Cities / Bangkok / St Andrews International School, Sathorn (St Andrews Sathorn)
St Andrews International School, Sathorn (St Andrews Sathorn)
St Andrews International School Sathorn is a small British primary school (ages 2-11) housed in a restored historic building in Bangkok's CBD, offering solid early years education with Gold CfBT ratings and multilingual programs. Part of the established Cognita group…
In brief
Founded in 2000 and owned by Cognita since 2009, St Andrews Sathorn occupies a unique restored 100-year-old hospital building surrounded by banana trees in Bangkok's financial district. The school follows the British National Curriculum enhanced for its international community of over 40 nationalities, with maximum class sizes of 20 students. The curriculum emphasizes early literacy and numeracy while integrating daily Thai lessons, optional French from Year 3, and weekly Mandarin as extra-curricular activities.
The school received Gold CfBT ratings with inspectors praising teachers' subject expertise and student engagement. Physical education features prominently with swimming, sports competitions, and PE integrated from age 2. As a primary-only institution, students typically transition to St Andrews Sukhumvit 107 for secondary education to continue with IGCSE and IB Diploma pathways. The close-knit community atmosphere and central location near popular expat neighborhoods like Sathorn Gardens makes it particularly appealing to families working in Bangkok's business district.
Strengths
- Gold CfBT rating with inspector praise for teaching quality and student progress
- Small class sizes (maximum 20) in restored historic building with character
- Strong multilingual program with daily Thai, optional French, and Mandarin
- Central CBD location convenient for business district families
- Part of established Cognita network with clear pathway to St Andrews secondary
- Diverse international community representing 40+ nationalities
- Specialist English language support for non-native speakers
Considerations
- Primary-only school requiring transition elsewhere for secondary education
- Fees in premium range for Bangkok international primary schools
- Limited recent parent feedback or detailed facility information available
- Small school size may limit extracurricular variety compared to larger institutions
- Historic building may present space constraints for expansion of facilities
Academics
As St Andrews International School Sathorn is a standalone primary school (ages 2 - 11), it does not typically publish IB or A-Level results. However, it holds an 'Outstanding' Gold rating from the Education Development Trust (EDT). Students transition to sister campuses (St Andrews Sukhumvit 107 or Green Valley) for secondary education.
School life
Offers over 80 - 100 activities per week. - Sports: Swimming, football, basketball, tennis, karate, ballet, gymnastics, rugby, badminton. - Arts & Music: Arts club, piano (private lessons), weaving, mosaics, jewelry making, sculpture, youth theatre, Glee club, rock band, dance group.
Located in a heritage building (restored 100-year-old hospital) in the central business district. - Swimming Pool: 25-metre swimming pool. - Sports: Multi-purpose sports court and two air-conditioned multi-purpose halls for performing arts and indoor PE.
Student body
- Total Enrolment: Approximately 242 to 360 students. - Nationalities: Over 40 nationalities represented (42+). - Age Range: 2 to 11 years (Early Years to Primary).
Fees
| Fee | Age | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursery (3 Half Days) | 3 | Annual | THB 213,000 |
| Nursery (4 Half Days) | 3 | Annual | THB 284,000 |
| Nursery (5 Half Days) | 3 | Annual | THB 354,500 |
| Nursery (5 Full Days) | 3 | Annual | THB 562,500 |
| Kindergarten | 4 | Annual | THB 640,000 |
| Reception | 5 | Annual | THB 643,500 |
| Year 1 - Year 2 | 5 | Annual | THB 699,500 |
| Year 3 - Year 6 | 7 | Annual | THB 709,800 |
| Application Fee | One-time | THB 5,000 | |
| General Deposit | One-time | THB 10,000 | |
| Capital Levy Fee | One-time | THB 60,000 | |
| Enrolment Fee | One-time | THB 120,000 |
Reviews
- Sits on most parents' shortlists for primary on the Sathorn side, named alongside Bangkok Prep when the conversation is about location and feel rather than top-tier price points.
- Teachers describe it as an unusually supportive place to work. One teacher said in a Reddit thread that in a decade of teaching they had never felt more supported, citing approachable leadership and a "genuine and honest place to work".
- Operator is Cognita. Teachers note packages are not the most competitive in Bangkok and flag the usual concerns about a profit-driven group, with mixed views on whether that affects classroom experience.
- Small school, primary only. Parents and teachers consistently describe a close-knit feel where children are known by name. Parents looking at preschool and early years on the Sathorn side raise it as a strong option.
- Public parent trackers hold mostly older positive entries and some clear marketing. Independent recent parent voices are limited.
Head of school
Mrs. Oluwayemisi Ayoola Thomas
Mrs. Oluwayemisi Ayoola Thomas has served as Principal of AIT International School since at least 2019, when she was appointed Acting Principal, and continues in the role as per the official school website and AIT directory in 2025.
Accreditations
- EDT ISQM Gold 2024-2029 01
- Cognita Schools 02