Can I enter Thailand on a tourist visa and then switch to an education visa for language study?

Looking to study Thai for one year on an education visa.

I'm assuming the school would help with the visa, so I'm thinking it would be easiest to get the visa in person with the school. Would also prefer checking out a few schools rather than just committing to one before arriving.

So is it possible/easy to get a tourist visa then get the education visa once you are in Thailand, or must be done in advance?

If both are possible, which way is better?

I am reading about the special tourist visa and it says you can't transfer off of it so it looks like a general 60 day tourist visa is the only way, is that right? How would you guys recommend to go about that.

Any avice, or experience/recommendations regarding getting a student visa or schools in Phuket (or nearby) are welcome.