JT International School vs Malacca Expatriate School

	J JT International School Malacca, Malaysia	M Malacca Expatriate School Malacca, Malaysia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year MYR 22,000 - 34,200	Fees / year MYR 16,500 - 35,400
Age range	Age range 3 - 17 years	Age range 5 - 16 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE	Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils 60	Pupils 200
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 15
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2023	Opened 1980
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location JT International School is in Taman Pulau Melaka, a peaceful residential estate just off the coast of central Melaka City, Malaysia. It’s connected by road bridges and a short drive from the UNESCO-listed old town, with local shops and parks nearby.	Location Malacca Expatriate School (MES) is situated in the residential neighbourhood of Taman Permatang Pasir Perdana, about 15 minutes by car from Malacca city centre. It's close to public bus routes and offers easy access to local shops, eateries, and recreational spaces.
Stages	Stages The school offers education in three stages: Early Years (ages 3–5), Primary (Year 1–6), and Secondary (Year 7–11), following the Cambridge Pathway through IGCSE.	Stages Malacca Expatriate School is divided into Primary (Foundation–Year 6) and Secondary (Years 7–11). Post–Year 11 progression options include AS/A‑Levels or the International Baccalaureate for further study.
School type	School type JT International School is co‑educational and does not offer boarding facilities.	School type MES is a co-educational, day school and does not provide boarding facilities. It caters to both expatriate and local families.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support There is no specific mention of specialist SEN provisions like dedicated resource rooms or therapists on the school's website.	Additional learning support MES does not have specialist staff or facilities for students with identified additional learning needs.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation JT International School is not officially affiliated with any country.	Country affiliation MES is not formally affiliated with a particular country beyond curriculum standards.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school has no religious affiliation and operates on a secular basis.	Religious affiliation MES is non-denominational and operates without any religious affiliation.
School day structure	School day structure Students begin classes at 8:30 AM and finish academic sessions at 3:40 PM. Optional co‑curricular activities run until around 5:00 PM each day.	School day structure The school day at Malacca Expatriate School runs from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Monday through Friday. This schedule applies to both Primary and Secondary students.
Bus service details	Bus service details A school transportation service is not listed on the school website.	Bus service details There is no explicit mention of a school bus or coach service on the MES website.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details One-Time Entry Fees (New Students Only) Application Fee: RM 200 Registration Fee: Nursery & Reception: RM 800 Year 1–6: RM 1,200 Year 7–11: RM 1,500 Refundable Deposit: Half-term tuition fees. This deposit is waived if the full year’s fees are paid upfront. Tuition Fees (Per Term) Nursery & Reception: MYR 4,800 Years 1–6: MYR 6,000 Years 7–9: MYR 7,200 Years 10–11: MYR 8,000 Resource Fees (Per Annum) Nursery & Reception: MYR 1,200 Years 1–6: MYR 1,200 Years 7–9: MYR 1,350 Years 10–11: MYR 1,500 Co-Curricular Activities (Per Term) All grades: MYR 1,000 Billing & Payment Terms Payment Deadlines: All fees must be cleared before the start of each term (end of August, December, and March). Payment Methods: Cash, bank transfer (RHB 25407700012506, Pedagogy International Educare Sdn Bhd), and credit card. Sibling Discount The school offers a sibling discount on tuition fees at 5% for 2nd sibling, 10% for 3rd sibling and 15% for the 4th sibling. Please be informed that all discounts apply to tuition fees only. 12 Months Full Payment Discount A 5% discount is applied to term tuition fees.	Fee details One-Time Payment Application/Assessment Fee: MYR 600 (non-refundable, payable with the application). Registration fee: MYR 2,500 (non-refundable) Deposit: A deposit equal to one term’s tuition must be maintained at all times and is refunded if written notice is given at least one month before the next term starts. Annual Tuition Fees Reception: MYR 16,500 Years 1–6: MYR 18,900 Year 7: MYR 24,300 Year 8: MYR 25,350 Year 9: MYR 26,400 Year 10: MYR 30,600 Year 11: MYR 35,400 Note: the total annual fee includes an Annual Resource fee of MYR 2,400 for all levels. Uniforms, Textbooks, and Other Costs* Uniforms and textbooks are not included and must be purchased separately. Discounts & Provisions Students joining after Week 6 of a term pay half the term fee. Reception students leaving at 12:30 PM receive MYR 500 discount on the term fee. Sibling discount: 10% off the younger sibling’s term fee. mes.edu.my Billing & Payment Terms Fees are billed per term and must be paid before the start of the term. For Year 11, fees are costed on an entire year basis. Payment via bank transfer, cheque or other means as detailed in the offer letter. Refund Policy The term-fee deposit is refundable if notice is given in writing at least one month before the next term. Additional Notes MES reserves the right to increase fees by up to 10% each academic year.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement Uniforms are required for students.
Food options	Food options The school promotes healthy eating through a balanced lunch program and nutrition education, ensuring students have the energy and focus to thrive.	Food options Lunch orders are available as an optional lunch program.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership The school is operated by Expatriate School (Malacca) Berhad.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Early Years (ages 3–5): Based on Cambridge Early Years, the curriculum emphasizes foundational literacy and numeracy, social-emotional learning, and exploration through play-based activities. Primary (Year 1–6): Students study literacy, numeracy, science, social studies, Malay, Mandarin, music, art & design, ICT, and P.E., with an emphasis on inquiry, creativity, and digital skills. Lower Secondary (Year 7–9): The program continues with Cambridge Lower Secondary standards across English, maths, sciences, humanities, languages, ICT, arts, and physical education. Upper Secondary (Year 10–11): Students prepare for Cambridge IGCSE exams, choosing from a wide range of subjects, including core sciences, mathematics (including Additional Maths), English, Malay, Mandarin, ICT, accounting, business, economics, art & design, global perspectives, and physical education.	Curriculum details Malacca Expatriate School offers the Cambridge International Curriculum from Reception to Year 11. The Primary section (Reception to Year 6) follows the Cambridge Primary Programme, covering subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and ICT. In Years 7 to 9, students follow the Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum and prepare for the Checkpoint assessments. Years 10 and 11 focus on the Cambridge IGCSE, with subject options including English, Mathematics, Combined Science, Business Studies, Accounting, History, and ICT. Malay and Mandarin are also taught as language subjects. The curriculum is structured to align with Cambridge’s international academic progression.
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 and emotional development is built into the daily experience of students at JT International School, especially during the early years. The school also promotes interpersonal development through its pastoral and guidance systems.	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) JT International School is not a specialist SEN institution and does not publish dedicated provision for students with special educational needs.	Special educational needs (SEN) MES does not describe specific SEN provisions or specialist staff on their website. It’s not a recognized specialist SEN institution.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school does not offer a formal EAL programme.	English as an additional language There’s no mention on MES’s website of an EAL program or support tailored for students whose first language is not English.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Student wellbeing is supported through access to a guidance and counselling team, who offer academic and personal support as part of the school’s wider pastoral care. No specific mental health programmes or services are listed.	Mental wellbeing The school website does not reference any mental wellbeing initiatives, dedicated counselling staff, wellness workshops, or similar supports.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding While the school states that student wellbeing is a key priority, there is no publicly available safeguarding or child protection policy on the website.	Safeguarding The MES Bullying Policy outlines a duty to report suspected bullying among students, including cyberbullying and incidents occurring off-campus. Staff are expected to inform the relevant principal, and parents are encouraged to report issues promptly. While this suggests some safeguarding awareness, there is no published safeguarding policy detailing designated staff, reporting procedures, or child protection training.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy View document
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school sits on a campus in Pulau Melaka, Melaka, away from the city bustle and surrounded by greenery, providing a tranquil environment for learning. On campus, facilities include a music room, a library, well-equipped classrooms, a playground for younger students, and a dance room. The campus supports student well-being with guidance and counselling services and an after-school activities program. The school offers a lunch program that supports healthy eating as part of its holistic approach.	Facilities overview The Malacca Expatriate School (MES) is a fully registered international school in Melaka, established in 1980. It provides a British, co-educational international curriculum to expatriate and local communities. MES is a Cambridge International Examinations Centre and follows Cambridge curricula for both primary and secondary education. The library facilities support independent and group learning, and a computer laboratory is fully equipped with modern hardware and software. The school emphasizes active, enquiry-based learning with field trips, excursions, family days, school concerts and drama productions, within a warm, close-knit community and a low student-to-teacher ratio that enables individual attention.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The primary on-campus sports facility is a large outdoor court for physical education and outdoor activities. The campus supports movement programs with a dedicated dance room for dance classes and rehearsals. Outdoor spaces are designed to accommodate ball games and fitness activities as part of the PE program. These spaces support a holistic approach to physical education.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The school delivers the Cambridge curriculum across Pre-School to Year 11. Primary Year 1–6 study English, Mathematics, Science, Malay, Malaysian History, Music, Mandarin, Global Perspectives, Islamiyat, Physical Education, Computing, and Art & Design. The Secondary program (Year 7–11) builds on Cambridge IGCSE and includes a broad range of subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Malay, Mandarin, Global Perspectives, Islamiyat, Physical Education, Financial Literacy, and Art & Design. The Pre-School program provides Nursery and Reception with a holistic focus on early literacy, numeracy, and social development. The curriculum emphasizes inquiry-based and project-based learning.	Academic facilities The Cambridge Primary education programme for ages 5-11 is followed, including English, English as a Second Language, Mathematics and Science, developed by Cambridge International Examinations. Cambridge Primary forms the foundation before progressing through Cambridge Secondary stages, culminating in Cambridge IGCSE examinations. In the secondary curriculum, Cambridge Secondary 1 (Years 7–9) and Cambridge Secondary 2 (Years 10–11) lead to the Cambridge IGCSE qualification. Subjects offered in IGCSE include English First Language, English Literature, Geography, History, ICT, Mathematics and Additional Mathematics, as well as foreign languages such as Malay and Mandarin. The school operates as a Cambridge International Examinations Centre, aligning teaching and assessment with Cambridge standards.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Guidance and counselling services support academic achievement and social-emotional well-being. After-school activities and clubs cover a range of interests to foster teamwork and leadership. A healthy lunch program and nutrition education are part of the school's approach to student well-being. The campus offers a variety of clubs and programs beyond academics to support holistic development.	Extra curricular facilities MES offers a range of extracurricular activities including school excursions, a family day, school concerts and drama productions, which support cooperation, teamwork and broader learning beyond the classroom.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History JT International School originated in 2008 as a small learning centre focused on academic support and examination preparation. Over time, it evolved into a full-fledged international school, formally reopening in 2023 with a broader academic offering and a new campus on Pulau Melaka. The school is privately owned and directed by JT International School originated in 2008 as a small learning centre focused on academic support and examination preparation. Over time, it evolved into a full-fledged international school, formally reopening in 2023 with a broader academic offering and a new campus on Pulau Melaka. The school is privately owned and directed by Leow Zi Liang, who transitioned the centre into a full Cambridge-accredited institution. , who transitioned the centre into a full Cambridge-accredited institution.	History The Malacca Expatriate School began on 9 June 1980, when Mr A. G. Leon, a retired educationist, was invited to open a school for expatriate children in Malacca. It started in a borrowed room at Bukit Cina Primary School with fewer than 10 students, one head, and one teacher. After sixteen years, the school relocated to Tanjong Kling to accommodate growth. On 23 February 2011, it became a Cambridge Primary member, and by 20 October 2011, it received government approval to open the secondary school, becoming a centre for Cambridge Checkpoint and IGCSE exams.
Community	Community The school community includes students, teachers, and families who regularly participate in campus-wide events. Celebrations such as Lunar New Year, Year-End Festivities, Children's Day, and Science Fairs provide shared cultural and academic experiences. These events are designed to build connections among families and reflect the diversity of the student body.	Community MES hosts a range of community and cultural events, including school concerts, inter-house sports days, drama productions, and public art exhibitions like the Heart of Melaka at the Balai Seni Lukis Malacca Gallery. These activities bring together students, parents, and local organisations to celebrate creativity, culture, and student learning in shared, inclusive settings.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association JT International School maintains an active Parent-Teacher Association that collaborates closely with the school’s leadership and teaching staff. The PTA is involved in organising key events such as the annual Year-End Celebration, Lunar New Year festivities, and student-led Science and Chess competitions. Parents also help facilitate logistics during community events and provide feedback during termly academic review sessions.	Parent teacher association The school does not mention a formal Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) on its website. Instead, family engagement is fostered through Family Day events, parent-teacher conferences each term, and joint participation in community activities like organizing school concerts and public exhibitions.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual JT International School Melaka delivers a Cambridge curriculum across Pre-School, Primary (Year 1–6), and Secondary (Year 7–11). The Pre-School comprises Nursery and Reception (Foundation Stages 1 and 2) with a focus on early English, mathematics, phonics, science, and motor skills. The Primary curriculum includes English, Mathematics, Science, Malay, Mandarin, Malaysian History, Music, Global Perspectives, Islamiyat, Physical Education, Computing, and Art & Design. In Secondary, a broad range of Cambridge IGCSE subjects is offered, including English, Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Sciences, Malay as a Foreign Language, Mandarin, Accounting, Business Studies, Economics, and Art & Design; the school emphasises enquiry-based and project-based learning with personalised guidance to nurture deep understanding and a love of learning.	Academic & intellectual MES follows the Cambridge International Curriculum and is a Cambridge International Examinations Centre. The Cambridge IGCSE programme runs through four stages: Cambridge Primary, Cambridge Secondary 1, Cambridge Secondary 2 and Cambridge Advanced; students may join at any stage. In Primary, Cambridge Primary covers English, English as a Second Language, Mathematics and Science, with Cambridge Primary developed by Cambridge International Examinations; Mathematics includes adaptations from the Singapore curriculum. In Secondary, the programme progresses to Cambridge Secondary 1 and 2, leading to Cambridge IGCSE; Upper Secondary (Years 10–11) prepares students for AS and A Level or the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Assessments include internal term tests and Cambridge Checkpoint at the ends of Year 6 and Year 9, with IGCSE assessments at the end of Year 11. The academic year runs from September to the end of July.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Music and Art & Design are part of the curriculum, supported by on-campus facilities such as a Music Room and a Dance Room. Art & Design and Music appear as subjects across Primary and Secondary. The curriculum encourages creativity through hands-on, project-based learning and other creative explorations.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Languages taught include English, Malay, and Mandarin. Malay as a Foreign Language is offered in Year 10–11.	Cultural & language Malay is taught as a foreign language to Lower Secondary (Years 7–9) and leads to Cambridge IGCSE Malay as a Foreign Language in Upper Secondary. Mandarin is taught as a foreign language to Lower Secondary and leads to Cambridge IGCSE Mandarin as a Foreign Language in Upper Secondary.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies The school offers after-school activities and clubs across a range of interests to foster teamwork and self-discovery. Guidance and counselling are available to support academic achievement and social-emotional well-being. Clubs and activities are designed to develop leadership and personal growth.	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service The school is committed to a community-centred, holistic approach to education.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Guidance and counselling support academic achievement, social-emotional well-being, and career exploration. After-school activities and clubs foster leadership development and practical skills.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Facilities include an Outdoor Court, Music Room, Dance Room, Library, and well-equipped classrooms to support sports and the arts. A lunch program and nutrition education support students' health and well-being. Physical Education is a listed subject, and the campus is described as a serene, green environment conducive to learning.	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision The school follows the Cambridge Primary curriculum for ages 5–11, covering English, English as a Second Language, Mathematics and Science. In Secondary, the Cambridge IGCSE programme is used, with English – First Language and English Literature at IGCSE. Malay is taught as a foreign language in Lower Secondary (Years 7–9) and Cambridge IGCSE Malay is compulsory for Malaysian citizens in Upper Secondary. Mandarin is taught as a foreign language in Lower Secondary, and Cambridge IGCSE Mandarin Chinese (Foreign Language) is offered in Upper Secondary.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards There are no awards publicly mentioned on the school’s website.	Awards The school has not listed any formal institutional awards on its official website.
Accreditations	Accreditations Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) JTIS is authorised to offer the full Cambridge Pathway (Early Years, Lower Secondary, IGCSE). The Cambridge accreditation confirms that the school meets the standards required to deliver Cambridge programmes and assessments.	Accreditations Cambridge International Examinations Centre MES is recognised as an official examination centre for Cambridge Checkpoint (Years 6 & 9) and IGCSE (Year 11), meaning it is authorised to conduct and administer these internationally recognised assessments. Cambridge Primary Membership This membership affirms the school’s commitment to the Cambridge Primary Programme, ensuring regular monitoring and access to updated educational resources
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Schedule a Meeting Once you hear back, you'll arrange a visit either online or in person to discuss your child’s needs and learn more about school life. Complete the Application Form and Checklist Submit the official application form, along with documents like identity, birth certificate, recent school reports, vaccination records, and photos. International applicants also include passport and visa pages as per the school’s checklist. Payment of Fees Attach the required application/enrolment payment (including application fee) and any additional charges. The school will confirm receipt and reservation of your child’s place. Await Admission Outcome The school will notify you of the decision once your documents and payment are reviewed. This includes confirmation of enrolment, academic year placement, and start date arrangements.	Admissions Book a School Visit (optional) Families are welcome to schedule an appointment to tour the campus and speak with staff before submitting an application. Submit Application Complete the application form and provide required documents, including: previous school report, school leaving certificate, student birth certificate, immunisation record, passport-sized photos, copies of parents' ID/passports, and a copy of parents' marriage certificate. A non-refundable assessment fee of MYR 600 must be paid by cash or cheque to complete the application. Submission does not guarantee a place. Complete the student assessment Students will be scheduled for age-appropriate assessments once there is a potential vacancy. Assessment content is confidential and not shared with parents. Applicants with known learning needs must inform the school, as the school does not have Special Needs teachers. Receive and Respond to Offer Letter Successful applicants will receive a formal Offer Letter outlining fees, terms, and start date. Enrolment is contingent on assessment results, availability of space, and a valid Student Pass issued by Malaysian Immigration (for expatriates). Confirm Acceptance and Enrolment Parents must confirm the offer and pay the required fees before the child begins school. Once accepted, the school will share further details on class timetables, extracurricular activities, uniforms, and book requirements.
Scholarships	Scholarships There is no mention of scholarships on the school’s website.	Scholarships Malacca Expatriate School does not offer scholarships.
Waitlist	Waitlist JT International School does not appear to operate a waitlist or admissions pool system.	Waitlist Yes, MES operates a waitlist system. If a class is full, the student’s application remains active, and they may be placed on a waitlist until a vacancy becomes available. Assessments are only scheduled when a place might be open. Applications are processed in order of submission with complete documentation and payment.
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