FAQs

What curriculum do you follow?

In our Early Years Centre and Pre Prep and Prep School, our pupils are taught a bespoke Harrow Bangkok curriculum, incorporating the best of educational practice in England, yet with global influences.  Students in the Senior School study for IGCSE, AS and A Level examinations. The school prides itself on its reputation for academic rigour, and our Sixth Form students go on to study at top universities around the world, predominantly in the UK and USA.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE CLASS SIZE IN THE EARLY YEARS?

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE CLASS SIZE IN THE PRE PREP?

The maximum class size in infants is 20 children with a teacher and TA in each class. In juniors, the maximum class size is 22 with a teacher and a TA.

WHAT LANGUAGES DO PUPILS IN THE PRE PREP STUDY?

All non-Thai students study Thai as a foreign language and Mandarin. All Thai students study Thai home language.
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE CLASS SIZE IN THE PREP PHASE AND YEAR 9?

In the Prep phase and Year 9, the average class is approximately 18 students with a maximum of 24.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE CLASS SIZE IN YEARS 10 AND 11?

For IGCSE classes the average class size is approximately 16 with a maximum of 22.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE CLASS SIZE IN THE SIXTH FORM?

For A Level classes the average class size is approximately 8 with a maximum of 15, but some specialist classes, such as music or languages, may be much smaller.

WHICH PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS ARE SAT AT HARROW BANGKOK?

IGCSEs at the end of the Fifth Form, AS examinations at the end of Lower Sixth (Year 12) and A Levels/SATs/IELTS at the end of the Upper Sixth (Year 13).

How have your pupils performed in examinations in recent years?

Harrow International School Bangkok students delivered the strongest set of results in the history of the school last summer. More than half of all A Levels and two thirds of all IGCSEs sat by their pupils resulted in A* or A grades. Click to view our latest A Level and IGCSE examination results.

WHAT SUBJECTS ARE TAUGHT IN YEAR 9?

In Shell (Year 9), students begin to study subjects as specialists in preparation for their courses. Some departments use the Shell year to begin their IGCSEs in accelerated groups, dependent on the academic ability of students and the course demands. All students study the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science and make optional choices from Art, Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Drama, Design Technology, Thai, Japanese, French, Mandarin, Geography, History, Music, Physical Education (PE), Physics and Religious Studies.

What subjects are taught for IGCSE?

All students study the core IGCSE subjects of English, Mathematics and Science, and make optional choices from the following subjects: Thai, Mandarin, French, Japanese, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Art, History, Religious Studies, Business Studies, Economics, Drama, Statistics, English Literature, Music, Geography, Computer Science and PE.

WHAT SUBJECTS DOES THE SCHOOL OFFER IN THE SIXTH FORM?

Art and Design, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, English Literature, Geography, History, Mathematics and Further Maths, Media Studies, Japanese, Mandarin, French, Music, Physical Education, Physics, Psychology and Travel and Tourism.

AT WHAT STAGE DOES A STUDENT MAKE THEIR SUBJECT CHOICES FOR IGCSE?

Students will decide on their study options during Term 1 of Shell (Year 9).

AT WHAT STAGE DOES A STUDENT MAKE THEIR SUBJECT CHOICES FOR A LEVELS?

For students on IGCSE programmes, the period immediately after sitting the IGCSE exams will be the time to come for interviews with tutors at Harrow Bangkok to discuss opportunities.

HOW ARE ACADEMIC SETS DECIDED?

Harrow Bangkok reserves the right to decide which level is most suitable for a child based on performance in our entrance tests, reports from previous schools, qualifications achieved and our professional judgment.
 

DO WE HAVE AN OXBRIDGE PROGRAMME?

During Year 12 and Year 13, students can opt to join the Oxbridge mentoring programme for help with applications to Oxford or Cambridge universities.  Students have dedicated lesson time to promote critical thinking and discussions in a challenging environment.
 

CAN STUDENTS take ADDITIONAL LANGUAGES OFF THE TIMETABLE?

If students are ready to sit IGCSE or A Level Language examinations, the school can assist with entering them for the external examinations. 

HOW DOES HARROW BANGKOK SUPPORT STUDENTS THAT NEED HELP WITH ENGLISH

The Language Support Department provides support for those children who are finding the acquisition of the English language challenging. We also offer a Fast Track English programme in Prep and Year 9 which includes extra English lessons to support students with language acquisition. They study a reduced curriculum to facilitate accessing the EAL support they need. When the students are ready, they are slowly and carefully integrated into a wider curriculum of subjects. 

HOW DOES HARROW BANGKOK SUPPORT STUDENTS THAT FIND ASPECTS OF THE CURRICULUM CHALLENGING?

How do you teach the acquisition of English?

The acquisition of high-level English skills is a top priority for us. With a recently enhanced curriculum, our aim is to ensure high standards of language and literacy by equipping students with a strong command of the spoken and written word, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment. Our English curriculum is rigorous with a clear progression in teaching the basic skills such as phonics, spelling, grammar and punctuation. These expectations are woven throughout all aspects and subjects within the wider curriculum to ensure students are able to apply their skills and knowledge effectively.
 

How can we keep the school as English Speaking Language when maNY of our students are Thai?

The language of instruction is English. Positive reinforcement is used to encourage students to converse in our common language.
 

can harrow bangkok students transfer to the uk?

Yes. Every year we usually have one or two students leave us for Harrow UK although we of course wish they would stay with us!

WHAT ARE THE MAIN ENTRY POINTS?

Early Years, Pre Prep, Prep, Senior School (age 13) and Sixth Form (age 16).

HOW MANY NEW STUDENTS JOIN HARROW Bangkok EACH YEAR?

Each year around 110 new students join Harrow Bangkok depending on spaces available.

WHAT PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS COME FROM OVERSEAS?

Around 20%.

What assessments are required to enrol?

Admission testing varies depending on the year group. Generally, testing would include, English, Mathematics and an interview. An in-class assessment may be required for younger students. If there is an available place within the appropriate year group and the consideration criteria have been met, the student will be invited to visit Harrow Bangkok to complete the assessments.

How long from application submission to admissions testing?  

If there is availability the interview will be arranged as soon as the application has been received by the school. During very bust times this might take two-three weeks.

WHAT LEVEL OF ENGLISH DOES A STUDENT NEED TO ATTEND HARROW Bangkok?

The level of English required at Harrow Bangkok is dependent on the students’ age.

DOES HARROW BANGKOK EVER TAKE STUDENTS FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME?

We encourage students to study at Harrow Bangkok for as long as their academic career.

WHAT PROVISION DOES HARROW Bangkok MAKE FOR DISABLED STUDENTS?

An applicant with a disability who otherwise fulfils the school's admissions criteria should discuss with the school reasonable adjustments that would enable them to attend. Harrow Bangkok offers dedicated movement therapy for those children students who for whom it would be beneficial.

WHAT ARE THE TUITION FEES? 

Please visit our Tuition and Fees page for full details. 

WHAT TIME OF YEAR DO you ACCEPT APPLICATIONS?

We accept applications all year round.

IS THERE ANY ADVANTAGE TO BEING REGISTERED FROM BIRTH?

By applying early to Harrow Bangkok and paying the application fee, your child will have a significant advantage over new applicants when spaces are limited.

CAN I VISIT THE SCHOOL?

Yes, our admissions team will be glad to provide you with a tour of the school and to answer any questions that you may have relating to your child’s education.

Make an appointment here or by contacting the admissions team on (+66) (0)2503 7222 or emailing admissions@harrowschool.ac.th.

WHAT IS THE ASSESSMENT PROCESS FOR SIXTH FORM APPLICANTS?

In addition to students being able to write fluently in English, students will be expected to have:

• Achieved the equivalent of six passes (at least grade ‘B’ or above) at IGCSE  
• Satisfied the respective heads of department who may wish candidates to undertake short assessment activities in addition to their interview.
• Shown previous success in their chosen subjects, attaining preferably a B grade or above in subjects they wish to study at AS Level
• Embrace the ethos of our Sixth Form and contribute positively to our community.

DOES HARROW bangkok OFFER SCHOLARSHIPS?

We are proud to award a range of scholarships. Please contact admissions@harrowschool.ac.th for further information. 

WHAT UNIVERSITIES DO HARROVIANS TYPICALLY GO ON TO?

The majority of students at Harrow Bangkok have entered UK and US universities, but a significant number have gained entry to universities in Australia, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, India, Europe and Thailand. 100% of our students go on to a university of their choice.

WHAT CAREER GUIDANCE DOES HARROW bangkok OFFER?

Careers and university guidance is an integral part of student development at Harrow Bangkok. Students are invited to enrol in the Futurewise Programme from Year 9, which is a comprehensive personalised career and higher education guidance programme for young people that continues up until the age of 23. 

WHAT IS FULL BOARDING?

A full boarder lives in the boarding house for the full year, going home at half-terms and holidays. A half-term is usually one week and the school typically closes for two weeks at Christmas, two weeks at Songkran and two months over the summer. There is no half-term holiday in Term 3. 

WHAT IS WEEKLY BOARDING?

Weekly boarders live in the boarding houses from Monday to Thursday, going home on Friday after school commitments and returning Sunday evening between 4-8pm.

WHAT ARE THE ROOMS LIKE IN BOARDING?

In the Prep, Shell, Remove and 5th year groups, 4 to 5 students share a spacious bedroom. The more senior students have paired and single occupancy rooms, some with en-suite facilities. There are also designated and well-resourced communal studying and socialising areas.

The houses also accommodate a House Master or Mistress, a Deputy and at least one other member of boarding staff. Boarders have access to two resident nurses 24 hours a day. All bedroom areas and floors above the ground floor are for residents only.

WHAT DO THE STUDENTS EAT?

Catering is provided by Epicure Catering Company. Both breakfast and dinner are provided in ‘The Hub’ building on weekdays and all meals at weekends. Breakfast is provided in a hotel style buffet with a wide range of cereals, fresh juices, pastries, fruit and freshly cooked options.

In the evenings, students sit in mixed age groups. We offer an excellent buffet style service so that even the most selective eater can find something delicious and healthy. We often hold barbecues outside, where all boarders can eat together in their vertical boarding families.

Boarders have access to snacks after school and love having a cookie treat on a Thursday.

at what age can my child join boarding?

Your child can join boarding from Year 4 upwards (9 years old).

I WANT MY CHILD TO DEVELOP SOME LEADERSHIP AND INDEPENDENCE.  HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN?

Boarding will encourage your child to be independent learners and people.  There are also many leadership positions available to boarders especially from Year 10 onwards.

WHAT HAPPENS AT WEEKENDS?  

Weekly boarders are free to leave the boarding houses after their final school commitment on Friday, returning between 4-8pm on Sunday evening.

A series of activities and trips are arranged for those boarders who remain in residence. For example, boarders experience cultural sights of Bangkok, go-karting, laser tag, jump centres, climbing, cycling and, their favourite, shopping mall visits! 

Living in a boarding school during the weekends can have several benefits, including:

1. Increased opportunities for academic and extracurricular activities: Boarding schools often have a wide range of activities and resources available to students on weekends, such as study groups, sports teams, and clubs, which can help students to develop new skills and interests.
2. Stronger sense of community: Living with classmates during the weekends can foster a sense of camaraderie and belonging among students.
3. More independence: Boarding school can help students develop independence, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
4. Greater focus on academic: Living on campus during the weekends can help students to focus on their studies and assignments, which in turn can improve their academic performance.
5. Exposure to diverse cultures: Boarding schools often have a diverse student body, which can expose students to different cultures, perspectives, and ways of life.
6. Preparing for college life: Living in a boarding school during the weekends can be a good way to prepare students for the independence and self-reliance they will need in college.
    

WHAT ACCESS DO PARENTS HAVE TO THEIR CHILD DURING TERM TIME?

Parents regularly visit their children and attend events at Harrow Bangkok. Students may communicate with their parents using a variety of means available, including through the house duty phones and students’ own mobile devices. We ask that parents limit the time that they spend on the phone with their children so that they have the opportunity to interact with other students and engage with all activities available to them.  

How does the school communicate with parents?

Parents will be informed of any concerns from the school’s side and should feel free to let us know of any concerns either they or their child have. The House Master/House Mistress is always willing to meet parents by appointment for a private discussion, either in person or on zoom if more convenient.

For those parents who are unable to visit frequently, special arrangements for communication can be made as appropriate, using email or phone calls to ensure that you are kept fully informed about your child’s progress and welfare. Parents are, of course, free to contact the boarding house at any time; the best option first is through emailing the House Master/Mistress. 

The Head of Boarding writes to all parents every two weeks to give updates on what has been happening in the boarding village and we are regularly seen in posts on the official Harrow Bangkok instagram and facebook accounts. 
 

WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR BOARDERS DEPARTING AND RETURNING DURING TERM BREAKS?

Boarders must leave the houses for each school holiday, full-term and half-term breaks. Boarders need to leave by 6pm on the day school ends.

In general, parents will collect their child from Harrow Bangkok at around 3pm. A number of the boarders fly overseas or to other parts of Thailand and parents are asked to book flights that mean as little amount of schooling is missed as possible. We can arrange for buses to pick up students from the airports in Bangkok at an additional cost.

Boarders return the night before term starts, and the boarding houses open at 4pm. Again parents arrange overseas travel and let the team know to arrange transportation from airports if desired. Parents are asked to ensure that their children arrive at the boarding house before 10pm in order not to disrupt their own sleep and that of others at the start of term. 
 

Can boarders have access to mobile phone, iPads and laptops?

Harrow Bangkok educates all students to be positive digital citizens and as a result, the use of devices are encouraged in boarding. However, to ensure boarders use their devices sensibly, for students Year 10 and under, all phones and devices are collected in 30 minutes before bedtime and locked away until the morning. Also, houses operate Device-Down-Days in the week to encourage socialising and positive interactions in which all year groups participate.  

Can boarders leave the boarding village?

Students in Year 10-13  have privileges that are agreed with parents about being able to leave the village independently. A letter goes out to parents at the start of the year allowing parents to choice of what levels of independence to give their child. Students in Year 11 and below are not allowed to go into Bangkok without an adult taking parental responsibility for them. 

What if boarders need to buy uniform or something at the weekend?

Boarders bring pocket money which they access weekly to help develop good money management skills. Boarders all have a safety deposit box to keep any valuables in and there is also a house safe for boarders to use. Boarding parents are charged a sum of 10,000 which can be used for uniform purchases. Boarders must have a slip signed by boarding staff which they can use in the uniform shop to ensure that only necessary items are purchased.

What about homework?

Boarders all have time set aside after supper to complete their homework. Year 6-10 complete homework in communal spaces under the close supervision of staff. Year 11 upwards are able to complete homework in their rooms and have the responsibility to ensure it is completed.

Is there any academic support in Boarding?

Yes! We are very proud of our free academic support programme where subject teachers come into boarding every night to deliver sessions that the boarders have chosen. There is academic support for Prep, IGCSE and A Level students.  

What time do Boarders wake up in the morning?

Boarders have the luxury of only being a 5 minute walk from school; this means they can have a little longer in bed! Boarders usually wake up around 6.30am and have to leave their houses by 7.15am. Breakfast is served in the Hub from 6.45-7.30m.

What time do Boarders go to bed?

Good sleep is essential to a healthy lifestyle. All boarders have set bedtimes, starting from 8.30pm for Year 5 students. Year 13s have more flexibility but are expected to be in their rooms around 10:00pm with final checks being done around 11:30pm.

IS THERE ANY ACCOMMODATION NEARBY FOR PARENTS?

Visitors seeking accommodation may wish to consider, Mida City Hotel, Amari Airport Hotel and Miracle Grand Hotel.

WHAT IS THE ACTIVITIES PROGRAMME AT HARROW BANGKOK?

CAN MY CHILD PLAY AN INSTRUMENT?

Over half our pupils learn an instrument. Tuition is offered in all orchestral instruments as well the piano, guitar and singing. Contact nat_su@harrowschool.ac.th for information on how to sign up for the Instrumental Music Programme. 

WHICH SPORTS can my child take part in?

Students have the opportunity to take part in over 50 different sports training activities. Click here to read about our Sports Programmes.

WHAT SORT OF TRIPS DOES THE SCHOOL OFFER?

All of our students are expected to go on an expedition in February, from a night away in Year 1 to further afield in Thailand in later years or in Year 13, overseas. Study visits, cultural trips and sports tours both within Thailand and internationally also take place throughout the year.

Do you offer the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award?

Yes, we offer full support for students who wish to undertake the Duke of Edinburgh's International award, which complements our Leadership in Action programme. Please refer to the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award section on the website. 

How many students attend Harrow International School Bangkok?

1,680

Where is the school located?

Harrow Bangkok is located in north Bangkok, close to Don Mueang International Airport. Click for Directions.

How big is the school site?

The school campus is 35 acres and includes a lake.

How many people work at Harrow Bangkok?

Around 400 of which, 255 are teachers, teaching assistants and child care assistants.

where are the teachers from?

Most of our teachers are from the UK. We also have teachers from Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada and South Africa.

How is the Lower School organised?

How is the Upper School organised?

The Upper School is organised into the Prep Phase (Year 6 - 8), Shell, Remove and Fifth Form (SR5) which is Year 9 – Year 11 and the Sixth Form (Year 12 – 13).

What is a typical working day at Harrow Bangkok like?

School begins at various times: 8.20am for Early Years, 7.50am for Pre Prep and 7.40am for Upper School. From 3-4pm the Leadership in Action activities programme takes place in which, all day students and boarders participate. While day students go home, boarders relax with friends in the boarding houses or take part in boarding activities from 5:45-6:30pm.

how many terms are there?

There are 3 terms. Please refer to the Term Dates section on the website. 

How can you ensure continuity if my child moves between countries?

We follow the UK National Curriculum, and so students who return to the UK can resume their studies for IGCSEs and A Levels seamlessly. This is also true for students who go on to study at any international school which teaches the UK National Curriculum.

Is there a school bus service?

Montri Transport are the school bus service provider to and from Harrow Bangkok. The service is a safe, reliable way for students to travel to school. All school bus students are issued with an ID card that allows their departure and arrival times to be tracked. Please refer to the Transport section on the website.

what is the traffic like around the school?

Harrow Bangkok aims to minimise congestion as far as is practicable both within and outside its campus.  The School has dedicated parking for parents and staff and three clearly marked drop-off zones for the convenience of parents.  The School promotes the use of the efficient drop-off system for all students from Years 4 and above. Students may also take advantage of the bus service which is available on a  door-to-door basis or shuttle from key points around the city.  

How can parents get involved?

There are many ways to be involved in the Harrow Bangkok community: as an elected committee member, assisting at sales and events or attending parent workshops or other events. Friends of Harrow (FOH) is a group of parents who work to add value to the Harrow Bangkok community by helping arrange special learning and festival days in school and encouraging student and teacher initiatives to provide extra facilities that make life at Harrow Bangkok so rewarding.

what is the breakdown of your student nationalities?

We have 1,600 students in our school from 35 nationalities. The international heart of the school is our boarding village, where students from all over the world enjoy the home-from-home atmosphere.

how do i apply for a visa if i live outside of thailand?

1. Students and parents can apply for Non-Immigrant Visas - Non-Immigrant Type Ed for student and Type O for parent - at the Thai consulate in their home country. Both entitle the applicant to stay in Thailand for 3 months with a single entry visa
2. After your arrival in Thailand, you are required to report your RESIDENCE NOTIFICATION to Immigration within 24 hours of arrival. If you are unable to do this, it may affect visa extension. The form required is called a TM30. Please contact the HR office for details of what your landlord needs to do.
3. Visa extension processing: 
   3.1  Once parents enter Thailand and open a Thai bank account. Parents who hold a Guardian Visa must deposit funds one month prior to requesting a visa extension. For the next extension, money should be deposited 3 months before the visa extension.
   3.2  After the visa renewal process, it is advisable to get a multiple entry visa to allow for overseas travel during the one year extension.  

Note: For the extension process, foreigners are allowed to extend their visa 45 days in advance of the expiry date.

how do i apply for a visa if i already live in thailand?

Students who hold a valid non-immigrant visa from a previous school can apply for a visa in Thailand and use it under Harrow Bangkok’s visa.

how do i change a tourist visa to a student visa?

This can be done in Thailand, however if parents wish to apply for a Guardian Visa they must apply outside Thailand after the pupil obtains the Ed Visa.

Please note that Thai visa requirements are often subject to change. We recommend you make an appointment with our Immigration and Government Liaison Coordinator for further information. 

WHO TAKES CARE OF THE STUDENTS AT HARROW?

In Lower School your child’s form teacher will not only provide your child with the knowledge and skills to succeed but also the care and attention that they need to feel safe and happy while at school. In Upper School the form tutor is the mainstay of your child’s welfare, guiding them and supporting them every day. In boarding, there are a number of residential staff on hand to provide the extra attention and care that is needed to make a child feel like they are at home. The House Master or Mistress is supported by House Parents, Assistant House Masters and Mistresses as well as Boarding Assistants in providing a warm and caring environment.

In Upper School the form tutor is the mainstay of your child’s welfare, guiding them and supporting them every day. In boarding, there are a number of residential staff on hand to provide the extra attention and care that is needed to make a child feel like they are at home. The House Master or Mistress is supported by House Parents, Assistant House Masters and Mistresses as well as Boarding Assistants in providing a warm and caring environment.

HOW DOES HARROW BANGKOK HELP NEW STUDENTS SETTLE IN?

Moving to a new school can be challenging for some children. We try to ease that transition by providing each new student with a ‘Shepherd’; a current student who can help to guide them and ensure they settle in better. Our staff also check-in frequently with new students at first to see how they are and to answer any queries they have.

WHO CAN MY CHILD SPEAK TO IF SHE/HE HAS A PROBLEM?

The welfare of the children at the school is of paramount importance to all our staff and as such your child can speak to whoever they feel comfortable with when they have a problem. This could be their form teacher, a teaching assistant, their tutor, their Year Group Leader, Head of House or one of our counsellors.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CHILD IS ILL?

There are medical areas located around the school including a medical centre located in ‘The Hub’ in the boarding village that is staffed 24 hours a day. Each medical area has fully trained and qualified staff. There is a dedicated medical centre in our Early Years Centre as well.

WHAT IS OUR POLICY ON STUDENTS' USE OF IT?

Technology, on or off campus, must be used in accordance with the leadership attributes and ethos of Harrow Bangkok and any additional acceptable use documents produced by the school. Teachers may set additional requirements for use in their respective classes.

Other than e-zones, devices cannot be used within the school grounds before, during or after school with the exception of the Den walkway after 2.40pm.Mobile phones are not to be used during the school day and should be out of sight when entering the turnstyles. If a child needs contact home the School Office will support with this. 

Is there a Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy?

Yes, we have a Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy. Our designated Child Safeguarding Leads are Matthew Parker (Lower School) and Lealand Pearce (Upper School).