Admissions Policy

It is helpful if your children are able to accompany you on your initial visit to Heathfield International School, but we recognise that this is not always possible. However, it is certainly the case that the more information we have, the easier it is for us to prepare for your children’s first day at school.

You will be shown around the school and this tour should include:

• a general tour of the school;
• a particular look at the areas of the school most relevant to your children
• specialist facilities including music, drama, science, art, physical education, the library and the information technology suites

During your visit, we will explain to you:

• the formal admissions procedure
• the details of our educational philosophy and objectives
• all payments due, stating refund and notice requirements
• whether or not there is a waiting list at your child’s level (we generally place children in the correct chronological year group according to the British system).

We will expect to answer your queries on these or other matters and we will provide you with a school brochure and a copy of our Admissions Procedures. You will then be introduced to the Headmaster, Mr David Aitchison. It may also be helpful for you to meet other senior or specialist teachers, though this may not always be possible on your initial visit. Khun Nayada and the Headmaster will be able to guide you through the process and advise you on class placement. However, it must be clearly understood that such advice does not constitute part of the formal offer. Only the Headmaster can confirm such details after receipt of the formal application and following initial assessments.

If you are wish to continue the application process, the following documents must be submitted to the admissions team:

• a completed Application Form;
• copies of your children’s latest school reports (preferably translated into English where possible) and any other relevant details such as examination results;
• a copy of your children’s birth certificates;
• 2 copies of a recent passport size photograph of each applicant;
• a photocopy of the passport (particulars page) of the father, mother and children.

At this stage the school will set a date for the admissions testing, which includes time in school in classrooms.

All students during the admissions process will be monitored for their academic ability as well as social interaction with their peers. Students from Year 3 and up will undergo CAT4 testing and an English test. Although we do not impose rigorous academic entry criteria, the level of attainment at Heathfield International School is high and we need to be sure that your child will cope and settle happily with us.

The Headmaster will meet all prospective students during the admissions process to check in with them and see how their experience of our school is going.

A fee of 2,500 Baht for Nursery to Reception 2 is charged for administering and processing the admissions tests and interview.

A fee of 5,000 Baht is charged for Year 1-12 for administering and processing the tests; lunch and snacks are also included with this fee.

For Early Years and Primary students there will be an opportunity for a short meeting with the class teacher to get to know them, and discuss your child with them. We believe it is important for our parents to have a good relationship with our teachers from the very start.

At the end of the admission process you will meet with either the Headmaster, Head of Primary or Head of Secondary to discuss admission to the school.

At this stage we will answer any more detailed questions you may have on such matters as school uniform, transport, school routines, extra-curricular activities and lunch arrangements.

Based on the results of the admissions tests and an interview with the Headmaster/Head of Primary/Head of Secondary, a formal offer of a place may be made immediately should a place be available or alternatively when a place becomes available if there is a waiting list at your child’s year level.

If you wish to discuss the particulars of your application further with the Headmaster, we will be pleased to make an appointment for you. We will acknowledge your application as soon as we receive it, and, if there is a waiting list, will then contact you when a place becomes available

In some cases the Headmaster may feel that a special diagnostic test is required and recommend parents visit the ‘ATOC’ centre, or a similar establishment, in Bangkok before a formal offer can be made. Please note that parents are responsible for meeting the cost of these diagnostic tests. Test results should be submitted to the Headmaster and SEN co-ordinator for consideration. It is important to note that we do not have a specialist unit at HIS to deal with complex learning and behavioural difficulties and if your child has such needs, this could result in the child not being offered a place. We do offer an English support program, the details of which may be found in our ESP Policy. Such support may incur an additional fee.

In very exceptional circumstances, the Headmaster may advise for additional day(s) of testing. There are no additional charges if this decision is made.

Your acceptance of the offer should be made prior to your child starting school. 

At this stage you will receive the Parent Handbook covering general school routines, transport, uniform and lunch arrangements and you will be shown how to access the Curriculum Handbook relevant to your child’s Key Stage from our school website.