Rugby School Thailand — British Curriculum · 80-Acre Campus · Day & Boarding · Ages 2-18
The only sister school of Rugby School UK (founded 1567 — the school that gave the world the game of rugby football). The Thailand campus opened in 2017 under founding head Nigel Westlake, set on an 80-acre purpose-built campus in Khao Mai Kaeo — the largest international school campus in Thailand. 1,200+ students from 47 nationalities, ages 2-18, day and boarding. Awarded double "Beacon" status by COBIS — the first school globally to receive two Beacon awards in initial accreditation. Named Thailand's Best Boarding School in 2024.
Why it's on The List
Two distinguishing features set Rugby apart from Regents and other Pattaya internationals: the extended school day (8.15am to 5pm — supervised prep and team sport built in, so homework is done before the school run home) and the genuine boarding culture (around 200 boarders living on campus). The 80-acre site has man-made lakes, an 11km bike track, full sports facilities, and a boating lake — physically a different scale to any other school in the region. Tuition is fully inclusive: lunch, snacks, residential trips, and external IGCSE/A-Level exam fees are all in the published fee. Honest balance: fees are among the highest in Thailand (525,000 to 946,000 baht/year tuition, plus boarding 258,600 to 447,900 baht). The 9-hour school day suits some families and is too long for others — particularly for young children. Campus is 20km from central Pattaya near Khao Mai Kaeo, so the daily commute is a real consideration unless you live in East Pattaya or board.
What parents say
"We have had two children graduate from Rugby School. One highly academic and the other good at sports with an interest in co-curricular activities — both flourished." — Rugby School parent (two graduates)
"Our son is in Pre-Prep, and he absolutely loves it. Every morning he's excited to go to school, see his teacher, and play with his friends." — Pre-Prep parent
Key details
- Opened 2017 — sister school of Rugby School UK (1567)
- 80-acre campus (Thailand's largest international school site)
- 1,200+ students from 47 nationalities · 200+ boarders
- Founding head: Nigel Westlake (former head, Packwood Haugh & Brambletye in UK)
- British curriculum · IGCSE & A-Levels
- Boarding from age 10: Part (3 nights), Weekly (5 nights), Full (7 nights)
- Extended day 8.15am-5pm (includes supervised prep & team sport)
- Double "Beacon" award COBIS · Thailand's Best Boarding School 2024
- Honest note: top of the fee bracket (525-946k baht tuition); 20km from central Pattaya