Global Modern International School vs St. Marian's

	G Global Modern International School Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia	St. Marian's Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year MYR 11,500 - 18,000	Fees / year MYR 14,400 - 24,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 17 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Singapore Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 400	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 15
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2016	Opened 2016
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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.	Location St. Marian's Home School is located at No. 4, Lorong Dungun, Bukit Damansara, a quiet and affluent residential suburb of Kuala Lumpur. The campus is situated near the Semantan MRT station, offering convenient access for families living in the city center or nearby neighborhoods like Bangsar and Sri Hartamas.
Stages	Stages The school is structured into three main levels; Kindergarten, Primary school, and Secondary school.	Stages The school accepts students from ages 4 to 17, covering the entire educational journey from Pre-Primary through to Secondary school. The structure includes Early Years (Ages 4–5), Primary (Year 1–6), Lower Secondary (Year 7–9), and Upper Secondary (Year 10–11).
School type	School type GIS is a co-educational day and boarding school. It offers boarding facilities for students who require accommodation.	School type St. Marian's is a co-educational day school (homeschool center) that operates without a boarding facility. Notably, the school does not require a uniform, fostering a more relaxed environment where students are grouped by ability in specific subjects rather than strictly by age.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix 80% local 20% expats/foreigners
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school does not have a dedicated program for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN).	Additional learning support The school supports students with Additional Learning Needs (SEN) on a case-by-case basis, assessing each child individually to determine if they can be accommodated.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school does not have a formal affiliation with any particular country.	Country affiliation The school follows a hybrid international model, utilizing the British Cambridge curriculum for most subjects while adopting the Singapore Education syllabus specifically for Mathematics and Science.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school does not have a specific religious affiliation.	Religious affiliation The school has no religious affiliations.
School day structure	School day structure The school day starts at 8:30 AM and finishes at 2:30 PM.	School day structure The school follows the National school calendar for its academic terms. While specific start and end times are not listed on the website, the daily schedule includes two breaks of 30 minutes each.
Bus service details	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.	Bus service details The school does not mention a dedicated bus service on its website. Parents typically arrange their own transport, taking advantage of the school's location near the Semantan MRT station.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	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	Fee details Tuition fees: Early years : RM14,400 per year KS 1 (Grade 1 & 2) : 17,400 per year KS 2 (Grade 3-6) : RM18,000 per year KS 3 (Grade 7-9) : RM21,600 per year KS 4 (Grade 10 & 11) : RM24, 000 per year Additional costs: Registration fees, personal accident insurance, materials / events, books, ECA
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement St. Marian's requires students to wear their STM Tshirt daily
Food options	Food options —	Food options The school operates a small in-house cafe where students can purchase food and drinks. The available options include basic snacks such as burgers, hot dogs, and packed nasi lemak.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	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.	Governance and ownership The school is owned and operated by St. Marian's Scholars Sdn Bhd, a private limited company registered in Malaysia. The institution was founded by Priya Michael, who currently serves as the Principal.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	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.	Curriculum details St. Marian’s utilizes a hybrid curriculum that blends the Cambridge International framework with the Singapore syllabus, the latter being dedicated specifically to Mathematics and Science. Primary students (Years 1–6) focus on core literacy and numeracy skills alongside subjects like History, Geography, and ICT, with progress monitored through internal assessments rather than external Checkpoint exams. In the Secondary stage (Years 7–11), the program expands to offer pure sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Business Studies, Economics, and Sociology, ultimately preparing students for Cambridge IGCSE examinations. The academic offering is further supported by a focus on STEM-based learning and coding. Additionally, the school provides language instruction in English, Malay, and Mandarin to broaden students' communication skills.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio 15:1
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression Post-IGCSE Guidance St. Marian’s offers a dedicated "St. Marian's Study Abroad" service to assist students in navigating their educational pathways after completing their IGCSE or SPM examinations. Expert counselors work closely with families to identify suitable pre-university, diploma, bachelor’s and pathway programs based on the student's academic goals and budget.
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 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.	Social & emotional learning The school emphasizes a holistic interaction between teachers and students, viewing itself as a center for developing children into "responsible mature adults" rather than just a teaching institution. They strive to provide a "positive" and "comfortable environment" where students are encouraged to be vocal and inquisitive. Additionally, the school conducts regular field trips designed to integrate with learning sessions and enhance exposure to the real world.
Special educational needs (SEN)	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.	Special educational needs (SEN) St. Marian's accepts students with behavioral or learning disabilities on a case-by-case basis, assessing each child individually to see if the school can meet their needs. While it is not a specialist SEN institution, the school provides "special attention" to students who are found to be weak in particular subjects to help them improve.
English as an additional language	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.	English as an additional language The school does not publicly disclose specific information regarding a dedicated "English as an Additional Language" (EAL) support program. However, they explicitly state that they offer English as a core language subject alongside Malay and Mandarin.
Mental wellbeing	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.	Mental wellbeing The school is committed to monitoring and reporting on students' "progress and well-being," as outlined in their data collection policies. The faculty focuses on helping students overcome challenges and doubts in a "comfortable environment" that encourages them to ask questions and express opinions freely. The small class sizes and "holistic interaction" aim to bring out the best in each child.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Information about a specific policy regarding safeguarding is not publicly available.	Safeguarding The school's privacy policy includes provisions to use personal data when necessary to "prevent illegal activities, e.g. in situations where the safety of a student is concerned." While the website details strict data protection measures to safeguard personal information, it does not publicly disclose a separate, detailed Child Protection or Safeguarding policy document.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	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.	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Sports activities include Summer Sports Adventure, featuring volleyball, football, basketball, badminton, and hiking.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	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.	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	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).	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Global Modern International School was established in 2016 and has since been committed to providing high-quality education.	History St. Marian's Home School was founded in 2016 by Priya Michael, who currently serves as the Principal. The institution is operated by St. Marian's Scholars Sdn Bhd, as detailed in its corporate privacy policies. It was established with a philosophy to serve as a center for development rather than just a teaching institution, focusing on facilitating learning in a home-school environment.
Community	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.	Community The school fosters a close-knit community through regular field trips that are fully funded by the school and integrated into the students' current learning sessions. A major highlight of the school's cultural calendar is its annual dramatic productions, which have included large-scale performances such as "The Greatest Showman" (2022) and "Phantom of the Opera" (2019). These events provide opportunities for students to engage in the creative arts alongside their academic studies.
Parent teacher association	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.	Parent teacher association The school does not publicly disclose information regarding a formal Parent Teacher Association (PTA). However, the school emphasizes keeping parents informed through "regular updates on the goings-on" at the center. The assessment system is also designed to serve as a guide for parents, teachers, and students to identify strengths and weaknesses collaboratively.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	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.	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	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.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	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.	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	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.	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	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.	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	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.	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards Information about any institutional awards have not been disclosed publicly.	Awards The school does not publicly disclose any awards received by the institution in the past.
Accreditations	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.	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	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.	Admissions The school does not provide a formal, numbered step-by-step admissions guide. However, the general procedure outlined by the school is as follows: 1. Initial Inquiry/Registration: Prospective parents can begin the process by using the "REGISTER NOW!" submission form on the homepage or by contacting the school directly via phone or email to make an inquiry. 2. Timing of Enrollment: Students are permitted to enroll at any time of the year, although the school encourages joining at the start of a term for a smoother experience. 3. Assessment and Transition: For students joining mid-term, the school works with the family to ensure a smooth transition from their previous school. Additionally, students with specific needs (behavioral or learning disabilities) are assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine suitability.
Scholarships	Scholarships The school does not currently advertise any scholarship programs.	Scholarships The school does not publicly disclose information regarding scholarships or financial aid programs.
Waitlist	Waitlist Information regarding a waitlist system are not publicly disclosed on the school's website.	Waitlist The school does not publicly disclose information regarding a waitlist or candidate pool system on its website.
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