Thinking of sending your child to an international school?

Overview

This comprehensive guide supports families evaluating international schools in Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard. It covers curricula (British, IB, American/US, Australian, French), detailed fee structures, age ranges, and SEN (Special Educational Needs) provision.

Use the quick list and comparison tables to shortlist schools, then review detailed profiles, maps, and FAQs for practical next steps.

Curriculum Pathways in Pattaya (At-a-Glance)

British curriculum (IGCSEs and A-Levels) dominates Pattaya's international school landscape. Several schools offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, providing globally recognised qualifications. American curriculum options include US High School Diploma with some AP courses.

French curriculum is available through École Française Internationale de Pattaya. Australian curriculum options are limited but may be found in Bangkok (1-2 hours away). Verify current offerings directly with schools, as programmes can evolve.

Quick List of Pattaya International Schools

The following schools represent the main international education options in Pattaya and surrounding Eastern Seaboard area:

• Regents International School Pattaya — British/IB | Ages 2-18 | Central Pattaya

• Rugby School Thailand — British | Ages 2-18 | Chonburi (20-30 mins from Pattaya)

• St. Andrews International School, Green Valley — British/IB | Ages 3-18 | Rayong

• Garden International School, Eastern Seaboard — British/IB | Ages 2-18 | Ban Chang, Rayong

• International School Eastern Seaboard (ISE) — American/IB | Ages 3-18 | Chonburi

• Tara Pattana International School — British | Ages 2-18 | East Pattaya

• Mooltripakdee International School — British | Ages 2-18 | East Pattaya

• École Française Internationale de Pattaya — French | Ages 3-18 | Huai Yai

• International School of Chonburi — British | Ages 2-11 | Chonburi

How We Curate This List

Our education specialists evaluate Pattaya schools using official sources: curriculum accreditation (CIS, COBIS, IB, WASC, AEFE), published fee schedules, SEN and inclusion policies, EAL provision, teacher qualifications, facilities, and verified parent feedback.

We conduct site visits where possible and update this guide quarterly. School order reflects geographical convenience rather than ranking—focus on curriculum fit, child needs, commute time, and SEN support quality.

Comparison Table: Major Pattaya International Schools

Data verified from official school sources (2024/25 academic year). Fees shown are annual tuition only.

Detailed School Profiles

Comprehensive analysis of each school based on official data, site visits, and verified parent feedback.

Regents International School Pattaya (Nord Anglia)

• Curriculum: British education (EYFS, National Curriculum, IGCSEs, A-Levels) with IB Diploma Programme option in Years 12-13

• Age Range: 2-18 years (Pre-Nursery to Year 13)

• Accreditation: CIS, COBIS, IB World School, Nord Anglia Education

• Annual Fees: ฿416,100 (Pre-Nursery) to ฿790,400 (Years 10-13). Registration: ฿75,000, Enrollment: ฿95,000

• Boarding: Available from Year 3 (age 8). Full boarding: ฿447,900/year

• Class Sizes: Average 17 students, 50+ nationalities represented

• Facilities: State-of-the-art campus with science labs, performing arts auditorium, 25m pool, FIFA-standard football pitch, tennis courts

• SEN & EAL Support: Comprehensive learning support department with qualified specialists

• University Placements: Strong track record with graduates attending top universities in UK, US, Asia, and Europe

• Strengths: Established reputation, dual curriculum options, excellent facilities, diverse community, Nord Anglia global programmes

• Considerations: Highest fees in area, large school size, some administrative feedback concerns

Rugby School Thailand

• Curriculum: British curriculum affiliated with Rugby School UK. UK National Curriculum to IGCSEs, A-Levels in Sixth Form

• Age Range: 2-18 years (Nursery to Year 13)

• Accreditation: COBIS, CIS candidate, Rugby School UK affiliation

• Annual Fees: ฿525,000 (Nursery) to ฿946,000 (Years 12-13). Acceptance Fee: ฿200,000

• Boarding: Full, weekly, and part-time options from Year 6. Full boarding: ฿447,900/year

• Class Sizes: Average 18 students, capacity for 1,350 students

• Facilities: World-class 80-acre campus with science centre, performing arts centre, professional sports facilities, modern boarding houses

• SEN & EAL Support: Dedicated learning support team with individual education plans

• University Placements: Early graduates (first class 2020) gaining entry to top universities including Brown University (USA)

• Strengths: Outstanding facilities, authentic British ethos, exceptional boarding programme, low student-teacher ratios

• Considerations: Premium pricing, rural location (20-30 min from Pattaya), newer school with developing alumni network

St. Andrews International School, Green Valley

• Curriculum: British curriculum with Reggio Emilia approach in early years, leading to IGCSEs and IB Diploma Programme

• Age Range: 3-18 years (Nursery to Year 13)

• Accreditation: CIS, COBIS, IB World School, Cognita Schools Group

• Annual Fees: ฿415,800 (Nursery) to ฿799,600 (IB Years). Application: ฿5,000, Entrance: ฿55,000-100,000

• Boarding: Not available (day school only)

• Class Sizes: Average 18 students, smaller IB classes

• Facilities: Green campus adjacent to golf course with modern classrooms, science labs, swimming pool, athletics track

• SEN & EAL Support: Individualised learning support with qualified specialists

• University Placements: Excellent IB results with graduates at Oxford, Cambridge, Ivy League, and top Asian universities

• Strengths: Beautiful campus, strong academics, close-knit community, proven IB track record

• Considerations: No boarding, 30km from Pattaya (bus service provided), smaller course selection in upper years

Garden International School, Eastern Seaboard

• Curriculum: British curriculum (National Curriculum for England) leading to Cambridge IGCSEs and IB Diploma Programme

• Age Range: 2-18 years (Nursery to Year 13)

• Accreditation: CIS, COBIS, IB World School, FOBISIA member

• Annual Fees: ฿250,800 (Nursery) to ฿580,800 (IB Year 12). Capital Fee: ฿120,000. Includes lunch

• Boarding: Available from Year 5. Full boarding: ฿115,000/term (Years 5-10)

• Class Sizes: 15-20 students, family-like atmosphere

• Facilities: Coastal location near Ban Chang with science labs, swimming pool, sports fields, boarding houses

• SEN & EAL Support: Strong ESL programme and learning support for diverse needs

• University Placements: 30-year track record with graduates at UCLA, Berkeley, Oxford, Cambridge, NUS, HKU

• Strengths: Excellent value for money, proven IB success, affordable boarding, supportive community

• Considerations: Location in Ban Chang (40 min from Pattaya), smaller facilities compared to premium schools

International School Eastern Seaboard (ISE)

• Curriculum: American curriculum leading to US High School Diploma, with IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11-12

• Age Range: 3-18 years (Pre-K to Grade 12)

• Accreditation: WASC, US accreditation

• Annual Fees: ฿357,600 (Pre-K) to ฿646,000 (Grade 12 IB). Enrollment: ฿45,000

• Boarding: Not available (day school only)

• Class Sizes: Very small classes, often 10-15 students, under 300 total enrollment

• Facilities: Quiet campus on Burapha Golf Course with essential facilities, swimming pool, gymnasium

• SEN & EAL Support: Personalised support due to small size, individual attention

• University Placements: Graduates attend universities in North America, Asia, and Europe with personalised counselling

• Strengths: Very low student-teacher ratios, dual curriculum flexibility, peaceful environment, American calendar

• Considerations: Small peer group, limited course options, remote location, no boarding

Tara Pattana International School

• Curriculum: British curriculum (National Curriculum for England) with Thai cultural integration

• Age Range: 2-18 years (Nursery to Year 13)

• Accreditation: Thai Ministry of Education, British curriculum alignment

• Annual Fees: ฿251,000 (Nursery) to ฿577,000 (Years 9-10). Slightly lower for A-Level years

• Boarding: Not available (day school only)

• Class Sizes: Average 16 students, 40+ nationalities, ~300 total students

• Facilities: Modern new campus in East Pattaya with state-of-the-art classrooms, science labs, swimming pool, performing arts centre

• SEN & EAL Support: Personalised attention due to small classes, learning support available

• University Placements: Developing track record (established 2011) with graduates pursuing higher education globally

• Strengths: Small class sizes, modern facilities, inclusive atmosphere, competitive fees, cultural diversity

• Considerations: Newer school with developing upper secondary track record, limited boarding options

Mooltripakdee International School (MIS)

• Curriculum: British curriculum (English National Curriculum) adapted for international context, IGCSEs and A-Levels

• Age Range: 2-18 years (Nursery to Year 13)

• Accreditation: Thai Ministry of Education, Cambridge International

• Annual Fees: ฿225,900 (Early Years) to ฿517,500 (Year 13). Application: ฿5,000, Admission: ฿50,000

• Boarding: Not available (day school only)

• Class Sizes: Average 20 students, over 600 students total

• Facilities: East Pattaya campus with modern classrooms, science labs, swimming pool, sports fields, small farm area

• SEN & EAL Support: ESL support for non-native speakers, learning support available

• University Placements: Growing track record with graduates at Thai and international universities

• Strengths: Affordable British curriculum, bilingual support, family-oriented environment, expanding facilities

• Considerations: Less academically intensive than premium schools, limited A-Level subject selection

École Française Internationale de Pattaya (EFIP)

• Curriculum: French National Curriculum leading to Diplôme National du Brevet and Baccalauréat

• Age Range: 3-18 years (Maternelle to Terminale)

• Accreditation: AEFE (Agency for French Education Abroad), French Ministry of Education

• Annual Fees: ฿170,000 (Kindergarten) to ฿235,000 (Lycée). Admission: ฿50,000

• Boarding: Not available (day school only)

• Class Sizes: Very small classes, often under 15 students

• Facilities: Huai Yai campus with essential facilities, French-style cafeteria, library with French literature

• SEN & EAL Support: Support for non-native French speakers, trilingual environment (French/English/Thai)

• University Placements: Direct pathway to French universities and grandes écoles, some graduates to international universities

• Strengths: Authentic French education, very low fees, small classes, strong academic discipline

• Considerations: Instruction in French only, very small peer group, limited facilities, no international qualifications

International School of Chonburi (ISC)

• Curriculum: British primary education (National Curriculum for England) with holistic, child-centred approach

• Age Range: 2-11 years (Pre-Nursery to Year 6)

• Accreditation: British curriculum alignment, focus on early years excellence

• Annual Fees: ฿265,000 (Early Years) to ฿341,000 (Year 6). Enrollment: ฿40,000-50,000

• Boarding: Not available (day school only)

• Class Sizes: Intentionally small, often capped at 15 students, excellent ratios with teaching assistants

• Facilities: Child-friendly campus designed for young learners with outdoor learning spaces, gardens, age-appropriate facilities

• SEN & EAL Support: Individualised support for early learners, gentle introduction to school life

• University Placements: N/A (primary only), but excellent feeder school reputation to top secondary schools

• Strengths: Exceptional nurturing environment, very small classes, specialist early years teaching, strong foundation

• Considerations: Primary only (requires school change at Year 7), limited advanced facilities

American (US) Curriculum Schools in Pattaya Area

American curriculum options in the Pattaya area are limited but available. The International School Eastern Seaboard (ISE) offers a US High School Diploma pathway alongside IB options. For families specifically seeking AP courses or a purely American curriculum, Bangkok schools may provide more options (1-2 hours from Pattaya).

International School Eastern Seaboard (ISE) - American Track

• Pathway: US High School Diploma with college-preparatory curriculum

• Grades: Pre-K through Grade 12

• Accreditation: WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges)

• SEN & EAL: Personalised support due to very small class sizes

• Location: Chonburi (30 minutes from Pattaya)

• University Counselling: Dedicated support for US university applications

Australian Curriculum Schools near Pattaya

Australian curriculum schools are not currently available in the immediate Pattaya area. Families seeking Australian qualifications typically consider schools in Bangkok such as St. Andrews International School Bangkok (which offers both British and Australian pathways) or may look at distance learning options. The commute to Bangkok is approximately 1.5-2 hours.

Alternative Options for Australian Curriculum

• St. Andrews International School Bangkok: Offers Australian curriculum alongside British

• Distance Learning: Some families supplement with Australian correspondence programmes

• Commute Considerations: Bangkok schools require significant travel time from Pattaya

Boarding Options in Pattaya

Several schools in the Pattaya area offer boarding facilities, providing structured residential programmes for students from Year 3 onwards. Boarding can be particularly beneficial for families living in remote areas or those seeking a more immersive educational experience.

• Regents International School Pattaya: Full boarding from Year 3 (age 8), ฿447,900/year

• Rugby School Thailand: Full, weekly, and part-time boarding from Year 6, ฿447,900/year full boarding

• Garden International School: Full and weekly boarding from Year 5, ฿115,000/term

Detailed Fee Comparison (2024/25)

Annual tuition fees in Thai Baht. Additional fees (registration, deposits, boarding) are not included.

SEN (Special Educational Needs) Support in Pattaya Schools

Most international schools in Pattaya provide learning support services, though the extent and specialisation varies. Families with children requiring SEN support should request detailed information about available services, staff qualifications, and additional fees during the admissions process.

Tip: Before admissions conversations about SEN, download our free Parent Checklist Pack to help you structure questions about identification, intervention, progress monitoring, and fees:

www.senspecialists.org/international-schools-in-pattya-parents

Schools with Strong SEN Provision

• Regents International School Pattaya: Comprehensive learning support department with qualified specialists

• Rugby School Thailand: Dedicated learning support team with individual education plans

• St. Andrews Green Valley: Individualised learning support with qualified specialists

• Garden International School: Strong ESL programme and learning support for diverse needs

• ISE: Personalised support due to very small class sizes

Map of Pattaya International Schools

What are typical tuition fees for international schools in Pattaya?

Annual fees range from ฿170,000 (French school) to ฿946,000 (Rugby School Thailand). Most British curriculum schools charge ฿400,000-700,000 for secondary years. Additional costs include registration fees (฿5,000-200,000), deposits, uniforms, transport, and meals. EAL/SEN services may incur extra charges.

FAQs: International Schools in Pattaya

Which Pattaya schools offer the British curriculum vs. IB?

British curriculum: Regents, Rugby, St. Andrews, Garden, Tara Pattana, MIS, ISC. IB Diploma Programme: Regents, St. Andrews Green Valley, Garden International, ISE (alongside American curriculum). Most British schools offer IGCSEs in Year 11 and A-Levels in Years 12-13.

Are there American (US) curriculum schools in Pattaya?

International School Eastern Seaboard (ISE) offers US High School Diploma alongside IB options. For more American curriculum choices, consider Bangkok schools (1.5-2 hours from Pattaya) such as ISB, NIST, or ASB.

Are there Australian curriculum schools in Pattaya?

No Australian curriculum schools operate directly in Pattaya. St. Andrews International School Bangkok offers Australian pathways but requires commuting to Bangkok. Some families use distance learning to supplement with Australian programmes.

Which schools offer boarding facilities?

Three schools offer boarding: Regents International (from Year 3), Rugby School Thailand (from Year 6), and Garden International School (from Year 5). Boarding fees range from ฿115,000/term to ฿447,900/year, depending on the programme.

When should we apply for admission?

Most schools accept rolling applications, but popular year groups fill quickly. Apply 6-12 months in advance, especially for Reception, Year 7, and IB years. Some schools have specific intake periods (August/September start). Early application is crucial for boarding places.

Do schools offer EAL (English as an Additional Language) support?

Yes, most international schools provide EAL support. Garden International and MIS are particularly noted for strong ESL programmes. Some schools charge additional fees for intensive EAL support. Assessment determines placement level and support needs.

What SEN (Special Educational Needs) support is available?

Regents, Rugby, and St. Andrews offer comprehensive learning support with qualified specialists. Smaller schools like ISE provide personalised attention due to low student-teacher ratios. Always request detailed SEN policies and discuss specific needs during admissions.

How do I choose between British curriculum and IB?

British curriculum (IGCSEs/A-Levels) offers subject specialisation and is well-recognised by UK universities. IB Diploma Programme provides broader education and is highly regarded globally. Consider your child's learning style, university destinations, and subject interests.

What are the transport options?

Most schools offer bus services covering Pattaya and surrounding areas. Costs vary by distance (typically ฿15,000-30,000/year). Some families arrange private transport or carpools. Consider commute times when choosing schools outside central Pattaya.

Admissions Timeline and Process

September-October:

September-October: Research schools, attend open days, submit initial applications

Provide a short exploration of our menu wonders, spotlighting dishes that promise an unforgettable dining journey.

January-February:

Admission decisions, deposit payments, waiting list management

June-July:

Summer programmes, transition activities

November-December:

School visits, entrance assessments, interviews

March-May:

Final preparations, uniform orders, orientation sessions

August:

New academic year begins

Free Download: Pattaya International Schools Parent Checklist Pack

Save time and ask the right questions from day one. Download our free, expert-compiled checklist pack with website/prospectus checks, email enquiry templates, and on-campus visit questions—designed with input from teachers, tutors, and Pattaya parents.

About This Guide

Author: James, SEN Consultant (PGCE, NASENCO) at SEN Specialist Tutors

Methodology: Data verified through official school websites, admissions handbooks, site visits, and parent interviews. Updated quarterly with schools' cooperation.

Sources: Official school publications, accreditation bodies (CIS, COBIS, IB, WASC, AEFE), verified parent testimonials, and education authority data.

Last Updated: August 2025