Bangkok has one of the fastest-growing international school markets in the world. This guide covers which schools exist, how competitive admissions are, what's new for 2026, and which neighbourhoods suit different family lifestyles.
The Big Four: Traditionally Oversubscribed Schools
These are Bangkok's most sought-after schools. They have historically operated long waiting lists - often 12-18 months - and a place is never guaranteed. Apply early and have backup options.
NIST International School
ZoneCentral Sukhumvit (Soi 15)
CurriculumIB (PYP, MYP, DP)
Ages3-18
Fees541,700-975,800 THB/yr (~US$15,200-$27,400)
The only full IB-continuum school in central Bangkok. Historically oversubscribed at most entry points. New Innovation Building, Pavilion Building and Elementary Buildings opened January 2026. IB average of 37 points with 100% pass rate (2025). Apply by mid-December for the following August.
NIST is Bangkok's only central IB school with no new competitor announced. Expect continued pressure on places.
nist.ac.th
Bangkok Patana School
ZoneBang Na / Lasalle (Sukhumvit 105)
CurriculumBritish / IB Diploma
Ages3-18
Fees445,000-874,400 THB/yr (~US$12,500-$24,500)
Thailand's oldest British international school (est. 1957). 25-acre campus. Has typically had waiting lists in Y3-Y8 and Y12. Some availability tends to exist at entry points: Pre-KG, KG1-2, Y1, Y9-10. Thai nationals have a separate process with a January 15 deadline. Dulwich College opens nearby in August 2026, which may ease pressure slightly.
If you're applying for Y3-Y8, have a strong backup plan. Entry points (Pre-KG, Y1, Y9) tend to offer the best chances.
patana.ac.th
ISB - International School Bangkok
ZoneNichada Thani, Chaeng Wattana
CurriculumAmerican / AP / IB
Ages3-18
FeesPremium tier
Located inside the Nichada Thani gated community in Nonthaburi. Separate application tracks for Thai, Dual-national and Expatriate applicants. Most families live within Nichada itself. No new competitor has been announced for this catchment.
If ISB is your target, plan to live in or near Nichada Thani. The commute from central Bangkok is 45-60 minutes.
isb.ac.th
Shrewsbury International School
ZoneRiverside (Charoen Krung)
CurriculumBritish / IGCSE / A-Levels
Ages3-18
FeesPremium tier
Two campuses: Riverside (K-13) and City Campus at Sri Nakarin (Nursery-Y6). Selective admissions - described as "carefully selected students." Strong reputation for co-curricular programmes. SPGS opens on Rama 3 in August 2026 as the first direct competitor on the riverside.
If Shrewsbury Riverside is full, the City Campus (primary only) or the new SPGS may be alternatives.
shrewsbury.ac.th
New and Recently Opened Schools
Several major UK-brand schools have recently opened or are launching in Bangkok. These represent genuine new options. Founding-year entry is often easier than at established schools.
Brighton College Bangkok (Vibhavadi)
StatusNow open (September 2025)
ZoneChatuchak / North Bangkok
CurriculumBritish / IGCSE / A-Levels
Ages2-18
Second Brighton campus in Bangkok, on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road near Don Mueang Airport. 70+ digitally enabled classrooms, a 370-seat theatre and a rooftop swimming pool. Opened September 2025 and now in its first full academic year. Positioned between ISB's Nichada zone and central Bangkok. Accessible from Mo Chit BTS, Chatuchak MRT and Wat Samian Nari BTS Dark Red Line.
As a school still in its first year, places are likely available across year groups.
brightoncollege.ac.th
Dulwich College Bangkok
StatusOpening August 2026
ZoneBang Na (99 Soi Ramkhamhaeng 2, Dok Mai)
CurriculumIB + A-Levels (dual pathway)
Ages3-11 (first year); planned 3-18
Accepting applications for Early Years to Year 7 (ages 3-11) for its first year. Plans to be a full 3-18 school. Unique in Bangkok: intending to offer both IB and A-Level pathways. Located in the Prawet/Bang Na area, near the Patana catchment. Still in the process of obtaining its MOE educational licence as of March 2026.
The dual IB + A-Levels pathway would be unique in Bangkok if confirmed - worth considering if you want curriculum flexibility.
dulwich.org/bangkok
SPGS International School Bangkok
StatusOpening August 2026
ZoneRama 3 / Chong Nonsi (222 Industrial Ring Rd)
CurriculumBritish + IBDP
Ages2-18 (Pre-Nursery to Year 6 in first year; Senior School from 2027-28)
Despite the London school being girls-only, SPGS Bangkok is fully co-educational - boys and girls aged 2-18. Pre-Nursery to Year 6 in the first year; Senior School from 2027-28. Part of a THB 14.4 billion mixed-use development on the riverside, near Shrewsbury. The school describes itself as being "in close partnership with" St Paul's Girls' School, London.
Co-ed, not girls-only. First year is primary only. If you need secondary from day one, this won't work for 2026.
spgsibangkok.com
Wycombe Abbey International School Bangkok
StatusOpening August 2026
ZoneNear Suvarnabhumi Airport (ex-VERSO campus, Thana City, Bang Na)
CurriculumBritish / IGCSE / A-Levels + Boarding
Ages2-18
Taking over the 165-rai (66-acre) VERSO International School campus. VERSO closes 31 July 2026 and Wycombe Abbey launches in August. BE Education has acquired a majority stake, with BTS Group/Rabbit Holdings retaining a minority interest. Boarding offered (rare in Bangkok). Published fees (after a 15% founding-year scholarship discount) range from around 597,000 THB at Pre-Nursery to around 1,085,000 THB at Year 12-13, plus boarding fees of 438,000-550,000 THB. 15 minutes from Suvarnabhumi Airport. Pending regulatory approval as of March 2026.
Boarding is unusual in Bangkok. If your family needs that option, Wycombe Abbey and Harrow are the main choices. The eastern corridor location opens a catchment area not well served by other premium schools.
wycombeabbey.asia
Jataka School Bangkok
StatusOpening August 2026
ZoneOff Sukhumvit, near BTS Bangchak
CurriculumProgressive / Buddhist-inspired (EY1-Y6)
Ages3-11
A different model: progressive, Buddhist-inspired early years and primary education. Part of a global network with schools in New York, Bhutan, Singapore and India. Primary only - not a through-school. Campus designed by DesignQua (same architects as Jim Thompson Art Center). Still in the process of obtaining its school licence and recruiting a Principal as of March 2026.
Only covers primary years. You would need a secondary school plan from Year 7 onward. Very different from the mainstream British/IB model - appeals to families seeking something alternative.
thejatakaschool.com
Existing Alternatives
If you cannot secure a place at one of the big four, these schools tend to accept rolling admissions or have shorter waiting lists. They are realistic, quality options.
Harrow International School Bangkok
ZoneDon Mueang (north)
CurriculumBritish / IGCSE / A-Levels
Ages18m-18
Fees519,000-965,000 THB/yr (~US$14,600-$27,100)
Prestigious UK brand with boarding. Has a formal waiting list but admissions are generally reported to be more fluid than the big four. Far north location near Don Mueang Airport. Strong co-curricular programme.
harrowschool.ac.th
St Andrews International School (Sukhumvit 71)
ZoneCentral Sukhumvit
CurriculumBritish / IB Diploma
Ages2-18
Fees346,000-644,500 THB/yr (~US$9,700-$18,100)
Rolling intake - typically easier admissions than NIST. Good mid-tier British/IB option in the heart of the Sukhumvit expat belt. Convenient BTS access.
standrews-schools.com
Bangkok Prep International School
ZoneCentral Sukhumvit
CurriculumBritish
Ages2-18
Fees488,000-662,400 THB/yr (~US$13,700-$18,600)
Growing reputation. Mid-tier British option in central Sukhumvit. Good value relative to the premium schools.
bkkprep.ac.th
Brighton College Bangkok (Krungthep Kreetha)
ZoneEast Bangkok
CurriculumBritish / IGCSE / A-Levels
Ages2-18
FeesPremium tier
The original Brighton campus. 20-acre site. 99.3% A*-B at A-Level. About 30 minutes from downtown, 15 minutes from Suvarnabhumi.
brightoncollege.ac.th
Shrewsbury City Campus
ZoneSri Nakarin
CurriculumBritish (Primary only)
Ages3-11 (Nursery to Y6)
FeesSame as Riverside
Junior school only. Overflow / feeder campus for Shrewsbury Riverside. Sri Nakarin area, east of central Bangkok.
shrewsbury.ac.th
Where to Live: Neighbourhood Guide
Bangkok is a large, spread-out city. Your choice of neighbourhood will usually be driven by which school your children attend.
Central Sukhumvit (Asoke - Thonglor - Ekkamai)
Key schoolsNIST, St Andrews, Bangkok Prep
The main expat belt. Dense with condos, malls, hospitals and international restaurants. BTS Skytrain runs through it. Thonglor and Ekkamai are the lifestyle hubs - restaurants, bars, co-working spaces. Phrom Phong is particularly family-friendly: EmQuartier mall, Benjasiri Park, The Commons food hall.
ProsWalkable. Direct BTS access. Huge apartment choice. English widely spoken. Most school buses route through here.
ConsRush-hour traffic. Some sois can be noisy (nightlife). Higher rents than outer zones.
Bang Na / Lasalle (Sukhumvit 105+)
Key schoolsBangkok Patana, Dulwich College (2026), Brighton KK, Shrewsbury City
Suburban, family-oriented zone east of central Bangkok. Quieter, greener, more space. Patana families cluster here. Larger houses and gated villages at lower cost than central. Mega Bangna (one of SE Asia's largest malls, with IKEA) is the main retail anchor.
ProsMore space for your money. Family-oriented. Close to Suvarnabhumi Airport. Growing school cluster.
ConsCar required. Less walkable. Fewer dining/nightlife options. 30-45 minutes to central Bangkok in traffic.
Nichada Thani / Chaeng Wattana
Key schoolsISB, Brighton Vibhavadi (nearby)
A 395-acre gated compound in Nonthaburi, north of Bangkok. ISB is inside the compound. 50-acre lake, pools, tennis courts, Villa Market, Starbucks, medical clinic. Children bike to school. Very self-contained community.
ProsSafe, community feel. Kids have real independence. Walk or bike to ISB. Generous houses with gardens.
ConsIsolated - 45-60 minutes to central Bangkok in traffic. Limited external dining/culture. Can feel insular.
Riverside / Charoen Krung
Key schoolsShrewsbury Riverside, SPGS (2026)
Bangkok's cultural and luxury riverside corridor. ICONSIAM is the premier mall. Charoen Krung / Talad Noi is a creative neighbourhood with street art, galleries and Michelin-starred restaurants. Asiatique night market is adjacent to Shrewsbury.
ProsBeautiful setting. Cultural richness. Top-tier dining. Less congested than Sukhumvit.
ConsNot directly on BTS/MRT (river ferries or car needed). Fewer family-oriented amenities. Fewer international grocery options.
Sathorn / Silom
Key schoolsNo anchor school - midway between Sukhumvit and Riverside schools
Bangkok's financial district. Embassies, corporate offices, luxury hotels. Good BTS/MRT interchange at Sala Daeng / Si Lom. Lumphini Park is Bangkok's equivalent of Hyde Park. More professional than family-oriented, but some families choose it for commute convenience to multiple school zones.
ProsCentral. BTS + MRT access. Close to both Sukhumvit and Riverside school zones. Lumphini Park.
ConsFewer family-focused amenities. More office-oriented. No school within walking distance.
Practical Tips for New Arrivals
Apply early. For the traditionally oversubscribed schools, applications typically open 12-18 months before the August start. Apply to multiple schools simultaneously.
Visit before you commit. Bangkok neighbourhoods feel very different in person. Traffic matters. A school 10 km away can take an hour in rush hour.
Consider the commute first. Most families choose their home based on their child's school, not the other way around. School bus routes are a major factor.
Founding-year advantage. Schools opening in August 2026 (Dulwich, SPGS, Wycombe Abbey, Jataka) are actively recruiting founding families. This is typically the easiest time to secure a place.
Thai national quotas. Patana and ISB have historically capped Thai national intake at around 20% and have separate, earlier deadlines (often January). If you hold Thai nationality, apply even earlier.
Curriculum matters long-term. IB, British A-Levels and American AP lead to different university paths. Think about where your child might attend university before choosing.
Healthcare. Bumrungrad, Samitivej and BNH are hospitals frequently used by international families. All have English-speaking staff and international insurance desks.
Transport. BTS (Skytrain) and MRT (metro) cover central Bangkok well but don't reach all school zones. Many families use a car with a driver or school bus services.
