Duke of Edinburgh programme, Model United Nations, internship programmes, and wellness initiatives.
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
The school runs community service programs and volunteering opportunities as part of its co-curricular offerings.
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
Leadership and professional development opportunities include the Duke of Edinburgh programme, Model United Nations, and internship programmes.
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
Sports life is active at SBS Chiangmai. Wellness initiatives are part of the program. Duke of Edinburgh and internship programmes support wellbeing and leadership development.
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
Thai and Mandarin are taught as First Language options; Mandarin is offered as an Additional Language from Year 1; Thai Language and Culture is provided for all students; Thai as an Additional Language is available for non-native speakers. Language Support Programmes (EAL and TAL) provide additional English and Thai language support with IELS/ELS teachers to help students access the curriculum.
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
Thai or Mandarin are offered as First Language classes, with Thai Language and Culture taught to all students and Mandarin as an Additional Language from Year 1. Thai as an Additional Language is available for non-native speakers. Core subjects (including English) follow the Cambridge International Primary framework.
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
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Prestigious international youth awards programme promoting personal growth, leadership, and service.
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
ONESQA – Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment (Thailand).
Cambridge Assessment International Education – Accredited as a: Cambridge International School Cambridge Professional Development Centre
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) – UK-based curriculum standards for early childhood education.
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
Submit required documents For non-Thai students, these typically include: Copy of student’s passport Copy of parent’s passport Grade report (transcripts) Birth certificate Family registration list Parent’s work permit and tax documents
These are required before scheduling further steps.
Admission test and interview Once documents are received, the school arranges:
1. An interview with the Principal (or designated staff).
2. Placement testing or an observation day (often a full morning) assessing academic level and language proficiency.
Placement offer / acceptance If successful, parents receive a formal offer letter and confirmation slip to indicate acceptance.
Official registration Upon acceptance, an information pack is provided to parents, with registration form specifying assigned teacher and student ID, plus orientation and next steps.
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
Internal IGCSE Recognition Awards:
Orange Riband: Awarded to top-performing IGCSE student (8 A* grades)
Benefit: Full tuition for one year or 50% for two years of A-Level programme
Blue Riband: For next two top performers (6+ A* or A grades)
Benefit: 50% tuition reduction for one year
Presented formally with plaque; recognised in tertiary applications
Dr. Arthit World Academic Scholarships:
Open to candidates entering A-Level
Selection based on academic background, leadership, community involvement, extracurricular record
