Excelsior International School vs R.E.A.L Schools - Johor Bahru

	E Excelsior International School Johor Bahru, Malaysia	R R.E.A.L Schools - Johor Bahru Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year MYR 25,800 - 64,000	Fees / year MYR 13,020 - 28,450
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 16 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE	Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 500
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened 2008
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location —	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 —	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 —	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 —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	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 —	Country affiliation The school does not have a formal affiliation with any particular country.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation The school has no religious affiliation and operates as a secular institution.
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure 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 —	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 Application & registration fees - Registration fee: RM 1,000 (payable to obtain the enrolment package). - Enrolment (acceptance) fee by year group (one‑off, non‑refundable): - Nursery – Kindergarten 2: RM 2,500. - Grade 1 – 3: RM 3,500. - Grade 4 – 5: RM 4,500. - Grade 6 – 8: RM 5,500. - Grade 9 – 10: RM 6,500. - Grade 11 – 12: RM 7,500. Tuition fees — annual (by year group) - Nursery / Kindergarten 1 / Kindergarten 2: RM 25,800 per year. - Grade 1 – Grade 3: RM 35,000 per year. - Grade 4 – Grade 5: RM 40,500 per year. - Grade 6 – Grade 8: RM 46,750 per year. - Grade 9 – Grade 10: RM 53,000 per year. - Grade 11 – Grade 12 (IB/Pre‑university years): RM 64,000 per year. Per‑term tuition (school operates two academic terms; per‑term amounts shown are the annual tuition divided by two) - Nursery / KG1 / KG2: RM 12,900 per term. - Grade 1 – 3: RM 17,500 per term. - Grade 4 – 5: RM 20,250 per term. - Grade 6 – 8: RM 23,375 per term. - Grade 9 – 10: RM 26,500 per term. - Grade 11 – 12: RM 32,000 per term. Billing schedule & payment terms - Tuition is set and published as an annual amount and is billed on the school's academic cycle; per‑term invoices follow the school's term structure (the school operates a two‑term academic year). - Registration fee is payable to obtain the enrolment package; the enrolment (acceptance) fee is payable on acceptance of the offer and is non‑refundable. - Security deposit: an amount equal to 20% of the annual tuition, payable as a deposit. The security deposit is refundable when the student leaves provided at least one term's written notice of withdrawal is given; refund is subject to deductions for damage or outstanding charges. - Resource / stationery / meal charges and other annual ancillary charges are invoiced separately from base tuition and are payable according to the school's billing schedule. Specific ancillary charges (examples listed below) are billed in addition to tuition. Boarding fees (where applicable) - Boarding is offered on campus. Indicative boarding charge quoted in local school listings: RM 26,000 per year (boarding charged in addition to tuition). Other costs and recurring charges - Meal fee (Early Years): RM 1,750 per year (applies to Nursery, KG1 and KG2 as an annual charge; older students use a pay‑as‑you‑consume system using a student ID card deposit). - Stationery & resource / resource fee (annual, by year group): - Nursery – KG2: RM 500 (stationery/resource) — (school listing). - Grade 1 – 5: from RM 600. - Grade 6 – 8: from RM 650. - Grade 9 – 10: from RM 700. - Grade 11 – 12: from RM 850. - Additional resource charges (listed on some school summaries) may include textbook rental, laboratory/ICT fees, examination fees (IGCSE/IB) and optional yearbook/graduation charges; these are additional to tuition and ancillary charges. Examination and external assessment fees (IGCSE, IB) are not included in tuition. Refund information - Registration and enrolment (acceptance) fees are stated as non‑refundable. - Security deposit is refundable subject to the condition that at least one term's written notice of withdrawal is given and after deductions (if any) for damage or outstanding charges. Fee payment options - Meal payments for Early Years and pay‑as‑you‑consume catering for older students are handled via funds deposited to the student ID card system. - The school issues invoices and manages fee collection through its finance office and the school's published billing cycle; parents should use the school's published payment channels when settling registration, enrolment, deposit and tuition invoices. Notes on extra / conditional charges - Additional charges may apply for special programmes, learning support/EAL, external examination entries (IGCSE/IB), optional co‑curricular activities, school transport and medical/insurance for international students. These charges are billed separately from base tuition.	Fee details One-Time Fees (New Applicants) * Application Fee: MYR 1,500 * Registration Fee: MYR 5,000 * Refundable Deposit: MYR 10,000 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 —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	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 —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	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 —	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.
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 View document
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	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) —	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 —	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 —	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 —	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.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy View document
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview 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 —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	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 —	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 —	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 —	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 —	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 —	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 —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	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 —	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 —	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 —	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 —	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 —	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 —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	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 —	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 —	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 —	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 —	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.
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