For families moving to Phuket, the school run to international schools near Kamala often decides where to live. This guide covers the international schools near Kamala named in The Element’s location guide. For each one, we list the project’s indicative drive time and what the school’s own website says about its curriculum and location.
The drive times are the project’s estimates by car from The Element. They are a starting point. Test the journey at school-run times before you decide.
International schools near Kamala in The Element’s location guide
| School | Indicative drive from The Element | Curriculum (from the school’s website) |
|---|---|---|
| HeadStart International School | 21 min | Rooted in the National Curriculum in England; IGCSE, GCSE, BTEC and A Level pathways |
| Finnway International School | 30 min | Based on the Finnish National Core Curriculum frameworks; secondary follows the Cambridge Pathway |
| British International School Phuket | 35 min | National Curriculum of England, IGCSE, full IB Diploma and BTEC |
| UWC Thailand International School | 40 min | International Baccalaureate continuum from Early Years to the Diploma Programme |
| Buds International School | 45 min | “Common Core Curriculum” |
HeadStart International School
HeadStart describes its curriculum as rooted in the National Curriculum in England, with IGCSE, GCSE and BTEC Level 2 options at Key Stage 4 and A Level and BTEC at Key Stage 5. It welcomes students aged 2 to 18.
HeadStart has two campuses: a Chaofah City Campus in Mueang Phuket and a campus in Cherngtalay, Thalang. The project’s location guide gives 21 minutes but does not say which campus it measures to, so check the drive to the campus your child would attend.
Finnway International School
Finnway bases its curriculum on the Finnish National Core Curriculum frameworks, and its secondary school follows the Cambridge Pathway. The school is located within Boat Lagoon, Koh Kaew. Ask the school which year groups are currently open.
British International School Phuket
British International School Phuket follows the National Curriculum of England in Key Stages 1 to 3, offers IGCSE in Years 10 and 11 and the full IB Diploma in Years 12 and 13, with a BTEC International Extended Diploma option. It takes students aged 2 to 18 and offers both boarding and day places. The campus is on Thepkrasattri Road in Koh Kaew.
UWC Thailand International School
UWC Thailand offers the International Baccalaureate continuum, from its Early Years programme through the PYP, MYP and Diploma Programme, from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. Boarding is available from Grade 9 to Grade 12. The school is in Thalang.
Buds International School
Buds International School describes its curriculum as a “Common Core Curriculum” and is in Chalong. Its website gives different age ranges on different pages, so confirm the age range and year groups directly with the school.
Questions to ask international schools near Kamala
Curriculum is only one part of the choice. Before you shortlist schools, ask:
- Places: is there space in your child’s year group, and is there a waiting list?
- Admissions: what assessments, documents and deadlines apply?
- Fees: what is included, and what are the extra costs for transport, meals, uniforms and activities?
- Transport: does the school run a bus to Kamala, and how long is the ride?
- Language support: is English support available if your child is still learning English?
- Calendar: term dates and holidays, which affect when you will be in Phuket.
- Visa: can the school help with student visa documents if your child needs one?
Plan the run to international schools near Kamala before you choose a home
The school run happens twice a day, every school day. During your viewing trip, drive to your shortlisted schools at the morning drop-off time and the afternoon pick-up time. Compare that with the drive times in the project’s guide, and think about what happens on a rainy day in the monsoon season.
A residence that suits a family also needs the right space. Compare two-bedroom layouts, storage and quiet space for homework. For everyday distances, see Life Around The Element. For more on family life in the area, read Family Living in Kamala, and for weather, see our guide to Kamala weather by month.
Frequently asked questions
Which international school is closest to Kamala?
In The Element’s location guide, HeadStart International School is the closest, at about 21 minutes by car. The guide does not say which of HeadStart’s two campuses this refers to.
Which schools offer the IB Diploma?
According to their websites, British International School Phuket offers the full IB Diploma and UWC Thailand offers the IB continuum including the Diploma Programme.
Do any schools offer boarding?
British International School Phuket offers boarding and day places, and UWC Thailand offers boarding from Grade 9 to Grade 12.
In short: the international schools near Kamala listed in the project guide offer English, Finnish, IB and Common Core curricula, about 21 to 45 minutes away by car. Visit the international schools near Kamala you shortlist and test the school run at peak times.
Related reading: Family Living in Kamala: Schools and Healthcare Near The Element and The Element Floor Plans: Type A to E Layouts Compared.
Sources: HeadStart · Finnway · British International School Phuket · UWC Thailand · Buds International School.
Information note: School information was read on each school’s official website on 22 October 2026 and can change. Drive times are the project’s indicative estimates by car. Contact each school’s admissions office for current curricula, places, fees and requirements. The Element has no affiliation with these schools.
