Chaofah City
Chaofah City
Preparing for Global Destinations
The University Preparation (UPrep) programme provides structured, bespoke support from Year 9 through to graduation. By helping students select the most appropriate IGCSE subjects and build strong extracurricular profiles, our counsellors ensure students maximise their chances of university admission. This targeted approach consistently guides HeadStart alumni to leading institutions globally, while also fully supporting students who choose alternative pathways, such as a gap year or military service.
We recognise that securing the right university placement is a collaborative effort between the school, the student, and the family. To keep parents fully informed and involved, HeadStart regularly hosts comprehensive university presentations alongside informal drop-in sessions. These sessions offer parents the opportunity to discuss individual applications over coffee with our Sixth Form team, with all upcoming dates announced via the weekly update and our parent communication channels.
Contact our team if you would like more information regarding university applications, preparation or just to get in touch.
- Mr Neil Roscoe
nroscoe@headstartphuket.com - Mr Simon Thomas
sthomas@headstartphuket.com - Kru Toom
toom@headstartphuket.com (Thai applications)
UPrep Talk Programme 2025-2026
Below is the schedule of UPrep presentations for the academic year. These sessions are designed to guide parents through every stage of the university application process across global destinations.
| # | Week / Topic | What will the talk be about? | Who might be interested? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 27th August 2025 Introduction to UPrep |
General information about the HeadStart UPrep programme and how HeadStart supports university progression. An overview for parents and discussion of how they can support children with applications. | Any interested parents. |
| 2 | 10th September 2025 Your child’s 5 year plan |
A general outline of what families can be doing to prepare for university applications and how to make use of your child’s Morrisby Report. | Designed for parents across Secondary. |
| 3 | 24th September 2025 Choosing subjects and careers |
Information about how to ensure your child makes effective subject choices at IGCSE and A Level. How to talk to your child about career options and support them in planning their future. | Parents of children in Years 8 – Year 11, especially those who are looking at IGCSE (Year 9) and A Level (Year 11) options this year. |
| 4 | 8th October 2025 Comparing different university systems |
Find out the basic differences between university/college study around the world – how studying in the UK, USA, Europe, Canada or Asia differs. | Any parents unfamiliar with international university systems or unsure about destinations. |
| 5 | 29th October 2025 Applying to Thai universities |
Important details and information about top universities in Thailand, their entry requirements and how to apply through TCAS. | Any families interested in Thai universities for their child’s university study. |
| 6 | 12th November 2025 Application and standardised testing |
Information about the different tests university applications require, including standardised tests like SAT, language tests like IELTS and TOEFL, and subject specialist tests like UCAT and LNAT. | Families with older children who are preparing for university study, Year 10 – Year 13. |
| 7 | 26th November 2025 Applying to the UK and Europe |
Important details and information about how applications to the UK and other European destinations work. | Any families interested in the UK or other European destinations for their child’s university study. |
| 8 | 10th December 2025 Applying to the USA / Canada |
Important details and information about how applications to the USA and Canada work. | Any families interested in the USA or Canada for their child’s university study. |
| 9 | 7th January 2026 Applying to universities in Australia/ New Zealand |
How to talk to your child about their university options and simple tools to help prioritise factors in university or college choice. | Any interested parents, especially families with older children, Year 10 – Year 12. |
| 10 | 21st January 2026 Applying to Asian Universities |
Detail of how apply to Asian countries such as Hong Kong, Singapore or Malaysia. | Parents of students in Y10 – 13 wishing to apply to Asian universities. |
| 11 | 4th February 2026 Alternative pathways and gap years |
This session will consider the advantages, disadvantages and processes involved with alternative pathways and/or gap years. | Parents of students in Y10 – 13 considering a gap year or alternative pathways such as foundation courses, employment and apprenticeships. |
| 12 | 4th March 2026 Fees, funding and finances |
This session will compare the costs of different universities, countries and systems. It will outline key terminology and talk through basic information about financial aid and scholarship procedures. | Anyone who wants more information about costs, fee status and finance. |
| 13 | 18th March 2026 UPrep for Parents by Parents – Going to the UK and the Netherlands |
An opportunity for a discussion on the process of studying for a degree in the UK or the Netherlands. This is led by parents who have supported their children through this process. | Parents of students going to the UK or the Netherlands. |
| 14 | 29th April 2026 Applying to Oxbridge |
A session that advises parents about the requirements and processes involved with studying at either Oxford or Cambridge in the UK. | Parents of students in Years 10 – 13 wishing to apply to Oxbridge. |
| 15 | 13th May 2026 Applying to Ivy League and top US universities |
A session that advises parents about the requirements and processes involved with studying at Ivy League and other top US universities. | Parents of students Years 10 – 13 wishing to apply to top universities in the US. |
Using Unifrog and Morrisby
Unifrog is an internationally recognised platform for researching university courses and managing applications, while Morrisby provides comprehensive career and subject profiling. This guide will help you understand how to navigate these platforms and support your child’s university research journey.
BTEC and A Levels
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the BTEC and A Level pathways. It is designed to help parents and students understand how each qualification translates to university entry requirements and shapes future academic opportunities.
Understanding Home Fee Status
Navigating university fee statuses can be complex for expatriate families. This document provides essential information for UK nationals living overseas regarding the eligibility criteria for ‘Home Fee’ status at UK universities.
Education Visas After August Results
After A Level and BTEC results are released in August, securing an education visa is a critical next step. This parent guide outlines the timelines, requirements, and procedures to ensure a smooth visa application process.
Useful Resources & Links
We have curated a collection of essential platforms and official guides to help you navigate university research, applications, and scholarships across the globe.
Global Platforms
United Kingdom
United States & Canada
Thailand
Europe & Oceania
Standardised Testing
Recommended Reading
Navigating the university admissions process can be a complex and demanding journey. To help guide you, we have curated a selection of recommended reading. These books offer valuable insights, practical advice, and peace of mind as both parents and students prepare for the transition to higher education.
For Parents
| Title | Author | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be | Frank Bruni | This book aims to reduce the anxiety surrounding college admissions by reminding readers that the university attended doesn’t define career success. |
| The Truth About College Admission: A Family Guide | Brennan Barnard and Rick Clark | This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the application process, including advice on navigating the process as a family. |
| How to Raise an Adult | Julie Lythcott-Haims | Offers insights into raising resilient children who can handle challenges and setbacks, potentially impacting their success in the application process and beyond. |
| The College Conversation | Amy Stein | Provides practical guidance and support for parents as they navigate the college application process. |
| Getting Ready for College | Polly Berent and The Princeton Review | Practical advice on preparing for college, from choosing a university to packing for the first year. |
| Study Abroad Made Simple | Neil Roscoe | Written by our own University Guidance Counsellor, this book provides a clear and practical roadmap for students and families navigating the complexities of the international university application process. |
For Students
| Title | Author | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The College Bound Organizer | Anna Costaras | This book helps students organise their college applications and planning. |
| The Times Good University Guide 2026 | Zoe Thomas | For students looking at UK universities. Where to Go and What to Study. |
| The College Essay | Mary Beth Jones | Provides guidance on writing a compelling college essay for US applications. |
| The Best Colleges | Edward B. Fiske | Information on various colleges and universities in the US, including their strengths and academic programmes. |
| Colleges That Change Lives | Loren Pope | Focuses on selecting colleges that offer a transformative educational experience. |
| The Ultimate University Survival Guide: The Uni-Verse | Jack Edwards | A complete, unfiltered university handbook, written by an actual student. |
| The Student Survival Guide to College | Linda S. Smith | Provides practical advice on surviving the first year of college. |
Talks & Downloads
Download our latest talk presentations and informational guides for university preparation.
Oustanding Offers: University Pathways for the Graduating Class of 2026
The 52 students of the Class of 2026 collectively received over 190 university course offers – a remarkable testament to their hard work, dedication, and ambition. Offers have been received from prestigious institutions across the globe, including:
- Cambridge University, UK
- Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok
- University College London, (UCL), UK
- University of Utrecht, Netherlands
- Durham University, UK
- SKEMA Business School, France
- University of Edinburgh, UK
- Asian Institute of Hospitality & Management (AIHM), Bangkok
- University of Bath, UK
- Eindhoven University of Technology, Netherlands
- Edith Cowan University, Australia
- University of Manchester, UK
- BIMM University, UK
- Mahidol University, Bangkok
- Universidad De Navarra, Spain
- HTMi, Switzerland
Celebrating Global Pathways: The Class of 2025 University Destinations
The 48 students of the Class of 2025 collectively received over 170 university course offers – a remarkable testament to their hard work, dedication, and ambition. Offers were received from prestigious institutions across the globe, including:
- Yale University, USA
- Stanford, USA
- Columbia University, USA
- Penn University, USA
- Princeton University, USA
- Dartmouth, USA
- Georgetown University, USA
- ESSEC Business School, Singapore
- University of Florida, USA
- University of Bristol, UK
- University of Manchester, UK
- University of York, UK
- Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok
- University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
- University of Twente, Netherlands
Launching Bright Futures: University Destinations of the Class of 2023
The graduating Class of 2023 demonstrated exceptional ambition and talent, securing placements at distinguished universities around the world. We proudly present the institutions where our graduates will continue to pursue their passions and build the foundations for their future success.
- Royal Holloway
- Birkbeck University of London
- University of Westminster
- UWE Bristol
- Goldsmiths University of London
- Kingston University London
- University of Manchester
- University of West London
- University of Worcester
- Abertay University Scotland
- Sheffield Hallam University
- Leiden University
- Hotel School, The Hague
- Inholland University of Applied Sciences
- University of Groningen
- University of Amsterdam
- Utrecht University
- Radboud University
- University of Twente
- Eindhoven University of Technology
- Thammasat University
- Chulalongkorn University
- King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology
- Stamford University
- Singapore Institute of Management
- Pennsylvania Western University
- University of Toronto
- University of Fort Lauderdale
Horizons Beckon: Where the Class of 2022 is Headed
As we reflect on the accomplishments of the Class of 2022, we are filled with pride for their diverse and ambitious academic pursuits. The following list showcases the global institutions where our graduates are making their mark, embarking on a new chapter of learning and discovery.
- Maastricht University
- Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences
- University of Twente
- Fashion Academy
- University of Groningen
- Utrecht University
- HAN University
- Eindhoven University of Technology
- Khon Khaen University
- King Mongkut Faculty of Medicine
- Bangkok University
- Mahidol University
- Thammasat University
- Chulalongkorn University
- Temple University
- University of Virginia
- Thomas More University
- University of Cambridge
- University of Manchester
- Sheffield Hallam University
- York University
- University of Reading
- Royal Holloway
- Buckinghamshire New University
- Sciences Po
- Atelier De Sèvres
- Le Cordon Bleu Paris
- University of New York Prague
- Anglo-American University in Prague
Our commitment to your child
A vibrant global community
At HeadStart, your child joins a welcoming family of over 50 nationalities. We foster a supportive, inclusive environment where students build lifelong friendships and develop a true understanding of the world.
Proven academic excellence
Your child’s future is our focus. Our students consistently achieve outstanding IGCSE and A-Level results, earning ‘Top in Thailand’ and ‘Top in the World’ awards. This academic rigor opens doors to the world’s leading universities, including Yale, Stanford, and Cambridge.
Nurturing individual potential
We believe true growth happens when learning is personal. Our passionate, professional teachers take the time to understand your child’s unique talents and learning style, providing tailored support and challenges that build confidence and inspire a love of learning.
Life at HeadStart
From academic breakthroughs to championship wins, there is always an inspiring story unfolding at HeadStart. Browse the latest articles below to catch up on the news, events, and daily life across our Chaofah and Cherngtalay campuses.
