Lanna International School

External Examination Excellence

Lanna International School has built a strong reputation for external examination performance, particularly in Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level qualifications. The school's results consistently outperform global averages, reflecting both the quality of teaching and the commitment of its students.

Cambridge IGCSE Results

The IGCSE programme, taken by students in Years 10 and 11, has achieved a remarkable 100% pass rate for three consecutive years:

The upward trend in A*/A grades — from 39% to 48% over three years — is particularly noteworthy, suggesting continuous improvement in teaching quality and student preparation.

Cambridge and Edexcel A-Level Results

At A-Level, Lanna's results are equally impressive:

The 2024-2025 results represent a significant leap in A*/A grades, with nearly half of all A-Level grades awarded at the highest levels. This places Lanna's results well above the global average for Cambridge A-Level candidates.

AS Level Results

AS Level results (typically taken at the end of Year 12) also demonstrate consistent strength:

University Destinations

These strong examination results translate directly into university success. Approximately 70% of Lanna graduates gain places at QS Top 100 universities worldwide. The school offers the widest range of A-Level subject options in Chiang Mai, giving students the flexibility to pursue their chosen university courses and career paths.

Assessment Philosophy

Lanna's approach to assessment is both formative and summative. In Primary, the International Schools' Assessment (ISA) benchmarks student performance against global peers, with Lanna students consistently exceeding the global average. In Secondary, the rigour of Cambridge external examinations provides internationally recognised qualifications that open doors to universities worldwide.

A Vision Born from Personal Experience

Lanna International School traces its origins to 1993, when Paul DeMuth, an American educator living in Chiang Mai, began homeschooling his own children. Recognising a broader need among the expatriate and local Thai community for quality international education, Paul and his wife Surin opened Lanna International School that same year.

Tragically, Paul passed away from illness just months after the school's founding. Rather than closing, Surin DeMuth carried on their shared vision with remarkable determination. The founding ethos — 'no challenge too big, no dream beyond reach' — became the school's guiding spirit and has shaped its culture ever since.

Rapid Growth and Campus Development

From its modest beginnings with just 30 students, Lanna grew steadily over three decades to approximately 1,000 students representing 31 nationalities. This growth necessitated significant investment in facilities:

• 2018: The Primary division relocated to new purpose-built buildings featuring modern classrooms, a dedicated library, and expansive green outdoor areas.
• 2023: Following several years of planning, the school's previously separate campuses were unified into a single, state-of-the-art Hang Dong campus. This consolidation created a cohesive learning environment for all students from Early Years through Sixth Form.

Academic Milestones

Throughout its history, Lanna has progressively strengthened its academic credentials:

• Adoption of the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) and International Primary Curriculum (IPC) for younger students
• Introduction of Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level programmes for secondary students
• Establishment of STEAM laboratories with robotics and 3D printing capabilities
• Achievement of WASC accreditation, most recently reaccredited through June 2031
• Membership in the Council of International Schools (CIS) and FOBISIA (Federation of British International Schools in Asia)

Celebrating 30 Years

In 2023, Lanna celebrated its 30th anniversary — a milestone that underscored the school's transformation from a small home-school into one of Chiang Mai's most respected international institutions. The anniversary coincided with the completion of the unified campus, symbolising the school's commitment to continued growth and excellence.

The Core Vision

Lanna International School's educational philosophy is encapsulated in its vision statement: 'We aim to provide academic excellence within a caring community.' This dual commitment — to rigorous academic achievement and to the holistic wellbeing of each student — permeates every aspect of school life.

The mission statement elaborates: 'We follow a broad British curriculum and seek to enable our students to achieve their full potential and become creative, responsible and successful citizens.' These are not merely aspirational words; they are reflected in the school's curriculum choices, pastoral structures, and community culture.

A British Curriculum Foundation

Lanna's academic programme is built on the National Curriculum of England, adapted for an international context:

• Early Years: International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC), designed to nurture curiosity and foundational skills in a play-based environment
• Primary: International Primary Curriculum (IPC), emphasising thematic, cross-curricular learning
• Secondary (Years 7-11): Cambridge IGCSE, offering a broad range of subjects with rigorous external assessment
• Sixth Form (Years 12-13): Cambridge and Edexcel A-Levels, preparing students for university entry worldwide

Nurturing the Whole Child

Beyond academics, Lanna's philosophy emphasises character development. The school cultivates creativity, integrity, confidence, and responsibility — values that prepare students not just for university, but for life. STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) is integrated throughout the curriculum, encouraging students to think critically and innovatively.

The school's caring community ethos is supported by dedicated counselling services, a robust learning support programme, and the Accelerated English Programme (AEP) for students developing their English proficiency. These structures ensure that no student is left behind, regardless of their starting point.

Global Citizenship

With 31 nationalities and 17 languages represented in the student body, Lanna's community is itself a living lesson in global citizenship. Students develop intercultural understanding naturally through daily interactions with peers from diverse backgrounds. This international perspective, combined with the rigour of the British curriculum, prepares graduates to thrive in an interconnected world — as evidenced by approximately 70% of graduates entering QS Top 100 universities globally.

The 2023 Campus Unification

A landmark moment in Lanna's history came in 2023 when the school's previously separate campuses were consolidated into a single, purpose-built Hang Dong campus. This unification created a cohesive, inspiring environment where students from Nursery through Year 13 share a world-class learning space.

Academic Facilities

The campus is designed to support rigorous academic inquiry across all disciplines:

• STEAM Laboratory: Equipped with robotics, 3D printers, and cutting-edge technology, the STEAM lab enables students to engage in hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics projects
• Chemistry and Science Laboratories: Dedicated laboratory spaces for secondary science subjects, meeting Cambridge examination requirements
• Primary Library: A dedicated reading and research space for Primary students, fostering a love of literature and independent learning
• Specialist Classrooms: Subject-specific rooms throughout the Secondary buildings support focused, expert teaching

Arts and Performance

Lanna's commitment to the arts is reflected in its dedicated facilities:

• Black Box Theatre: A flexible performance space for drama productions, presentations, and creative events
• Art Room: A dedicated studio for visual arts, supporting IGCSE and A-Level Art students
• Music Rooms: Specialist spaces for individual and ensemble music practice and performance

Sports and Physical Education

Physical development is central to Lanna's holistic education:

• 50-Metre Swimming Pool: One of the finest school pools in Chiang Mai, used for swimming lessons, competitive training, and recreational swimming. The pool uses chemical-free water treatment technology
• Splash Pool: A dedicated shallow pool for Early Years students, building water confidence in a safe environment
• Gymnasium: An indoor gym and fitness facility supporting PE lessons and after-school sports
• Futsal and Basketball Courts: Outdoor courts for team sports and recreational play
• Playgrounds: Age-appropriate outdoor play areas for Early Years and Primary students, including climbing structures and open green spaces

Early Years Campus

The Early Years section of the campus is specially designed for the youngest learners, with child-scaled classrooms, dedicated outdoor learning areas, and a dining facility. The environment is carefully crafted to support the developmental needs of children aged 2-5, with safe, stimulating spaces both indoors and outdoors.

Community Spaces

The campus also features a multi-purpose Assembly Hall for whole-school gatherings, performances, and community events, as well as dining facilities serving the broader school community.

A Caring Community in Practice

Lanna's vision of being a 'caring community' is not merely rhetorical — it is operationalised through a comprehensive network of pastoral and wellbeing support structures. The school recognises that academic excellence is only achievable when students feel safe, supported, and valued.

Professional Counselling

Lanna employs resident counsellors who provide individual and group support to students across all year groups. Counselling services address social-emotional development, mental health, and personal challenges, ensuring students have access to professional guidance when needed. The counselling team also plays a proactive role in prevention and early intervention programmes.

Anti-Bullying and Safeguarding

The school maintains a clear commitment to student safety through prevention and intervention programmes. While specific policy documents are not publicly detailed, the school's ethos of mutual respect and its diverse, inclusive community culture actively work against bullying behaviours.

English Language Support (EAL)

For students whose first language is not English, Lanna offers the Accelerated English Programme (AEP) — an intensive English language support programme for students in Years 3-9. The AEP provides targeted instruction to help students develop the English proficiency needed to access the full curriculum. This provision reflects the school's commitment to inclusion and its recognition that many international families arrive with children at varying stages of English language development.

Learning Support

Lanna's Learning Support team works with students who have identified learning differences or additional educational needs. Individual support plans are developed in collaboration with teachers, parents, and external specialists where appropriate, ensuring that every student can access a high-quality education.

Scholarships and Financial Support

Lanna's pastoral commitment extends to financial accessibility. The school offers merit-based scholarships for academically talented students (Years 5-11 new entrants and Years 12-13 continuing students), with awards of up to 60% tuition fee reduction. A sibling discount policy provides a 25% reduction for third and subsequent children from the same family, recognising the financial commitment of families with multiple children at the school.

The International Community

With 31 nationalities and 17 languages represented, Lanna's community is inherently diverse. The school actively celebrates this diversity, creating an environment where students develop genuine intercultural competence and global empathy — skills that are increasingly valued in the 21st century.