PBISS Admission Policy

It is important that parents understand the process and policies related to the admission of students to the PBISS International School.

Please read carefully the two enclosed statements referring to Admission and Entry Age of children wishing to be enrolled in the school.

PBISS was founded to serve the children of internationally-minded families. As such we will attempt to accommodate the needs of such families. The admissions policy is designed to assess whether the school can successfully meet the needs of each applicant and determine if there is appropriate space in the school.

Application Process

1. Inquiry (optional)
2. Interview
3. Submission of documents
4. Assessment of application

A-Level and IGCSE's

PBISS offers the Cambridge IGCSE and International A-level courses in the final four years of school.

Given the nature of these curricula, PBISS is only able to admit students who have the language background to successfully access the courses of study. Therefore at the minimum, students entering A-levels must have 5 A*to C grades at GCSE or equivalent level. This must include at least a C grade in Maths and First Language English.

Students wishing to enter our IGCSE programme in will have to sit an entrance exam.

English Language

Please note that the official language of the school is English. The vast majority of communication from the school will be in English. English is also the language of instruction of the school (except for the Thai Programme). It is therefore highly desirable that at least one parent can communicate to the school through the medium of the English language.

Entrance Age

Admission to PBISS International School requires that applicants have reached the appropriate age by 31st December

Nursery: Two Years old by the 1st September

Foundation Stage 1: Three years by 1st September

Foundation Stage 2: Four years by 1st September

Year 1: Five years by 1st September

Year 2: Six years by 1st September

Year 3: Seven years by 1st September

Year 4: Eight years by 1st September

Year 5: Nine years by 1st September

Year 6: Ten years by 1st September

Year 7: Eleven years by 1st September

Year 8: Twelve years by 1st September

Year 9: Thirteen years by 1st September

Year 10: Fourteen years by 1st September

Year 11: Fifteen years by 1st September

Year 12: Sixteen years by 1st September

Year 13: Seventeen years by 1st September

This has to be with Board approval.

Initial placement will always be by Policy. Changes to the placement will be made only after an assessment of the student has been carried out. The school has a clear protocol for these cases The Head of School may make exceptions to this policy in extraordinary circumstances. In each case, the Board will be informed of the decision.

Grade Placement Outside the Admissions Policy

All students will be placed according to the Admissions Policy. Changes will be made to student placement only when the school is convinced that such a change of class level is in the best interests of the student. There is a procedure for any possible change in class/grade placement.

Promotion & Retention

The underlying premise for all class placements is that the social and educational needs of the student are being met in a consistent and professional manner. A student may be considered and recommended for promotion to or retention in a grade after a thorough examination of the child’s status by the Head of School in conjunction with Teachers and subject specialist teachers. Typically such decisions are reserved only for cases where students are performing well outside the bounds of their class. The final decision to promote or retain rests solely with the Head of School.

Special Needs

PBISS welcomes students with a wide variety of skills and abilities. However, students with special physical, academic, emotional and/or behavioural needs will require careful consideration prior to admission. PBISS has very limited resources to devote to children with special needs and a child may not be admitted if it is felt that the school cannot provide an ongoing programme of instruction that meets the needs of the student.

Withdrawing Students from the PBISS

When a student is to be withdrawn from the school, especially during the school year, please notify the school office in writing as early as possible. Parents should make themselves familiar with the requirements for early departure in terms of obligations to meet fees and charges that may still be payable. If necessary, contact the school office for clarification.

Parents’ Knowledge of English

While it is not an entry requirement it is strongly suggested that, in order to work in partnership with the school and be involved in your child’s education, at least one of the parents should be able to communicate with the school in English. This will enable a better and clearer understanding of the school routines, classroom practices and expectations related to teaching and learning. Only in exceptional circumstances will translation be available. Parents may, if they wish, bring a family member or friend to help with translation.