Phuket is much more than a holiday destination; for a growing number of expat families, it is a place to call home. One of the most significant factors driving this shift is the island’s rapidly expanding educational landscape. With several high-profile institutions opening recently or planning to launch by 2026, families now have access to a diverse range of curricula, from British and American to Canadian, Finnish, and Waldorf-inspired frameworks.

Whether you are already living here or are planning your move, here is an updated look at the best international schools in Phuket.

British International School Phuket (BISP)

British International School Phuket | Credit: bisphuket.ac.th

British International School Phuket (BISP) was established in Phuket in 1996. Perhaps the most well-known international school on the island, the campus spreads across 44 acres and offers boarding facilities.

45 different nationalities attend BISP. The school offers the English curriculum as well as the Swiss-based International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. BISP adheres to the highest international standards and offers a well-rounded educational experience.

For more information about British International School Phuket (BISP), visit http://www.bisphuket.ac.th

UWC Thailand

UWC Thailand | Credit: iss-schrole.com

United World College Thailand International School is located in the northern part of Phuket. UWC sits adjacent to the Thanyapura sports complex and is a fine international school.

The school operates the International Baccalaureate curriculum and welcomes students from 18 months to 18 years of age, with a full curriculum for each age group. The school boasts 65 different nationalities, making it a truly multicultural place to learn. UWC focuses on teaching students how to grow with a good heart, a balanced mind, and a healthy body.

Interested in learning more about UWC Thailand? Visit https://uwcthailand.ac.th

Headstart International School

Headstart International School | Credit: headstartphuket.com

One of Phuket’s leading institutions, HeadStart serves students from over 44 countries and follows the English National Curriculum and Cambridge Program. HeadStart currently operates two campuses in Phuket:

• City Campus (Chaofah): The original campus caters to students aged 2 to 18.

• Cherngtalay Campus: Opened in August 2023 near Bang Tao Beach, this 24-rai mountainside campus currently serves students from Preschool to Year 9.

To learn more about Headstart International School, visit https://headstartphuket.com

Kajonkiet International School (KIS)

Kajonkiet International School Phuket | Credit: international-schools.org

Kajonkiet is a brand of schools across the island, with KIS being their first dedicated international school. All classes are taught in the English language, and the school offers the English curriculum. The school accepts students from ages 2 to 18.

Kajonkiet International School is housed in a modern complex with excellent facilities, making it a wonderful place for children to thrive and learn. There are also indoor and outdoor sports facilities for active children.

To learn more about what KIS has to offer, visit https://www.kisp.academy

Berda Claude International School (BCIS)

Berda Claude International School (BCIS) | Credit: bcisphuket.ac.th

Situated in the heart of Chalong, BCIS is unique for offering two distinct academic streams: the British Cambridge pathway and the French National Curriculum. Serving students from 18 months to 18 years, the school boasts a state-of-the-art senior campus (opened in 2019) featuring Phuket’s first planetarium and elite sports academies, including a partnership with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) Academy.

To learn more about Berda Claude International School, visit https://www.bcisphuket.ac.th/

Quality International School of Phuket (QSI)

Quality International School of Phuket (QSI) | Credit: www.qsi.org/phuket

QSI is one of the oldest, established international schools in Phuket. The school offers the American curriculum and caters to elementary and secondary students. The school accepts students as young as 3 years old, all the way up to 18 years of age. The school is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) and is affiliated with the Department of State Office of Overseas Schools (OAS).

Quality International School of Phuket (QSI) is located on expansive grounds near the big Tesco Lotus and Samkong Intersection on the Bypass Road in Phuket.

Learn more about what QSI offers by visiting https://www.qsi.org/phuket/

New and Upcoming Schools

Ruamrudee International School (RIS) Phuket: Opened in 2022 in Chalong, RIS brings a 65-year legacy from Bangkok. It offers a Catholic-rooted American curriculum and a nature-inspired Reggio Emilia approach for early years.

Lighthouse International School: This Rawai-based school is the island’s sole provider of the Canadian Alberta curriculum. They recently opened a Secondary Campus (August 2024) that focuses on AI literacy and entrepreneurship.

HEI Schools Phuket: Located in the lush Manik area of Thalang, HEI brings the world-renowned Finnish early childhood model to the island. Its 13-rai campus emphasizes play-based learning and curiosity-driven inquiry in a beautiful, natural setting.

Finnway International School: Located in Boat Lagoon Marina (Koh Kaew), Finnway integrates the Finnish model for primary years before transitioning to the Cambridge pathway. It is expanding to include Year 8 for the 2026/2027 academic year.

Oak Meadow International School: Tucked away in the Mu Ban Prang Thong estate in Chalong, Oak Meadow provides a supportive American curriculum. It is well-regarded for its hands-on learning and its diverse student body representing over 20 nationalities.

Glenalmond Phuket (Opening 2026): This is one of the island’s most anticipated projects. A partnership with the prestigious Glenalmond College in Scotland, this school will be located within the Thanyapura ecosystem. It combines the National Curriculum for England with Singapore Maths and compulsory Mandarin.

Life School Phuket: Located in Thalang, this school offers a homeschooling-inspired ethos. It provides a flexible US-accredited high school diploma with a focus on practical “real world” skills like digital ethics and personal finance.

Prasan Gateway (PGIS): A boutique school in Chalong for ages 2–12. It is unique for hosting the region’s only Chinese Immersion Program (CIP) alongside the International Primary Curriculum.

Bamboo Valley: Situated in Choeng Thale, this nature-based school offers a Waldorf-inspired curriculum for children aged 3–12, focusing on gardening, animal care, and artistic crafts to nourish the “head, heart, and hands.”

Phuket has truly become a world-class destination for education. Whether you prioritize elite sports, academic rigor, or a “stress-free” Finnish environment, there is now a school on the island to match every child’s potential.