Thailand’s international education sector is entering a new chapter with the announcement that North London Collegiate School (NLCS), one of the United Kingdom’s most prestigious independent school groups, will establish a new campus in Phuket.
The upcoming institution, known as NLCS Phuket, aims to bring a globally recognised British education model to one of Thailand’s fastest-growing international communities.
The development comes through a partnership between NLCS International and VLC Group, a Phuket-based hospitality and property company known for operating premium hotels and resorts across Phuket and Khao Lak.
The collaboration reflects the growing demand for high-quality international education outside Bangkok, particularly in lifestyle destinations that continue to attract expatriates, entrepreneurs, investors, and internationally mobile families.
A Prestigious British Education Legacy
Founded in 1850 by educational pioneer Frances Mary Buss, North London Collegiate School has long been recognised as one of the United Kingdom’s leading independent schools. Over the decades, the institution has built a strong reputation for academic excellence, student development, and holistic education.
The school’s achievements were once again recognised in The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026, where NLCS was named:
- Independent Secondary School of the Year
- Independent International Baccalaureate School of the Year
- Independent Secondary School of the Year in London
In addition, NLCS was ranked as the number one girls’ school in the United Kingdom, second among all schools in London, and third nationally across the UK.
These accolades further strengthen the appeal of the brand as it expands internationally through campuses in Jeju, Dubai, Singapore, Kobe, and Hong Kong, which is scheduled to open in 2027.
Phuket Chosen as a Growing Education Hub
The decision to establish NLCS Phuket highlights the island’s growing reputation as more than just a tourism destination. Over the past few years, Phuket has increasingly become a preferred location for long-term residents and international families seeking a better quality of life.
The new school will be located in Cherng Talay, one of Phuket’s fastest-growing residential districts. The area has experienced rapid development in luxury housing, retail, hospitality, and lifestyle infrastructure, making it an ideal location for a premium international school.
Unlike many traditional international schools in Thailand, NLCS Phuket will offer both day school and boarding school options. This allows families from across Thailand and neighbouring countries to access a world-class British education without sending their children overseas.
According to VLC Group Managing Director Mr Naruj Chirayus, the school fills a major gap in Phuket’s education landscape.
“For many families, Phuket already offers an exceptional quality of life, but there has been a clear gap in the market for a highly academic school with a direct connection to one of the UK’s leading educational institutions,” he explained.
A Modern Campus Designed for International Students
NLCS Phuket is expected to open with a capacity of around 1,000 students, with future expansion plans increasing that number to approximately 1,500 students over time.
The school will cater to students from Early Years through Year 13 and will operate as a co-educational institution designed for both local and international families.
Planned campus facilities include:
- Dedicated junior and senior school spaces
- Modern science and technology laboratories
- Boarding facilities
- A 50-metre swimming pool
- Sports hall
- Covered tennis courts
- Football pitches
The development reflects the increasing expectations of international families who now prioritise both academic quality and lifestyle-focused educational environments.
A Strong Focus on Student Development
NLCS International emphasises that its educational philosophy extends beyond academic achievement. The institution focuses heavily on pastoral care, student wellbeing, and co-curricular activities that help students develop confidence, leadership, and creativity.
According to NLCS International Managing Director Mr Daniel Lewis, the Phuket campus will maintain the same educational principles that define the broader NLCS network.
“Our aim is to deliver an education that develops scholarship in a joyful and exciting environment that celebrates every individual for who they are,” he said.
He also stressed that NLCS Phuket would not simply operate under the school’s name alone. Instead, it will maintain close collaboration with the wider NLCS family through curriculum development, teacher training, recruitment, academic planning, and quality assurance.
This connection ensures students in Phuket will receive the same educational standards associated with the prestigious UK institution.
Thailand’s International Education Sector Continues to Grow
The announcement arrives at a time when Thailand’s international school industry is experiencing significant growth beyond Bangkok.
According to research by Kasikorn Research Centre, Thailand’s international school business is projected to grow by 9.7% in 2025, while international student enrolment is expected to increase by 8.3%.
The research also identified Phuket as one of the country’s key emerging education markets due to its growing expatriate population and strong infrastructure development.
International schools are increasingly viewed as important economic drivers because they attract skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and long-stay residents. In turn, this supports sectors such as real estate, hospitality, transportation, retail, and local employment.
Mr Chirayus noted that leading schools often play a major role in shaping international residential communities.
“We have seen this in places such as Dubai and Jeju, where education has played an important role in shaping internationally minded residential destinations,” he said.
Strengthening Phuket’s Position on the Global Stage
The arrival of NLCS Phuket could become a major milestone in Phuket’s transformation into a regional education destination.
As more families seek alternatives to crowded urban centres, destinations like Phuket are becoming increasingly attractive due to their lifestyle advantages, connectivity, and international infrastructure.
By combining a globally respected academic brand with Phuket’s growing appeal as a long-term residential hub, NLCS Phuket is expected to attract families not only from Thailand, but also from across Southeast Asia and beyond.
Further announcements regarding admissions, construction timelines, and campus development are expected to be revealed in the coming months.
For any enquiries, please direct your email to: enquiries@nlcs-phuket.com. For more information, please visit http://www.nlcs-phuket.com
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