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International School of Samui

Thailand, Koh Samui

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees THB 434,526 - 618,585
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 300
Type Co-educational
Opened 2007
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Taught languages English, Mandarin, Spanish, Thai
Typical class size 9
Strengths Sport, STEM, Outdoor Education
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

The International School of Samui (ISS), founded in 2007, educates students aged 3 to 18 years old using the British National Curriculum with Cambridge IGCSE and A Level qualifications. Located in Bophut between Chaweng and Bophut on Koh Samui, near Bandon Hospital and the Big C shopping centre, it serves a diverse student body of around 300 pupils from 35+ countries. The sole language of instruction is English, with Thai, Mandarin, and Spanish offered as subjects. Facilities include science labs, a computing classroom equipped with 3D printers and Lego Robotics, a sports hall, and a swimming pool, supporting strong STEM and sports programmes. Unique offerings such as the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme, Marine Conservation Programme, and school organic farm give students experiential learning and leadership opportunities.

141/21 Moo 6, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani, 84320, Thailand

The Essentials

International School of Samui has 300 pupils, typical class sizes of 9, instruction in English.

Location
The school is on Koh Samui’s northeast coast, tucked between Chaweng and Bophut, alongside the main ring road and adjacent to Bandon Hospital and the Big C shopping centre. The island is accessible via domestic and international flights, with regular ferry services and road links to other parts of Thailand.

Stages
ISS is divided into stages: Early Years (ages 3–4), Primary School (Reception–Year 6; ages 4–11), Senior School (Years 7–11; ages 11–16), and Sixth Form (Years 12–13; ages 16–18), each following age-aligned curriculum progressions.

Type
ISS is co‑educational and does not offer boarding facilities.

Additional learning support
ISS provides tiered learning support. This includes Wave 2 (group or in-class support) and Wave 3 (one-on-one individual programmes) for students with additional needs. For complex needs, an assessment and external professional input may be required. They also offer EAL (English as an Additional Language) support across stages.

Country affiliation
There is no formal national affiliation.

Religious affiliation
The school is secular and has no religious affiliation.

School day structure
Early Years: 8:30 AM to 2:50 PM
Primary School: 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Senior School: 8:20 AM to 3:00 PM

After‐school activities run from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Thursday.

Bus service
ISS offers a door-to-door bus service divided into three zones based on distance from the school.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniform is mandatory. Boys wear a blue ISS shirt with grey shorts; girls wear a blue ISS blouse with a grey skirt (or shorts). Shoes must be black with no logos; PE kit is a white ISS shirt with blue/black shorts; hats are encouraged outdoors; hair colouring is discouraged, with coloured sprays allowed only on special occasions.

Governance and Ownership
The school was founded in 2007 by Jeremy and Victoria Lees. In 2022 they handed over day-to-day running and Executive Leadership to Stephen Andrews, who sits on the Executive Board of the school.
Fees

Annual tuition at International School of Samui ranges from THB 434,526 to THB 618,585 for 2026/27.

Joining Fee: THB 75,000 per child (non-refundable).
Capped at THB 150,000 per family. For Early Years, this is deferred until Reception. For one-term enrolments only, THB 37,500 is payable.

Security Bond: THB 75,000 per child (refundable with one full term’s notice).

Reservation Fee: Optional, to secure a higher place on waiting lists; refundable under set conditions.

Annual Tuition Fees
Early Years: THB 434,526
Reception – Year 2: THB 480,558
Year 3 – Year 6: THB 534,992
Year 7 – Year 9: THB 573,922
Year 10 – Year 11: THB 618,585
Year 12 – Year 13: THB 494,868 annually (introductory 20% discount for Term 1 joiners; normally THB 618,585)

Bus Service (Door-to-Door)
Zone 1: Term 1 – THB 24,334; Term 2 – THB 19,468; Term 3 – THB 14,600.
Zone 2: Term 1 – THB 29,788; Term 2 – THB 23,830; Term 3 – THB 17,873.
Zone 3: Term 1 – THB 43,743; Term 2 – THB 34,994; Term 3 – THB 26,246.

One-way trips are 75% of the round-trip. A 25% discount applies for siblings.

Other Costs
Extra Learning Support:
Level 2 – THB 8,085 per month
Level 3 – THB 51,975 per month

Uniforms: Compulsory from Reception upwards; purchased at the school shop (Year 12–13 may buy externally).

Examination Fees: IGCSE, AS & A Level – THB 5,445 per subject.

School Trips: Costs billed separately; summer term residentials are optional.

Refunds
Tuition: 50% refundable if one month’s notice before start of term; 25% if less than a month. Non-refundable once the term begins.

Security Bond: Refundable with one full term’s notice (except Sixth Form early withdrawal).

Payment Methods
Payment accepted by bank transfer, cheque, cash, or credit card (Visa/MasterCard). Overseas payments accepted via SWIFT transfer.
Academics

International School of Samui teaches British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
ISS follows the British National Curriculum and is licensed as both a Cambridge International Examinations Centre and a Pearson Edexcel Examinations Centre. In Primary (Reception–Year 6), students follow the Cambridge Primary programme, adjusted for its multicultural student body. In Senior School (Years 7–11), pupils study for the Cambridge IGCSE qualifications, choosing from 22 subject options. In Sixth Form (Years 12–13), students progress to Cambridge A Levels, selecting from 20 subject choices. Additionally, ISS offers Future Skills courses—such as Public Speaking, Entrepreneurship, and Critical Thinking—alongside core academic subjects.

Academic calendar
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
ISS integrates SEL into its Early Years and PSHE curriculum. Reception classes follow Personal, Social & Emotional Development goals, such as self-regulation, managing feelings, and building relationships, following the EYFS framework. In later years (Year 5 and Year 10), PSHE units focus on mental health awareness: recognising emotions, understanding triggers, seeking help, and building resilience.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
ISS offers structured learning support through a Response-to-Intervention model. Wave 2 support includes group or in-class teaching adjustments, while Wave 3 provides one-on-one programmes for more complex needs, developed collaboratively with a SENCO, specialist teachers, and external professionals. This is not a specialist SEN institution, but rather a mainstream school that accommodates diverse needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
ISS provides a dedicated EAL programme for students whose first language is not English. Support includes pull-out language classes, in-class assistance, immersion strategies, use of online resources, assessments, cultural integration activities, and regular communication with parents.

Mental Wellbeing
The school addresses mental wellbeing directly within its PSHE curriculum. In Year 5 and Year 6, students learn about the importance of sleep, physical activity, hobbies, social connections, and lifestyle habits in supporting mental health. In Year 10, students explore emotional triggers, resilience-building techniques, and how to spot signs of stress or distress. No separate counselling services or dedicated wellbeing staff are mentioned publicly.

Safeguarding
ISS has a clear safeguarding framework, and every staff member receives annual training in child protection, not just teachers. The school employs a Designated Safeguarding Lead and two deputies, whose contact details are displayed around campus. Staff involved in hiring follow Safer Recruitment practices, including identity, qualification, background, and police checks. A formal child protection policy outlines reporting procedures and expected conduct to prioritise student safety.
Parent Experience

History
The school was founded in 2007 by Jeremy and Victoria Lees, who originally named it Bluewater in recognition of Koh Samui’s clear blue waters, before renaming it to International School of Samui in 2010, officially commemorated by the British Ambassador’s visit. Jeremy served as Founding Headmaster until 2021, and in 2022, the Lees passed leadership to Mr. Stephen Andrews; they remain on the school’s executive board.

Community
ISS regularly brings its international community together through year-round cultural and service events, such as the Marine Conservation Programme and Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions, which are woven into school life and curriculum. The school calendar includes seasonal community gatherings and academic showcases that involve students, families, and staff.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The school’s website does not provide specific information about a Parent Teacher Association (PTA), including events, groups, or activities.
Gallery
Facilities

Facilities Overview
ISS has spacious classrooms and high-quality facilities designed to support a British ethos of education. The facilities support a broad range of sports and extracurricular activities and are maintained for active student use. The school hosts matches and events against local island schools.

Sports Facilities
Key sports facilities support team sports and swimming, with regular inter-school matches on the island.

Academic Facilities
Academic spaces are complemented by a broad curriculum, with dedicated spaces for subjects across the age range 3–18 and resources to support Cambridge and Edexcel qualifications.

Extra Curricular Facilities
A comprehensive programme of after-school activities, school trips and excursions complements the academic curriculum and fosters wider personal development.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school teaches the National Curriculum of England and Cambridge Curriculum to students from 3 to 18. It is licensed as a Cambridge International Examinations Centre and a Pearson Edexcel Examinations Centre. English-speaking teachers with UK-recognised qualifications support the curriculum. There are 22 IGCSE subjects and 20 A Level options, with language offerings including Mandarin, Spanish, German, French and Thai, and Future Skills courses such as Public Speaking, Entrepreneurship and Critical Thinking.

Arts & Creative
The school offers private music lessons on campus with instruments including piano, bass, drums, guitar, keyboards, singing and saxophone. Trinity Rock & Pop exams are offered as part of the music program, and school bands perform regularly at school and external events. ISS has varied music clubs and ECAs, and drama is provided as part of extra-curricular activities.

Cultural & Language
The Thai Language, Culture & History curriculum follows Office of the Private Education Commission guidelines, with weekly Thai culture and history lessons. Thai language lessons run 2–4 times per week depending on key stage, and Thai nationality students study Thai IGCSE by law. The school celebrates Thai traditions such as Loy Krathong and Songkran and arranges related trips. Language options include Mandarin, Spanish, German, French and Thai.

Social & Hobbies
Sport and extra-curricular activities are integral to ISS, with a weekly timetable of after-school sports and activities run by teachers, parents, volunteers and outside professionals. A number of sports matches are organised each term between local island schools. Drama, music and school trips are among the activities offered as part of the ECA program.

Community & Service
The Marine Conservation Program engages students with marine biology and environmental awareness, including field trips and supervised scuba diving on Koh Tao. The program is delivered with marine biologists and conservation partners. ISS is an International Award Centre qualified to deliver The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, which develops volunteering, transferable skills, fitness and adventure to help students find purpose.

Leadership & Professional
ISS is an International Award Centre qualified to deliver The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, which develops leadership, teamwork and practical skills alongside volunteering and personal development. The DoE program focuses on transferable skills, fitness, volunteering and adventure to help students find purpose. DoE activities are integrated with the school's broader leadership and personal development opportunities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Pastoral care is a hallmark of ISS, supporting student well-being. The Organic Farm provides outdoor, hands-on learning that promotes physical activity and nutrition awareness, while cooperative garden work builds social skills. After-school sport and activities support healthy movement and social engagement. The school fosters a caring, traditional British school environment that underpins student wellbeing.
Languages

Language Provision
The school offers language options including Mandarin, Spanish, German, French and Thai. Thai language, culture and history is taught under the Thai Language, Culture & History curriculum, with lessons focusing on Thai language and culture; all students attend at least one Thai culture and history lesson weekly. Thai language teaching is mainly focused on students of Thai nationality (or dual nationality) whose native language is Thai. Mandarin, Spanish, German and French are offered as foreign languages in the curriculum.
Reputation

Awards
The school does not list any awards in the past five years on its official website.

Accreditations
ISQM Gold Accreditation (Outstanding School)
In March 2024, ISS was inspected by the Education Development Trust (EDT) under their International Schools Quality Mark framework and judged “outstanding” across all eight assessed standards, earning the highest available ISQM Gold status. This reflects excellence in curriculum, leadership, teaching, resources, and student care.

Licensed under Thailand’s Private School Act
ISS is officially authorised to teach both the National Curriculum of England and the Cambridge curriculum to students aged 3–18 in line with Thai government regulations.

Cambridge International Examinations Centre
Recognised by Cambridge University to offer Cambridge curriculum programmes and related IGCSE/A Level examinations.

Pearson Edexcel Examinations Centre
Approved to conduct Pearson Edexcel examinations alongside Cambridge, providing additional qualification pathways.

* Member of ISAT (International Schools Association of Thailand)
ISS is part of the national network representing accredited international schools in Thailand.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Enquiry and School Visit
Begin by contacting the admissions team to arrange a campus tour or a virtual meeting via Google Meet at your convenience.

2. Meeting with Head of School
Where possible, a meeting (in person or online) is arranged with the Head of School. This offers a chance to discuss your child’s specific needs and the school’s expectations.

3. Admissions Testing (Years 3–11)
Applicants joining Years 3 through 11 must complete two online assessments: the NGRT (English) and the CAT (Cognitive Ability Test). These can be taken either at home or on-site.

4. Documentation & Payment
Upon acceptance, parents submit required documents—including application and medical forms, previous school reports, passports (for child and parents), birth certificate, and photos—and pay the joining fee, security deposit, and first term’s tuition to confirm enrollment.

5. Visa Support (if applicable)
ISS provides full support for visa issuance. Each student may receive an ED-Visa, and one parent may obtain a Non‑O guardian visa. The school keeps families informed of any updates.

Scholarships
The ISS website does not provide any information about scholarship programmes—whether need-based, merit-based, or otherwise.

Waitlist
The International School of Samui operates a waitlist system through the use of a Reservation Fee. Parents may choose to pay this fee to secure a higher position on the class waiting list. If the school is unable to offer a place within eight weeks of the child’s expected enrolment date, the Reservation Fee is refundable.
School Events
The school has not added events
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