Berda Claude International School

A One-of-a-Kind Dual Curriculum

BCIS Phuket (Berda Claude International School) was founded in 2017 with a distinctive educational vision: to unite the best of British and French education under one roof. The school simultaneously delivers the Cambridge pathway (IGCSE and A-Level) and the French national pathway (Brevet and Baccalauréat), making it the only institution in Phuket — and one of very few in Southeast Asia — to offer this combination.

This dual-track approach goes far beyond simply teaching two languages. Students in the French stream work toward qualifications that are directly recognised by French universities and grandes écoles worldwide, while Cambridge track students gain credentials universally accepted by universities in the UK, US, Australia, and beyond. Students from both streams share the same campus, facilities, and community activities, fostering cross-cultural dialogue on a daily basis.

Multilingualism as a Core Value

At the heart of the BCIS philosophy is the conviction that speaking multiple languages is a fundamental strength. English and French are both languages of instruction — not merely subjects — and Thai is a compulsory language for all students. Chinese and Spanish are also offered as additional languages, giving students the opportunity to graduate with proficiency in three or more languages.

The school's multilingual vision is backed by its EAL (English as an Additional Language) support programme, which provides personalised English-focus sessions to students still developing fluency. This inclusive approach ensures that new-to-English students are not left behind as they transition into the full curriculum.

Safety and Wellbeing as the Foundation

The school's stated philosophy — 'For children to be learning and achieving, they should be happy – and for children to be happy they must be safe' — places wellbeing at the very centre of the educational model. A dedicated Safeguarding policy, a whole-school counsellor (DSL), and a Head of Inclusion ensure that pastoral care is woven into everyday school life.

BCIS joined the International Schools Partnership (ISP) in 2023, aligning itself with a global network of premium international schools committed to consistent standards in teaching quality, student wellbeing, and community engagement. This affiliation reinforces the school's commitment to continuous improvement and international best practice.

The Beginning: 2017

BCIS Phuket (Berda Claude International School) opened its doors in September 2017, founded by Laurent Minguely with the ambition of creating the first and only school in Phuket to deliver both British Cambridge and French national educational pathways under a single roof. The school welcomed its first cohort of students to a newly constructed campus in Chalong, in the south of Phuket island.

The founding vision was straightforward but ambitious: to combine the academic rigour and global recognition of the Cambridge system with the cultural depth and linguistic heritage of the French national curriculum, creating an environment that truly prepared students to thrive as global citizens.

Rapid Campus Expansion: 2018–2019

The success of the school's early years was reflected in swift physical expansion. In 2018, a major phase of campus development was completed, adding a 25m swimming pool, a FIFA-standard football pitch, an athletics track, and additional classroom and specialist teaching spaces. A 13 rai Phase 2 expansion was also planned around this time, effectively doubling the campus footprint from its initial footprint.

In 2019, a dedicated senior campus was launched for older students, providing more appropriate facilities and a distinct learning environment for secondary and sixth-form students.

Joining the International Schools Partnership: 2023

In 2023, BCIS Phuket joined the International Schools Partnership (ISP), a rapidly growing global network of premium international schools operating across multiple continents. This affiliation brought BCIS into alignment with ISP's standards for educational quality, safeguarding, and professional development, while preserving the school's distinctive dual-curriculum identity.

ISP membership also opened new opportunities for student exchanges, teacher professional development, and shared resources across the network — benefits that directly enhance the educational experience at BCIS Phuket.

Today

With approximately 450 students from over 50 nationalities, accreditations from CIS, AEFE, and Cambridge International, and a campus featuring facilities that would be exceptional even at much larger schools, BCIS Phuket has established itself as one of the most distinctive international schools in southern Thailand.

IGCSE Results 2024

In the 2024 IGCSE examinations, BCIS Phuket students achieved a 98% pass rate (C or above), demonstrating strong academic performance across the board. Within that, 53% of grades were at A*–B, and 80% at A*–C. These results reflect the school's commitment to academic rigour under the Cambridge curriculum, and position BCIS as one of the higher-performing international schools in Thailand for IGCSE outcomes.

A-Level Results 2024

At A-Level (Cambridge Sixth Form), the 2024 cohort achieved a 95% overall pass rate. 36% of grades were awarded at A* or A — a strong headline figure for a school of this size — and 68% of grades were at A*–C. These results are a significant marker of the quality of sixth-form teaching and the academic commitment of students preparing for university entrance worldwide.

Subjects offered at A-Level include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, English, History, Geography, Business Studies, Psychology, Media Studies, Drama, Global Perspectives, PE, Art, Computer Science, and Thai Language — a broad offering covering sciences, humanities, and arts.

French Programme Outcomes

While specific pass rates for the French Brevet and Baccalauréat are not published in the same detail, BCIS holds accreditation from the French Agency for Teaching Abroad (AEFE), which requires schools to meet rigorous standards for French national examinations. This accreditation provides parents with assurance that the French programme meets the same standards as schools in France itself.

University Destinations

Detailed university destination data is not publicly listed by BCIS, which is not uncommon for schools of this size. Graduates from the Cambridge stream apply to universities in the UK, Australia, the USA, and other English-speaking countries, while French-stream graduates tend to pursue higher education in France and French-speaking institutions globally.

A Campus Built for Holistic Development

From its opening in 2017, BCIS Phuket has invested heavily in building a campus that goes far beyond a standard school environment. Located in Chalong on approximately 15 rai of land, the campus has grown through multiple phases of construction and now hosts an extraordinary range of specialist facilities.

Standout Facilities

• Planetarium: The school's in-house planetarium is reportedly unique among schools in Thailand, enabling students to study astronomy in an immersive setting directly linked to the Astronomy Club and curriculum.
• Olympic-Size 50m Swimming Pool: In addition to a 25m indoor pool, the campus features a full 50m competitive swimming pool — a rare facility for any school in Southeast Asia.
• Paris Saint-Germain Football Academy: BCIS is one of very few schools in Thailand to host an official PSG Academy, offering elite football coaching to students alongside their academic programme.
• Indoor Ski and Snowboard Facility (Ski'N'Finite): Students can train year-round in skiing and snowboarding at an indoor facility on or adjacent to the campus — an extraordinary offering in a tropical climate.
• Gymnastics Academy: A purpose-built modern gymnastics facility supports competitive-level training.
• South Timez Dance Academy: A professional dance academy offering ballet, street dance, and other disciplines.
• Robotics and STEAM Labs: Dedicated spaces for coding, robotics, and science experiments support the school's strong STEM programme.
• Hydroponic Horticulture Lab: Students can engage in hands-on sustainable agriculture and environmental science.

A Community of 50+ Nationalities

With over 50 nationalities represented among approximately 450 students, the campus has a genuinely cosmopolitan atmosphere. Average class sizes of around 17 students allow for personalised attention, and the presence of both British and French cultural traditions in school events, food, and daily life gives BCIS a flavour unlike any other school in Phuket.

Admissions Process

BCIS Phuket follows a structured admissions process designed to assess academic readiness and English language proficiency while remaining welcoming to students from diverse backgrounds. The key steps are:

1. Application Form: The first step is submission of a completed application form along with supporting documents — typically including birth certificate, vaccination records, and passport copy.
2. Cambridge English Placement Test (CEPT): All applicants undertake the CEPT to assess their current English proficiency level. This enables the school to determine appropriate class placement and any EAL support requirements.
3. Interview: Applicants meet with the Head of the relevant school section (Primary or Secondary) for an interview. This allows the school to assess the student's readiness and for families to ask questions about the school.
4. School Reports: For students entering primary year groups and above, recent school reports (translated into English) are required.

The school does not publish an acceptance rate, and the overall selectivity level is not explicitly stated. However, the existence of an English placement test and principal interview suggests a moderately selective process focused on ensuring students can thrive in the bilingual academic environment.

Academic Scholarships

BCIS offers merit-based academic scholarships for students in Years 7–13 (secondary school). These partial scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, with a GPA threshold of 3.7 or above typically cited as a benchmark. The scholarships aim to reward and attract high-achieving students and reflect the school's commitment to academic excellence.

Sibling discounts are also available: families enrolling a second child receive a 5% discount, and a third child receives a 10% discount — a practical incentive for families with multiple children.

EAL Support for Non-English Speakers

For families concerned about English language readiness, BCIS's strong EAL programme means that students who are not yet fluent in English can still enrol and receive targeted language support. This makes the school more accessible to expat families arriving from non-English-speaking countries, and to local Thai families interested in an international education.