International Schools in Phuket: A Guide for Families

Phuket is often seen as a holiday destination, but many families also choose the island for long-term living. Alongside beaches, nature, and developed infrastructure, Phuket offers several well-known international schools for children from early years through secondary education.

These schools combine high academic standards with cultural diversity, modern facilities, and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. For children, that can mean learning in a setting that supports both academic and personal growth.

In this article, we will introduce some of the top international schools in Phuket, including their curricula, campus facilities, student support, and extracurricular options.

British International School, Phuket (BISP)

British International School Phuket is fully accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Its curriculum is based on the UK national curriculum.

Academic and Indoor Facilities

The school follows a STEM approach to learning, focused on scientific and technological education. BISP is equipped with the following facilities:

• 6 science labs
• 2 IT labs, equipped for robotics, green screen, programming, and 3D printing
• Primary cooking room

Students are expected to bring their own MacBooks from Year 5 onward. For younger students, the school provides the devices needed for learning.

All buildings have WiFi, and classrooms have projectors or screens and, where appropriate, interactive whiteboards. The school grounds also include buildings for student accommodation.

Other than its STEM-related facilities, the school has dedicated spaces for art and performance:

• 2 art rooms
• 4 music rooms
• 1 drama studio
• 1 auditorium
• 1 primary hall
• Music practice rooms

Sports Facilities

BISP places strong emphasis on sports, with the following facilities on campus:

• 3 full-size football pitches
• 7-a-side football pitches
• Indoor football court
• Grass athletics track (400 m)
• 2 swimming pools (25 m and 50 m)
• 6 tennis courts
• Fitness center
• Gymnastics facilities, including those for aerial arts and trapeze flying
• Multipurpose golf training course, including driving nets, pitching, bunkers, and greens

HeadStart International School Phuket

HeadStart International School Phuket is a proud member of the Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA), as well as the Cambridge International School Network. It offers a comprehensive range of services and support for families, including childcare, language classes, and cultural events.

The school operates on solar power and has a garden where students learn to grow produce, such as white radish, basil, chili, spinach, dill, and corn.

Foundation (Ages 2 to 6)

For children aged 2 to 6, the school provides the following facilities in addition to regular classrooms and learning areas:

• Outdoor playground with a mini bicycle track
• Jungle gym
• Mini library
• Construction and building center
• Role-play corner
• Sensory learning area

Primary and Secondary (Ages 7 to 18)

For students aged 7 to 18, the following facilities are provided alongside modern, well-equipped classrooms:

• 4 science laboratories (chemistry, physics, biology, and a separate one for senior classes)
• 3 large art studios
• 3 music classrooms
• 4 large Information and Communication Technology (ICT) laboratories, along with 2 additional ICT suites to support students for whom English is not their first language
• Modern design and technology suite equipped with laser cutters, 3D printers, and other equipment

Sports Facilities

HeadStart International School Phuket also has an extensive list of sports facilities:

• 2 floodlit, all-weather football pitches
• Running track (200 m)
• Sprint track (100 m)
• Swimming pool (25 m)
• Indoor children's pool
• Outdoor tennis court
• Fully fitted fitness gym
• Multi-purpose fitness studio
• Multi-purpose sports hall including basketball, volleyball, badminton courts, and gymnastics facilities
• Locker rooms and showers

United World College Thailand (UWC)

Located at the foot of Khao Phra Thaew National Park, UWC Thailand is one of 18 schools in the United World Colleges movement. It offers the International Baccalaureate program and accepts children from the age of 2.

The school also sits next to Thanyapura Sports & Health Resort, which specializes in training professional athletes. As a non-profit partner of Thanyapura, UWC Thailand gives students access to Olympic-scale sports facilities, along with wellness and mindfulness programs. Students have taken part in and won prizes at local and international competitions, including the South Asian Games and the Olympic Games.

Facilities and Extracurricular Activities

The school’s facilities include:

• Gymnasium
• Outdoor futsal pitch and basketball court
• Drama room
• Music rooms
• Library
• Mindfulness Center

Extracurricular activities include videography, photography, programming, robotics, and more.

Berda Claude International School Phuket (BCIS)

Berda Claude International School Phuket gives families a choice between two programs: the Cambridge International curriculum or the French National curriculum. The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools, the Agency for French Education Abroad, and Cambridge International Education.

Furthermore, it is home to Phuket’s first planetarium, where astronomy lessons are included in the curriculum. It is equipped with a full-dome 5K 360° projection system and can be used as an immersive theater.

BCIS has two campuses, one for elementary students and one for high school students.

Junior Campus

The campus for younger children includes the following indoor facilities:

• Computer lab
• Lego learning spaces
• Dance studio
• Multi-purpose space for indoor play, conferences, and community gatherings

Outdoor facilities include:

• Parkour wooden play area
• Castle play area and trampoline
• Learning area with bicycles and go-carts to study road safety rules
• Covered stadium
• Tennis court
• Running track
• Multi-level swimming pool
• Standard FIFA pitch (45 m x 90 m)
• Synthetic turf football pitch (30 m x 50 m)

Senior Campus

The campus for older children includes the following indoor facilities:

• Science labs
• Hydroponic laboratory
• Robotics lab
• Apple and Microsoft discovery rooms
• Blackbox theater
• Music studios
• Photo and media studio
• Art workshop, gallery, and fashion design area
• Literature and language center
• Library and creative area

Outdoor facilities include:

• Olympic-sized swimming pool (50 m)
• Volleyball field
• Futsal field
• Basketball court
• Rooftop tennis court
• School gym

Multi-Level Sports Complex

BCIS Phuket also boasts a 2,500 sq.m multi-level sports complex for various activities, including:

• Skiing and snowboarding
• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Handball
• Badminton
• Bowling
• Futsal
• Cycling
• Dance
• Martial arts
• Gymnastics
• Fitness area

Relocating as a Family to Thailand

Moving to Thailand as a family often starts with education. Once parents have a clearer idea of the right school, it becomes easier to choose a suitable home and plan around the routines that matter most.

At Sunway Estates, we have helped families from around the world find a home and relocate to Thailand. Our team can provide visa consultations, guidance on school enrollment, and practical support for settling into daily life in the country.

To explore properties in Thailand and start the next chapter of your life together as a family, contact Sunway Estates today!