Panyaden International School vs SBS International School Chiangmai
Panyaden International School and SBS International School Chiangmai are both in Chiang Mai, about 3 km apart. Both schools offer British and EYFS programmes. Panyaden International School also offers IB, IPC and IMYC, and SBS International School Chiangmai also offers Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels. Published annual fees are THB 303,000 - 571,000 at Panyaden International School and THB 217,500 - 362,600 at SBS International School Chiangmai, which puts Panyaden International School roughly 51% higher. Panyaden International School takes pupils from 2 to 18, and SBS International School Chiangmai from 1 to 18. The two are similar in size, at around 405 and 500 pupils. Typical class sizes are 20 at Panyaden International School and 25 at SBS International School Chiangmai.
IB (DP), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum), British Curriculum, 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
405
Pupils
500
Typical class size
Typical class size
20
Typical class size
25
Instruction language
Instruction language
English, Thai
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2011
Opened
2014
Bus service
Bus service
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Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
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.
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 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).
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
Panyaden is a fully co‑educational day school.
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
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.
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
The school has no formal country affiliation.
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
The school is not affiliated with any particular religion; however, Buddhist values are integrated into daily life and learning, reflecting Thai cultural traditions.
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliations.
School day structure
School day structure
School hours in Early Years run approximately 08:20–15:15, with optional after‑school clubs until 16:00–17:00.
School day structure
The website does not provide explicit daily start and end times or break/lunch details.
Bus service details
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.
Bus service details
No information on a school bus service or provider is mentioned on the school website.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
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
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 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.
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 operates two on-site canteens. The Bamboo Canteen has a modern kitchen and serves healthy meals to over 700 students and staff daily.
Food options
Lunch and a daily snack are provided as part of tuition.
House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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 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
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 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
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 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.
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
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.
Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
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.
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
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.
Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
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.
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
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 .
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
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.
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
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.
Community & service
The school runs community service programs and volunteering opportunities as part of its co-curricular offerings.
Leadership & professional
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.
Leadership & professional
Leadership and professional development opportunities include the Duke of Edinburgh programme, Model United Nations, and internship programmes.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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.
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
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.
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 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.
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
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.
Awards
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Prestigious international youth awards programme promoting personal growth, leadership, and service.
Accreditations
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.
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. 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.
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
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.
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