Brighton International School vs Global Modern International School
Brighton International School and Global Modern International School are both in Kuala Lumpur, about 22 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels programmes, and Brighton International School also offers Bespoke. Published annual fees are MYR 11,100 - 23,400 at Brighton International School and MYR 11,500 - 18,000 at Global Modern International School, which puts Brighton International School roughly 17% higher. Brighton International School takes pupils from 4 to 18, and Global Modern International School from 3 to 18. The two are similar in size, at around 350 and 400 pupils. Both keep typical class sizes around 20.
Bespoke Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Curriculum
Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils
Pupils
350
Pupils
400
Typical class size
Typical class size
20
Typical class size
20
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2015
Opened
2016
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
The school is situated just ten minutes from downtown Kuala Lumpur, within the established Taman Setiawangsa neighbourhood. It benefits from access to Kuala Lumpur's public transport system, including buses and the LRT (Line 5), making travel within the city straightforward.
Location
The school is located in Country Heights, a suburban residential area in Kajang, which is situated south of Kuala Lumpur. The school's location offers a quieter environment away from the city center, while still being accessible via major highways.
Stages
Stages
The school is divided into Pre-school, Primary (Lower and Upper), and Secondary (Lower and Upper) levels.
Stages
The school is structured into three main levels; Kindergarten, Primary school, and Secondary school.
School type
School type
Brighton International School is a co-educational institution. The school also offers boarding facilities, which are exclusively available to international students and those from outside the local area. These facilities provide modern amenities and are supervised by live-in House Masters, with 24/7 security.
School type
GIS is a co-educational day and boarding school. It offers boarding facilities for students who require accommodation.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
BIS provides an English Enhancement Program (BEEP) for students who require additional English language support to succeed in their English-based curriculum. Beyond language support, the school aims to provide an inclusive learning environment and targets areas of learning that require extra support through continuous assessment.
Additional learning support
The school does not have a dedicated program for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN).
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school follows a British curriculum although it is not affiliated with any particular country
Country affiliation
The school does not have a formal affiliation with any particular country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
Brighton International School has no religious affiliation. It is a non-denominational school that welcomes students from all religions and faiths.
Religious affiliation
The school does not have a specific religious affiliation.
School day structure
School day structure
For Pre-school students, the school day runs from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM from Monday to Thursday, and from 8:00 AM to 12:10 PM on Fridays.
Primary students (Year 1 to Year 6) attend from 8:00 AM to 3:10 PM from Monday to Thursday, and from 8:00 AM to 12:10 PM on Fridays.
Secondary students (Year 7 to Year 13) have a slightly earlier start at 7:55 AM, finishing at 3:25 PM from Monday to Thursday, and at 1:00 PM on Fridays.
School day structure
The school day starts at 8:30 AM and finishes at 2:30 PM.
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school offers a bus service for its students, which is operated and managed by the school itself. The buses are air-conditioned, equipped with CCTV for safety, and have seat belts. Prefects are assigned to buses to help avoid incidents, and the service is supervised by school staff. The service is currently limited to the Klang Valley area.
Bus service details
The school offers a school bus service for its students. Details regarding the bus routes, provider, and fees have not been made publicly available.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Entry Fees -Application Fee: RM 500 (non-refundable, one-time payment upon application submission) -Registration Fee: RM 2,500 (Years 1-13, non-refundable, payable upon receiving offer letter) -Security Deposit: Equivalent to 1 term's tuition fee (refundable with one full academic term's written notice)
Annual Tuition Fees
Pre-School -Pre-School 1: RM 11,100 per year (RM 3,700 per term) -Pre-School 2: RM 11,100 per year (RM 3,700 per term)
Primary School -Grades 1-3: RM 17,400 per year (RM 5,800 per term) -Grades 4-6: RM 19,500 per year (RM 6,500 per term)
Secondary School -Grades 7-9: RM 21,300 per year (RM 7,100 per term) -Grades 10-11: RM 23,400 per year (RM 7,800 per term)
A-Levels Programme -A-Levels (2-year programme): RM 35,200 total (RM 8,800 per term over 4 terms) -Lab Fees: RM 300 per subject per term (additional cost)
Payment Structure -Tuition fees are split into 3 equal terms per academic year -A-Levels programme runs over 4 terms across 2 years -Security deposit required equivalent to one term's tuition fee -Additional lab fees apply for A-Level subjects
Fee details
One-Time Fees * Application Fee: RM 1,500
Tuition Fees Kindergarten * Fee Per Year: RM 12,500
Years 1-3: * Fee Per Year: RM 15,500
Years 4-6: * Fee Per Year: RM 16,500
Years 7-9 * Fee Per Year: RM 18,000
Years 10-11 * Fee Per Year: RM 19,250
Year 12+ * Fee Per Term: RM 22,000
Technology Fees * K-Year 9: RM 1,000 * Years 10 & 11: RM 1,250 * Years 12+: RM 1,500
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
A boarding facility is exclusive to BIS students from abroad and out-of-state. A live-in House Master oversees welfare, supported by round-the-clock security to maintain discipline and a harmonious community. The accommodation features air-conditioned bedrooms, bathrooms with water heaters, a dining area, a big living hall, an individual study area, twin-sharing rooms, full bedding with wardrobe, high-speed Internet, and 24/7 CCTV and security services.
Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
Students wear the school uniform on allocated days and sport uniform on PE days.
Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
The campus has a Cafeteria where meals are prepared in a fully equipped kitchen and served for breakfast and lunch, delivering fresh, nutritious meals.
Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
GMIS is governed by a Chairman and led by Principal Madam Shaima Salem Abdullah; the management allocates resources to achieve the school's long-term objectives and supports Cambridge curriculum delivery.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Brighton International School delivers a curriculum based on the internationally recognized Cambridge Curriculum, rooted in the UK National Curriculum.
For the Early Years (ages 3-5), the focus is on communication, cooperation, and stimulating intellectual development through play-based learning, preparing children for the educational environment.
In Key Stage 1 (Grades 1-3), the program continues with the UK National Curriculum, with subjects including Mathematics, Science, English as a First Language, Languages, Computer, History, Geography, Physical Education, Arts & Craft, and Music. As students progress, the curriculum expands to include Information & Communication Technology for Key Stage 2. For Malaysian students, Bahasa Malaysia, Islamic Studies, and Local Studies are also offered.
At the IGCSE level (Years 9-11), students choose from a range of subjects like English Language and Literature, Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Mathematics, Business Studies, Economics, and various electives. In Years 12 and 13, students typically sit for AS-Level and A-Level examinations, choosing up to four subjects from a wide array of options including Mathematics, Sciences, English Literature, Humanities, and Arts.
Curriculum details
The school offers a curriculum based on the Cambridge Assessment International Education pathway. The educational journey begins with the Early Years program, which focuses on learning through play and exploration. Following this, students in the primary school section undertake the Cambridge Primary curriculum, covering Key Stages 1 and 2.
As students move into the secondary school, they begin with the Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum for Key Stage 3. In the final years of secondary education, students prepare for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations. Upon successful completion of the IGCSEs, students can continue into the AS and A-Level programs, which provide internationally recognized qualifications for university entrance.
BIS supports the social and emotional development of its students through its educational philosophy and curriculum. In the Pre-school program, there is a focus on physical, mental, moral, emotional, and social development, recognizing the importance of foundational well-being. The school emphasizes nurturing future leaders through a holistic approach, instilling core values such as respect, integrity, and lifelong learning to guide students' personal and academic growth. This commitment to values forms the basis of a supportive and inclusive school community.
Social & emotional learning
The school emphasizes a holistic approach to education, focusing on the intellectual, social, and emotional development of each student. The school aims to create a supportive and safe environment where children feel comfortable and happy, which they believe is conducive to learning. They focus on the development of the whole student, encouraging personal growth, emotional well-being, and social responsibility. The school's mission is to provide student care in a respectful and inclusive environment.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
BIS is not a specialist Special Educational Needs institution. However, it believes in inclusive education, aiming for children with special needs to learn alongside their typically developing peers in the same classroom, participating in school activities and receiving quality education with certain support and modifications. While the school states it has a "Head of Learning Support" to help identify needs, it also indicates it does not have the resources to deal with more substantial learning difficulties.
Special educational needs (SEN)
GMIS is not a specialist SEN institution. The school does not have dedicated staff or specific programs for students with special learning needs.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
The school offers dedicated support for students with English as an Additional Language (EAL) requirements through its Brighton English Enhancement Program (BEEP). This program is designed to assist incoming English Language Learners (ELLs) who may initially face challenges with an English-based curriculum. ESL specialists provide targeted, and often one-on-one, lessons to help students quickly acquire the necessary language skills, enabling them to adjust and succeed in their regular classes.
English as an additional language
The school offers support for students for whom English is an additional language. The school has a specially designed program to help improve students' English language proficiency. This is particularly beneficial for students transitioning from educational systems where English is not the primary language of instruction. This program aims to help students adapt to the Cambridge curriculum and fully participate in all aspects of school life.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
The school emphasizes the holistic development of its students, which includes their mental and emotional well-being. The school's philosophy highlights nurturing future leaders by instilling values such as respect, integrity, and lifelong learning, aiming to guide students' personal growth.
Mental wellbeing
The school aims to foster a positive and supportive environment where students feel happy, comfortable, and safe. The school's approach to education includes a focus on the holistic development of each student, which encompasses their emotional well-being and personal growth. The school's leadership emphasizes creating a sense of community and belonging for every student.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
Information about child protection and safeguarding policies are not publicly available.
Safeguarding
Information about a specific policy regarding safeguarding is not publicly available.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
The school is located in Kuala Lumpur, in the Setiawangsa area, with a city campus concept that provides modern facilities for a conducive learning environment. Uniforms are required on allocated days and accommodations are available for BIS students from abroad and out-of-state, with a live-in House Master and 24/7 security. Accommodation features include air-conditioned bedrooms, bathrooms with water heaters, a dining area, a large living hall, an individual study area, twin sharing, full bedding, high-speed internet, and CCTV. The Home Economics lab is part of the Creativity Corner on the Third Floor, near Art and Music studios, and two fully equipped science labs on the third floor include a physics lab and a chemistry/biology lab. The Media Center on the Second Floor near the Library provides space for multimedia, journalism and design.
Facilities overview
GMIS serves students from Kindergarten through Cambridge Primary and Secondary, delivering the Cambridge curriculum (IGCSE) and the Australian Matriculation Programme (AUSMAT). The Kindergarten environment is conducive, safe, and attractive, supporting early learning. Online classes are available for Grade 1–12, enabling hybrid learning. The school emphasizes enquiry-based, discovery-focused learning across age groups and offers enrichment programs.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
Sports activities include Summer Sports Adventure, featuring volleyball, football, basketball, badminton, and hiking.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
Academic facilities include two science labs on the third floor, one dedicated to physics and the other to chemistry and biology. The Media Center on the Second Floor, near the Library, supports multimedia, journalism and graphic design.
Academic facilities
GMIS follows Cambridge Upper Secondary (IGCSE) with compulsory subjects (English Language, English as a Second Language, Mathematics and ICT) and elective subjects such as Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Business, among others. AUSMAT is also offered as a pre-university pathway. Cambridge Primary and Lower Secondary are part of the curriculum. English is taught as a first language, with Arabic, French, Bahasa Melayu, Mandarin, and Urdu available as additional languages. Online Classes cover Grades 1–12 for hybrid learning.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
The school offers extracurricular programs including Global Perspectives, Bright Leader Program, Social Clubs, and Technology and Arts Centres.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra-curricular offerings include Summer Camp; Booster English Program (grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, writing skills, speaking abilities); Summer Sports Adventure (volleyball, football, basketball, badminton, hiking); Epic Summer Challenge (English writing, sports, art & crafts or mathematics, robotics); and Speak Something New (Malay, Arabic, French, or Mandarin).
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Brighton International School was established in 2015. It was founded with the aim of providing quality international education in Kuala Lumpur.
History
Global Modern International School was established in 2016 and has since been committed to providing high-quality education.
Community
Community
The school fosters an active community through a variety of planned events and social clubs. Community events include a "Multicultural Day," "Arts Festival," "Fun Run," "Olympics," "Earth Day," "STEM Field Trips," and "Leadership Camp." Beyond these, students can participate in social clubs, many of which are student-led with faculty oversight, offering opportunities for leadership, collaboration, and peer-centered activities like Taekwondo, Sports & Fitness, Cooking, Dance, Choir, Painting, and Computer Clubs for primary students, and Journalism & Multimedia Club for secondary students. Through these initiatives, the school encourages social responsibility and community engagement.
Community
The school has a diverse community with students from various countries. GMIS values this diversity and believes in creating collaborative partnerships with students, parents, teachers, and staff. The school encourages students to engage in a variety of non-academic activities including sports, arts, community service, and leadership roles.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
BIS has an active PTA to increase parental involvement in school events and campaigns. The PTA aims to work collaboratively with the school to enhance quality education, encourage community involvement, and ensure a healthy and safe school environment. This platform serves as a forum for parent representatives and school management to discuss strategies for promoting children's growth and welfare.
Parent teacher association
GMIS emphasizes a strong partnership between parents and the school, although there is no mention of a formal Parent Association. The school believes in open communication and regular engagement with parents to ensure students' progress. Parents are kept informed and involved through various means, and the school has a welcoming approach to parental involvement in the school community.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
Debating and public speaking are offered as an extracurricular activity for students of all grades, emphasizing communication, critical thinking, and presentation skills. Educational trips are organized regularly to complement classroom learning and expose students to Kuala Lumpur's cultural opportunities. These experiences foster inquiry, discussion, and engagement with real-world contexts.
Academic & intellectual
GMIS uses an enquiry-based and discovery-focused approach that centers on student-led learning. The Cambridge curriculum is offered from Kindergarten through secondary levels, with IGCSE and AUSMAT options available at the upper levels. Cambridge Primary covers English (1st language), Mathematics, Science, ICT, Geography, Arabic or French Language, Islamiyat, Bahasa Melayu, Art, Music, and Physical Education. In Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary, learning is delivered through Active Learning and students are encouraged to participate in class and in extracurricular activities.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Fine Arts and Visual Art programs offer opportunities to explore materials and media, develop confidence, and express ideas. Performing arts options include Pop Band and Ballet, with teaching approaches such as Kodaly, Dalcroze Eurhythmy, and Orff methods in music. These activities aim to develop musical, artistic, and collaborative skills.
Arts & creative
Art and Music are core elements of the Cambridge Primary curriculum. The Cambridge program integrates Art and Music across grade levels. Epic Summer Challenge includes Art & Crafts as a component of enrichment.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
Primary Mandarin is offered as an extracurricular activity to strengthen Mandarin language skills (HSK3 FUN MANDARIN).
Cultural & language
Arabic and French are offered in Cambridge Primary. In Upper Secondary, the curriculum includes Foreign Language options such as Arabic, Bahasa Melayu, Mandarin, and Urdu. The Speak Something New program offers Malay, Arabic, French, or Mandarin during language sessions.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Brighton's Social Club program is student-led and overseen by a faculty member. Primary clubs include Taekwondo, Sports & Fitness, Cooking, Dance, Choir, Painting, Game and Computer Clubs. Secondary clubs include Cooking, Sport & Fitness, Dance, Football, Design, Painting, Guitar, and the Journalism and Multimedia Club.
Social & hobbies
Summer Camp programs include Booster English, Summer Sports Adventure (volleyball, football, basketball, badminton, hiking), and Epic Summer Challenge (English writing, sports, art & crafts or mathematics – robotics). There are regular school events such as Sport Day that promote physical activity and teamwork.
Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Social Clubs form leadership committees, providing opportunities for students to lead, plan, and manage club activities.
Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
A wide range of sports is offered through the extra-curricular program, including football, basketball, track and field, badminton and volleyball. These sports activities are held at SkyArena Sports Complex.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Open Enrollment emphasizes that children learn best when they are happy, comfortable, free and safe. The school emphasizes holistic development, including personal growth, emotional well-being, and social responsibility. Cambridge curriculum includes Art, Music, and Physical Education as part of the core primary program. Open enrollment and wellbeing-focused statements appear in the school materials.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Cambridge Curriculum with Cambridge IGCSE and A-Levels offered. IGCSE subjects include English Language and Literature and English as a Second Language, with Math and English designated as the two core IGCSE subjects.
Language provision
GMIS uses Cambridge curricula across kindergarten through Cambridge Upper Secondary (IGCSE) and AUSMAT for senior secondary. English is the first language of instruction in Cambridge Primary, with Arabic and French taught as language subjects and Bahasa Melayu included in the core curriculum. In Cambridge Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary, English is taught as a language (1st/2nd language), with foreign language options including Arabic, Bahasa Melayu, Mandarin, and Urdu. AUSMAT offers senior secondary with five subjects, including four ATAR-based subjects, graded by 50% school-based assessment and 50% external examinations.
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
There isn't information about recent institutional awards for the school.
Awards
Information about any institutional awards have not been disclosed publicly.
Accreditations
Accreditations
Cambridge International Examination. This accreditation signifies that the school is an authorized centre for delivering the Cambridge curriculum and conducting its examinations, such as the IGCSE and A-Levels. This ensures that the school adheres to Cambridge's globally recognized standards for education and assessment.
Accreditations
Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE): This accreditation signifies that the school is authorised to offer Cambridge curriculum and qualifications, such as the IGCSE and A-Levels, which are recognised by universities and employers worldwide.
Malaysian Ministry of Education (MOE): This license confirms that the school complies with the national standards and regulations for private educational institutions in Malaysia.
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Submit the Application and Documents. A completed application form, along with a copy of the applicant's birth certificate/IC/passport, a copy of the most recent school report card, and a non-refundable application fee of RM500, must be submitted.
Assessment Test and Interview. Once the application and documents are received, the admissions department will review them. A representative will then contact parents to arrange an Assessment Test for the student, which may be administered online under special circumstances. A personal interview with the student may also be required. These steps help determine the candidate's suitability.
Receive an Offer of Admission. After the assessment results are reviewed, the school will inform parents of its decision. An Offer of Admission, outlining the terms and conditions, will be extended. Upon acceptance, a Welcome Kit will be provided with further matriculation details.
Admissions
Arrange a school tour. Following your initial contact, the admissions team can arrange a visit for you and your child to see the campus and its facilities. This is a good opportunity to meet with staff and get a feel for the school environment.
Submit the application form and documents. You will need to complete the school's registration form and provide supporting documents. A one-time, non-refundable registration fee is also payable at this stage.
Complete the assessment test. The school conducts an assessment to understand your child's current academic level and ensure they are placed in the correct year group. The assessment covers English, Mathematics, and Science. This can be arranged to be completed on campus or potentially online for overseas applicants.
Receive an offer and confirm admission. If the assessment is successful and there is a place available, the school will send you an official Offer Letter. To accept the place, you will need to sign and return the letter and pay the required admission and deposit fees by the specified deadline to secure your child's spot.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Scholarship information is not publicly available.
Scholarships
The school does not currently advertise any scholarship programs.
Waitlist
Waitlist
Information about a waitlist is not publicly available.
Waitlist
Information regarding a waitlist system are not publicly disclosed on the school's website.