Brighton International School vs Havil International School

	B Brighton International School Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia	H Havil International School Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year MYR 11,100 - 23,400	Fees / year MYR 14,700 - 24,570
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 16 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils 350	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2015	Opened 2012
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
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 Havil International School is situated in the Brickfields area of Kuala Lumpur. The neighbourhood is centrally located and well connected by public transport, including easy access to KL Sentral, the city’s main transportation hub. The campus is surrounded by both residential and commercial areas, making it accessible for families living in and around the city.
Stages	Stages The school is divided into Pre-school, Primary (Lower and Upper), and Secondary (Lower and Upper) levels.	Stages The school offers Early Years, Primary (Key Stages 1–2), Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3), and Upper Secondary leading to IGCSE. Students generally enter from age 4 in Early Years and progress through to around 16 for IGCSE.
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 Havil International School is a co-educational international day school. It does not provide boarding facilities; students attend on a day-school basis only.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
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 publish a detailed SEN policy. The fee schedule mentions English remedial classes available at an additional cost, but no broader provisions for learning differences are outlined.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school follows a British curriculum although it is not affiliated with any particular country	Country affiliation The school is an independent institution with no direct affiliation to a 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 declare a 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’s office hours are published as Monday to Friday, 7:30am–4:00pm. Detailed daily timetables for students (start, end, break times) are not available on the public site.
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 No transport or school bus service details are published on the school website. Families are expected to arrange their own transport.
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 Application Fees A one-time Application Fee of MYR 300 is charged for all new students. Families also pay a Registration Fee of MYR 3,000 (non-refundable) upon acceptance. A Security Deposit of MYR 5,000 is required and is refundable subject to the school’s withdrawal policy. Tuition Fees (Per Year) Reception: MYR 14,700 Year 1 – Year 2: MYR 15,435 Year 3: MYR 17,325 Year 4: MYR 18,270 Year 5: MYR 19,215 Year 6: MYR 20,160 Year 7: MYR 21,105 Year 8: MYR 21,735 Year 9: MYR 22,680 Years 10–11 (IGCSE): MYR 24,570 (two-year programme, payable in five instalments) Tuition fees are billed termly, with three terms per academic year. Additional Fees Technology fees are charged separately at MYR 350 per term (Primary) and MYR 425 per term (Secondary). Families are also responsible for external examination fees, uniforms, English remedial classes (if required), and school trips. Refund Policy The Security Deposit is refundable upon withdrawal, provided notice is given in line with the school’s conditions. All other fees, including application, registration, and tuition, are non-refundable. Payment Options Payments are made each term. The school accepts bank transfer to its designated account, with proof of payment submitted to the finance office.
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 —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Students wear the school uniform on allocated days and sport uniform on PE days.	Uniform requirement The school requires a uniform. Uniforms are collected at enrollment.
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 —
House system	House system —	House system The school has a House System with four houses: House of Courage, House of Focus, House of Grit, and House of Willingness. The Houses foster belonging, leadership, and participation through house activities and competitions.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership The school was founded by Charlie Koh in April 2012 as a private venture. It became a Cambridge School in 2014.
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 Havil International School follows the Cambridge curriculum from Early Years through to Upper Secondary. At the Primary stage (ages 5–11), students study subjects such as English, Mandarin, Malay, Mathematics, Science, ICT, Art & Design, Music, Physical Education, and Chapel/Character Education. Lower Secondary (ages 11–14) builds on these foundations and introduces Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, Global Perspectives, and Digital Literacy. In Upper Secondary (ages 14–16), students prepare for the Cambridge IGCSE, with the school also serving as an official IGCSE Exam Centre. The curriculum is structured around Key Stages 1–4, with no Sixth Form/A-Level provision offered. This pathway enables students to progress through a consistent international framework leading to recognised Cambridge qualifications.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar View document	Academic calendar View document
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning 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 website highlights the House System, described as “Four Houses, One Family,” which provides opportunities for teamwork, leadership, and community participation. In addition, the timetable includes Chapel/Character Education, which supports the personal and moral development of students. These elements contribute to social and emotional growth, though no specific SEL programmes or dedicated staff roles are outlined.
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) The school does not publicly disclose a dedicated SEN policy or outline specific provisions for students with additional needs. The only related reference appears in the fee schedule, which lists English remedial classes as an optional, extra-cost service. There is no further detail on the types of learning needs supported or specialist staff employed. Havil International School does not state that it is a specialist SEN institution.
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 does not publicly disclose information regarding EAL. The fee schedule’s reference to remedial English classes suggests limited support may be available, but no dedicated EAL policy, programme, or staffing is published online.
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 does not publicly disclose information regarding mental wellbeing support.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Information about child protection and safeguarding policies are not publicly available.	Safeguarding The school does not publicly disclose a safeguarding or child protection policy.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
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 Havil International School uses the Cambridge international curriculum across Early Years, Primary, Lower Secondary, and Upper Secondary. The school operates as a Cambridge IGCSE Exam Centre. There is a New Secondary Campus, indicating a dedicated secondary facility. The school is located in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The school has a House System with four Houses, ONE Family.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
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 Cambridge Primary is taught for ages 5 to 11 with subjects including English, Mandarin, Art & Design, Information, Communication & Technology, Mathematics, Humanities, Malay, Physical Education, Science, Music, and Chapel / Character Education. Cambridge Secondary (Year 7-9) includes English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, Global Perspectives, Malay, Mandarin, Music, Digital Literacy, Art, Physical Education, and Chapel/Character Education. Cambridge IGCSE (Year 10-11) offers English, Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Information, Communication & Technology, Business Studies, Economics, Malay, and Mandarin. Cambridge IGCSE is administered at the school as part of its Cambridge IGCSE Exam Centre status. The Cambridge curriculum is tailored to Havil's culture and ethos, supported by a House System to develop leadership and community involvement.
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 X-tra Mile is a co-curricular program available under School Life. Chapel/Character Education is part of the Cambridge curriculum at both Primary and Secondary levels. The school emphasizes character, competence, and community as core values. The House System provides leadership opportunities and builds community engagement. Cambridge IGCSE exam preparation and related subject offerings support a broad academic program.
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 Havil International School was founded in April 2012 by Charlie Koh, who had previously worked in education in East Malaysia. The school began when an opportunity arose to establish a school in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, in a previously vacant building. In 2014, Havil became a registered Cambridge International School, allowing it to deliver the Cambridge curriculum and qualifications. The name “Havil” was chosen to reflect the idea of virtue and character, which remains a central focus of the school.
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 community is built around a House System (“Four Houses, One Family”), which plays an active role in fostering identity and teamwork across events. Community highlights include Honours Day, a cultural and performance-based celebration, and International Day, where students and families present food, culture, and traditions from different countries. The school website and newsletters feature regular updates on events, reflecting participation from students, teachers, and parents.
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 The school’s website does not provide a dedicated page or detailed description of a formal Parent Teacher Association. However, recent school updates highlight parent involvement in events such as Family Day (coordinated jointly by parents and staff) and contributions to International Day through food, cultural displays, and support. Parents are also acknowledged for roles such as photography during events and providing behind-the-scenes help. These examples show that while a structured PTA body is not described online, parents actively participate in school activities and collaborate with teachers in community events.
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 The school delivers the Cambridge International Curriculum across Early Years, Primary, and Secondary. Cambridge Primary subjects include English, Mandarin, Malay, Mathematics, Science, Art & Design, ICT, Humanities, Physical Education, Music, and Chapel/Character Education. Cambridge Secondary subjects include English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, Global Perspectives, Malay, Mandarin, Music, Digital Literacy, Art, Physical Education, and Chapel/Character Education. The school offers Cambridge IGCSE examinations and is an IGCSE Exam Centre for private candidates; it has been a Cambridge School since 2014.
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 —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Primary Mandarin is offered as an extracurricular activity to strengthen Mandarin language skills (HSK3 FUN MANDARIN).	Cultural & language —
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 Havil uses a House System with four Houses to foster learning, leadership and a sense of community.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Social Clubs form leadership committees, providing opportunities for students to lead, plan, and manage club activities.	Leadership & professional Students take on leadership roles in planning and executing school-wide events; the House System also fosters leadership and community.
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 Physical Education is included in the Cambridge Primary and Secondary curriculum, and Chapel/Character Education supports student well-being.
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 Languages taught include English, Mandarin, and Malay across Cambridge Primary and Cambridge Secondary. Cambridge Primary subjects include English, Mandarin, and Malay. In Cambridge Secondary (Year 7-9), Mandarin and Malay are language subjects alongside English. In Upper Secondary IGCSE (Year 10-11), English, Malay, and Mandarin are offered as language options (First/Second/Foreign Language).
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards There isn't information about recent institutional awards for the school.	Awards —
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 International School: Havil International School is recognised as part of the Cambridge international network, which authorises it to deliver the Cambridge curriculum and use Cambridge assessments and resources. Cambridge IGCSE Examination Centre: The school is an approved centre to host Cambridge IGCSE examinations, including for private candidates during the June exam series. This status enables the school to administer internationally recognised qualifications on-site.
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 1. Initial Enquiry Parents can make enquiries through phone, email, education fairs, or by visiting the campus. The school provides details about available year groups and explains the requirement for all students to sit an assessment before entry. Families are encouraged to arrange appointments with the admissions office to begin the process. 2. Assessment Every applicant is required to take an assessment to determine their academic placement. The assessment is scheduled in advance, and results are typically released within three to five working days. The outcome helps the school confirm the student’s readiness for the appropriate year group. 3. Offer and Acceptance If the assessment is successful, parents receive an Offer Letter along with an invoice for fees. Families are also invited to meet with school management to discuss next steps. Acceptance is secured once the registration form is completed and the initial payments are made. 4. Registration and Payment Parents must submit the completed Registration Form, pay the registration fee, security deposit, and term fees as outlined. Proof of payment is provided to the finance office to confirm enrolment. This step ensures the student’s place is officially reserved. 5. Orientation and Enrolment After registration, families collect books and uniforms, receive a student ID card, and are given the Student Handbook. The school also runs an orientation programme to familiarise new students and their families with the campus environment and expectations.
Scholarships	Scholarships Scholarship information is not publicly available.	Scholarships The school website does not provide any information on scholarships or fee remission programmes.
Waitlist	Waitlist Information about a waitlist is not publicly available.	Waitlist The school website does not mention a waitlist or pool system.
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