Rising Oaks International School

History and Development of Rising Oaks International School Bangkok

Rising Oaks International School Bangkok (ROISB) was established in 2006, making it one of the longer-standing private international schools in western Bangkok. Founded with the express purpose of delivering high-quality British curriculum education to the international and local community in the Thai capital, the school has steadily grown over nearly two decades into a substantial educational institution.

Establishment and Licensing

From its founding year, ROISB has operated under the regulatory oversight of Thailand's Ministry of Education, holding License Number 1110700142. This official licensing reflects the school's compliance with Thai educational regulations for private international institutions and its commitment to maintaining the standards required of a recognised international school in Thailand.

The school is managed through a sister organisation reflected in the domain roisth.com, which handles Ministry of Education liaison, and the primary school operations site at roisb.ac.th. This dual-domain structure suggests an organised institutional framework that distinguishes administrative and educational functions.

Campus Growth

Located in the Thawi Watthana district of western Bangkok, the ROISB campus has expanded significantly since 2006. The school now occupies more than 10 Rai of land (approximately 16,000 square metres) and features 45 buildings, encompassing classrooms, science laboratories, computer rooms, an athletic centre, canteen facilities, and administrative offices. This represents substantial investment in physical infrastructure to support the growing student body.

Student Community Growth

From its origins as a small school, ROISB has grown to serve approximately 500 students across its Early Years to Year 11 programmes. The school operates as a fully co-educational day school — there are no boarding facilities — and welcomes students of all nationalities, attracting both expatriate families residing in western Bangkok and local Thai families seeking an English-medium education.

Curriculum Milestones

Throughout its history, ROISB has maintained fidelity to the British National Curriculum, from EYFS through to Cambridge IGCSE qualifications. The school's progression from a potentially small founding cohort to a structured multi-building campus offering examinations at Year 11 level represents a significant institutional maturation. The integration of Computing/ICT as a compulsory subject and the embedding of Thai language and culture across all year groups reflect the school's evolution to meet both international standards and local requirements.

Looking Forward

With an established track record of nearly 20 years, ROISB continues to offer a mid-range fee British education in Bangkok, positioning itself as an accessible alternative to the city's larger, more expensive international schools. The school's scholarship programme — supporting up to 50 new students annually — signals an ongoing commitment to broadening access to quality international education.

Educational Philosophy at Rising Oaks International School Bangkok

Rising Oaks International School Bangkok (ROISB) anchors its educational identity in a mission to nurture confident, curious, and compassionate learners who will shape a better world. This vision, articulated across the school's official communications, reflects a commitment to developing students not merely as academic achievers but as well-rounded human beings capable of positive global impact.

The British Curriculum as a Foundation

The school follows the UK National Curriculum, beginning with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and progressing through primary and secondary levels to Cambridge IGCSE qualifications at Year 11. This curriculum framework is chosen deliberately for its structured progression, emphasis on critical thinking, and strong international recognition. Within this framework, ROISB emphasises:

• Core academics: English, Mathematics, and Science form the backbone of learning at every stage.
• Computing and technology: ICT and Computer Science are compulsory, reflecting the school's recognition of digital literacy as essential for the 21st century.
• Arts and creativity: Art & Design, Music, and Drama are woven into the curriculum alongside academic subjects.
• Cultural integration: Thai Language and Culture are taught across all year groups, honouring the host country's heritage and ensuring students develop meaningful connections with their local environment.

Personalized, Small-Class Learning

A defining feature of ROISB's educational philosophy is the commitment to small class sizes — typically 20–25 students per class. This intentional choice allows teachers to deliver personalised instruction, track individual progress closely, and ensure that every student feels seen, heard, and valued. The school's official materials note that this approach enables teachers to identify learning needs early and adjust their methods accordingly.

Character and Values

Beyond academic qualifications, ROISB places significant emphasis on character development. The school's guiding pillars include Empathy, Curiosity, Confidence, and Excellence — values that permeate daily school life from Early Years through to Secondary. Students are encouraged to engage with the broader community, embrace cultural diversity, and develop the resilience needed to succeed in an interconnected world.

Accessibility and Affordability

The school's leadership has made a deliberate effort to keep a high-quality British education within reach for families in Bangkok. With annual tuition in the range of ฿104,000–฿121,500 — considerably lower than many competing international schools in the city — ROISB positions itself as an accessible choice for both expatriate and local families seeking a rigorous English-medium education without the premium price tag of larger international campuses.

This philosophy of combining academic rigour with genuine care for students as individuals makes ROISB a distinctive presence in Bangkok's international school landscape.

Campus Life and Atmosphere at Rising Oaks International School Bangkok

Situated in the Thawi Watthana district of western Bangkok, Rising Oaks International School Bangkok occupies an expansive campus that sets it apart from many inner-city international schools. With over 10 Rai of land (approximately 16,000 square metres) and 45 separate buildings, the physical environment provides ample space for academic, athletic, and social activity.

A Safe, Welcoming Environment

The school's official communications consistently emphasise safety and nurture as central to the campus experience. ROISB operates exclusively as a day school — there are no boarding facilities — meaning the campus is a place students arrive at and depart from daily, with the rhythm of school life shaped by the 8:40–14:40 school day, Monday to Friday. This schedule aligns with a healthy work-life balance for students and families.

The relatively small student body of approximately 500 students, spread across Early Years to Year 11, creates a community atmosphere where students and staff know one another well. Class sizes of 20–25 students reinforce this sense of personal connection.

Facilities That Support Learning

The campus is equipped with facilities designed to support the full British curriculum:

• Science Laboratories: Dedicated lab spaces for practical science experiments, supporting the science curriculum from primary through to IGCSE level.
• Computer Rooms: Dedicated ICT facilities enabling the compulsory computing curriculum to be delivered effectively across all year groups.
• Athletic Centre: Indoor sports facilities complemented by outdoor areas for physical education, athletics, and sports competitions including the school's signature "Mini Olympics" events.
• Canteen: An on-campus dining facility offering vegetarian snacks and full meals daily — a valued convenience for students who cannot bring packed lunches or prefer hot meals.
• Medical Insurance: The school provides medical insurance coverage for students, suggesting an organised approach to student health and welfare even without a confirmed on-site nurse.

Daily Life and Community Events

Beyond academics, ROISB fosters a sense of community through shared events. The school's official website references a Mini Olympics and cultural celebrations such as Halloween and Christmas — traditions that bring the school community together across cultural backgrounds. These events reflect the school's dual identity: firmly British in curriculum and traditions, yet warmly inclusive of the diverse nationalities and backgrounds of its Bangkok student community.

Transport and Accessibility

The school operates a fleet of buses with trained staff, serving major parts of Bangkok — an essential service given the campus's location in the western suburbs, which is several kilometres from the nearest MRT/BTS public transport stations. For families living in central or eastern Bangkok, the bus service makes ROISB a practical choice despite the geographical distance.

Uniform Culture

All students wear a standard school uniform, with black leather shoes required Monday to Thursday and white PE shoes on Fridays. This uniform culture contributes to a sense of belonging and equality among students, a characteristic feature of British schooling traditions replicated faithfully at ROISB.

Academic Culture at Rising Oaks International School Bangkok

Academic life at Rising Oaks International School Bangkok is shaped by adherence to the UK National Curriculum, beginning with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for its youngest students and culminating in Cambridge IGCSE examinations at Year 11. This framework provides a clear, internationally recognised progression pathway that prepares students for further education worldwide.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum is broad and balanced, encompassing both compulsory core subjects and a range of optional electives:

Compulsory Subjects (all year groups):

• English Language and Literature
• Mathematics
• Science (general science in early years; progressing to separate sciences)
• Computing / Computer Science
• Thai Language and Culture
• Physical Education

Optional/Elective Subjects:

• History
• Geography
• Art & Design
• Music
• Foreign Languages

This breadth ensures students receive a well-rounded education that does not sacrifice the arts or physical development in favour of purely academic subjects — a hallmark of the British educational tradition.

Assessment and Qualifications

Students are assessed through ongoing internal grading aligned with British curriculum standards throughout their school career. At the senior secondary level (Year 11), students sit Cambridge IGCSE examinations — internationally recognised qualifications that open doors to A-Level programmes, IB programmes, or further study at universities worldwide. The school does not currently offer A-Levels or the IB Diploma programme, meaning students who wish to continue to Year 12 and 13 would need to transfer to another institution.

Class Size and Teaching Quality

One of the most frequently cited academic strengths of ROISB is its commitment to maintaining class sizes of 20–25 students. The school's official website explicitly highlights this as a feature, noting that smaller classes allow teachers to monitor student progress closely and deliver genuinely personalised instruction. This is a significant differentiator from larger Bangkok international schools where class sizes may reach 30 or more.

Technology Integration

The inclusion of Computing as a compulsory subject from early years reflects the school's forward-looking approach to education. Dedicated computer labs support hands-on ICT learning, and the school's broader facilities — including science laboratories — ensure that STEM subjects are taught with appropriate practical resources.

Cultural Dimension

The compulsory teaching of Thai Language across all year groups is a notable feature of ROISB's academic programme. This ensures that all students — regardless of nationality — develop an appreciation for and basic competency in the language and culture of their host country. This integration of local culture within a British curriculum framework is both educationally valuable and reflects the school's respect for its Thai context.

University Readiness

While ROISB does not publish data on university destinations or acceptance rates — common for smaller schools at this fee level — the Cambridge IGCSE qualification provides a recognised foundation for university entry in the UK, Thailand, and internationally. Students seeking to pursue higher education typically transfer to schools offering A-Levels or IB Diploma programmes after completing Year 11 at ROISB.

Admissions Culture at Rising Oaks International School Bangkok

Rising Oaks International School Bangkok takes a welcoming and accessible approach to admissions, reflecting its broader ethos of offering quality British education to a diverse community. The school operates a rolling admissions model, accepting students throughout the academic year rather than restricting entry to a single annual intake.

Open to All Nationalities

Roisb explicitly states that it invites students of all nationalities, with no apparent preference for any particular national or ethnic background. This open approach is consistent with the school's positioning as a genuinely international school in Bangkok — serving the city's large expatriate community alongside local Thai families who value English-medium education.

Admissions Criteria

Admission is subject to two conditions: the applicant must meet the school's academic requirements and space must be available in the relevant year group. This means the school is not entirely open-entry — some academic assessment is involved — but it is not highly selective in the traditional sense. The school's moderate fee levels (฿104,000–฿121,500 annually) and emphasis on personalised care suggest it aims to be accessible rather than elite.

The Admissions Process

The admissions process at ROISB follows a clear sequence:

1. Campus Tour / School Visit: Prospective families are encouraged to visit the campus to get a feel for the school environment before applying. This step reflects the school's belief in transparency and family engagement.

2. Application Form and Document Submission: Families complete a registration form and submit supporting documents including photographs, identification, academic transcripts, and any other relevant records.

3. Assessment: Applicants undergo an academic assessment to confirm they meet the school's entry requirements for their year group. The format and content of this assessment are not publicly detailed but are standard for British-curriculum schools.

4. Admissions Interview: An interview is conducted as part of the process — confirmed by third-party sources. This is likely an informal conversation to assess the student's readiness and to allow the family to ask questions, consistent with the school's nurturing culture.

5. Enrolment: Successful applicants are enrolled upon completion of formalities, including payment of the registration fee (฿12,000) and other applicable fees.

Fees at Enrolment

At the point of admission, families can expect the following one-time or initial fees in addition to annual tuition:

• Registration/Admission Fee: ฿12,000
• Development/Facility Fee: ฿3,500
• Resource Fee: ฿51,600 for new students (฿39,600 for returning students)

Scholarship Accessibility

For families concerned about affordability, ROISB operates a scholarship programme that covers tuition for one academic year for the first 50 new students admitted in each intake. This first-come, first-served approach democratises access to the scholarship without requiring a competitive application process — a notably inclusive policy.

Key Dates

The school year begins in mid-August (e.g., 15 August 2025 for AY2025–26; 17 August 2026 for AY2026–27). Students may apply and be admitted at any point during the year, making ROISB a practical option for families relocating to Bangkok mid-year.