Meritton British International School vs Varee Chiangmai International School

	M Meritton British International School Chiang Mai, Thailand	V Varee Chiangmai International School Chiang Mai, Thailand
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year THB 212,000 - 360,000	Fees / year THB 244,000 - 524,000
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 British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils	Pupils 300	Pupils 300
Typical class size	Typical class size 21	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2018	Opened 2010
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
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 situated at 59 Moo 6, Mahidol Road, Nong Hoi, Mueang District, Chiang Mai, Thailand. It lies within easy reach of shopping centres, hospitals, supermarkets, and bus and train stations.
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 VCIS serves children aged 2 to 18, from Pre‑Nursery up through Year 13.
School type	School type Meritton is a co‑educational day school. There are no boarding facilities offered.	School type The school is fully co‑educational and currently operates as a day school. No boarding facilities are provided.
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 Varee Chiangmai International School provides Learning Support and English as an Additional Language Programme.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation There is no direct affiliation to any country’s government.	Country affiliation The school is not affiliated with any specific country.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Meritton has no religious affiliation.	Religious affiliation The school has no affiliation with any religion.
School day structure	School day structure The typical daily schedule is not published online.	School day structure Early Year and Primary School classes run from 8.00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday to Friday. Secondary School is from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. After-school activities for children in Primary run from 2:45 PM to 3:30 PM. For Secondary, after-school activities run from 3:15 PM to 4:00 PM.
Bus service details	Bus service details The school does not currently publish details about a school bus or transport service.	Bus service details The website does not mention any school bus or transport 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 Application and Placement Fee: THB 6,000 (one-time, non-refundable) Enrollment Fee (non-refundable): New student: THB 80,000 2nd and subsequent child: THB 60,000 Entry at A Level: THB 40,000 Annual Tuition Fees Early Years (Pre-Nursery to Reception): THB 244,000 Key Stage 1 (Year 1–2): THB 304,000 Key Stage 2 (Year 3–6): THB 328,000 Key Stage 3 (Year 7–9): THB 360,000 Key Stage 4 IGCSE (Year 10–11): THB 444,000 Key Stage 5 A-Level (Year 12–13): THB 524,000 Note: Late Payment Penalties THB 1,000 per week. Sibling Discounts 5% for the second child 10% for third and additional children Other Required Fees English Support (IEP/EAP): THB 30,000 per semester Lunch (Early Years to Key Stage 2): THB 9,000 per semester PTA Fee: THB 750 per family per year DoE Registration (if applicable): THB 2,000 Payment Options Cash, Visa/MasterCard, and Bank Transfer. Refund Policy New students: 75% refund if withdrawn within 7 business days after semester start. Current students: Full refund if withdrawal notice is given 15 days before the semester start. No refunds for mid-semester withdrawals.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements The school does not offer boarding facilities.
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 The canteen offers a range of snacks and various foods. The lunch includes Western, Thai and vegetarian dishes, as well as Asian noodle soup, salad and fresh fruits. The cafeteria serves Asian and Western dishes. Children may also bring their own food from home.
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 The founder and director is Ajarn Varee Patravanich.
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 Varee Chiangmai International School follows the English National Curriculum from Early Years through to Year 13. In the Early Years (Pre-Nursery to Reception), the curriculum is based on the UK’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) with a focus on language, numeracy, and learning through play in English and Thai contexts. The Primary phase (Years 1–6) continues with subjects such as English, maths, science, humanities, computing, arts, Thai language, and physical education. In Secondary (Years 7–9), students prepare for Cambridge Checkpoint exams in English, mathematics, and science, alongside subjects including geography, history, ICT, and the arts. For Years 10–11, the school offers the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum with a combination of core and elective subjects. In Years 12–13, students choose three A-Level subjects and continue with non-exam subjects such as Thai language, PE, and university preparation activities.
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 VCIS embeds Social and Emotional Learning through its regular PSHEE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) lessons, offered from Early Years through secondary levels. In Secondary, there is an explicit focus on encouraging tolerance, social skills, and peer support during Key Stage 3 through group work and collaborative activities. The school also provides opportunities for student voice through its Student Council, representing Years 7–13, where students can raise concerns and contribute to school life.
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 provides Learning Support for students with identified needs, though it is not described as a specialist SEN institution. Support is offered based on the availability of resources and depends on individual student needs, as assessed during admissions and placement processes. The school does not publicly specify which categories of SEN it can support beyond indicating a Learning Support 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 VCIS offers an English as an Additional Language programme as part of placements for non‑native English speakers, dependent on resource availability. Students are assessed on English ability during the placement test and interview with an English Language Specialist, and additional ESL support may be offered if required to access mainstream classes.
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 VCIS provides in‑house counselling through a professionally staffed counsellor who is available throughout the school day, with an open‑door policy for students requiring support. Pastoral care is emphasised as a high priority, including round‑the‑clock security, first‑aid rooms, codes of conduct, and a zero‑tolerance bullying policy to maintain student wellbeing.
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’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is publicly listed in its website navigation, indicating formal safeguarding measures are in place. VCIS enforces a zero‑tolerance policy on bullying along with well‑defined behavioural codes of conduct and secure campus access controls. The presence of professionally staffed first‑aid rooms also supports student safety daily.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy View document
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 Varee Chiangmai International has a modern campus in Chiang Mai. Classrooms are spacious and networked with computers, with Activ-boards for interactive multimedia learning. Specialist facilities include science labs, computer labs, art studios, drama and music studios, and a well‑resourced library, plus a 25‑meter swimming pool, auditorium, indoor gymnasium and multiple play areas. The cafeteria serves Asian and Western dishes and there is a mini‑mart on site. The campus is conveniently located near Chiang Mai's airport and central amenities, and the school is accredited by the Education Development Trust and Cambridge International Examinations.
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 Sports facilities include futsal courts, a football pitch, basketball facilities and multi‑purpose sports fields. A 25‑meter swimming pool is on site and there is an indoor gymnasium. The campus provides a broad, well‑equipped sports program to support student participation across age groups.
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 Cambridge curriculum is offered, including IGCSE and AS/A Levels. The language of instruction is English and the school serves students aged 2 to 18. Classrooms are equipped with networked computers and Activ‑boards to support learning. Specialist facilities include science labs, computer labs, art, music and drama studios, and a well‑resourced library.
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 school provides a comprehensive extra‑curricular programme for primary and secondary, with activities ranging from ESL and ICT to sports such as basketball, football, rugby and swimming, and arts including music, choir, hip hop and dance, Chinese and Thai. Activities change each semester and are often run by teaching staff. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is offered and VCIS is an International Award Centre.
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 Varee Chiangmai International School traces its origins to the Varee Kindergarten founded in 1978 by Mrs Varee Patravanich. In response to parental demand for primary and secondary international-style education, the international school expanded and officially opened in Chiang Mai in 2003 under her leadership. The school remains privately owned and continues under the leadership vision of its founder and director, integrating a UK-aligned curriculum with Thai cultural values.
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 culturally diverse student body and community, with events reflecting Thai, Asian, and international traditions. Through its “Our Community” section, the school promotes opportunities for students to engage across cultures and values, though specific community events or festivals are not itemized in detail on the public website.
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 Varee Chiangmai International School has an active Parent Teacher Association whose mission is to foster partnerships between families, teachers, and the school. The PTA aims to advocate for student wellbeing, support school activities across cultures, and serve as a channel for parental concerns. While the PTA’s purpose and vision are clearly defined, the website does not specify particular PTA events, regular meetings, or groups involved in organising community activities.
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 serves students aged 2 to 18 (Pre-Nursery to Year 13) and offers a UK-aligned international curriculum with IGCSE for Years 10–11 and AS-level/A-level for Years 12–13. The language of instruction is English. The school is fully accredited by the Education Development Trust (EDT) and is a Cambridge International Examinations centre.
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 —
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 —
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 —
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 —
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 —
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 —
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 English is the language of instruction. Thai Language, Culture, and History (TLCH) is offered for Thai and international students. For international students, Thai language learning begins in Year 3 and continues to Year 11, twice weekly, at two levels: A1 (Beginner) and A2 (Intermediate). Students study Thai Language for Communication and Thai Culture and History as part of TLCH.
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 Fully accredited by Education Development Trust (EDT) A UK-based accreditation agency assessing every aspect of school operations from facilities and hygiene to teaching standards. Accredited by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) For delivering IGCSE and A‑Level programmes to international standards.
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 Initial interview Parents and students meet with the English Language Specialist. Students entering Key Stage 2 (Year 3) or higher complete assessments in English, Mathematics, and Science as appropriate for their level. Complete application form & pay fee If successful in the interview, submit the application form and pay the non-refundable 6,000 THB application and placement test fee. Placement Test Tests are scheduled at the beginning or end of the day. Younger students (Early Years, Years 1–2) join classroom activities for assessment. Acceptance Decision The Principal recommends, and the Director makes the final admission decision. Enrollment Following acceptance, complete enrollment forms, pay the enrollment fee and tuition (due one week before term start), and receive a copy of the Parent Handbook.
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 school does not have publicly available information on their scholarships.
Waitlist	Waitlist The school does not have a waitlist.	Waitlist VCIS operates a rolling admissions policy. If space is available and assessment criteria are met, children may join at any time during the year. However, entry into Year 9, Year 10, and Year 12 is restricted to the beginning of the school year.
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