Knewton Global Schools vs St. Joseph’s International School Kuching

	K Knewton Global Schools Sarawak, Malaysia	S St. Joseph’s International School Kuching Sarawak, Malaysia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year MYR 11,340 - 23,400	Fees / year MYR 14,800 - 21,400
Age range	Age range 3 - 16 years	Age range 13 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Malaysian Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Malaysian Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 240	Pupils 1,500
Typical class size	Typical class size 25	Typical class size 25
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Malay	Instruction language English, Malay
Opened	Opened 2011	Opened 2017
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 St. Joseph’s International School Kuching is situated at Lot 419, Section 58, KTLD, Jalan Tan Sri Datuk William Tan, 93450 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. The school occupies the former site of SK St. Teresa in the Padungan area, placing it within the central business district of Kuching. This central location offers convenient access to various parts of the city.
Stages	Stages Knewton Global Schools is divided into Early Years, Primary School and Secondary School.	Stages St. Joseph’s International School Kuching is divide into 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 provide boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
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 St. Joseph’s International School Kuching provides several types of learning support to help students beyond the classroom. They offer English language support, extended school hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., giving students time for extra tutorials, homework help, and consultations with teachers. In addition to academics, the school supports students’ personal growth through creative arts activities like music, dance, and drama.
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 The school has a Roman Catholic religious affiliation, as it is managed by the Marist Brothers and operates under the guidance of the Archdiocese of Kuching.
School day structure	School day structure The school does not have publicly available information on their day structure.	School day structure School Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Bus service details	Bus service details The school does not offer a bus service.	Bus service details The school does not 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. Tuition Fees (per term): Nursery (Ages 3–4): RM3,780 Reception (Ages 4–5): RM3,780 Foundation (Ages 5–6): RM3,780 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 Application & Registration Fees Application Fee (one-time, non-refundable): RM 500 Assessment Test Fee: RM 100 per student Registration Fee (one-time, non-refundable): For Years 7–9: 1st child: RM 4,000 2nd child: RM 2,000 3rd child: RM 1,000 4th child: Free *8For Years 10–11: RM 2,000 flat rate Tuition Fees (Per Year) Year 7: Malaysian: RM 12,300 Non-Malaysian: RM 14,800 Year 8: Malaysian: RM 13,500 Non-Malaysian: RM 16,200 Year 9: Malaysian: RM 14,500 Non-Malaysian: RM 17,400 Year 10–11: Malaysian: RM 17,800 Non-Malaysian: RM 21,400 Other Notes 3% discount if the full year’s fee is paid in advance (by January). 5% late fee penalty for overdue payments. Students who delay payment by 2+ weeks may be barred from classes. Basic supplies like books, worksheets, and diaries are provided free. Pre-University Programmes (A-Level & AUSMAT) Application Fees RM 500 for general applicants RM 200 for current St. Joseph's Private Secondary students Cambridge A-Level (18 months) Year 12: Malaysian: RM 8,000 per semester (RM 16,000/year) Non-Malaysian: RM 9,600 per semester (RM 19,200/year) Year 13: Malaysian: RM 8,000 Non-Malaysian: RM 9,600 Additional Fees: Miscellaneous: RM 750 (one-time) Laboratory: RM 300 per science subject (for 12 months) Fees upon acceptance (Malaysian student): RM 8,000 deposit (offset against Year 13) RM 8,000 for 1st quarter of Year 12 RM 750 miscellaneous AUSMAT (Australian Matriculation – 12 months) Malaysian: RM 8,000 per semester (RM 16,000 total) Non-Malaysian: RM 9,600 per semester (RM 19,200 total) Additional Fees: Resource Fee: RM 2,000 Exam Fee: RM 3,000 Laboratory Fee: RM 300 per science subject Miscellaneous Fee: RM 500 Refund Policy For Secondary Students (Years 7–11) Parents must give 1 month’s written notice before withdrawing a student. If no notice is given, an extra full term's fee will be charged. Refunds: Before mid-term: Eligible for 50% refund of that term’s fee. After mid-term: No refund given. For Pre-University Students If a student does not complete the A-Level programme, the deposit (1 semester fee) will be forfeited. If the withdrawal happens after the exam registration deadline, exam fees are non-refundable. For students asked to withdraw by the school, unused deposits may be refunded, but exam fees will not be. Payment Methods JomPAY (Online Bill Payment) Credit or Debit Card Payable in person at the school office. Cheque
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options There is a student cafeteria on campus.	Food options —
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 —
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 The school is a Catholic institution managed by the Board of Directors, St. Joseph's Private School Management Berhad (Company No. 981967-X). It follows the Cambridge syllabus leading to Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels, with books sourced from the United Kingdom; English is the medium of instruction and Malaysian citizens study Bahasa Melayu, Pendidikan Moral or Pendidikan Islam (Muslim only). The school operates as a single-session, co-educational campus with classes from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and welcomes both foreign and local students, with special English classes available.
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 St. Joseph’s International School follows the Cambridge International Curriculum at both secondary and pre-university levels. Students typically enter at Year 7 and progress through to Year 11, preparing for the IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) examinations. The IGCSE curriculum covers core academic subjects such as English, Mathematics, the Sciences, and Humanities, along with options like Art and ICT. Malaysian students are also required to take Bahasa Melayu and Moral or Islamic Studies, in line with national regulations. At the pre-university level, students can choose between two academic tracks: the Cambridge A-Level programme or the Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT). The A-Level is an 18-month programme split into Year 12 (12 months) and Year 13 (6 months), typically involving three to four subjects in the Sciences, Mathematics, or Humanities. The AUSMAT programme, delivered over 12 months, is assessed continuously through coursework and final exams and is based on standards set by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority of Western Australia. Both qualifications are widely accepted by universities in Malaysia and abroad.
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 View document	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning 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 St. Joseph’s supports social and emotional learning mainly through activities that encourage group interaction and personal expression. For example, students regularly take part in drama, music, and dance activities, where they work together in rehearsals, performances, and presentations. These situations help students develop communication skills, manage anxiety (e.g., stage fright), and learn how to cooperate with others. Additionally, students are expected to participate in clubs and sports, where teamwork and self-discipline are built through group projects and competitions.
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 St. Joseph’s International School provides special English classes for students who require assistance in improving their English proficiency. This support is designed to help students integrate into the English-medium curriculum effectively.
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 Students participate in creative arts such as music, drama, and dance, which provide avenues for emotional expression and stress relief. Additionally, the school emphasizes the development of interpersonal skills and leadership qualities through co-curricular activities, fostering a supportive environment that contributes to students' overall well-being.
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 —	Safeguarding policy —
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 The school has a laboratory, an examination hall, a reading room/library, a computer laboratory, and a basketball court.
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 The school has a basketball court.
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 Cambridge syllabus leads to IGCSE and A-level examinations. All subjects are taught in English. Books are sourced from the United Kingdom. Malaysian citizens study Bahasa Melayu and Moral Education, or Islamic Education for Muslim students. The school is a single-session, co-educational day school with lessons from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Special English classes are available for students who need help.
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 Soft skills development includes creative arts such as music, drama and dance. Leadership development is emphasized as part of the holistic education.
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 St. Joseph’s International School Kuching was established in 2017 by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kuching. It is part of the St. Joseph’s Private Schools network, which includes primary and secondary schools. The international school operates from the former SK St. Teresa campus in Padungan and is managed by the Marist Brothers. It offers the Cambridge curriculum, providing education from lower secondary up to A-Level and AUSMAT programmes. The origins of St. Joseph’s educational institutions in Kuching date back to 1882, when the Mill Hill Fathers established the first Catholic missionary school in Sarawak. Over the years, the school underwent several transformations, including administration by the La Salle Brothers from 1950. In the 1960s, the school became part of the Malaysian government-aided school system. Recognizing the need for holistic education, the Archdiocese initiated the establishment of private schools in 2012, leading to the formation of the current St. Joseph’s Private Schools network.
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 St. Joseph’s International School Kuching fosters a community that celebrates Malaysia's rich cultural diversity. The school's Cultural Club exposes students to traditional dances from various Malaysian ethnic groups, such as Chinese New Year and Gawai Dayak celebrations, promoting cultural appreciation and unity among students. Additionally, the school organizes events like the production "A Story of Ours: Us & Them," which encourages students to explore themes of identity and belonging through the arts.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school does have a Parent Teacher Association.	Parent teacher association The school does not have PTA.
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 Cambridge syllabus leads to Cambridge O-Levels and A-Levels. Books are sourced from the United Kingdom. AUSMAT is planned to be offered. All subjects are taught in English; Malaysian citizens study Bahasa Melayu, Pendidikan Islam or Pendidikan Moral, and Sejarah Malaysia.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative Development of soft skills through the creative arts—music, drama and dance—is part of the holistic education. Dance & Drama and Musical Ensemble & Vocal are offered as ECAs, with Audio-Visual Production also available. The ECA program includes additional clubs and societies that support arts and media.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language All subjects are taught in English. Malaysian citizens study Bahasa Melayu, Pendidikan Islam or Pendidikan Moral, and Sejarah Malaysia. The school offers a Language Club as part of ECAs and welcomes both foreign and local students.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies Uniform groups and sports form part of the activity program, including Student leaders & monitors, Fire Cadet, St John Ambulance, Taekwondo, and Wushu, plus Futsal, Badminton, Basketball, Netball, Table Tennis, and Chess. Clubs & societies include A Level Club, Audio-Visual Production, Business & Career Club, Creative & Innovative Club, Dance & Drama, Duke of Edinburgh Award, Drone & Photography Club, Environment Club, Interact Club, Language Club, Librarian Club, ISCF, Legion of Mary, Confirmation Class, Musical Ensemble & Vocal, STEM, and Young Christian Students.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Interacts Club; St John Ambulance; Environment Club; Duke of Edinburgh Award; Legion of Mary; ISCF; Young Christian Students; Confirmation Class.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Student leaders and monitors participate in uniform groups. The school offers clubs such as A Level Club and Duke of Edinburgh Award to support leadership and career development. Interact Club and Language Club provide further leadership opportunities.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing St. Joseph's International School runs a single-session day from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sports include Futsal, Badminton, Basketball, Netball, Table Tennis and Chess. The program focuses on interpersonal skills and leadership as part of holistic education.
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 English is the medium of instruction for all subjects. Malaysian citizens are required to study Bahasa Melayu, Pendidikan Moral or Pendidikan Islam (Muslim only). The school also offers special English classes for students who needs help.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
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 Licensed by the Malaysian Ministry of Education to offer the Cambridge International curriculum, including IGCSE and A-Level programmes.
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 relevant registration form from the school's website. Submit the completed form along with the required documents, which include: Two copies of the student's most recent academic report 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. Prospective students may be required to sit for an entrance assessment to determine their suitability for the school's curriculum. 3. An interview with the student and parents may be conducted to discuss the student's educational background and expectations. 4. Successful applicants will receive an offer letter. Acceptance of the offer requires payment of the necessary fees. 5. 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.
Waitlist	Waitlist The school does not have a waitlist.	Waitlist The school does not have a waitlist.
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