Austin Heights Private & International School vs R.E.A.L Schools - Johor Bahru
Austin Heights Private & International School and R.E.A.L Schools - Johor Bahru are both in Johor Bahru, about 10 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) and Cambridge IGCSE programmes. Austin Heights Private & International School also offers IPC and British, and R.E.A.L Schools - Johor Bahru also offers EYFS. Published annual fees are MYR 12,000 - 21,000 at Austin Heights Private & International School and MYR 13,020 - 28,450 at R.E.A.L Schools - Johor Bahru, which puts R.E.A.L Schools - Johor Bahru roughly 26% higher. Austin Heights Private & International School takes pupils from 3 to 17, and R.E.A.L Schools - Johor Bahru from 3 to 16. Austin Heights Private & International School is the larger school, with around 1,300 pupils to R.E.A.L Schools - Johor Bahru's 500. Typical class sizes are 25 at Austin Heights Private & International School and 20 at R.E.A.L Schools - Johor Bahru.
IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE
Curriculum
Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils
Pupils
1,300
Pupils
500
Typical class size
Typical class size
25
Typical class size
20
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2011
Opened
2008
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Austin Heights Private & International School is located in Taman Mount Austin. This area is highly accessible via major roads such as the Pasir Gudang Highway and Eastern Dispersal Link, making commutes easy for families, including those crossing the border from Singapore (approximately 30–40 minutes by car). The school is also connected by local bus routes like P111 and T11. Mount Austin boasts a rich variety of amenities including AEON Mall, Toppen Shopping Centre, cafes, restaurants, and entertainment hubs like the Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park. Nearby medical facilities such as Sultan Ismail Hospital add to the area’s appeal, making it ideal for families seeking convenience and lifestyle amenities.
Location
REAL International School is located in Masai, in the eastern part of Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The campus is about 25 minutes from the Johor–Singapore Causeway and is accessible via the Pasir Gudang Highway. The area is mainly residential with nearby shops and amenities, and transport links support commuting from central Johor Bahru and surrounding suburbs.
Stages
Stages
The school offers a structured educational journey for early years, primary and secondary levels.
Stages
The international school is structured into four main stages: Early Years (ages 3–5), Primary (ages 5–11), Lower Secondary (ages 11–14), and Upper Secondary (ages 14–16). Students progress through the Cambridge International Curriculum, culminating in IGCSE examinations in Year 11.
School type
School type
Austin Heights is a co-educational day school. The school does not offer boarding facilities.
School type
It is a co-educational international school offering day schooling only. There are no boarding facilities at the Johor Bahru campus.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
The school provides additional learning support by having Blackboard Learn, an online learning platform that allows students to review lessons, complete assignments, and access resources anytime, making learning more flexible and easier to refer to whenever its needed.
Additional learning support
The school provides limited additional support for students with mild learning needs, typically managed within the classroom by teachers. There is currently no dedicated Special Educational Needs (SEN) department or specialist staff indicated on the school’s site.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school does not have formal affiliation with any country.
Country affiliation
The school does not have a formal affiliation with any particular country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
Austin Heights does not have any formal religious affiliation and operates as a secular school.
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliation and operates as a secular institution.
The school day begins at 8:00 AM for all levels. Early Years finishes at 1:10 PM from Monday to Thursday and at 12:00 PM on Fridays. Primary students attend until 3:40 PM Monday to Thursday and 12:40 PM on Fridays. Secondary students have the longest schedule, ending at 4:10 PM Monday to Thursday and 1:10 PM on Fridays. Breaks and lunch are incorporated between morning and afternoon lessons.
Bus service details
Bus service details
Austin Heights provides a school bus service for its students.
Bus service details
The school offers a private bus service covering various residential areas around Johor Bahru. Transport routes and pricing are managed by third-party providers in coordination with the school. Parents are advised to confirm availability and stop locations directly with the campus during enrollment.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Tuition Fees (Annually) Early Years 1 & 2 (Age 3–4): RM 12,000 Years 1–3 (Age 5–7): RM 15,600 Years 4–6 (Age 8–10): RM 17,400 Years 7–9 (Age 11–13): RM 20,400 Years 10–11 (Age 14–15): RM 23,400 Years 12–13 (Age 16–17): RM 21,000
Refund Policy Security Deposit: A refundable deposit equivalent to one term’s tuition fee is required upon enrollment. This deposit is refundable upon withdrawal, provided all dues are cleared and the required notice period is observed.
Application & Registration Fees: Both are one-time, non-refundable payments.
Miscellaneous Fees: Typically non-refundable and non-transferable.
Payment Methods Bank transfers Credit/debit cards Online banking Cash or cheque payments
These fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, except the deposit, which is refundable under the terms of the Admission Contract.
Annual Tuition Fees (Payable Termly)
Early Years * Tuition: MYR 10,620 * Supplementary Fee: MYR 2,200 * Tech Fee: MYR 200 * Total: MYR 13,020 per year
Primary (Years 1–6) * Year 1–2: MYR 21,280 * Year 3: MYR 19,600 * Year 4: MYR 22,900 * Year 5: MYR 19,890 * Year 6: MYR 23,190
Secondary (Years 7–11) * Year 7: MYR 24,620 * Year 8: MYR 25,360 * Year 9: MYR 25,690 * Year 10–11: MYR 28,450
Each year’s fee includes tuition, a MYR 2,800 supplementary fee, and a MYR 500 tech fee, except for Early Years.
Billing Schedule and Payment Terms * Fees can be paid annually (by August) or termly, with due dates in August, January, and April. * A 2% monthly surcharge applies to late payments. * A 3% discount is available for full-year payments made via bank transfer or cash before August.
Other Costs * Uniforms, books, visa fees (for international students), and administrative charges are not included in the tuition fees and are charged separately as applicable.
Refunds * Tuition, registration, and application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. * Deposits are refundable under specific conditions outlined in the admission policy.
Payment Methods * Annual Payments: Bank transfer and cash. * Termly Payments: Bank transfer, cash, credit card, and cheque. * Payments should be made to R.E.A.L Education Group Sdn Bhd, and proof of payment must be submitted via email or fax.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
The Johor Bahru campus has a cafeteria on site operated by Delischool. It offers a diverse menu with on-site cooking, and meals are prepared to safety and nutritional standards. The cafeteria can be contacted at cafeteria.real@shfservices.com.
House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
The school is wholly owned by Austin Heights Education Sdn. Bhd. (777277-H).
Governance and ownership
REAL Schools Johor Bahru is part of REAL Schools and is associated with XCL Education in Malaysia.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Austin Heights offers a dual-track education system that caters to both local and international students. The International Stream follows the British curriculum, incorporating programmes such as the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), Cambridge International Primary Programme (CIPP), Cambridge Lower Secondary, and ultimately leading to the Cambridge IGCSE examinations in Years 10 and 11. This stream emphasizes inquiry-based and thematic learning, preparing students with critical thinking and global awareness. Alongside this, the school also offers a Private Stream that follows the Malaysian National Curriculum (KSSR/KSSM), making it an excellent choice for families who prefer a local syllabus but still want a strong co-curricular and English-medium education.
Curriculum details
REAL International School Johor Bahru follows the British Cambridge curriculum across all school stages. In the Early Years (ages 3–5), the school adopts the UK’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), focusing on learning through play and development in communication, numeracy, and creativity. The Primary School (Years 1–6) uses the Cambridge Primary Programme, which covers English, Mathematics, Science, Global Perspectives, and ICT, along with Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin. In Lower Secondary (Years 7–9), students follow the Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum with more subject specialisation. The Upper Secondary (Years 10–11) prepares students for the IGCSE examinations, typically taken at age 16, in subjects such as English, Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, ICT, and Business Studies. Co-curricular subjects like Art, Music, Physical Education, and Robotics are integrated throughout all stages.
The school does not have publicly available information regarding SEL.
Social & emotional learning
Social and Emotional Learning is integrated into daily classroom routines, with teachers supporting the development of empathy, teamwork, and self-regulation. In the Early Years and Primary stages, group activities and play-based tasks help children build confidence and communication skills. Older students participate in pastoral care sessions and character-building programs. Teachers serve as key contact points for emotional support, and the school promotes respectful behavior and positive peer relationships. Assemblies and thematic class discussions are used to reinforce values such as kindness, resilience, and responsibility.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
The school does not have a dedicated SEN department.
Special educational needs (SEN)
REAL International School Johor Bahru is not a specialist SEN institution but offers limited in-class support for students with mild learning needs. Support is usually delivered by classroom teachers who adjust lesson delivery or pacing as needed.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
The school does provide EAL support that includes reading programs, language-rich classrooms, and differentiated instruction.
English as an additional language
REAL International School Johor Bahru offers a dedicated English Language Learning Academy (ELLA) for students who require additional support in English. The program is designed for non-native English speakers across all year groups and includes intensive language instruction tailored to each student’s level. ELLA classes are held in small groups to focus on key areas such as reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students work towards joining mainstream classes as their proficiency improves. ELLA is led by qualified English teachers and includes regular assessments to track progress. The program is integrated into the wider school timetable, allowing students to continue participating in core academic and co-curricular activities.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Austin Heights integrates mental wellbeing into its school culture through its nurturing environment, personal development goals, and emphasis on spiritual and emotional health. Its co-curricular programme and whole-child approach foster a supportive atmosphere and activities such as performing arts, leadership training, and physical education help relieve stress and build confidence.
Mental wellbeing
Student wellbeing is supported through regular class check-ins, character education sessions, and extracurricular activities that promote social connection. Teachers play a central role in monitoring emotional health and encouraging open communication. The school environment emphasizes kindness, cooperation, and mutual respect. While there is no on-site counsellor publicly listed, students are guided to approach staff when they need help. Events such as anti-bullying campaigns and wellness days are organized throughout the year.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
The school does not have publicly available information regarding safeguarding policies.
Safeguarding
REAL International School Johor Bahru follows a formal safeguarding policy in line with Malaysian law and UK guidance. The school has a designated Safeguarding Committee and trained Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) who oversee child protection procedures. All staff are required to complete safeguarding training and use the *MyConcern* platform to report any issues or disclosures. Safeguarding topics such as online safety, peer conflict, and self-harm are integrated into the curriculum through PSHLE lessons, assemblies, and tutor sessions. Physical spaces are arranged to support supervision, especially during one-on-one interactions. The policy prioritises immediate reporting and clear procedures to ensure student safety at all times.
The Johor Bahru campus spans 5 acres and is set among trees and greenery. The Main Building houses a range of learning spaces, and the campus includes a library and a Chemistry Lab to support science learning. Early Years facilities include outdoor play areas and age-appropriate classrooms, with additional spaces for ICT, art, electronics, and other specialised activities. There are dedicated spaces for practical subjects, including a LEGO and robotics room, textiles room, a music studio, a culinary arts kitchen, and design and technology rooms. The campus offers Cambridge International (IGCSE) through its International School and follows the Malaysian National Curriculum through its Private National School, across Early Years, International School, and Private National levels.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
The International School follows the Cambridge curriculum for IGCSE. The Private National School follows the Malaysian National Curriculum from Primary 1 to Secondary 5. The campus includes a library and science facilities, including a Chemistry Lab and a Science Lab. It also houses an ICT lab, art rooms, LEGO and robotics room, a music studio, a textile room, a culinary arts kitchen, and design and technology rooms. Early Years facilities and age-appropriate classrooms support foundational learning.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extracurricular activities include inter-school public speaking competitions, with first place at the Trinity College Inter-School Public Speaking Competition. The school has achieved recognition in the National Youth Chess Championship, earning a silver medal. It has strong showings in golf at the Majlis Sukan Negara Elite Under-12 Golf Tournament (1st place). It has participation in the NASA International Space Essay Competition with top performers. It has success in cooking competitions, with champions in the Next Big Chef competition, and an ambassador team represented Malaysia at the Be the Change Conference in Taiwan in 2018.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Established in 2011 by Dato’ Steve Chong Yoon On, a chartered engineer and property developer, Austin Heights Private & International School (AHIS) was founded with the vision of creating a premier international school in Johor Bahru. Situated within the Austin Heights Education Corridor, the school began with an initial cohort of 450 students and has since grown to accommodate approximately 1,000 students from over 26 countries. The campus spans a 5-acre site and is part of a larger educational hub that includes institutions like SMK Taman Mount Austin, SRJK (C) Foon Yew 5, and Sunway College Johor Bahru.
History
REAL International School Johor Bahru was established in 2008 as part of the REAL Education Group, which operates multiple campuses across Malaysia. The school originally began by offering both national and international curricula and has since expanded its facilities and enrolment. REAL Education Group became part of XCL Education Malaysia, a larger regional education group, in the 2020s. This change introduced group-wide policies, resources, and shared leadership structures across campuses. The Johor Bahru campus continues to operate as a dual-stream school under this umbrella, with distinct national and international divisions.
Community
Community
AHIS boasts a diverse and multicultural student body, reflecting its international curriculum and inclusive ethos. The school emphasizes a close knitted community with having co-curricular activities like sports, performing arts, and various clubs for students to interact more with each other.
Community
The school hosts a range of events throughout the year that bring students, staff, and families together. These include cultural celebrations like Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, and Deepavali, as well as international days and charity fundraisers. Community-building events such as sports days, talent shows, and academic exhibitions are also part of the regular calendar. The school environment is inclusive, with students from multiple national and cultural backgrounds.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
The school does not have publicly available information regarding PTA.
Parent teacher association
REAL International School Johor Bahru has an active Parent-Teacher Association that works closely with school leadership to support student activities and community engagement. PTA members help coordinate school-wide events such as the International Day and fundraising initiatives for school improvements. Parents often volunteer during celebrations and assist with logistics for co-curricular competitions or off-site events. The PTA also provides feedback on school operations and helps strengthen communication between families and faculty. Meetings are held regularly, and all parents are encouraged to participate. The school values parent involvement as part of its broader partnership with the school community.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
The Johor Bahru campus offers the Cambridge International curriculum, leading to IGCSE. REAL Schools JB emphasizes collaborative learning and experiential opportunities to deepen understanding. The school provides specialised pathways to enhance language skills and support religious studies. English Language Learning Academy is offered as a Special Programme.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
The Johor Bahru campus offers the English Language Learning Academy as a Special Programme. Language-focused pathways support language development within the school's curriculum. The school emphasises language development as part of its holistic education approach.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
Students participate in competitive sports and academic competitions. REAL Schools JB has notable achievements, including MSSM basketball champion and a silver medal in the National Youth Chess Championship. Students also perform in NASA Space Essay competitions, with Best Performers recognized. The school recorded first place in the Trinity College Inter-School Public Speaking Competition.
Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
The school supports community and service initiatives through Design for Change, with an ambassador team representing Malaysia at the Be the Change Conference in Taiwan (2018).
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
Leadership development is promoted through student ambassador roles and public speaking achievements. Notable leadership outcomes include first place in the Trinity College Inter-School Public Speaking Competition and Be the Change ambassador activities.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
The Johor Bahru campus sits on a five-acre site set in nature, providing a serene and nurturing environment. The campus is designed to foster academic success alongside personal growth. The school's mission emphasizes safety, happiness, and well-being as core commitments.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
The REAL Schools Johor Bahru campus offers three curricular streams: an International School following the Cambridge curriculum leading to IGCSE; a Private National School following the Malaysian National Curriculum from Primary 1 to Secondary 5; and an Early Years programme for ages 3–6. The campus also provides a Special Programme called the English Language Learning Academy.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
2012: IGCSE Malay Literature – World Highest Score
2013: IGCSE Chinese – Malaysia Highest Score
2014: IGCSE Physics – Malaysia Highest Score
2014: IGCSE Accounting – Malaysia Highest Score
2015: Two students achieved World Highest Scores in IGCSE Mathematics
National Association of Private Educational Institutions (NAPEI): Awarded for excellence in private international school education.
Sin Chew Business Excellence Awards (2016): Received the "Excellence Award".
Nanyang Siang Pau Golden Eagle Award (2016): Recognized as one of the "Top 10 Excellent Enterprises".
Awards
* SKIPS Award (2024) In September 2024, the National Secondary School at REAL Schools Johor Bahru was honored with the SKIPS award during the Karnival Pendidikan Swasta 2024, recognizing its commitment to quality education and holistic student development.
* NAPEI Education Excellence Awards REAL Schools have previously received the NAPEI Education Excellence Awards in the Schools category, highlighting their dedication to educational excellence.
Accreditations
Accreditations
Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE): Austin Heights is accredited to offer the Cambridge International Curriculum, including the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), Cambridge International Primary Programme (CIPP), and IGCSE examinations.
Malaysian Ministry of Education: The school has been recognized with a 5-star rating for excellence in management and administration.
Accreditations
* Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) REAL International School Johor Bahru is accredited by CAIE to deliver the Cambridge curriculum, including IGCSE qualifications, recognized in over 160 countries.
* Sijil Standard Kualiti Pendidikan Swasta (SKIPS) The school's National Secondary School received the SKIPS award from the Malaysian Ministry of Education in 2024, acknowledging its adherence to quality standards in private education.
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Application Submission: Prospective students must complete the Admission Form and pay a non-refundable application fee of RM100.
2. Entrance Assessment: Applicants are required to sit for an entrance assessment to evaluate their academic proficiency.
3. Interview session: Following the assessment, an interview with the Principal or a designated staff member is conducted to assess the applicant's English language proficiency and behavioral attributes.
4. Document Submission: Applicants must provide necessary documents.
5. Admission Decision: Admission is contingent upon satisfactory performance in the assessment and interview, as well as the availability of places.
6. MOE & Immigration Documentation: The school assists in submitting necessary documents to the Ministry of Education and, for international students, provides letters to support visa applications.
Admissions
1. Book a school tour or attend an Open Day (optional but encouraged). Families can arrange to visit the Johor Bahru campus to view the facilities, observe classroom settings, and speak with school staff. Tours are typically arranged directly with the admissions team and provide a clearer understanding of the school environment.
2. Submit an application form and required documents. Families will be asked to complete a formal application form and provide relevant documents such as academic records, passport copies, birth certificate, and immunisation records. A one-time application fee of MYR 1,500 is payable at this stage.
3. Student assessment and interview. Applicants may be asked to complete a placement assessment or attend an interview, depending on the year level and prior academic background. This helps the school determine appropriate class placement and any additional support needed.
4. Offer and acceptance. Successful applicants will receive an offer letter. Upon acceptance, families must pay a registration fee (MYR 5,000), deposit (MYR 10,000), and the first term’s fees. The Admissions Office will then guide families through onboarding, uniforms, and other first-day preparations.
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
REAL International School Johor Bahru does not currently advertise academic or other scholarships on its official platforms. Fee reductions may be available through sibling discounts and promotional rebates for early or full-year payments. Families are encouraged to check directly with the school regarding any available financial incentives or temporary offers at the time of application.
Waitlist
Waitlist
If no immediate placement is available, applicants are placed on a waiting list. The school reserves the right to assign admission priorities based on its criteria.
Waitlist
REAL International School Johor Bahru does not publicly operate a pool system or formal waitlist. Admissions are generally processed on a rolling basis, subject to availability in the requested year group. In cases where classes are full, the admissions team may offer to place a student on an informal waiting list and notify families if a place becomes available.
