Bangkok Preparatory International School

Bangkok Preparatory International School (commonly known as Bangkok Prep) is an independent international school based on the National Curriculum of England, located in Bangkok, Thailand. Established in 2003, the school offers education to pupils from Nursery up to Year 13, with a student body representing 42 nationalities.

The school was founded by two educators, Magdalena Urioste and Patrada Yomnak, who had extensive experience in international kindergartens in Bangkok and Hanoi for over 20 years. Bangkok Prep was officially ordained by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in June 2006.

Bangkok Prep’s mission is to provide a challenging, creative, and caring learning environment, which enables students to become internationally minded, lifelong learners and ethical global citizens. The school strives to achieve this mission through its values of respect, responsibility, kindness, and honesty.

In terms of accreditation, the school received triple accreditation from the Council of International Schools (CIS), New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), and the Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment (ONESQA) in 2011. Bangkok Prep is also a member of several international school associations, including the International Schools Association of Thailand (ISAT) and the Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA). The school has also been recognized for its eco-friendly initiatives with the Eco Schools Green Flag Award and the Duke of Edinburgh International Award.

Campus

Bangkok Preparatory International School campus is located in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. It is situated on Sukhumvit Road, one of the main thoroughfares in the city, making it easily accessible from many different areas. The campus covers an area of approximately 7 acres and is designed to provide a safe and stimulating learning environment for students.

The campus features modern facilities including well-equipped classrooms, science and technology labs, a library, an auditorium, a multi-purpose hall, an indoor sports hall, a swimming pool, a dance studio, a music room, and art studios. There are also outdoor facilities such as a football field, basketball courts, and a playground.

The school has invested in a range of technologies to enhance the learning experience of students, including interactive whiteboards, digital projectors, and computers.

The campus is designed with sustainability in mind, and the school has received the Eco-Schools Green Flag award for its efforts to promote environmental awareness and sustainability among its students and the wider community.

Overall, Bangkok Preparatory International School campus provides a modern and well-equipped learning environment that is designed to meet the needs of students across all age ranges and academic levels.

Academics

Bangkok Preparatory International School follows an international curriculum primarily based on the National Curriculum of England, offering education to pupils from Nursery up to Year 13. The school is divided into three sections: Early Years (Nursery and Reception), the Primary school (Year 1 to Year 6), and the Secondary school (Year 7 to Year 13).

The Early Years unit follows the English National Early Years Foundation Stage Programme (EYFS) for children aged between 3 and 5 years. The program aims to provide a safe and stimulating learning environment that supports the development of young children.

The Primary school and Secondary school are based on the National Curriculum of England. Key Stage 1 includes Year 1 and Year 2 classes, while Key Stage 2 includes Year 3 to Year 6 classes. Key Stage 3 covers Years 7 to 9 and is the final preparation for the examination phase. Key Stage 4 includes Years 10 and 11 and is the examination phase. Bangkok Prep is registered with the Cambridge International Examinations, which is part of the University of Cambridge in the UK, as an examination centre for the International General Certificate in Secondary Education or IGCSE. An IGCSE programme is offered to Year 10 and Year 11 students as a precursor to the Cambridge-approved A-levels available to study in Year 12 and Year 13, thus preparing students towards university education.

Key Stage 5 is the advanced level examination phase, which covers Years 12 and 13 or Sixth Form. Students begin to specialize in their studies and opt for subjects that will guide their choice of study at undergraduate level in university. Students are examined at the end of Year 13 on a minimum of one and a maximum of four GCE A-Level examinations, administered by CIE, like the IGCSEs.

Apart from academic subjects, Bangkok Prep offers various extra-curricular activities that are aimed at developing the students’ leadership, creative and interpersonal skills. These include sports, music, dance, drama, debating, community service, and more. The school also has a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental stewardship and is the first school in Thailand to be awarded the Eco Schools Green Flag Award.

Management

Bangkok Preparatory International School is managed by a team of experienced leaders who oversee the school’s academic, operational, and administrative functions. The Senior Leadership Team (SLT) is responsible for the overall management of the school, ensuring that it operates efficiently and effectively.

The SLT consists of the Head of School, who is responsible for the overall strategic direction of the school, the Deputy Head of School, who oversees academic programs and curriculum development, the Director of Operations and Finance, who manages the school’s finances and facilities, the Director of Admissions and Marketing, who manages enrollment and communication with families, and the Director of Learning and Professional Development, who oversees staff development and training.

The school also has a Board of Governors, which provides strategic oversight and guidance. The Board is made up of parents, educators, and business leaders who are committed to advancing the school’s mission and values.

Together, the SLT and Board of Governors work to ensure that Bangkok Prep provides a high-quality education to its students and maintains its position as a leading international school in Thailand.

Admission

Admission to Bangkok Preparatory International School is based on a selective process, and applicants are evaluated based on their academic record, character, and potential. The school has a rolling admissions policy, and applications can be submitted at any time throughout the year.

For Early Years, admission is based on a first-come, first-served basis, as long as the applicant meets the age requirements. For the Primary School, the school considers a child’s age, academic history, and previous school records. For Secondary School, applicants must have a minimum level of academic achievement, and the school may require an entrance examination or interview.

Bangkok Preparatory International School also requires that applicants have a certain level of English proficiency, and non-native English speakers may be required to take an English language proficiency test. The school provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for those who need it.

Prospective families are encouraged to visit the campus for a tour, meet with the admissions team, and learn more about the school’s programs and culture. Applications can be submitted online through the school’s website, and more information on the admission process can be found on their website.

Achievement

Bangkok International Preparatory and Secondary School has received several recognitions and awards over the years. Some of the notable achievements are:

1. In 2009-2010 academic year, the school received The Prime Minister’s Export Award 2009 in International Education.
2. In 2010, Bangkok Prep won an award for “Outstanding Achievement in School Development and Management” at the World Education/Education Living Expo.
3. The school received triple accreditation from the Council of International Schools (CIS), New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), and Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment (ONESQA) in 2011.
4. The school is a member of the International Schools Association of Thailand (ISAT), Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA), Bangkok International Schools Athletic Conference (BISAC) and Thailand International Schools Activity Conference (TISAC).
5. Bangkok Prep is also the Cambridge University-approved IGCSE and A-level examination center.
6. In 2021, the school was ranked #1 in Thailand and #22 in Asia by the World University Rankings.
7. Bangkok Preparatory International School has a 100% pass rate for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and the Advanced Placement (AP) Program.
8. Students from Bangkok Prep have been accepted into many notable universities worldwide such as Imperial College London, London School of Economics, University College of London, New York University (NYU), University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), etc.
9. The school has also received the Eco Schools Green Flag Award, and the Duke of Edinburgh International Award.