Entry Requirements
Admissions
Admission to the British International School, Phuket (BISP) is open to students of all nationalities, ethnicity and religion. The key admission criterion is that a student will be able to access the programmes on offer at the school, and will benefit from a challenging, international, English language education. The overarching aim is to prepare students for higher education and a life of challenge, change and purpose.
The school admits students whose academic, personal, social, and emotional needs can be met by the programmes and services offered. It should be noted that BISP prepares students for international education and not specifically for re-entry into any national education system. However, some students do depart before the end of Year 13 and successfully transition into national curricula around the world.
Before admitting a student, BISP will review recent reports/transcripts from current and previous schools, as well as perform a complete reference check with the current school.
Admission to the school and allocation to particular classes are authorized by Principals.
The offer of a place may be unconditional or, for able students who need to improve their English language ability, dependent upon successfully completing an Intensive English Language Course before transitioning to full mainstream classes.
English Language Ability and Specific Entry Requirement
The guiding principle for admission to the school is to thrive in the English-language learning environment. English is the language of instruction in all grades, and the goal is for students to successfully access the curriculum within a reasonable time. Teachers are trained to support language acquisition and learning by non-native English speakers, and specialist English teachers provide additional support and instruction.
Students entering in Primary with non-native English speaking skills will be asked to complete an English test involving reading, writing and a verbal interview. Students entering the Middle School (Year 7-9) need to demonstrate English proficiency. Non-native English speakers will be required to do an entrance test either at school or online in their current school. Any students requiring additional English support initially will be given a reduced timetable with extra English classes.
Students entering the Upper School (Years 10-11) and Senior School (Years 12-13) should have near-native English proficiency. Non-native speakers may be asked to complete an English language test online via our Admissions Department.
For entry to Senior School all previous educational backgrounds will be considered. A student needs to have achieved a good to high level in their system to ensure the student is able to commence the IBDP with a strong academic foundation. For students who have followed the IGCSE programme, we require a minimum of 5 (A* to C) grades to enter the full IBDP and we recommend a minimum grade of ‘C’ to enter a Standard Level course and ‘B’ to enter a Higher Level course.
A minimum of 4 (A*-C) grades are required to enter the IB Courses or the BTEC programme.
Students who come from different systems to the above should have equivalent qualifications.
Our academic team will be happy to advise families on the best pathway for their child.
Additional Educational Needs
The BISP Additional Education Needs department is able to develop and plan programmes to support students. If a student requires additional support – including but not limited to external assessments, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, a personal assistant or tutors – services are at the parents’ expense.
Students who are receiving additional support will be reviewed at specific intervals to determine if BISP can continue to provide for their needs. The review teams include the Head of Additional Educational Needs, the counsellor (s), the classroom teachers and tutor, the section head and the principal. All students receiving learning support will have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that is reviewed annually.
Students who are receiving additional support will be reviewed regularly in order to provide the best educational experience for them. Decisions with respect to initial grade placement, promotion, retention, and continued attendance at BISP are determined by criteria specific to the age and development of the student. Re-enrolment is contingent upon successful school performance.
