HeadStart International School is a English National Curriculum / Cambridge International school in Phuket, Thailand. Founded in 2005. It serves 1,500 students for students aged 2–18. Annual tuition ranges from $9,716 to $13,748 USD.
Explore This School
Location & Getting There
NanaSays Scorecard
Key Details
Key facts
Fees & the true cost of attendance
Published fees
$ 9,716–$ 13,748 per year.
Budget beyond the sticker price. Assume the real annual spend is 5–15% higher than the headline fee. Hidden costs typically include: registration fee, acceptance deposit (usually one term's fees, refundable at the end of schooling), uniform + sports kit, trips and expeditions, individual music tuition, exam entry fees, travel to/from home.
Ask the Bursar for a sample "all-in" first-year invoice before committing.
About
HeadStart International School is a leading international school in Phuket, Thailand, founded in 2005, offering the English National Curriculum for students aged 2 to 18 across two campuses. With over 1,500 students representing more than 50 nationalities, the school is recognised for its dedicated teaching staff and strong academic results. It operates the Chaofah City Campus in Vichit and the Cherngtalay Campus in Thalang.
School data verified by NanaSays. Last updated: April 2026.
Why Families Choose
British-style education in a family-friendly Phuket suburb for ages 2–14, with a pathway to IGCSE and A-Level at the Chaofah City Campus. Standout features include the Eco School initiative for student-led sustainability, the CAPA programme in music, drama, and art with termly showcases, a multi-language offering (Thai, Mandarin, French, Russian), and a comprehensive transport service. Teachers drawn from the UK, Australia, and the US.
Fees & Financials
| Grade / Year | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Years 1-6 | THB 434,000~$ 11,890 |
| Years 7-9 | THB 491,000~$ 13,452 |
| Early Years - Reception | THB 347,000~$ 9,507 |
Conversions to USD use exchange rates as of April 2026.
Original currency: THB 347,000 - 491,000. Application fee: $140.
Admissions Process
- 1Book a campus tour or open day visit. 2. Complete the online application form with student details, academic history, and additional needs. 3. Sit an entrance examination (Years 3–13), with a non-refundable fee of THB 3,000. 4. Attend an interview with the Head of Primary or Secondary. 5. Sign the Home and School Partnership Agreement if a place is offered. 6. Submit required documents (ID, school reports, health records, learning support assessments). 7. Receive invoice and pay fees to confirm enrolment.
Admissions Details
No information available about the waitlist process on the school's website.
School Day
Monday to Friday. Homeroom 8:00–8:20 am, six academic lessons with a morning break at 10:15 am and lunch break 12:30–1:25 pm, final lesson ending at 3:20 pm. Optional ECAs run 3:30–4:20 pm and Academy programmes 4:30–6:00 pm.
Student Life
Every student and staff member belongs to one of four houses: Red Phoenixes, Yellow Cheetahs, Green Dragons, and Blue Tigers. The system promotes TUFF (Teamwork, Unity, Friendship, Fun). Friday is House shirt day and houses compete in quizzes, sports, and other activities for points toward a final prize.
Uniforms are required and sold at the school shop (no-exchange policy). Foundation girls: white blouse with navy pinafore; Foundation boys: blue shirt with navy shorts. Primary and Secondary: blue shirts with beige skirts or shorts. Sixth Form: grey shirts with grey trousers or skirts. PE kit: white dry-fit polo with blue shorts. A HeadStart jacket is optional from Year 3 and is the only jacket permitted. Sandals are not allowed.
Lunch is provided for all pupils with healthy, low-sugar and low-salt meals using local produce; dietary requirements are accommodated with permission. Snacks are provided during morning and afternoon breaks. A coffee shop run by an external operator offers additional items. A Food Service Committee representing pupils, teachers, parents, and professionals advises on menus and food quality.
Facilities & Programmes
Wellbeing & Safety
HeadStart offers a counselling service led by qualified school counsellors based in the Student Support Office. Support covers stress, low mood, anxiety, relationships, grief, and school-related concerns. Counsellors use mindfulness, coaching, and growth mindset strategies for resilience-building and collaborate with homeroom teachers, academic leaders, and safeguarding staff.
Safeguarding is the responsibility of all staff, volunteers, and community members. Systems include a Designated Safeguarding Person, a Student Concern Committee, a Staff Code of Conduct, and Safer Recruitment practices including background checks. All staff undergo induction and training. Policies align with UK and Thai legislation and the standards of accrediting bodies.
Student Demographics
Curriculum by Stage
| Stage | Curriculum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary (Ages 5-11) | National Curriculum | English National Curriculum delivered through Cambridge framework |
| Early Years (Ages 2-5) | EYFS | — |
| Secondary (Ages 11-16) | IGCSE | — |
| Sixth Form (Ages 16-18) | A-Levels | U-Prep university preparation programme offered |
School Background
Privately owned by shareholders. The Board of Directors delegates long-term strategy to the School Board and day-to-day operations to the Senior Management Team, including a CEO, School Director, Headmaster, and Primary and Secondary Principals.