Meritton British International School vs Singapore International School - Chiangmai

	M Meritton British International School Chiang Mai, Thailand	S Singapore International School - Chiangmai Chiang Mai, Thailand
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year THB 212,000 - 360,000	Fees / year THB 324,300 - 564,300
Age range	Age range 2 - 16 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)	Curriculum Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Singapore Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 300	Pupils 280
Typical class size	Typical class size 21	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2018	Opened 2017
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service —
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 The school is located in Si Phum, the historic central district of Chiang Mai, roughly 400 m west of the Chang Phuak city gate, near Wat Lok Molee and Wat Pa Phrao Nai. It lies within walking distance of city-centre amenities and is accessible by local roads from the Old City.
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 2 to 18 years, structured into Nursery–Kindergarten (2 – 6 years), Primary School (6 – 12 years), Secondary School (12 – 16 years), and Sixth Form (16 – 18 years).
School type	School type Meritton is a co‑educational day school. There are no boarding facilities offered.	School type SISB Chiang Mai is a co‑educational day school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
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 Singapore International School Chiangmai offers structured support for students requiring additional help in language acquisition. The school provides Chinese Learning Support (CLS) and two levels of English Learning Support (ELS1 and ELS2). These services are designed to assist students who may need extra guidance to meet the school’s trilingual curriculum expectations in English, Chinese, and Thai.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation There is no direct affiliation to any country’s government.	Country affiliation The school is part of the Singapore International School (SISB) group, following the Singapore and UK curricula, but operates independently in Thailand. There is no formal affiliation with the Singapore government.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Meritton has no religious affiliation.	Religious affiliation The school does not have a religious affiliation.
School day structure	School day structure The typical daily schedule is not published online.	School day structure At SISB Chiangmai, the school day runs from 8:00 am, with end times varying by level: 2:30 pm for Nursery to Kindergarten, 3:30 pm for Primary (P1–P6), and 4:00 pm for Secondary and Sixth Form (G7–G12).
Bus service details	Bus service details The school does not currently publish details about a school bus or transport service.	Bus service details The Chiang Mai campus does not clearly state the availability of a school bus service.
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 Library book deposit: THB 6,000 (refundable) Chromebook deposit (Years 7–11): THB 6,000 (refundable) Tuition Fees (Per Term) * Pre-Nursery: THB 212,000 * Nursery–Reception: THB 224,000 * Years 1–2: THB 266,000 * Years 3–6: THB 286,000 * Years 7–9: THB 318,000 * Years 10–11 (IGCSE): THB 360,000 Sibling Discounts 10% (second child), 15% (third), 20% (fourth and beyond). Other Annual Fees Lunch & Snacks: Pre-Nursery–Year 2: THB 21,600 per year Years 3–11: THB 23,600 per year Books & Learning Platforms: Pre-Nursery: THB 2,000 Nursery–Reception: THB 5,000 Years 1–6: THB 7,500 Years 7–9: THB 11,000 Years 10–11: THB 12,000 Activities & Field Trips: THB 6,000 per year Insurance supplement: THB 1,300 Chromebook usage (Years 7–11): THB 5,000 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 One-time Payment Application Fee: THB 5,000 (non-refundable) Assessment Fee: THB 5,000 (non-refundable) Enrolment Fee: THB 150,000 (non-refundable) Refundable Deposit: THB 30,000 Annual Tuition Fees Child-Centred Curriculum (Nursery–Kindergarten) Nursery 1 & Nursery 2: THB 324,300 Kindergarten 1 & Kindergarten 2: THB 348,300 Singapore Curriculum (Primary) Primary 1–2: THB 379,500 Primary 3–4: THB 419,100 Primary 5–6: THB 466,800 UK Curriculum (Secondary) Grade 7–8: THB 502,800 Grade 9: THB 537,300 Grade 10: THB 537,300 Grade 11 & Grade 12: THB 564,300 Language Support (if required) Chinese Learning Support (CLS): THB 20,000 per term English Learning Support (ELS1 or ELS2): THB 20,000 per term Educational Resources Fee (Annual) Nursery–KG2: THB 28,500 Primary 1–6: THB 31,000 Grade 7–8: THB 40,000 Grade 9 & 11: THB 60,000 Grade 10 & 12: THB 80,000 (new students) Snack & Lunch Fee (per year) Nursery: THB 25,500 Kindergarten: THB 27,000 Primary: THB 31,200 Grade 7–9: THB 36,600 Grade 10–12: THB 36,600 Sibling Discount 5% for the second child 10% for third child onward Refund Policy A deposit refund requires 1 1-term written notice. Credited within 1 month after departure, subject to clearance of accounts. Tuition & Enrolment Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Payment Methods Cash, Credit Card, Alipay/WeChat, and Bank Transfer.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school has a uniform. Parents can purchase school uniforms at the start of the academic year.	Uniform requirement —
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 —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is a small, family-based international school founded in 2018.	Governance and ownership —
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 Singapore International School Chiangmai offers a trilingual curriculum with English as the primary language of instruction, and additional instruction in Chinese and Thai. In Early Years (Nursery to Kindergarten), students follow the UK’s EYFS framework. From Primary School, the Singapore Curriculum is used, emphasising core subjects including English, Mathematics, and Science. In Secondary School, students prepare for the Cambridge IGCSE examinations. In Years 11–12 (Sixth Form), students undertake Cambridge International AS and A Level courses. Across all stages, the curriculum is designed to build bilingual and bicultural competencies alongside academic progression.
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 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 does not publicly disclose detailed information about Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) on its website. However, it does state that Pastoral Care and Career Guidance is part of the timetable for secondary students, aimed at building life skills and personal growth. Homeroom teachers support this by mentoring students individually.
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) There is no publicly available information on the SISB Chiangmai site regarding support for Special Educational Needs on their website.
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 SISB Chiangmai does not mention any dedicated English as an Additional Language (EAL) programming on its official website.
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 does not publicly disclose structured mental wellbeing programmes. It refers to pastoral care provided by homeroom teachers as part of student support in secondary and Sixth Form years.
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 policies on its official website.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
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 Chiang Mai campus is modern and well equipped with the latest educational resources. It features an eco-friendly campus designed to support personalised learning and progress. The environment supports well-rounded development, experiential learning, and student guidance. It offers activities that extend learning beyond the classroom, including taekwondo and hip-hop dancing. The school provides the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award as part of its programme offerings.
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 The campus is modern and equipped with contemporary resources to support learning across the curriculum. The school delivers the Singapore curriculum with a foundation in English, Chinese, and Thai languages. The Primary programme covers core subjects such as English, Math, Science, and Chinese, with ICT, Drama, Art, Social Studies, and Physical Education. The Secondary programme combines Singapore and Cambridge approaches, preparing students for Cambridge IGCSE in Grades 9–10 and Cambridge International AS and A Levels in the Sixth Form. Pastoral Care and Career Guidance are included as part of student support.
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 Well-rounded development activities include taekwondo and hip-hop dancing, open to learners from international kindergarten. Experiential learning is promoted through local and international trips. Students can participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award as part of the school programmes.
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 SISB Chiangmai opened in 2017 as the first Singapore International School in Northern Thailand and is operated by SISB Public Company Limited, which founded its first campus (Ekkamai, Bangkok) in 2001 and now manages several branches across Thailand. The Chiang Mai campus was purpose‑built and completed in late 2016, with operations beginning the following year as part of SISB’s strategic expansion beyond Bangkok.
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 community participates in events such as International Day, Chinese New Year, Songkran Festival, and Sports Day, which involve students, staff, and families in cultural celebration and school life. Community engagement also spans service-oriented activities like K1 students donating to local charities as part of Global Citizenship learning.
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 While the school describes strong parent‑school partnerships, the structure and specific functioning of a formal Parent Teacher Association (PTA) are not detailed on the site. Parents are actively involved in organizing events such as Sports Day, Christmas festivities, and International Week through volunteer support teams or similar collaborative roles. There is mention of regular parent‑teacher meetings, though formal PTA governance, elected groups, or scheduled activities are not documented publicly.
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 Chiang Mai campus offers Nursery to Sixth Form (2-18 years old).
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 The school provides activities and programmes that include drama and art as part of the curriculum and general development.
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 In Nursery-Kindergarten (2-6 years), English, Chinese, and Thai are developed; Primary (6-12 years) includes English, Chinese, and other subjects; Secondary (12-16 years) and Sixth Form (16-18 years) follow a Singapore-Cambridge curriculum with multilingual aspects.
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 Well-rounded development includes activities such as taekwondo and hip-hop dancing; experiential learning through local and international trips.
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 participates in programmes like the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award.
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 The principal is Daniel Maxwell; the school emphasises personalised guidance and leadership development.
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 campus is described as eco-friendly with modern facilities designed to support students' growth and well-being.
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 Languages taught include English, Chinese, and Thai. In Nursery-Kindergarten, students develop a strong foundation in English, Chinese, and Thai. In Primary, English and Chinese are core subjects within 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 —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards The school does not have publicly available information on their awards.	Awards The school does not have publicly available information on their awards.
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 Council of International Schools (CIS) SISB is fully accredited by CIS, validating its global academic standards and quality assurance processes. New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) Accredited by NEASC, a U.S.-based agency that certifies the educational quality of international schools. Cambridge International School Authorised to offer Cambridge IGCSE, AS, and A Levels. Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB) SISB is an official iPSLE exam centre authorised by SEAB since 2016. Hanban (Confucius Institute Headquarters) Recognised as a certified test centre for Mandarin proficiency assessments.
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. Get in Touch Contact the school by phone or submit an online inquiry to discuss your child’s educational needs. You can also book a school tour to visit the campus and speak with the admissions team in person. 2. Submit Application Form Complete the SISB application form and submit all required documents as advised by the Admissions Office. These typically include identification, past school reports, and health records. 3. Take an Assessment After the application is reviewed, SISB will schedule an assessment and an interview for your child. The format may vary depending on the year level, with younger students often assessed through observation. 4. Admission Decision Families will be informed of the admissions outcome by phone or email. If a place is offered, you will receive a formal letter of acceptance. 6. Payment of School Fees Pay the applicable tuition and enrolment fees according to the instructions provided by the Admissions Office. 7. Enrollment Once fees are settled and documents are complete, your child is officially enrolled.
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 SISB does not currently promote any active scholarship programs; however, SISB Chiang Mai has previously conducted secondary scholarship examinations offering up to 100% tuition scholarships for successful applicants in Grades 7–9 (Lower Secondary / IGCSE levels). These scholarship opportunities were campus-specific and not part of a regular annual program. They were typically promoted through open house events or regional education fairs, allowing selected students to receive partial or full tuition waivers based on academic performance and assessment outcomes.
Waitlist	Waitlist The school does not have a waitlist.	Waitlist The school does not officially publish a waitlist policy, but admissions are clearly noted to be “subject to availability”, indicating that places may not always be open.
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