Bangkok Prep

Bangkok International Preparatory and Secondary School, or Bangkok Prep, is an independent international school based on the National Curriculum of England located in Bangkok, Thailand. Established in 2003, the school is now in its 20th year. 1,600 students are enrolled at Bangkok Prep, representing 50 nationalities.

History

Bangkok International Preparatory and Secondary School was established by two educators: Magdalena Urioste and Patrada Yomnak, who had extensive experience of international kindergartens, both in Bangkok and Hanoi, for more than 20 years. In 2003, Magdalena and Patrada founded an extension on Thong-Lo for their kindergarten students to continue on to Primary level. This evolved into Bangkok Prep.

Bangkok Prep was officially ordained by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in June 2006. In the 2009-2010 academic year, Bangkok Prep was the recipient of The Prime Minister's Export Award 2009 in International Education. The school won an award for "Outstanding Achievement in School Development and Management" at the World Education/Education Living Expo in 2010.

In 2012, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was an inaugural guest speaker for Bangkok Prep's first graduating class. Students had been accepted into many notable universities worldwide, such as the Imperial College London, the  London School of Economics, the University College of London, Cambridge, New York University (NYU), University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

A new purpose built Secondary campus opened in the T77 mixed-used development on Sukhumvit Soi 77 in 2017, with the Primary school also moving from its original location to the new campus in 2023.

Academics and curriculum

Bangkok Prep follows an international curriculum based on the National Curriculum of England, offering education to pupils from Nursery up to Year 13.

The school is divided into three sections: Early Years (Nursery and Reception), Primary (Year 1 to Year 6), and Secondary (Year 7 to Year 13).

The Early Years unit follows the Early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework for children aged between 3 and 5 years.

The Primary school and Secondary school are based on the National Curriculum of England.

* Key Stage 1: Year 1 and Year 2 classes.
* Key Stage 2: Year 3 to Year 6 classes.
* Key Stage 3: Years 7 to 9 and is the final preparation for the examination phase.
* Key Stage 4: Years 10 and 11. It is the examination phase and Bangkok Prep is registered with the Cambridge International Examinations which is part of the University of Cambridge in the UK as an examination centre for the International General Certificate in Secondary Education or IGCSE. An IGCSE programme is offered to Year 10 and Year 11 students as a precursor to the Cambridge-approved A-levels available to study in Year 12 and Year 13, thus preparing students towards university education.
* Key Stage 5 is the international advanced level examination phase, which is Years 12 and 13 or Sixth Form. Students begin to specialize in their studies and opt for subjects that will guide their choice of study at undergraduate level in university. Students are examined at the end of Year 13 on a minimum of one and a maximum of four A-Level examinations, administered by Edexcel.

Professional accreditation

The school received triple accreditation from the Council of International Schools (CIS), New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment in 2011. The school is a member of the International Schools Association of Thailand (ISAT), Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA), Bangkok International Schools Athletic Conference (BISAC) and Thailand International Schools Activity Conference (TISAC) as well as the Cambridge University-approved IGCSE and A-level examination center. Eco Schools Green Flag Award (Bangkok Prep were the first school in Thailand to be awarded Green Flag status – which is the highest recognition) and the Duke of Edinburgh International Award.

Notable staff and students

Duncan James Stonehouse (born 3 June 1965) is a British educator and international school leader. He is the Head of School at Bangkok International Preparatory & Secondary School (Bangkok Prep) in Thailand and serves as the Treasurer and HQ Support for the Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA). Stonehouse is also a member of the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC) and a serving Co-Chair on the Board of the International Schools Association of Thailand (ISAT).

Career

Stonehouse has held leadership roles in international education, focusing on curriculum development, school leadership, and governance. As Head of School at Bangkok Prep, he oversees the institution’s strategic direction, ensuring high academic standards and fostering a strong school community.

In addition to his role at FOBISIA, Stonehouse has played a key role in ISAT, where he serves as Co-Chair of the Board. He has been particularly active in professional learning initiatives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he organized free online professional learning webinars for all ISAT member schools, ensuring that educators had access to valuable training and collaboration opportunities during a time of global disruption. His efforts supported the continuous professional development of teachers and school leaders across Thailand.

His involvement with HMC further reflects his commitment to high-quality education and leadership within the global independent school sector. Through his work with FOBISIA, ISAT, and HMC, Stonehouse has contributed to strengthening collaboration between international schools, fostering professional learning opportunities, and supporting the growth of British international education in Asia.

Professional Contributions

Stonehouse is known for his work in international education, emphasizing student-centered learning, staff development, and innovation in school leadership. His dedication to professional learning has strengthened collaboration among international schools, particularly through his initiatives with ISAT and FOBISIA. He has contributed to educational conferences and networks that support British international schools worldwide.

See Also

• Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA)

• Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC)

• International Schools Association of Thailand (ISAT)

• Bangkok International Preparatory & Secondary School

Matthew Ferrier, a Primary swim teacher, was awarded the Commendation for Brave Conduct by the Australian Governor General for a surf rescue in 2005 at Marcoola Beach, Queensland, Australia.

School publications

Primary and Secondary Weekly Bulletins, Prepazine, a yearbook, Prep Gazette, and a school prospectus.

References

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External links

Official site

International schools in Bangkok
Cambridge schools in Thailand
2003 establishments in Thailand
Educational institutions established in 2003
Private schools in Thailand