Knewton Global Schools vs Lodge International School
Knewton Global Schools and Lodge International School are both in Sarawak. Both schools offer British and Cambridge IGCSE programmes. Knewton Global Schools also offers IPC and Malaysian, and Lodge International School also offers Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels. Published annual fees are MYR 11,340 - 23,400 at Knewton Global Schools and MYR 7,340 - 20,000 at Lodge International School, which puts Knewton Global Schools roughly 27% higher. Knewton Global Schools takes pupils from 3 to 16, and Lodge International School from 7 to 18. Lodge International School is the larger school, with around 700 pupils to Knewton Global Schools's 240. Both keep typical class sizes around 25.
IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Malaysian Curriculum
Curriculum
British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils
Pupils
240
Pupils
700
Typical class size
Typical class size
25
Typical class size
25
Instruction language
Instruction language
English, Malay
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2011
Opened
1953
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Knewton Global Schools is located along Jalan Desa Senadin in the Senadin township, on the northern edge of Miri, Sarawak. The school is positioned near Curtin University Malaysia, which is a key educational and residential zone within the area. It is also close to commercial spots like E-Mart Riam and Tamu Desa Senadin.
The school is accessible by car, school transport (if arranged), or local taxis and e-hailing services like Grab. The Jalan Lutong-Kuala Baram road, a key arterial road in the city, connects Senadin to the main parts of Miri, including the city centre and Miri Airport.
Location
Lodge International School is located in Tabuan Desa, a well-established suburban neighborhood in Kuching, Sarawak. The campus sits along Lorong Keranji 4E, just off Jalan Keranji, and is close to residential areas such as Tabuan Heights, BDC, and Taman Hui Sing. It is approximately 15 minutes from Kuching city centre and is easily accessed via Jalan Song and Jalan Tun Jugah. The school is near popular amenities including Giant Hypermarket, Vivacity Megamall, and public parks. Public buses and ride-sharing services operate in this area, and it’s a convenient commute for families living in southeast Kuching.
Stages
Stages
Knewton Global Schools is divided into Early Years, Primary School and Secondary School.
Stages
Lodge International School offers education for Primary, Lower Secondary, Upper Secondary and A-Level.
School type
School type
Knewton Global Schools is a co-educational day school. Boarding facilities are not offered.
School type
The school is a co-educational day school and it does not offer 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
The school provides individualized attention where each student is well cared for under the guidance of disciplined, experienced, and dedicated teachers. This approach ensures that individual student needs are addressed effectively.
Lodge also integrates the latest ICT tools into its teaching and learning processes. The Lodge Information System allows for continuous monitoring and assessment of student performance, enabling timely interventions and support.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school has no formal affiliation with any country.
Country affiliation
The school does not have a country affiliation.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
Knewton Global Schools operates as a secular institution.
Religious affiliation
Lodge International School is a secular institution without any religious affiliation.
School day structure
School day structure
The school does not have publicly available information on their day structure.
School day structure
Primary School 8.00am to 3.30 pm
Lower Secondary 8.00 am to 3.30 pm
Senior School 7.30 am to 4.00 pm
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school does not offer a bus service.
Bus service details
The school does offer a bus service.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Preschool (Nursery, Reception, Foundation) – Malaysian National Curriculum
Application Fee: RM500 One-time, non-refundable. Payable upon submission of application. Registration Fee: RM1,200 One-time, non-refundable. Payable upon acceptance of offer. Deposit: Equivalent to one term’s tuition fee Refundable with one full term’s written notice of withdrawal.
Note: The academic year is divided into three terms.
Pro-Rated Fees for Mid-Term Admissions:
Students joining in Weeks 1–4: 100% of term fee payable Students joining in Weeks 5–8: 70% of term fee payable Students joining after Week 8: 40% of term fee payable
International Curriculum (British) – Primary & Secondary Levels
Application Fee: RM1,000 One-time, non-refundable. Payable upon submission of application. Registration Fee: RM3,500 One-time, non-refundable. Payable upon acceptance of offer. Deposit: Equivalent to one term’s tuition fee Refundable with one full term’s written notice of withdrawal.
Tuition Fees (per term):
Year 1 (Age 5): RM8,290 Year 2 (Age 6): RM8,290 Year 3 (Age 7): RM9,660 Year 4 (Age 8): RM9,660 Year 5 (Age 9): RM9,660 Year 6 (Age 10): RM9,660 Year 7 (Age 11): RM12,405 Year 8 (Age 12): RM12,405 Year 9 (Age 13): RM12,405 Year 10 (Age 14): RM13,530 Year 11 (Age 15): RM13,530
Note: The academic year is divided into three terms.
Pro-Rated Fees for Mid-Term Admissions:
Students joining in Weeks 1–4: 100% of term fee payable Students joining in Weeks 5–8: 70% of term fee payable Students joining after Week 8: 40% of term fee payable
Refund Policy 1.Non-Refundable Fees: The application and registration fees are non-refundable.
2.Deposit Refund: The deposit, equivalent to one term's tuition fee, is refundable only if a full term's written notice of withdrawal is provided.
The school does not have their payment methods publicly available.
Fee details
Registration & Assessment Fees Registration Fee: RM 500 (non-refundable, unless school can't offer place by 31 Jan or student fails assessment)
Assessment Test Fee: RM 100 (non-refundable, for students required to sit an entrance test)
School Fees – Malaysian Students (Annual) Year 2–6: RM 6,140 Year 7–8: RM 7,660 Year 9: RM 9,160 Year 10–11 (O-Level): RM 14,000 Year 12–13 (A-Level): RM 16,000
School Fees – Non-Malaysian Students (Annual) Year 2–6: RM 7,340 Year 7–8: RM 9,180 Year 9: RM 10,960 Year 10–11 (O-Level): RM 16,500 Year 12–13 (A-Level): RM 20,000
Refund Policy 1 month's written notice required for withdrawal, else an extra full term's fee is charged
Withdraw before mid-term (50% term fee refund)
Withdraw after mid-term (no refund)
No refunds for students who don’t complete full O-Level (2 years/8 terms) or A-Level (1.5 years/6 terms)
Commitment fee forfeited for incomplete programme
Payment Methods Cheques only Cheques must be crossed and payable to: PERSATUAN SEKOLAH LODGE
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
The school has a dress code policy. Students are required to maintain a neat appearance and comply with the dress code policy.
Food options
Food options
There is a student cafeteria on campus.
Food options
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House system
House system
The school has a house system with four Houses: Sharks, Cobras, Lions and Dragons. These Houses create smaller communities and provide opportunities for competition across sports, arts and academics.
House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
The school is part of Knewton Global Schools. It originated as Piasau Primary School and was rebranded as Knewton Global Schools in 2020, after previously being Tenby Schools Miri.
Governance and ownership
Lodge Group of Schools operates four entities: Lodge Kindergarten; Lodge Primary School; Lodge Secondary School; and Lodge International School.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Knewton Global Schools offers two distinct academic pathways from early years through secondary: the British International Curriculum and the Malaysian National Curriculum.
The international stream follows the British educational model, beginning with the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) in the early and primary years. Students then transition to the Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme in Years 7 to 9, and ultimately prepare for the Cambridge IGCSE examinations at the end of Year 11. Instruction is delivered in English, with additional support for non-native speakers.
The Malaysian national stream follows the official curriculum set by the Ministry of Education Malaysia, taught primarily in Malay. This pathway covers Standard 1 through Form 5, ending with the national SPM examination. Subjects include core academic disciplines as well as local language and moral studies.
Students across both streams participate in co-curricular activities, community service projects, and cultural events, contributing to a well-rounded school experience regardless of curriculum path.
Curriculum details
Lodge International School follows the British National Curriculum from Year 2 through Year 13, offering students a progressive education aligned with the UK schooling model. In Years 2 to 9, students study core and foundation subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, and Art, based on the Key Stage frameworks. This stage emphasizes the development of literacy, numeracy, inquiry-based learning, and personal responsibility.
From Year 10 to Year 11, students transition into the Cambridge IGCSE programme, where they take a range of compulsory and elective subjects, and sit for externally assessed examinations. At the pre-university level (Years 12 and 13), the school offers the Cambridge International A-Level programme, allowing students to specialize in three or four subjects depending on their academic goals and university requirements. Lodge is a registered Cambridge International Examination Centre, which means all assessments are conducted on-site in line with Cambridge guidelines.
The school integrates social and emotional learning (SEL) into its Early Years and Foundation stages through a structured, play-based environment. Children engage in daily group activities such as circle time, where they learn to express emotions, listen to others, and resolve simple conflicts with guidance from teachers. Activities like role-playing, storytelling, and collaborative games are used to build empathy, communication skills, and self-awareness. Teachers play an active role by modeling positive behavior, helping students understand their emotions, and coaching them through real-life social situations.
The school also encourages responsibility and community involvement through classroom jobs and participation in cultural celebrations like Hari Raya and Gawai Dayak. These experiences help students appreciate diversity, develop kindness, and feel a sense of belonging. Regular events involving parents, such as coffee mornings and school-wide celebrations, reinforce SEL themes at home and create a supportive, connected environment for each child’s emotional growth.
Social & emotional learning
Lodge International School Kuching supports social and emotional learning through a variety of structured activities. All students are required to take part in extra-curricular activities (ECAs), which include clubs, sports, and uniformed groups. These ECAs help students develop teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. Specific clubs such as the Gavel Club (public speaking), Drama Club, Cookery Club, and Gardening Club provide opportunities for students to build confidence, express emotions, and collaborate with others. Students also participate in uniformed bodies like Scouts and Red Crescent, which focus on service, discipline, and responsibility. In addition, the school offers the International Award Programme, which encourages personal growth through goal-setting and community involvement.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
The school does not have a dedicated SEN programme.
Special educational needs (SEN)
The school does not have any specialized support for students with special educational needs.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
The school offers EAL.
English as an additional language
Lodge International School includes both First Language English and English as a Second Language (ESL) in its curriculum. This approach caters to students with varying levels of English proficiency, providing appropriate support to enhance their language skills.
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
Lodge International School actively promotes mental well-being through various initiatives. During its Humanities Week, the school hosted a "Self-Care" talk in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Kuching Unity City and 20dB Therapy Tree, focusing on physical, psycho-emotional, and spiritual self-care tips to enhance students' well-being.
The school also participated in the "Go Bald" campaign, an event aimed at raising awareness about childhood cancer and promoting empathy and community support among students.
Furthermore, Lodge National Secondary School, part of the same group, conducted an Anti-Bullying Week initiative supported by Taylor’s University. This program included role-playing activities, discussions, and interactive sessions to encourage empathy, kindness, and a supportive school environment.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
Knewton Global Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All staff members are expected to share this commitment. Applicants for positions at the school are required to undergo child protection screening which includes reference checks with past employers.
Safeguarding
The school does not have their safeguarding policy publicly available.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
The campus is fully enclosed with 24/7 security and a single point of entry. It includes a 25-meter competition-standard swimming pool, basketball, netball and tennis courts, and a full-size football field, with smaller youth and instructional spaces. Pedestrian boulevards connect the schools to the administration block, which houses the student cafeteria, nurse's office, school shop, and library, and the performing arts block with music practice rooms, a drama studio and an auditorium. The campus is located at Lot 10700, Block 5, Jalan Desa Senadin, Kuala Baram Land District, 98000 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia.
Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
A 25-meter competition-standard swimming pool is on site. Basketball, netball and tennis courts are available for sport and recreation. A full-size football field supports football and related activities. There are smaller youth and instructional spaces designed for physical education and training.
Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
The administration block houses a library for study and research. The campus connects the different school sections (Hornbills Pre-School, International School, and Private National School) via pedestrian boulevards, enabling integrated learning. The performing arts block includes music practice rooms, a drama studio and an auditorium. Hornbills Pre-School follows the UK Early Years Foundation Stage Framework; International School follows the English National Curriculum; Private National School follows the Malaysian KSSR Semakan 2017 and KSSM.
Academic facilities
The school offers the Cambridge International curriculum across Cambridge Primary (Year 2 to Year 6), Cambridge Lower Secondary (Year 7 to Year 9), Cambridge Upper Secondary (Year 10 to Year 11), and Cambridge International A-level (Year 12 to Year 13). Cambridge Primary subjects offered include English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Music, ICT, Art, Design & Technology, Physical Education, Malay, Mandarin, Korean, Agama, Moral, and Citizenship. Cambridge Upper Secondary subjects offered include First Language English, English as a Second Language, Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, Geography, Economics, Business Studies, Literature in English, Global Perspectives, ICT, Art & Design, Malay Foreign Language, Mandarin Chinese Foreign Language, Agama, Moral, and Citizenship. Cambridge International A-level subjects include Pure Science (Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics) and Humanities (English Language, History, Geography, Business, Economics, Psychology).
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
Co-curricular activities include Student Council, House Captains and Prefects. Students participate in volunteering projects and local and global community engagement, as well as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Programme.
Extra curricular facilities
Co-curricular Activities include Uniform Groups (Red Crescent, St. John Ambulance, Scouts, Girls Brigade, Taekwondo), and Sports & Games (Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Wushu, Swimming, Bowling, Futsal, Football, Netball, Chess, Table-Tennis, Jia Jitzu, Zumba). Clubs & Societies include Bahasa Melayu Club, Mathematics Club, Science Club, English Club, Economy Club, History Club, STEM Club, Interact, Leo, Gavel/Public Speaking, Mooting/Debate, and a range of Hobby/Interest clubs such as Music, Cultural/Dance, Drama, Gardening & Landscaping, Cookery, Needlework, Robotic Club, Photography, and Art & Craft. Programme options include the International Award and JASS Award.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Knewton Global Schools in Miri has a long-standing history tied to international education in Malaysia. The institution originally began as Piasau Primary School, making it one of the oldest international schools in the country. In 2011, it was rebranded as Tenby Schools Miri, operating under the Tenby Schools group and offering both the British International and Malaysian National curricula.
In 2016, the campus was sold to a different education group, but the original founding team of Bonanza Educare reacquired the school and officially launched it as Knewton Global Schools in 2020. Since then, it has operated as an independent school under Bonanza Educare, offering a dual curriculum model and maintaining a strong presence in the Miri education landscape.
History
Lodge International School Kuching is part of the Lodge Group of Schools, which began as The Lodge Preparatory School and Kindergarten in 1953. Initially established to serve the educational needs of British expatriates' children in Kuching, the school has undergone several relocations: from The Masonic Lodge at Batu Lintang to The Sarawak Club, then to Pearse Road in 1969, and finally to its current site in Tabuan Jaya in 1984. English has been the medium of instruction since its inception.
Community
Community
Knewton Global Schools has a diverse school community made up of both local Malaysian and international students, reflecting the multicultural character of Miri. The school regularly holds events that celebrate cultural diversity, such as Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, and Gawai Dayak. These celebrations involve student performances, traditional attire, and shared meals, helping students and families learn about each other’s backgrounds. The school also promotes community involvement through events like the Knewton Run, which brings together students, parents, and staff in a non-academic setting. This inclusive environment encourages respect for different cultures and fosters strong relationships between families and the school.
Community
Lodge International School Kuching emphasizes community service and cultural exchange. For instance, students have participated in humanitarian trips to Yogyakarta, Indonesia, where they engaged with local communities and contributed to charitable causes. The school also organizes events like the "Go Bald" campaign to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer, reflecting its commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
The school does have a Parent Teacher Association.
Parent teacher association
Lodge International School operates under the Lodge School Association, a non-profit organization where all parents automatically become members upon their child's enrollment. This association functions similarly to a PTA, with committee members elected biennially by parents during the Annual General Meeting. The association plays a significant role in school governance and decision-making processes.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
The Miri campus offers Hornbills Pre-School for ages 3-6, following the UK Early Years Foundation Stage framework; an International School for ages 5-16, following the English National Curriculum; and a Private National School for ages 7-17, following the Malaysian National Curriculum (KSSR Semakan 2017 and KSSM).
Academic & intellectual
The school delivers the Cambridge International curriculum across all key stages, from primary through Cambridge International A-Levels. Cambridge Primary (Year 2 to Year 6) is for learners aged 7 to 11 and covers English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Music, ICT, Art, Design & Technology, Physical Education, Malay, Mandarin, Korean, Religion, Moral, and Citizenship. Cambridge Lower Secondary (Year 7 to Year 9) and Cambridge Upper Secondary (Year 10 to Year 11) lead to Cambridge IGCSE assessments with a broad range of subjects. Cambridge International A-Levels (Year 12 to Year 13) cover subjects in Pure Science and Humanities.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
Clubs and societies in the arts and creative domain are available as part of the extracurricular program. The arts curriculum includes Music and Art as core subjects within the Cambridge framework. The co-curricular program supports creative development through these activities, complementing academic study. Participation in arts activities is encouraged as part of a holistic education.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
Cultural and language clubs form part of the school's co-curricular program. Languages within the Cambridge framework include Malay, Mandarin, and Korean. Clubs foster cross-cultural learning and language development. The program promotes multicultural engagement through these clubs.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
Beyond Classroom requires participation in extra-curricular activities. Students can join clubs, games, sports and uniformed bodies. A range of social and hobby clubs supports personal interests and social development. The program emphasizes balanced development through social and recreational activities.
Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
Community service and volunteering are integral to the extracurricular program. Students participate in service-based activities through clubs and school initiatives. The program promotes social responsibility and community engagement.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
Leadership opportunities are available through student organizations and leadership-focused clubs. Programs develop professional skills such as communication, teamwork and project management. These activities support preparation for future studies and careers.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle and wellbeing are supported through sports, fitness and wellness-oriented clubs. The extracurricular program promotes healthy living and physical activity as part of a holistic education. Clubs contribute to mental and social wellbeing through peer engagement and structured activities.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
The International School uses English as the language of instruction. Teaching in English covers English, Science and Mathematics, with the International Primary Curriculum used for other subjects. Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) are taught in Key Stage 3 (ages 11-16). Bilingual teaching assistants support Primary, and students are encouraged to use English in their communication to develop proficiency in the lingua franca.
Language provision
The school offers English, Malay, Mandarin and Korean as language subjects. Malay and Mandarin are taught across Cambridge Primary and Lower Secondary, with Korean available as an additional language. At Cambridge Upper Secondary, Malay Foreign Language and Mandarin Chinese Foreign Language are offered as options.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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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 on their awards.
Awards
The school does not have publicly available information on their awards.
Accreditations
Accreditations
Cambridge Accreditation: The school is an authorized Cambridge examination center, meaning it's accredited to administer Cambridge IGCSE and O Level exams.
Accreditations
Accredited by the University of Cambridge as an International Examination Centre since February 2000.
Approved by the Malaysian Ministry of Education to offer the Cambridge International A-Level Course.
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. Download and complete the application form from the school's website. Submit the form along with the required documents, which include: A copy of the student's birth certificate A copy of the student's MyKad or passport Two recent passport-sized photographs A copy of the parent's MyKad or passport
2. An assessment may be conducted to determine the student's academic level and appropriate class placement.
3. Successful applicants will receive an offer letter. Acceptance of the offer requires payment of the necessary fees, including a refundable membership fee to the Lodge School Association.
4. Upon acceptance, the student will be officially enrolled, and further details regarding orientation and class placement will be provided.
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 does not have publicly available information on scholarships.