Knewton Global Schools Ipoh vs Wesley Methodist School Ipoh International
Knewton Global Schools Ipoh and Wesley Methodist School Ipoh International are both in Ipoh, about 7 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) and Cambridge IGCSE programmes. Knewton Global Schools Ipoh also offers British, and Wesley Methodist School Ipoh International also offers Christian. Published annual fees are close, at MYR 9,025 - 22,175 for Knewton Global Schools Ipoh and MYR 11,100 - 20,190 for Wesley Methodist School Ipoh International. Knewton Global Schools Ipoh takes pupils from 5 to 16, and Wesley Methodist School Ipoh International from 6 to 17. Wesley Methodist School Ipoh International is the larger school, with around 500 pupils to Knewton Global Schools Ipoh's 60. Typical class sizes are 15 at Knewton Global Schools Ipoh and 25 at Wesley Methodist School Ipoh International.
British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE
Curriculum
Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Christian Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
60
Pupils
500
Typical class size
Typical class size
15
Typical class size
25
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2013
Opened
2008
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
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Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Situated at No. 28, Lebuh Perusahaan Klebang 1, IGB International Industrial Park, Jalan Kuala Kangsar, Tasek, 30010 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia on a 7-acre campus at the eastern edge of Ipoh in Bandar Meru Raya .
Location
Located at 42 Jalan Silibin in northern Ipoh, within a residential neighbourhood approximately 5 km from the city centre. It’s easily reached by public bus (routes A30A/A30B) with stops just a short walk away.
Stages
Stages
Offers Primary and Secondary School education following the British National Curriculum.
Stages
The school offers offers Primary and Secondary levels.
School type
School type
A co‑educational day school and does not offer boarding .
School type
Wesley Methodist is a co-educational day school, with no boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Knewton Global Schools provides a range of support services to assist student adjustment and learning. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is available for students who are not native English speakers, with tailored guidance from a dedicated coordinator. New students are paired with peers through a buddy system to help them transition smoothly into school life. The school encourages participation in co-curricular activities, such as sports and creative clubs, to support well-rounded development. Students also have opportunities to take on leadership roles through the House system and student governance.
Additional learning support
WMSII maintains small class sizes (max 25 students) and uses a differentiated learning model, where teachers tailor lessons to individual strengths and areas for improvement. They offer short-term intervention classes, typically in groups of around 4 students, to support those who need extra academic help. Formal tracking and personalised improvement monitoring allow staff to identify and assist students in need.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school does not have any country affiliation.
Country affiliation
The school is not affiliated with any country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
Knewton is a secular school and welcomes students from all backgrounds.
Religious affiliation
The school is affiliated with Christianity, founded by Methodist missionaries in 1924; character development and chapel activities are integral.
School day structure
School day structure
The school does not have publicly available information on their day structure.
2. Refundable Deposit: Deposit: RM 4,500 (refundable with one term’s written notice)
3. Tuition Fees (Annual, with 15% discount): Vary by year level: Year 1: RM 8,925 Year 11: RM 21,675
Fees increase progressively by level
4. Monthly Commitment (Installment Option): Ranges from RM 743.75 (Year 1) to RM 1,806.25 (Year 11)
5. Technology Fee (Per Annum): RM 100 for Years 1–3 RM 500 for Years 4–11
Refund Policy: The deposit is refundable only if one full term’s written notice is given before the first day of the term the student is leaving
Failure to give notice or return school property will result in forfeiture of the deposit
Application and other fees (e.g. registration, tech) are non-refundable
Payment Policy: Fees must be paid within the first two weeks of each term
A 2% penalty applies for late payments
The school reserves the right to adjust fees with one term’s written notice
Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable
Fee details
Malaysian Students One-Time Fees: These are payable once at the time of admission and are not refundable.
Application Fee: Year 1–6: RM 200 Year 7–11: RM 400
Registration Fee: Year 1–6: RM 500 Year 7–11: RM 900
Security Deposit (refundable with 4 months’ written notice): Year 1–6: RM 4,500 Year 7–11: RM 5,500
Annual Fees: Year 1–3:
Tuition: RM 11,100 Insurance: RM 30 Total per year: RM 11,130
Year 4–6: Tuition: RM 12,480 Insurance: RM 30 Total per year: RM 12,510
Year 7–9: Tuition: RM 15,630 Insurance: RM 30 Total per year: RM 15,660
Year 10–11: Tuition: RM 17,820 Insurance: RM 30 Total per year: RM 17,850
Non-Malaysian Students One-Time Fees: These are payable once during enrollment and follow the same refund policies.
Application Fee: Year 1–6: RM 300 Year 7–11: RM 500
Registration Fee: Year 1–6: RM 700 Year 7–11: RM 1,100
Security Deposit (refundable): Year 1–6: RM 6,000 Year 7–11: RM 8,000
Annual Fees: Year 1–3: Tuition: RM 12,480 Insurance: RM 30 Total per year: RM 12,510
Year 4–6: Tuition: RM 14,280 Insurance: RM 30 Total per year: RM 14,310
Year 7–9: Tuition: RM 17,820 Insurance: RM 30 Total per year: RM 17,850
Year 10–11: Tuition: RM 20,190 Insurance: RM 30 Total per year: RM 20,220
Refund Policy
Non-Refundable: Application Fee: This is non-refundable and non-transferable. It is a one-time fee, payable when submitting the application form.
Registration Fee: Also non-refundable and non-transferable. Payable upon official registration of the student.
Security Deposit (Refundable with Conditions): The Security Deposit is refundable, but under the following conditions: A written notice of withdrawal must be submitted at least one full term in advance (i.e., 4 months' notice) while the student is still enrolled. This notice must be received and acknowledged by the school. If the notice is not submitted on time, the security deposit will be forfeited. The amount of the deposit increases by level (RM 4,500–8,000) and follows the student’s progression year to year.
Payment Methods WMSII accepts the following methods of payment:
Cheque Bank Transfer
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
The school has a house system with four Houses: Sharks, Cobras, Lions, and Dragons. Students are assigned to a House and participate in school-wide competitions across sports, arts, and academics.
House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
The school is part of the Bonanza Educare group, which operates a growing network of schools and learning spaces across Malaysia.
Governance and ownership
The school operates as two schools on one campus: Wesley Methodist School Ipoh International and Wesley Methodist School Ipoh Private. It is rooted in Methodist education since 1891.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Knewton Global Schools Ipoh delivers the UK National Curriculum, with a strong focus on the Cambridge pathway, including Cambridge Primary, Lower Secondary, and IGCSE.
Curriculum details
WMSII offers the Cambridge International Curriculum, beginning from Primary (Year 1) through to Secondary (Year 11). The programme includes Cambridge Primary and Lower Secondary frameworks, which lead into the globally recognized IGCSE examinations. The school integrates a strong Christian ethos into the learning environment, combining academic with moral education. Students are taught core subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, and Global Perspectives, with elective subjects introduced at upper levels.
Knewton embeds SEL in daily school life through leadership programs, house activities, and student councils. These structures give students space to build self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills.
Social & emotional learning
Guided by a strong Christian ethos, WMSII places emphasis on character formation, respect, and service through programmes like Boys’/Girls’ Brigade, Chapel services, and badge systems. These initiatives foster emotional intelligence, community awareness, leadership, and empathy in students. The school’s fundamental philosophy highlights nurturing students spiritually, emotionally, and socially, in a non-threatening environment.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
Knewton provides Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students with learning difficulties. While it doesn’t have a separate SEN unit, teachers implement classroom strategies to support diverse learning needs.
Special educational needs (SEN)
The school does not have any specialized SEN program.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
The school offers EAL.
English as an additional language
The does not have publicly available information on their EAL.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Knewton addresses mental wellbeing by supporting students, particularly teenagers, in managing stress and building emotional resilience. During high-pressure times like IGCSE exams, teachers help students with time management, encourage healthy routines, and provide guidance when needed. Staff regularly check in with students and talk openly about balancing school responsibilities with personal wellbeing.
The school also promotes mental health through physical activities and creative outlets. Students are encouraged to take part in sports, art, and movement-based activities like Zumba to reduce stress. Knewton has used themed days and awareness campaigns to talk about mental health directly, helping students understand emotions and when to ask for help. These steps are meant to give students practical ways to manage emotional challenges in daily school life.
Mental wellbeing
The school environment centres on students' happiness, security, and growth. The school emphasises emotional maturity, providing a supportive framework through its caring staff. They also organise parent courses and community programmes such as “The Parenting Course” and “Project Canaan,” which further engage families, building connections and emotional resilience.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
The school does not have publicly available information on their safeguarding policy.
Safeguarding
The school does not have publicly available information on their safeguarding policy.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
The Ipoh campus is located at Bonanza Educare central learning hub, Jalan Woodward, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia. It features modern classrooms and shared facilities including a library, gymnasium, playground, dining area, and a wading pool. The International School serves ages 5 to 16. It follows the Cambridge International Programmes of Study and offers the British National Curriculum to primary and secondary students. Co-curricular activities include Student Council, House Captains, Prefects, and volunteering projects.
Facilities overview
The campus houses two Wesley Methodist schools on one site: Wesley Methodist School Ipoh International (WMSII) and Wesley Methodist School Ipoh Private (WMSIP). The International School has undertaken Project Canaan to create modern facilities that support research, collaboration, physical activity, and creative expression. The space includes a resource centre with online research hubs and hard copies of books; a games arena, a dance floor, and play areas; spaces for music, art and technology; a chapel and counselling room. The new complex will include a Multipurpose Hall for sports, camps, Brigade activities and public examinations; an Activity Hall; IT room; Resource Centre; Auditorium; Meeting Rooms; Administration Office; Sick Bay; Classrooms. The school celebrated the completion of Project Canaan in 2024 as part of its centennial development, described as state-of-the-art facilities taking shape 2021-2024.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
The campus includes a gymnasium and outdoor playground facilities to support physical education and sports.
Sports facilities
The Multipurpose Hall is used for sports, camps, interschool competitions, Brigade activities and public examinations. There is a Games Arena on campus to support physical activities. The school offers a range of sports including Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Dodgeball, Football, Netball and Ping Pong. These facilities and activities support broad co-curricular sports participation across the student body.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
Academic spaces include modern classrooms and a library, with resources aligned to the Cambridge International Programmes of Study and the British National Curriculum.
Academic facilities
The campus includes a Resource Centre for research with online hubs and hard copies of books. An IT room supports information technology learning. Classrooms are part of the new complex. A Chapel and a counselling room support spiritual formation and student wellbeing.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
Co-curricular options include Student Council, House Captains, Prefects, and volunteering projects that connect students with local and global communities.
Extra curricular facilities
Clubs & Societies include Drama Club, Art & Craft, Music Club, Domestic Science, ECO Club and Indoor Games. Games & Sports include Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Dodgeball, Football, Netball and Ping Pong. Uniform Bodies include Boys' Brigade and Girls' Brigade. School Boards & Teams include Library Board, Monitors Board, Prefectorial Board, Editorial Board, Chapel Enablers, PA Team and Photography Team.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Knewton Global Schools, Ipoh opened in 2022 under the Bonanza Educare group. The school continues the legacy of Asia Metropolitan International School (AMETIS), which began in 2013, and was rebranded to align with the Knewton education philosophy focused on 21st-century learning and the British curriculum.
History
Wesley Methodist School Ipoh traces its origins to the Methodist mission established in Ipoh in 1894, with formal schooling beginning soon after under Rev. William Edward Horley’s leadership. Wesley Methodist School Ipoh was officially launched in 2009 with Ms. Goh Kai Lian as the founding principal. In 2010, the primary school division was introduced, followed by rebranding in 2012 as part of the wider Wesley Methodist Schools network. WMSI became an international school in 2016. Since then, the school has undertaken infrastructure upgrades (2021) and launched Project Canaan (2022), a new facilities initiative. In 2024, it marked its 100th anniversary of school heritage and hope.
Community
Community
Knewton promotes a collaborative environment among students, teachers, and families. It operates within a wider education group that encourages student leadership, house spirit, and inclusive school culture. Activities such as inter-house competitions and student council roles are designed to build a sense of belonging and shared responsibility.
Community
The school fosters a strong Christian‑focused community, integrating chapel services, Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade programmes, and character formation into daily life. It hosts regular events such as Outdoor Brigade camps, Christmas celebrations, storytelling competitions, honours days, and open days with exhibits and alumni games.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
Knewton does not have a PTA.
Parent teacher association
There is no publicly available information about the Parent Teacher Association at Wesley Methodist School Ipoh.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
The school offers the British National Curriculum to primary and secondary students. The International School follows the Cambridge International Programmes of Study. The school serves students aged 5-16. The education emphasizes a well-rounded, holistic approach to prepare students for a global environment.
Academic & intellectual
The Wesleyan Curriculum draws from the Cambridge framework, developing global content knowledge and essential skills to thrive in a fast-moving world. From Cambridge, the school uses a global-content approach and integrates Cambridge IGCSE preparation for the upper levels. All students are taught in a trilingual program with English, Bahasa Malaysia, and Mandarin, using HSK/YCT Mandarin. Learning emphasizes project-based and inquiry-based approaches to develop 21st-century skills across Key Stages.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Co-curricular offerings include Art & Craft Club, the Literary, Drama & Debate Society (LIDRA), and Photography Club, with additional activities such as Adventure Club. These programs support creative expression and performance skills.
Arts & creative
Clubs and activities include Drama Club, Art & Craft, and Dance & Drama as part of the co-curricular offerings. Music Club and a music appreciation/enrichment program provide opportunities to develop public performing skills and to pursue IGCSE music certification. Domestic Science and the ECO Club are also among the clubs, and students explore music and arts through a wide range of fun and interactive activities.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
The school maintains a multicultural learning environment. There are volunteering projects that connect students with local and global communities. The Literary, Drama & Debate Society supports language and communication development.
Cultural & language
The language program is tri-lingual, with English, Bahasa Malaysia, and Mandarin (HSK/YCT) integrated across the curriculum. Mandarin is taught through HSK/YCT, and Chinese language instruction is offered under Chinese language programs such as Chinese Made Easy. The curriculum emphasizes multilingual proficiency alongside global perspectives.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Sports offerings include Badminton, Basketball, Football, Handball, and Volleyball. Indoor Games Clubs are available as well.
Social & hobbies
Clubs and societies include Dance & Drama, Art & Craft, Cookery, ECO Club, and Indoor Games. Games and sports offered include Athletics, Dodgeball, Football, Netball, Badminton, Basketball, and Ping Pong. Uniform Bodies include Boys' Brigade and Girls' Brigade. These activities contribute to social development and peer interaction beyond academics.
Community & service
Community & service
Volunteering projects provide opportunities to contribute to local and global communities.
Community & service
Brigade programmes promote character formation, servant-leadership, and responsible citizenship. Brigade squads provide leadership opportunities as students work with and coach peers. Weekly Chapel sessions support spiritual formation and community values.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Students can participate in the Student Council, House Captains, and Prefects to develop leadership and teamwork skills.
Leadership & professional
School Boards & Teams include Library Board, Monitors Board, Prefectorial Board, Editorial Board, Chapel Enablers, PA Team, and Photography Team. Brigade programmes contribute to leadership development across the student body. These structures offer formal opportunities for student leadership in school activities.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
The campus includes a library, a gymnasium, a playground, a dining area, and a wading pool. These facilities support health, fitness and well-being as part of daily life on campus.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Sports and games span Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Dodgeball, Football, Netball, and Ping Pong. Wellness and wellbeing are supported through homeroom-based monitoring and counselor involvement, alongside Chapel sessions for spiritual wellbeing. Co-curricular activities are designed to foster teamwork, resilience, and well-being as part of holistic development.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin are taught as foreign languages during school hours.
Language provision
Languages taught include English, Bahasa Melayu, and Mandarin. In the Junior School, English is First Language; Bahasa Melayu (KSSR) and Mandarin (Chinese Made Easy, HS K/YCT) are taught. In the Senior School, English is First Language or Second Language; Bahasa Melayu (KSSM) and Mandarin (Chinese Made Easy) are taught. The curriculum draws on Cambridge frameworks (Cambridge curriculum for Primary and Cambridge IGCSE for Secondary), emphasizing language proficiency and multilingual competence.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
The school operates two campuses on one site: Wesley Methodist School Ipoh International (WMSII) and Wesley Methodist School Ipoh Private (WMSIP). It provides a trilingual language program in English, Bahasa Melayu, and Mandarin across the International stream. English is taught as a first language in the Junior School and as a first or second language in the Senior School. Bahasa Melayu is taught under the KSSR framework and Mandarin is taught through the Chinese Made Easy program (HSK/YCT), with language proficiency embedded across all levels.
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
The school does not have publicly available information about their awards.
Awards
The school does not have publicly available information on their awards.
Accreditations
Accreditations
Follows the British National Curriculum under Cambridge International Programmes (accreditation via curriculum alignment).
Accreditations
Cambridge International School (approved to deliver Cambridge Primary, Lower Secondary, and IGCSE curriculum)
Recognised by Cambridge Assessment International Education
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Campus Visit. Prospective families are encouraged to visit the school to get a feel for the environment and ask any questions about the curriculum or student life.
2. Application Submission Complete and submit the application form along with the required documents, which include:
Student’s birth certificate and passport (for non-Malaysians) or MyKid (for Malaysians) Parent’s passport or MyKad Previous school reports Medical and immunization records One passport-sized photograph
3. Assessment. An entry assessment is scheduled, which may include the Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4) for certain year groups. Early Years applicants undergo classroom observations.
4. Offer & Enrollment. If the assessment is successful, an offer letter is issued. Parents must then submit the acceptance form and pay the registration fee, deposit, and term fees to secure the place.
5. Orientation. Before the start of the academic year, orientation details, including information about uniforms and transportation, are provided.
Admissions
1. Submit application form. Complete the official application form and gather supporting documents (e.g., passport, previous school reports).
2. School review & interview. The school assesses documents and may request an interview or sample lesson.
3. Offer letter issued. Upon approval, parents receive an offer to secure the place.
4. Registration & fee payment. Parents pay the registration fee, security deposit, and first term’s tuition.
6. Placement & start. Final details (e.g., class placement) are confirmed prior to the term start.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Knewton Global Schools provides scholarships through the SiWu Scholarship Programme, managed by its parent organization, Bonanza Educare. This programme is designed to support students who demonstrate exceptional achievements in academics, creative arts, sports, leadership, or character.
Scholarships
The school offers the Canaan Scholarship, providing 50–100% tuition waivers for Malaysian students entering Year 7 or Year 10, based on academic merit, leadership, talent, and financial need.