One of the main concerns for expats who are living in Pattaya or indeed anywhere is the schools and educational facilities that are available. Of course, the quality of education that is available plays a crucial role when it comes to deciding where you wish to be based. Luckily, Pattaya has an abundance of quality international schools and also some good Thai schools. As you would imagine, the prices vary a great deal as does the quality of education unfortunately.
In this brief article, we look at some of the best international schools that are available in and around Pattaya to give you a real indication of what is out there.
International School of The Regent’s
Address: 33/1 Moo 1, Pong, Banglamung, Chonburi
Perhaps the best known of the international schools in Pattaya is The Regent’s School. The school opened back in 1994 and has the capacity to educate in the region of 1,000 children aged between 2 and 19 at any one time. The vast majority of teachers come from the UK and school has a very English feel about it with the core curriculum being English although more than 50 nationalities have been represented there.
The school has boarding facilities as well as students attending on a daily basis. Children of any nationality are welcome with the only criteria being that their level of English is sufficient enough to be able to cope with the lessons. Outside of school hours, pupils are offered the opportunity to take part in numerous extra-curricular activities, many of which are of a sporting nature.
Many of the large expat companies in the area choose the Regent’s School to send their employees’ children.
Rugby International School
Address (Admissions Office): 7/2 Moo 2, Khao Mai Kaew, Banglamung, Chonburi
This is a relative newcomer to the schools that are available in Pattaya but is one that is fast gaining a reputation for excellence. As you could probably imagine, this is once again a very British School with close links to the highly regarded Rugby School in the UK – a school that has an impressive 450 year history.
The school in Pattaya prides itself on their academia and in a similar manner to The Regent’s it also offers students a wide range of activities that they can participate outside of school hours. Boarding facilities are available at the 20-acre campus which is just a 20 minute drive from Pattaya. All nationalities are welcome with students attending from pre-school age through to sixth form.
Andrews International School, Green Valley
Address: Moo 7, Banchang-Makham Koo Road, Banchang, Rayong
St. Andrews School at Green Valley is in a simply stunning location surrounded by lush green rolling hills making it the ideal place to study. The school has very close links with the school of the same name in Bangkok. St Andrews can accommodate a little under 500 children from 2 to 18 years with over 40 different nationalities having been represented at the school.
This is a well-respected school and one that is noted for its academic success teaching an English Curriculum. Students are actively encouraged to take part in out of school activities.
International School Eastern Seaboard (ISE)
Address: 282 Moo 5, Bowin, Chonburi
This is another school that is frequently chosen by the major expat employing companies in the region. The school can be found at Burapha Golf Course so is an idyllic setting that once again promotes learning. Pupils are taught in English although it is far more of an American School than the other schools included on the list. The age range of students is from pre-school to Grade 12 with all nationalities welcomed. The only restriction is that students must pass an entrance test before they are accepted.
Tara Pattana International School
Address: Moo 13, Pattanakarn Road, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi
Tara Pattana School is the closest of the international schools to central Pattaya. The school adopts a strict all English speaking policy and, as you would imagine, teaches an English syllabus. The school has gained an improving reputation for academic achievement and is open to all children from pre-school age through to sixth form. However, the English speaking policy can be a little restrictive for some pupils.
Like most international schools, a wide range of extra-curricular activities are organised and children are encouraged to participate in.
Garden International School (GIS)
Address: 188/24 Moo 4, Pala-Banchang Road, Banchang, Rayong
The Garden School teaches an English syllabus up until Year 11 when the pupils will study for their iGCSE qualifications with the sixth form students following the International Baccalaureate program. Younger pupils get the opportunity to specialise in some subjects including Design Technology, Thai or Mandarin to give them a broader education. Children of all nationalities are welcome at this school which still remains popular.
