Rugby School Thailand
# Rugby School Thailand

Rugby School Thailand (Thai: โรงเรียนนานาชาติรักบี้, RTGS: Rong Rian Nana Chat Rakbi) (RST) is a private co-educational British international school in Bang Lamung District, Chonburi, Thailand. It is a day and boarding school similar to its 453-year-old sister school, Rugby School in the UK. Its 80-acre campus (190 rai) is approximately 110 km (68 mi) from Bangkok and 20 km (12 mi) from Pattaya. Rugby School Thailand offers Britain's national curriculum to both Thai and international students.

In September 2017, the Prep and Pre-Prep school opened for Pre-Nursery (2 year-olds) up to Year 6 (10/11 year-olds). Years 7-13 opened in September 2018, with boarding available for Year 3 students and above.

## History

In 2015, Nigel Westlake, former headmaster of Packwood Haugh School and Brambletye School, joined with Wisdom Enterprise (owned by the Teepsuwan family) to set up a new international school in Thailand. With over 30 years experience in the UK independent sector, with 15 of those as head, Mr. Westlake serves as the founding headmaster of the new project.

After presenting their plans and receiving positive feedback from 14 schools in the UK, the founders chose to partner with Rugby School

The 80-acre campus opened for pre-prep and prep school in September 2017 and opened for senior school in September 2018.

On the 12th of September 2021, Rugby School Thailand opened the first 'school sandbox' in Thailand after working with the ISAT to gain approval from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Public Health. This allowed for the reopening of the school amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, which allowed students to return to school via a boarding program by taking regular antigen tests and the implementation of rigorous safety measures within the school grounds. Out of 258 international schools in Thailand, the school is only 1 out of 5 that have opened a boarding bubble to offer face-to-face teaching.

## Curriculum

Rugby School Thailand offers the UK National Curriculum, supplemented by selected components of the British Private School Curriculum, for key stages 0-2 from Pre-Nursery up to Year 6 (ages 2–10).

In September 2018, the school opened with 145 students for key stages 3–5 (ages 12–18) and also offer the internationally recognised qualifications IGCSEs, and A-Levels. The school will eventually be able to accommodate roughly 1,250 pupils.

## Boarding

Boarding at Rugby School Thailand began in September 2018 and is available to children from years 5–13.

Currently, there are three different boarding options:

* Part boarding - Students aged 10-13 years old may board for up to three fixed nights per week.
* Weekly boarding - Weekly boarders stay at school all week during term-time (except half-term), and head home on Friday or Saturday afternoon for the weekends.
* Full boarding - Full boarders stay at school all week during term and enjoy the full weekend programme. They will be able to go home at leave weekends or over half-term.

## Fees

Tuition fees range from 470,000 to 869,000 baht per year. Annual Boarding fees are 248,500 baht for Part Boarding, 364,300 baht for Weekly Boarding and 430,500 baht for Full Boarding.

## Campus

At the 80-acre campus, facilities include:

* Purpose-built, age-specific classroom blocks
* A Performing Arts Centre auditorium, with a recording studio
* Art studios
* A dedicated Science Centre with science auditorium
* Design and technology studios
* Theatres, including, a Black Box theatre
* A Sixth Form Centre
* Boarding houses
* Libraries
* Two dining halls
* A professional standard fitness suite
* Four swimming pools (a splash pool, two 25 meter pool, and a 50 meter pool)
* Football and rugby pitches
* Basketball courts
* Four Tennis courts
* Two indoor sport centres
* 300 meter lake for kayaking and sailing
* Bike and running tracks
* A soft play area
* Playgrounds
* A disc golf course
* An Outdoor Education Centre with ziplines and high ropes
