Opened for the 2026/27 academic year, Glenalmond Phuket combines almost 180 years of Scottish educational heritage with an experienced founding team and one of the most distinctive school settings on the island of Phuket.
A Unique Setting for Sport and Wellbeing
Located within the renowned Thanyapura Sports and Health Resort in Thalang, the school enjoys immediate access to world-class sporting and wellness facilities, including Olympic-standard swimming and athletics. These are not future ambitions but established facilities that will form part of everyday school life.
Importantly, many will also be available to families, helping create a genuine community hub centred on sport, health and wellbeing. It is a setting that reflects Phuket itself; active, international and outward-looking.
Experienced Leadership and Scottish Heritage
The founding leadership team is one of the school’s greatest strengths. Founding Head of School, Dr Stuart Tasker, brings extensive international experience, having led schools in New Zealand, Indonesia, China and Thailand, including 11 years as a principal in the country. His understanding of both international education and the local context will be invaluable.
Alongside him is Emma McCarthy, Head of Primary and Early Years, who brings more than 20 years of experience, including senior leadership in England and seven years as Deputy Principal at a leading British international school in Thailand. Supported by an experienced administrative team and internationally recruited staff, the foundations have been carefully laid.
Perhaps the school’s most distinctive feature is its connection to Glenalmond College in Perthshire. Founded in 1847, Glenalmond has earned a reputation for academic excellence, strong pastoral care and character development.
Glenalmond Phuket will become the first international school outside the UK to carry its name, marking an exciting new chapter for the historic Scottish institution. That heritage will be woven into school life through traditions such as the four-house system and the school’s mascot, Glen Almond, helping to build identity, belonging and community from the very beginning.
A British Curriculum Shaped by Phuket
Walking through the spacious campus, it is the attention to detail that stands out.
Wide corridors, specialist teaching spaces and generous learning areas create an open and welcoming environment, while mature trees retained within the design add shade, character and a sense of permanence from day one.
The school is designed as a twoform-entry campus, allowing it to offer exceptional facilities while maintaining the close-knit feel many families value. Initially opening with Early Years and Primary, the curriculum will follow the Early Years Foundation Stage and the National Curriculum for England before expanding to include IGCSEs, A Levels and BTEC qualifications.
The long-term vision is equally impressive. Scholarship opportunities were already being explored, while proposed BTEC pathways linked to tourism and hospitality demonstrate a clear understanding of Phuket’s economy and future employment opportunities.
Rather than simply transplanting a British curriculum into Thailand, Glenalmond Phuket is creating a model that reflects its location and the needs of its diverse community. Singapore Mathematics, Thai language for Thai nationals, Mandarin, digital literacy, sport, the arts and wellbeing all sit alongside a strong academic foundation, preparing students for both local and global futures.
The project is led by Khun Chatchai Yenbamroong, owner of Glenalmond Phuket, working in partnership with the Glenalmond Schools Group and 35 Education.
Building a School Community for the Future
Bringing such a historic Scottish school name to Thailand is an ambitious undertaking, but the leadership, location and educational vision give that ambition real substance.
Phuket continues to grow as a destination for international education. As both Thai and expatriate families seek schools with a clear identity and purpose, parents increasingly want to know not only what a school teaches but what it stands for. Glenalmond Phuket has strong answers. It combines the heritage of an established Scottish school with outstanding facilities, experienced leadership and a deep understanding of Thailand.
The school’s guiding principle, FLOREAT Glenalmond – Let Glenalmond Flourish, captures its ambition to develop young people through a rich and inspiring educational experience.
Ultimately, however, a school’s reputation is built not by its buildings or its name, but by its people. Relationships, community and the experiences of its first students and families will define Glenalmond Phuket in the years ahead.
With its vision of ‘Inspire, Innovate, Impact’, Glenalmond Phuket is more than another international school opening on the island. From what we experienced during our visit, it has the leadership, setting and ambition to become one of Asia’s most exciting new names in premium international education.
Rooted in Thailand. Ready for the world.
