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British International School HCMC - Early Years and Infant Campus

Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ₫15,600,000 - 503,400,000
Ages 2 - 5 years
Pupil numbers 2400
Type Co-educational
Opened 2018
Bus Service Yes
Part of
Academic offering
Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Taught languages English, Vietnamese
Typical class size 16
Strengths Visual and Creative Arts, Academic Enrichment, Outdoor Education
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies, Community and Service, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years
Introduction

The Early Years & Infant Campus of the British International School Ho Chi Minh City welcomes children aged 2 to 5 in the family-friendly Thao Dien area of Thu Duc City. The campus follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Fundinotots Programme for toddlers. Facilities include dedicated outdoor play areas, a splash pool, and sensory and garden spaces designed for exploration and creativity. Small classes allow teachers to give close attention to each learner. Lessons are taught in English, with early exposure to additional languages through stories, songs, and classroom routines. The school provides a bus service and sits just minutes from the Junior and Secondary campuses for smooth progression through the BIS pathway. This campus offers a warm, safe start to international education within a caring, child-centred environment.

This campus is part of British International School Ho Chi Minh City

101 Thao Dien Street, An Khanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The Essentials

British International School HCMC - Early Years and Infant Campus has 2,400 pupils, typical class sizes of 16, instruction in English.

Location

The Early Years & Infant Campus is located at 101 Thao Dien Street, Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc City (formerly District 2), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It sits in a residential, expatriate-friendly neighbourhood with good road access and a number of school bus routes, making commuting manageable from many parts of the city. The area lies across the Saigon River from the central District 1 yet offers a quieter campus setting.

Stages

This specific campus serves children from age 2 years through to 5 years.

Type

It is a co-educational day school.

Additional learning support

The campus offers support programmes for children learning English as an additional language (EAL) and additional educational needs (AEN), with specialist staff and small-group work for those requiring extra help. All children are monitored and learning support is tailored to individual needs.

Country affiliation

The school is affiliated with the British educational system: it follows the English national curriculum framework for its early years and infant programmes and is part of the UK-based educational group.

Religious affiliation

The school does not have any religious affiliations.

School day structure

On this campus, the full-day sessions begin at 8:15 am, with supervision available from 7:45 am for children who arrive early. The full-day programme runs until 2:50 pm (for Years 1 & 2 and older Early Years children), while the half-day sessions for younger children (F1 & F2) end around 12:00 pm.

Bus service

the campus is included in the school’s bus network covering several districts of Ho Chi Minh City. Buses are supervised by a Bus Manager and monitors; children are escorted to the bus boarding areas from the campus and properly registered for safe afternoon transit.
Diving Deeper

Food Options

Nutritious snacks are provided as part of the daily routine, and a balanced lunch supports students' physical development. Healthy eating habits are encouraged every day.

Governance and Ownership

The school is part of Nord Anglia Education. Nord Anglia Education operates BIS HCMC as part of a network with three campuses in Ho Chi Minh City.
Fees

Annual tuition at British International School HCMC - Early Years and Infant Campus ranges from VND 15,600,000 to VND 503,400,000 for 2026/27.

Application Fee
A non-refundable Application Fee of VND 4,700,000 is required when submitting an admissions application. This covers the school’s administrative processing. The fee is waived for children moving from Fundinotots to Foundation Stage 1.

Registration Fee
A one-time, non-refundable Registration Fee of VND 24,500,000 is charged upon acceptance of a Foundation Stage place. When a child moves from the Foundation Stage to the Primary School, the difference between the two registration fees at the time of enrolment becomes payable.

Tuition Fees
All tuition is billed and paid in Vietnamese đồng. Parents may pay annually or termly in advance.

* Fundinotots: VND 15,600,000 per year (8,500,000 | 6,300,000 | 3,600,000 per term)
* Foundation 1 – Full Day: VND 322,000,000 per year (174,640,000 | 130,690,000 | 73,490,000 per term)
* Foundation 1 – 5 Mornings with Lunch: VND 238,100,000 per year (129,140,000 | 96,640,000 | 54,340,000 per term)
* Foundation 2 – Full Day: VND 338,700,000 per year (183,690,000 | 137,470,000 | 77,310,000 per term)
* Foundation 2 – 5 Mornings with Lunch: VND 298,800,000 per year (136,660,000 | 114,900,000 | 114,900,000 per term)
* Foundation 3 – Full Day: VND 503,400,000 per year (273,020,000 | 204,320,000 | 114,900,000 per term)

Billing and Payment Terms
Tuition may be paid in one annual installment or in three termly installments. Payments are made in VND or in USD for overseas transfers at the current exchange rate. Late payments incur a 1.5 percent monthly surcharge.

Additional Fees
Tuition does not include meals, instrumental music lessons, educational trips, transport, or extracurricular clubs.

Refund Policy
Parents must give written withdrawal notice at least 90 days in advance. Refunds are based on the timing of withdrawal, with a declining percentage of annual tuition refunded later in the school year. Termly and late-enrolment fees are non-refundable.

Additional Support Fees
Optional English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) services are available from Foundation Stage 3. Charges vary depending on support level required.
Academics

British International School HCMC - Early Years and Infant Campus teaches Bespoke Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage) for students aged 2 to 5.

Curriculum

The Early Years & Infant Campus at the British International School Ho Chi Minh City follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework from the United Kingdom. The curriculum emphasises learning through play, communication, and exploration, developing early literacy, numeracy, and social skills. Children progress through Foundation 1 to Foundation 3, where they experience a balance of structured and free-choice activities in language, mathematics, understanding the world, and creative expression. Specialist lessons in music, physical education, and Vietnamese culture are also included. Assessment is continuous and observational, ensuring that each child’s learning is guided by their individual development. Upon completing Foundation 3, children transition to the Junior Campus for Year 1, where they begin the English National Curriculum and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC).
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school incorporates wellbeing and emotional development through its structured wellbeing curriculum based on the PERMAH model: Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment, and Health. This model is applied through lessons and daily routines that help children build confidence, empathy, and social awareness. In the Infant and Primary years, Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education is taught as a subject, allowing students to explore topics such as friendships, safety, and emotional regulation. Teachers and pastoral staff support students’ social and emotional development through class discussions, group activities, and individual guidance.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

BIS HCMC provides support for students with Additional Educational Needs (AEN) through its Learning Support department. This includes assistance for children with mild to moderate learning difficulties, speech and language delays, or other developmental needs that can be supported within a mainstream environment. The school is not a specialist SEN institution. Support may include in-class adjustments, targeted small-group interventions, and collaboration with external professionals where required.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The school operates an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme for students whose first language is not English. Provision is available from Foundation Stage 3 and continues throughout the Primary years. The level of support is determined following assessment by the EAL department, and students may receive tiered assistance ranging from full integration with language scaffolding to small-group sessions. The school employs qualified EAL specialists who work closely with classroom teachers to ensure language support is embedded in daily learning.

Mental Wellbeing

Mental wellbeing is promoted through the school’s wider wellbeing framework and its focus on emotional literacy, healthy relationships, and personal growth. Teachers use age-appropriate approaches to help children recognise and talk about their feelings. The curriculum integrates wellbeing activities designed to strengthen resilience and self-awareness. The school also engages parents through information sessions and communication about student welfare, ensuring consistent support between home and school.

Safeguarding

The school has a published Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy that outlines procedures for identifying and responding to child welfare concerns. All staff and volunteers are trained in safeguarding responsibilities and required to follow established reporting guidelines. Designated Safeguarding Leads are appointed on each campus to coordinate protective measures and maintain liaison with parents and relevant authorities. Safeguarding and child welfare form a core part of the school’s operational and pastoral framework.
Parent Experience

History

The Early Years & Infant Campus opened in 2018 as the newest of BIS HCMC’s three campuses, purpose-built to house the school’s Foundation Stage and early Infant classes. It forms part of the British International School Ho Chi Minh City, which was originally founded in 1997 and later became part of the Nord Anglia Education group. The campus was established to expand early childhood provision and to offer a dedicated space designed around the learning and developmental needs of children aged two to seven.

Community

The Early Years & Infant Campus community includes families from a wide range of nationalities living in the Thao Dien area. School life features family-oriented events such as the Early Years sports morning, International Day celebrations, and themed open-classroom sessions where parents join learning activities. The campus also participates in whole-school community initiatives like charity drives and sustainability projects.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The Parent Teacher Group (PTG) at the Early Years & Infant Campus supports communication between families and staff and helps to build a welcoming community for new parents. PTG members organise social gatherings, charity fundraisers, and events such as bake sales, uniform swaps, and welcome mornings for new families. Parents may volunteer as class representatives to coordinate classroom events and liaise with teachers. The group works closely with campus leaders to strengthen family engagement and promote a sense of belonging among the youngest members of the BIS HCMC community.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

Early Years and Infant Campus is purpose-built for the youngest learners. It offers a splash pool, sensory walkways, a rooftop garden, dedicated outdoor spaces, and playgrounds with climbing apparatus for exploration. Students have access to a large library, music rooms, and a DREAMS lab as part of the learning environment. The campus was opened in 2018 by The Right Honourable Lord Puttnam of Queensgate. Parents can follow progress through Seesaw, an online learning journal that provides weekly photos, videos, and updates.

Sports Facilities

Outdoor spaces support physical development and active play. The splash pool and rooftop garden provide spaces for movement and coordination. The playgrounds include climbing apparatus and dedicated outdoor spaces designed for exploration and active learning. Outdoor features are complemented by cycle tracks and other elements described as outdoor classrooms.

Academic Facilities

The Early Years curriculum is the British EYFS, taught in Pre-Nursery, Nursery, and Reception. The seven learning and development areas are: communication and language; physical development; personal, social and emotional development; literacy; maths; understanding the world; expressive arts and design. The environment includes a large library, music rooms, and a DREAMS lab. Lessons also include art, music and language sessions.

Extra Curricular Facilities

The end-of-day enrichment programme offers a variety of activities, including construction, music and movement, mindful colouring, and discovering science. There is also a Disney craft club. The enrichment programme supports creative and exploratory learning beyond classroom hours.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The Early Years and Infant Campus serves children aged 2 to 5 and follows the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. The seven areas of learning are: communication and language, physical development, personal, social and emotional development, literacy, maths, understanding the world, and expressive arts and design. The programme uses a play-based approach with long periods of uninterrupted play and personalised, engaging experiences to support development. Progress is shared with families through an online learning journal.

Arts & Creative

Creative art, music, and language sessions are integrated into daily learning, with dedicated spaces such as music rooms. The campus also offers an end-of-day enrichment programme, including activities like a Disney craft club. The teaching environment supports creativity and expressive arts as part of holistic development.

Cultural & Language

Language development is supported through daily language sessions, storytelling, singing, and rhymes. English is the language of instruction, with early exposure to additional languages through stories and classroom routines.

Social & Hobbies

An end-of-day enrichment programme provides additional activities and opportunities for exploration, including clubs such as Disney craft. Daily routines foster social interaction, collaboration, and curiosity through play-based learning.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Healthy habits are emphasised, including nutritious lunches and opportunities for physical activity within a safe, nurturing campus. The environment includes dedicated outdoor spaces and a splash pool to support wellbeing and active learning, with a focus on personal, social and emotional development.
Languages

Language Provision

The school follows the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum for children aged 2 to 5. Pre-Nursery, Nursery, and Reception follow EYFS and cover seven learning and development areas: communication and language; physical development; personal, social and emotional development; literacy; maths; understanding the world; expressive arts and design. The school provides language sessions as part of the curriculum, delivered by its teachers and specialists. The teaching team includes highly qualified, British-trained early years teachers and teaching assistants who support holistic growth and learning. Progress and updates are shared with parents via Seesaw, with regular opportunities to engage through events and activities.
Reputation

Awards

* TES Awards for International Schools 2024 – Finalist, “International School of the Year”
BIS HCMC was shortlisted for this global education award recognising innovation and impact among international schools worldwide.

* Green Flag Award (Eco-Schools Framework)
The school has achieved the Eco-Schools Green Flag Award for sustainability initiatives, recognising its work in student-led environmental projects.

* Nord Anglia Education Global Campus Recognition
As part of Nord Anglia Education, the school has been recognised within the group for outstanding student engagement in the Global Campus online learning platform and UNICEF partnership activities.

Accreditations

* Council of International Schools (CIS): BIS HCMC is accredited by CIS, a global organisation that evaluates international schools against rigorous standards of teaching, leadership, and student wellbeing. This confirms that the school meets recognised international benchmarks for quality education and governance.

* Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): The school is jointly accredited by WASC, a US-based accrediting body that assesses institutional integrity, curriculum effectiveness, and student achievement. The joint CIS–WASC process ensures both global and regional recognition of quality assurance.

* Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA): BIS HCMC is a member of FOBISIA, a network of British-style schools across Asia that collaborate on academic, sporting, and cultural standards, and share best practices in teaching and learning.

* Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE): The school is an approved Cambridge International Centre authorised to deliver the IGCSE programme. This accreditation enables BIS HCMC to offer Cambridge-certified qualifications for secondary students.

* International Primary Curriculum (IPC): The school is an accredited IPC member school, implementing the internationally recognised primary curriculum that focuses on thematic, cross-subject learning for younger students.

* International Baccalaureate (IB) World School: BIS HCMC is authorised by the International Baccalaureate Organisation to offer the IB Diploma Programme for students in Years 12–13. This confirms its adherence to IB teaching and assessment standards.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Make an enquiry
Parents begin by submitting an online enquiry form expressing interest in joining the BIS HCMC community. The admissions team responds within one business day to discuss the child’s needs, explain the admissions requirements, and arrange a campus or virtual tour.

2. Take a tour
Families are invited to visit the Early Years & Infant Campus in Thao Dien to experience the school environment. If travel to Ho Chi Minh City is not possible, the admissions office can organise a personalised virtual tour.

3. Submit an application
Applications are accepted year-round. Parents must complete the online application form and upload supporting documents such as a copy of the child’s birth certificate or passport, previous school reports (if applicable), and any specialist assessments or recommendations.

4. Entrance assessment
Every child sits an age-appropriate entrance assessment designed to understand their learning needs. Supporting documentation—such as previous reports or teacher recommendations—may also be reviewed at this stage.

5. Securing your child’s place
If the application is successful, the school issues a formal offer letter. Parents must confirm acceptance by paying the required registration fee to secure the place.

6. Preparing for the first day
Once enrolment is confirmed, families receive class and teacher information, along with orientation day invitations to help children meet staff and classmates before term begins.

Waitlist

The school operates a waitlist system when year groups reach full capacity. Applications are held on file and reviewed as spaces become available, with priority given to siblings of current students and children of returning families.
School Events
The school has not added events