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Denla British School

Thailand, Bangkok

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees THB 530,700 - 1,009,200
Ages 2 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 900
Type Co-educational
Opened 2017
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Taught languages English, Japanese, Mandarin, Thai
Typical class size 22
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, STEM
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Denla British School (DBS), launched in 2017 near Bangkok in Nonthaburi province, serves students aged 2–19 on an 18‑acre campus. It delivers an Enhanced British Curriculum, modelled on UK independent schools, leading to IGCSE in Years 9–11 and A‑Levels in Years 12–13. The school day is extended by 1.5 hours to enrich learning and co‑curricular engagement. Facilities include specialist science and tech labs, makerspace, music and performing arts school with studio theatre and a 600‑seat auditorium, a 400 m track, tennis courts, a golf simulator and an indoor pool. The House System (Windsor, Balmoral, Buckingham, Sandringham) fosters teamwork via academic, sporting, STEM and charity competitions. English is the medium of instruction, while Thai and Mandarin are taught as subject languages. Co‑educational and day‑only, DBS also offers an on‑campus school shuttle bus.

58 Moo 2 Ratchapruek Road, Om Kret, Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, 11120 Thailand

The Essentials

Denla British School has 900 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English.

Location

Denla British School is located at 58 Moo 2 Ratchapruek Road, Om Kret, Pak Kret, Nonthaburi 11120, about 30 minutes northwest of central Bangkok by expressway via Chaeng Wattana and Si Rat. The surrounding area is a green, suburban residential district with easy access to international schools, shopping centres, and riverfront parks.

Stages

DBS offers education for children aged 2 to 18, structured into Pre-Prep (Mini Dragons to Year 2), Prep School (Years 3–8), and Senior School including Sixth Form (Years 9–13).

Type

The school is co‑educational and serves day students only; no boarding facilities are offered.

Additional learning support

Specialist ESL/EAL teachers provide support both within mainstream classes and through withdrawn groups or one-on-one sessions, tailored to individual needs. While the school does offer in-class assistance for learning needs, there is no detailed public policy on broader SEN provisions or specialist facilities beyond language support.

Country affiliation

DBS is an independent international school in Thailand and does not have formal affiliation with any country.

Religious affiliation

The school has no religious affiliation.

School day structure

The school day typically begins in the morning and ends around 15:10 for Reception to Year 13 students, with optional after‑school activities until about 16:20. The early years (Mini Dragons and Nursery) dismiss earlier in the afternoon.

Bus service

DBS operates a school shuttle bus service for students, with multiple routes available across Bangkok and Nonthaburi.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

All DBS students wear the DBS uniform and must wear it correctly to and from school and when representing the school. Updates for 2024/25 include: MD‑Y2 may wear plain black trainers; Y3–Y8 may wear black leather shoes; Y3+ must wear the school tie; all students wear House shirts on Fridays; Year 12–13 dress in business attire on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, with Sixth Form polo shirts on Wednesdays and house shirts on Fridays.

House System

The House System creates a smaller community within DBS, fostering belonging and cross-year collaboration. House Points are awarded for sporting, musical, academic and team-building events, contributing to the annual House Point Shield and the House Sports Shield. House Leaders are selected from the Upper School to lead House events and promote school spirit.

Governance and Ownership

The Board of Directors provides leadership and strategic direction to DBS Bangkok. Arn Pandejpong is the Founder of the Denla Group of Schools, and Directors include Dr Temyos Pandejpong and Dr Toryos Pandejpong. An Advisory Board, consisting of individuals such as Hugh Cocke, Andrew Griffiths, Nopamart Manoleehagul, Karoon Ruechuyothin and Parama Saovabha, lends guidance.
Fees

Annual tuition at Denla British School ranges from THB 530,700 to THB 1,009,200 for 2026/27.

Application Fee: THB 5,000 (non‑refundable)
Admissions/Reservation Fee: THB 220,000 (non‑refundable; becomes the admissions fee once a place is offered)
Acceptance Deposit: THB 150,000 (refundable under specified conditions)

Annual Tuition Fees
Mini Dragons (age 2): THB 530,700
Nursery (EY1): THB 588,70
Reception (EY2): THB 671,800
Years 1–5: THB 799,600
Years 6–8: THB 880,250
Years 9–11 (IGCSE): THB 934,400
Years 12–13 (A‑Level): THB 1,009,200
Note: Simple interest of 1.25% per month, calculated daily, applies to unpaid tuition.

Discounts
2% discount for full-year payment made by Term 1 due date.
5% sibling discount for the second child; 10% for the third and subsequent children enrolled simultaneously.

Payment Methods
Payments can be made via bank transfer, credit card, cheque, or cash.
Academics

Denla British School teaches British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum

Denla British School’s curriculum is based on the English National Curriculum, beginning in Early Years and continuing through Year 6 in the Lower School, with specialist lessons in Thai, Mandarin, music, PE, computing and art woven throughout. The Lower School (Mini Dragons through Year 6) emphasises core subjects, English, maths and science, alongside creative and language development from age 2 to 11. Upper School students in Years 7–9 build on this foundation with a broad academic programme designed to prepare them for Cambridge IGCSE in Years 10–11. In Years 10–11, students take IGCSE examinations across a broad range of core and elective subjects, including sciences, humanities, languages and arts. Finally, in Sixth Form (Years 12–13), students follow Cambridge A‑Level courses in disciplines such as mathematics, sciences, humanities and creative subjects to prepare for university-level study.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

DBS implements the Jigsaw PSHE programme to deliver social and emotional learning across all key stages. This structured curriculum covers themes such as emotional regulation, identity, health, and relationships through weekly lessons. The programme includes assemblies, class discussions, and age-appropriate classroom resources. DBS integrates SEL into its broader safeguarding approach and uses tutor groups and the House system to reinforce pastoral care. These systems aim to help students feel supported in managing friendships, transitions, and emotional challenges.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

DBS provides learning support through its pastoral and academic structures but does not identify as a specialist SEN institution. Moreover, the school does not publicly specify which categories of SEN it can support, nor does it outline specialised programmes or facilities for neurodiverse learners.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

DBS supports students with EAL through a dedicated English as a Second Language (ESL) programme. Specialist teachers provide both in-class support and withdrawal sessions depending on the needs of the learner. The school conducts language assessments during admissions and provides structured progression to help students fully access the curriculum. EAL support is included in the mainstream academic framework and also aims to support integration into school life.

Mental Wellbeing

DBS promotes student mental wellbeing through a combination of pastoral care structures and formal SEL education. The Jigsaw programme includes components focused on mental health, self-care, and resilience. The school employs a designated school counsellor, who works with students individually or in groups. Students are also supported by their form tutors, Heads of Year, and House mentors. Mental wellbeing is addressed through regular communication with parents.

Safeguarding

DBS follows a safeguarding framework that aligns with UK Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) standards. The Safeguarding Team includes a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), deputy DSLs, and trained officers across all school levels. All staff receive regular safeguarding training, and the school uses CPOMS, a secure platform for logging child protection concerns. The school has a clear safeguarding policy covering online safety, whistleblowing, child-on-child abuse, and mandatory reporting.
Parent Experience

History

Denla British School was established in 2017 by the Denla Group, which began with Denla Kindergarten, founded by the Pandejpong family in 1979. The Group expanded into international education under this name to offer a British-style day school in Thailand. DBS joined FOBISIA in 2021 and continues to operate as part of the Denla Schools network, overseen by the Pandejpong family. The school remains privately owned and aligned with the group’s longstanding educational mission.

Community

The DBS community engages in regular service and charity events such as “DBS Cares”, Pancake Runs, and fundraising activities supporting Rainbow House Children’s Centre. Students help repaint facilities, donate funds and participate in community kindness projects like building a “Buddy Bench.” The school also hosts large-scale creative events such as the Denla Piano Competition and biennial drama productions, which bring together families and local schools.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The school does not publicly refer to a formal PTA, but parents actively engage through the DBS Charity Team which includes families, staff, and students working on initiatives like Pancake Runs and community service events. Parent volunteers assist in organizing fundraising events, supporting DBS Cares projects, and supporting logistics during arts and cultural showcases. Engagement is encouraged via the Parent Portal, and feedback from parents is used to help plan community and seasonal events.
Gallery
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The DBS campus spans 60-rai (approximately 24 acres) in Nonthaburi and is designed to support an Enhanced British Curriculum. The Senior School buildings include dedicated science and computer labs, the 600-seat Araya Hall auditorium, a music suite with a stage, and advanced art and design technology studios. The sports and wellness facilities feature a fitness centre, wall climbing, and a golf simulator. Early Years, Lower School and Upper School facilities provide libraries, dining halls, outdoor spaces, and specialist classrooms across a purpose-built campus.

Sports Facilities

Sports and Performance Facilities include 4G football fields, tennis courts, a golf training area, an indoor basketball court, and an indoor swimming pool. The Araya Hall hosts events, and golf simulators are available. There are Black Box theatres (I and II), a 400m running track, a covered futsal court, covered basketball courts, table tennis, dance studios, a traverse climbing wall, and a fitness centre.

Academic Facilities

The Early Years facilities include an Early Years Library, EY Playground, Woodland and Wood Work areas, The Garden, EY Village, and Playroom. Lower School facilities include a Lower School Library, specialist classrooms such as Science labs, Makerspace, Music rooms, and a Mac Suite, a Dining Hall, and an Outdoor Playground. Upper School facilities include an Upper School Library, House Lounges, an Upper School Dining Hall, and Creative and Performing Arts facilities such as a DT studio, Art studio, Graphic studio, Music Centre, and Black Box, plus a Sixth Form Centre, an Exam Centre, and additional specialist classrooms (e.g., Science Labs, Mac Suite, Cooking Studio).

Extra Curricular Facilities

There are over 500 after-school activities offered. The school runs After-School Activities (ASA), Saturday School, Holiday Camps, and a Language Centre as part of its extracurricular provision.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

Denla British School (DBS Bangkok) is a British independent school delivering an Enhanced British Curriculum. The Upper School uses IGCSEs and A-Levels, and the school presents itself through a two-tier structure of Lower School and Upper School with Baby Dragons Playgroup serving the earliest years. The school reports a 100% university admission rate for its graduates.

Arts & Creative

The school offers a broad programme of creative and performing arts within its Enhanced British Curriculum, including dedicated facilities for music, drama, and art and design technology.

Cultural & Language

The Language Centre supports English language development for learners and provides language input as needed; English as a Second Language is offered to assist students in accessing the curriculum.

Social & Hobbies

The school provides a wide range of after-school activities and clubs, with over 500 options available weekly to develop interests beyond the classroom.

Community & Service

The school operates a comprehensive after-school activities program and language centre designed to support learners' language development and cultural engagement.

Leadership & Professional

The school emphasizes holistic development through structured pastoral support and opportunities for leadership within its House System and broader co-curricular offerings.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

The campus provides extensive sports and wellness facilities, including multiple sports fields, an indoor pool, a 400m track, a 600-seat auditorium, and other fitness and performance spaces to support physical well-being and extracurricular participation.
Languages

Language Provision

The DBS Language Centre provides English language development with a focus on academic English and language proficiency. Instructors are experienced in teaching English as a second language and deliver personalised, integrated instruction aligned with DBS standards. The language centre is state‑of‑the‑art and equipped with modern resources to support language learning. All applicants complete an English assessment; strong English leads to mainstream placement, while those needing extra support may be offered places in the Language Centre to develop English.
Reputation

Awards

TheaAsianparent Awards 2024 – Parents’ Choice Best Kindergarten
Awarded by the parenting community “theAsianparent” in recognition of outstanding early years provision at DBS.

TES Awards 2024 – Shortlisted for Curriculum Initiative of the Year
DBS’s Sixth Form Global Leaders Programme was shortlisted as a notable UK-based international education curriculum innovation.

Accreditations

Council of International Schools (CIS)
Recognised for meeting international standards in teaching, learning, leadership, and child protection.

FOBISIA (Federation of British International Schools in Asia)
A membership network supporting collaboration between British schools across Asia.

COBIS (Council of British International Schools)
Accredited member indicating quality assurance in British curriculum delivery and governance standards.

Cambridge International School
Authorised to offer Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level qualifications.

Pearson Edexcel Approved Centre
Recognised to administer Edexcel IGCSE and A-Level exams.

Oxford AQA International Examinations Approved Centre
Approved to offer international GCSE and A-Level assessments through AQA and Oxford University Press.

ONESQA (Thailand’s Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment)
Accredited by Thailand’s official quality assurance body.

ISAT (International Schools Association of Thailand)
Member school complying with recognised standards for international education in Thailand.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Centre
Licensed to offer the internationally recognised personal development programme for students aged 14+.

Chartered College of Teaching (UK)
Institutional member promoting professional development for educators.

UKMT (United Kingdom Mathematics Trust)
Participates in national UK mathematics challenges and competitions (though this reflects school participation, not an institutional accreditation).
Admissions

Admissions

1. Arrange a visit or attend an open day.
DBS offers optional school tours and open house sessions for prospective families to explore the campus and ask questions.

2. Submit registration and assessment.
Parents complete an application form, pay the application fee, and register for an age-appropriate assessment or trial day based on the student’s age.

3. Receive offer and deposit.
Once a place is offered, parents pay a non‑refundable admissions/reservation fee and a refundable acceptance deposit.

4. Confirm enrolment.
After accepting the offer and paying all required fees, parents will receive term calendars, uniform details, and information about joining in the new academic year.

Scholarships

Academic Scholarship, Sports, Music, Leadership, and Innovation Scholarships are available from Year 5 or Year 7 depending on the category, and are awarded based on ability and contribution in the relevant field. Scholars receive mentoring, development funding, and are expected to serve as school ambassadors.

Sixth Form High Academic Achievement Award provides a tuition discount (5–50%) based on IGCSE results in Year 11; continuing through Years 12–13.

Pandejpong Award is limited to up to three Year 12 entrants and offers a 100% tuition scholarship and THB 250,000 enrichment funding for two years, supporting university-preparation and extracurricular engagement.

Bursaries (financial aid) may be granted based on demonstrated financial need, following a financial assessment, and are separate from performance-based scholarships.

Waitlist

DBS operates a waiting list system. A reservation fee is paid to hold a place once placed on the list. If a spot becomes available within 12 months of placement and the student passes the assessment, the fee becomes the admissions fee. If no place is available within 12 months, the reservation fee is refunded.
School Events
The school has not added events