The Pattaya - Eastern Seaboard corridor has matured into one of Asia's strongest secondary international school markets, anchored by Regents International School Pattaya and Rugby School Thailand. International admissions here run on a clear annual cycle pivoted around the August intake, but boarding deadlines are earlier and waitlists in the senior years can move slowly. This 2026 step-by-step guide walks expat families through documents, language assessments, payment timing and how to plan a relocation that places your child correctly from day one.
Pattaya's international school landscape in 2026
The cluster sits along the Eastern Seaboard from Bang Saray through Sattahip, with Rugby School Thailand in Chonburi, Regents Pattaya in East Pattaya, and St Andrews Green Valley near Lake Mabprachan. Day enrolment dominates, but full and weekly boarding are growing.
- British curriculum: Regents Pattaya, Rugby School Thailand, Garden International School Eastern Seaboard.
- International Baccalaureate: Regents Pattaya and International School Eastern Seaboard run the IB Diploma.
- American: International School Eastern Seaboard (ISE) is WASC-accredited.
- French: French International School of Pattaya, with the French curriculum.
Top schools to know in 2026
Regents International School Pattaya
British curriculum (IGCSE / A Level) plus IB Diploma in the sixth form, day and boarding from Year 5. Strong sports and arts; part of the Nord Anglia global network. School profile on ISA.
Rugby School Thailand
The sister campus of England's Rugby School, with full and weekly boarding from Year 7. English National Curriculum with A Levels. Highly selective. School profile on ISA.
St Andrews International School Green Valley
British curriculum, mid-size, with strong outdoor and adventure-learning programmes. School profile on ISA.
International School Eastern Seaboard (ISE)
WASC-accredited American school with AP and IB Diploma options. Strong fit for US families relocating to Eastern Thailand. School profile on ISA.
Garden International School Eastern Seaboard
British curriculum, smaller and family-oriented. Good landing pad for younger children needing a calm first year. School profile on ISA.
Admissions timeline for August 2026 entry
Most Eastern Seaboard schools admit students year-round subject to availability, but the main intake is August. Plan as follows:
- October 2025 – December 2025: register interest, attend virtual open days, request school tours.
- November 2025 – February 2026: submit application packs, pay assessment fees, complete English-language tests (Cambridge Pre-A1 to C1, CAT4, MAP), Maths assessments, family interview.
- December 2025 – April 2026: offers issued; enrolment deposit and one-off entry fee due within 14-30 days.
- April – July 2026: visa support letters, school health forms, uniform orders, bus route confirmation.
- Mid-August 2026: term begins.
Rugby School Thailand boarding places run on a tighter, earlier cycle; expect deposits requested by January for August entry.
Documents you will need
Required for every Pattaya international school admission:
- Child's passport and recent passport-style photograph.
- Birth certificate (translated to English if not already).
- Last two years of school reports.
- Letter of recommendation from the current school (Year 5 and above).
- Vaccination record.
- Parents' passports and proof of residence in Thailand (lease, work permit or visa).
- Application fee receipt (THB 4,000 – THB 12,000, non-refundable).
Some schools also ask for a personal statement (Year 9 upwards) and a copy of any IEP or learning support documentation.
Language and academic assessments
Assessment styles vary:
- Early Years and Year 1-3: informal play-based assessment, plus parent interview.
- Year 4-7: written English (reading, writing), Maths (computation, problem-solving), and an English-language interview.
- Year 8-11: CAT4 cognitive testing, English placement test, plus a subject interview where relevant.
- Sixth form (IB / A Level): predicted IGCSE / IB grades or transcript, subject interview, sometimes a writing sample.
Non-native English speakers usually take a Cambridge English placement (Pre-A1 to B2) to determine the EAL support needed. Schools typically cap the EAL ratio per class.
Fees, deposits and payment timing
Indicative 2026 fee bands:
- Application fee: THB 4,000 – THB 12,000 (non-refundable).
- One-off enrolment fee: THB 100,000 – THB 350,000.
- Refundable capital deposit: THB 50,000 – THB 200,000.
- Annual tuition: THB 360,000 – THB 1,050,000 day; add THB 350,000 – THB 600,000 for full boarding.
- Bus, lunch, uniform: THB 90,000 – THB 180,000 per year combined.
Most schools bill termly with a 1-3 percent discount for annual upfront payment. Late payment beyond 30 days can result in suspension of place at the major schools.
Compare admissions across the Eastern Seaboard
Browse the full ranking of the best international schools in Thailand on International School Advisor for side-by-side fees, curricula and parent reviews before you finalise your shortlist.
Frequently asked questions
Do Pattaya international schools accept mid-year arrivals?
Yes, most schools accept rolling admissions throughout the year subject to space and assessment. The most popular schools (Regents, Rugby) can hit waitlists in core year groups; January and Easter terms have more capacity than August.
Is boarding common in Pattaya?
It is growing. Rugby School Thailand and Regents both have boarding houses with full and weekly boarding from Year 7-9 upwards. Most families still choose day enrolment given Pattaya's compact catchment.
How much English does my child need before starting?
Schools accept beginner English in Early Years and lower primary; from Year 5 onwards, most expect at least B1 level reading and writing to access the curriculum without intensive EAL.