Cornerstone International School vs Sri Utama International School - Johor Bahru

	C Cornerstone International School Johor Bahru, Malaysia	S Sri Utama International School - Johor Bahru Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year MYR 9,600 - 17,160	Fees / year MYR 12,458 - 20,000
Age range	Age range 5 - 19 years	Age range 3 - 16 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE	Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils 220	Pupils 1,000
Typical class size	Typical class size 25	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2023	Opened 2003
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Cornerstone International School is located within City Plaza, a prominent commercial building along Jalan Tebrau. This central location places the school in the heart of the city, surrounded by various amenities, including shopping centers, eateries, and other educational institutions. The school's central location ensures connectivity via public transportation. Numerous bus routes operate along Jalan Tebrau, providing easy access to and from different parts of Johor Bahru. Additionally, the area is well-served by taxis and ride-hailing services.	Location Sri Utama International School Johor Bahru is located in the residential neighborhood of Melodies Garden, just off Jalan Rhu. The campus is situated within easy reach of the Johor Bahru city centre and is accessible via major roads such as Jalan Abdul Samad and the Tebrau Highway. The area is well-connected by car and close to key amenities including hospitals, shopping malls, and restaurants.
Stages	Stages Primary, Secondary	Stages The school is structured into three key phases: Kindergarten (ages 3–5), Primary School (Years 1–6), and Secondary School (Years 7–11). Students typically transition through these phases within the same campus, following the Cambridge International Curriculum throughout.
School type	School type Cornerstone International School is a co-educational day school. Boarding facilities are not offered.	School type It is a private co-educational day school, welcoming both boys and girls.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school does not have publicly available information on additional learning support.	Additional learning support While the school does not advertise a specialised special needs department, it provides differentiated teaching approaches and pastoral care for a range of student needs. Teachers aim to support students' academic and emotional development through classroom accommodations and individual attention, where required.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school is not affiliated with any country.	Country affiliation The school does not have a formal affiliation with any specific country.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school is not affiliated with any religion, it is a secular school.	Religious affiliation The school is not affiliated with any particular religion. However, it offers Islamic Studies as part of its curriculum for students who choose it, alongside PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) for others.
School day structure	School day structure The school does not have publicly available information on their day structure.	School day structure The school day typically begins at 8:00 AM and ends at 3:00 PM from Monday to Thursday. On Fridays, the school operates on a shorter schedule, finishing at 12:30 PM. Breaks and lunch are built into the day, though exact timings may vary by age group.
Bus service details	Bus service details Cornerstone International School operates its own fleet of well-maintained buses. Each bus is equipped with a trained attendant to supervise and ensure the safety of the children during transit.	Bus service details The school offers a bus service that circulates through local neighborhoods. Families can obtain contact details for the school’s transportation provider upon enrolment. Routes are arranged based on demand, so parents are encouraged to check whether their area is covered and coordinate directly with the bus operator.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details One-Time Enrollment Fees Diagnostic Test (Non-Refundable) - Year 1 to Year 6: MYR 200.00 Diagnostic Test (Non-Refundable) - Year 7 to Year 11: MYR 300.00 Registration Fee: MYR 1,200.00 Refundable Deposit: MYR 4,500.00 School Fees (Per Term) Reception Class (Age 4-5): MYR 2,400.00 Year 1 to Year 6: MYR 3,300.00 Year 7 to Year 8: MYR 3,960.00 Year 9 to Year 11: MYR 4,290.00 Meals - Tea and Lunch (Per Term) Reception Class (Age 4-5): MYR 450.00 Year 1 to Year 6: MYR 600.00 Year 7 to Year 11: MYR 750.00 Disclaimer: Please note that these are the published fees effective from July 2025. All fees are subject to revision at the institution's discretion.	Fee details —
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is a private international school registered with the Ministry of Education and a Cambridge examination centre since 2022.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Cornerstone International School follows the Cambridge International Curriculum from primary through to secondary levels, with a distinctive emphasis on Christian values and character education. In the primary section (Years 1 to 6), the curriculum includes English, Mathematics, Science, ICT, Global Perspectives, Art & Design and Physical Education. As students progress to secondary school (Years 7 to 11), they enter the Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme, followed by the IGCSE pathway. Subjects offered at this level include English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Business Studies, Geography, and ICT.	Curriculum details Sri Utama International School Johor Bahru follows the Cambridge International Curriculum across all stages, from Primary through Upper Secondary. In the Primary years (Years 1–6), students study English, Mathematics, Science, and other subjects based on the Cambridge Primary Framework, with assessments including the Cambridge Primary Checkpoint in Year 6. Lower Secondary (Years 7–9) continues with the Cambridge curriculum and includes another Checkpoint assessment in Year 9 for core subjects. In Upper Secondary (Years 10–11), students prepare for the Cambridge IGCSE examinations, with subjects offered including English (First Language and ESL), Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Accounting, Business Studies, Economics, Malay, and Global Perspectives. Additional subjects such as Art & Design, Music, Physical Education, and ICT are part of the broader curriculum. English is the main language of instruction, and all students also study Malay, with Islamic Studies or PSHE offered depending on student background.
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 —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Cornerstone International School integrates social and emotional learning by helping children increase their awareness and control of their feelings and reactions, as well as understanding their identity and relationships within a social environment . The school's approach includes providing manipulative toys and engaging activities that support young children's readiness skills, preparing them for academic subjects in grade school. This method aids in developing emotional regulation and social interaction skills from an early age. Additionally, Cornerstone offers a range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, art, and clubs, which help students develop new skills, build confidence, and explore their passions. These programs further enhances social and emotional competencies .	Social & emotional learning Sri Utama International School integrates social and emotional learning into its curriculum through structured Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education and Values Education programs. These lessons are timetabled across year groups and aim to develop skills such as self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation. Teachers also act as homeroom mentors, fostering supportive relationships and monitoring students' personal development. The school encourages open communication between students, staff, and families, and uses a student-centred pastoral care model. SEL is reinforced through daily classroom interactions and school-wide behavior expectations that promote mutual respect and responsibility.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The schools doe not offer any specialized programme for SEN.	Special educational needs (SEN) Sri Utama is not a specialist SEN institution.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school does not have publicly available information on EAL.	English as an additional language The school provides structured support for students who speak English as an additional language through its English as a Second Language (ESL) program, offered from early years through to IGCSE. ESL is a timetabled subject for all students, recognizing that most learners at the school speak English as a second or third language. At IGCSE level, students can also opt for English as a Second Language as an official examination subject. Language acquisition is supported by classroom teachers and ESL specialists using targeted instruction and scaffolding techniques. Additional reading and speaking initiatives, such as the “Sri Utama Readers” and “Communication” program, are offered at younger levels to build confidence.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The school does not have publicly available information.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported through the school’s pastoral care framework, which includes homeroom teacher relationships, Values Education, and PSHE sessions. Teachers monitor student behavior and emotional development in class and refer students for additional support if needed. The school promotes open communication and family partnerships as part of its wellbeing approach. Activities that encourage teamwork, self-expression, and reflection are embedded into the school’s academic and co-curricular programs. There is no mention of a school counsellor or in-house mental health professional in the current materials.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school does not have publicly available information on their safeguarding policy.	Safeguarding Sri Utama implements a range of safeguarding measures to ensure student safety, including 24-hour on-campus security and CCTV monitoring in all areas. Access to school premises is controlled, and students are supervised during school hours and activities. While specific policies on child protection are not published in the prospectus, safeguarding is embedded in the school’s broader pastoral and behavioral expectations. Staff are expected to maintain a safe and respectful environment, and students are encouraged to report concerns to trusted adults. Families are included in safety communications through regular updates and meetings.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school is located at Level 22, City Plaza, Jalan Tebrau, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Takzim. The campus includes a 4,000-square-foot library that is used for reading, relaxation and learning. A Level 22 arrival and meal space exists. Computer labs support coding and basic IT skills. There is a primary science laboratory for hands-on experiments. The sports facility is located on Level 3A of City Plaza and includes two futsal courts and one basketball court.	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The sports facility is located on Level 3A of City Plaza. It includes two futsal courts and one basketball court.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Stage 1 (Year 1–6) includes English, Math, Bahasa Malaysia (BM), Science, Chinese, Social Studies and ICT. Stage 2 (Year 7–8) includes English, Math, BM, Combined Science, Chinese, Geography and Global Perspectives. Stage 3 (Year 9–11) offers a Science Stream with Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Additional Math, or a Humanities Stream with Geography, Accounting, Economics and Business Studies, plus electives. The Cambridge Pathway provides progression from Cambridge Primary (ages 5–11) to Cambridge Lower Secondary (11–14) to Cambridge Upper Secondary (14–16) with Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge O Level options. The campus includes a 4,000-square-foot library, computer labs and a primary science laboratory.	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Extracurricular activities include Leadership & Character Development and Life Skills, with additional ECAs offered.	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Cornerstone International School began its journey in August 2008, initially accepting only preschoolers. By 2010, the school expanded to cater to primary-level students aged 6 to 13. The school offers an English-medium education from Year 1 to Year 11, preparing students for the internationally recognized Cambridge IGCSE examinations. The school's curriculum emphasizes the development of the three basic skills: Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic (3Rs), and incorporates technology to complement learning and research. Cornerstone International School is dedicated to helping pupils develop to their full potential, with a strong emphasis on character building and moral values . In June 2023, the school celebrated the grand opening of its new auditorium on the 23rd floor, marking a significant milestone in its development .	History Sri Utama Schools were established in 1993 by a private Malaysian education group with the aim of offering international-standard schooling within a local context. Initially founded in Kuala Lumpur, the school expanded over time to include campuses in Johor Bahru and Kuala Terengganu. The organization has maintained consistent leadership and operates under a unified administrative structure across all campuses. Over the past three decades, it has gradually developed its academic programs to align with the Cambridge International Curriculum while continuing to integrate national education components where applicable.
Community	Community Cornerstone International School emphasizes community engagement through firstly, parental Involvement. The school encourages strong partnerships with parents, recognizing that collaboration between educators and families is crucial for student success. Secondly, extracurricular engagement. A variety of clubs and activities are available, allowing students to explore interests, develop talents, and build a sense of community within the school.	Community The school community includes a mix of Malaysian and international students from various cultural backgrounds. Community life features regular celebrations of national and religious holidays such as Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, and Deepavali. Students and staff also participate in assemblies, themed cultural days, and school-organized performances. These events are intended to build cross-cultural understanding and foster inclusivity.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school does not have a PTA.	Parent teacher association Sri Utama Schools maintain an active PTA that plays a collaborative role in supporting school-wide initiatives and fostering engagement between parents and faculty. The PTA regularly helps coordinate festive events such as annual sports days, Hari Raya celebrations, and year-end concerts. In some years, parents have contributed to planning field trips and hosting international food fairs or cultural days. The PTA also provides feedback to school leadership on administrative issues and supports fundraising for student welfare projects. Meetings are held periodically to discuss academic developments and campus updates. Participation is open to all parents, and involvement levels vary by campus and year.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school offers the Cambridge Pathway from primary through upper secondary, including Cambridge Primary (Year 1–6), Cambridge Lower Secondary (Year 7–8), and Cambridge Upper Secondary (Year 9–11). Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge O Level options are available in upper secondary. The school is a Cambridge examination centre since 2022. English is the medium of instruction for all subjects, with Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin taught as language subjects.	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Arts and Music are included as part of the curriculum, with Art & Craft and Music listed among the other subjects. The program supports arts and creative expression through these subjects.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language English is the language of instruction; Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin are taught as language subjects. English is used in school at all times except during language classes, and Bahasa Malaysia is encouraged on Wednesdays.	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Extracurricular activities include Leadership & Character Development and Life Skills as part of ECAs, with many additional options available.	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service Wholistic education is emphasized, with exposure to arts, social issues, and the development of character as part of the student experience.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Leadership development is integrated through ECAs such as Leadership & Character Development. Dedicated teaching staff support students, and there is a partnership with parents to foster student growth.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Class sizes are capped at 25 pupils to support close teacher–student interaction. The school provides a 4,000-square-foot library for study and relaxation, computer labs for coding and IT skills, and sports facilities that include two futsal courts and one basketball court. Wholistic education underpins daily life at the school.	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Languages taught include English as the medium of instruction; Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, and Chinese are offered as language subjects. BM is encouraged on Wednesdays and during language classes. The Cambridge Pathway is used, with Cambridge Primary (ages 5–11), Lower Secondary (ages 11–14), and Upper Secondary (ages 14–16), offering Cambridge IGCSE or Cambridge O Level options and supporting education from age 5 to 19.	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching English is the language of instruction for all subjects; Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin are taught as language subjects. English must be spoken in school at all times except during language classes, and Wednesdays are when BM is encouraged.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards The school does not have publicly available information on awards.	Awards As of the latest available school prospectus and official materials, no specific awards have been listed for Sri Utama Schools in the past five years.
Accreditations	Accreditations The school is registered with the Ministry of Education Malaysia.	Accreditations Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE): Sri Utama Schools are accredited by CAIE to offer the Cambridge Primary, Lower Secondary, and IGCSE programmes. This accreditation allows the school to administer Cambridge curriculum assessments that are recognised by universities and employers worldwide. Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE): The school is registered with the Malaysian Ministry of Education, authorising it to operate legally as a private and international school within the national education framework.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Application Form Submission. Parents are required to complete the application form and submit it along with supporting documents, which typically include: Two recent passport-sized photographs A copy of the child’s birth certificate Relevant identification documents Previous academic records (where applicable) 2. Diagnostic Test & Parent Interview. As part of the admissions evaluation, the student is given a diagnostic test to assess academic proficiency. In addition, an interview with the parents is conducted. 3. Admission Decision. Based on the outcomes of the test and interview, the school will decide whether to offer a placement. 4. Enrollment. Upon receiving an offer, enrollment is completed through payment of the required admission and deposit fees.	Admissions 1. Attend an Open Day or School Tour Families are encouraged to attend an open house or book a private school tour. These sessions give a first-hand look at the classrooms, facilities, and daily routines. It’s also a chance to meet with academic staff and ask questions relevant to your child’s level. 2. Complete the Application Form Once you've decided to proceed, you'll need to fill out the application form provided by the admissions office. Required documents typically include your child’s birth certificate, passport-sized photos, academic transcripts (if applicable), and immunisation records. Some age levels may require additional forms or reports. 3. Schedule a Placement Assessment Depending on the year group, applicants may be asked to complete a basic placement test in English and Mathematics. This is used to determine appropriate class placement and assess support needs. Younger children may have informal classroom observations instead. 4. Attend a Family Interview After the assessment, families are invited for an interview with the admissions team or school principal. This step helps ensure a good fit between the family and the school community. It’s also a chance to discuss school expectations and ask any final questions. 6. Offer of Admission and Fee Payment If your child is accepted, a formal offer letter is issued along with the school’s terms and conditions. To secure the place, a registration fee and refundable deposit must be paid by the specified deadline. Further orientation or transition arrangements may then be shared by the admissions team.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships There is no mention in the current school prospectus or public sources of a formal scholarship program for Sri Utama Schools. At this time, the school does not appear to offer academic or talent-based scholarships, but there is a siblings discount.
Waitlist	Waitlist There is no waitlist for the school.	Waitlist Sri Utama Schools do not operate a formal pooled admissions system. However, for year groups that are fully enrolled, families may be placed on a waitlist. Placement from the waitlist is offered on a rolling basis if spaces become available, and priority may be given to siblings of current students or based on the date of application submission.
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