Knewton Global Schools vs Tunku Putra-HELP School

	K Knewton Global Schools Sarawak, Malaysia	T Tunku Putra-HELP School Sarawak, Malaysia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year MYR 11,340 - 23,400	Fees / year MYR 10,060 - 32,410
Age range	Age range 3 - 16 years	Age range 3 - 19 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Malaysian Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge A Levels, Malaysian Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 240	Pupils 800
Typical class size	Typical class size 25	Typical class size 30
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Malay	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2011	Opened 1996
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
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 Tunku Putra-HELP School is located at The NorthBank along the Kuching–Samarahan Expressway in Tabuan Jaya, Kuching, Sarawak. It sits in a rapidly developing residential and commercial area and is close to the planned Stutong station on the upcoming Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS), which will improve accessibility in the future.
Stages	Stages Knewton Global Schools is divided into Early Years, Primary School and Secondary School.	Stages The school is divided into Kindergarten, Primary, Secondary, and Sixth Form (A-Level) sections. It offers both Malaysian national and British international curricula from age 3 through Year 13 (A-Level).
School type	School type Knewton Global Schools is a co-educational day school. Boarding facilities are not offered.	School type TPHS is a co-educational day school. Boarding facilities are not available.
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 TPHS provides a dedicated Learning Support programme to assist students with higher learning needs. Support is primarily delivered within the classroom setting, but there is also a designated Learning Support Room (B22.5) for more focused interventions. The school emphasizes stimulating various approaches to enhance brain function for learning.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school has no formal affiliation with any country.	Country affiliation The school is not affiliated with any country.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Knewton Global Schools operates as a secular institution.	Religious affiliation TPHS is a secular institution with no religious affiliation.
School day structure	School day structure The school does not have publicly available information on their day structure.	School day structure The school does not have publicly available information on their day structure.
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 Kindergarten (Kindy 1 to 3) Annual Fee: RM 10,060 Per Instalment (3 terms): RM 3,353 International Primary School Malaysian Students: Primary 1–3 Published Rate: RM 20,530/year or RM 6,844 per term Bursary Rate: RM 17,450/year or RM 5,817 per term Primary 4–6 Published Rate: RM 22,530/year or RM 7,510 per term Bursary Rate: RM 19,150/year or RM 6,384 per term Non-Malaysian Students: Primary 1–3 Published Rate: RM 20,530/year or RM 6,844 per term Bursary Rate: RM 18,475/year or RM 6,159 per term Primary 4–6 Published Rate: RM 22,530/year or RM 7,510 per term Bursary Rate: RM 20,275/year or RM 6,759 per term International Secondary School (Year 7–11) Malaysian Students: Published Rate: RM 32,410/year or RM 10,804 per term Bursary Rate: RM 27,550/year or RM 9,184 per term Non-Malaysian Students: Published Rate: RM 32,410/year or RM 10,804 per term Bursary Rate: RM 29,170/year or RM 9,724 per term The school does not have publicly available information on their Refund Policy and Payment Methods.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement The school requires a uniform and it is not included in tuition.
Food options	Food options There is a student cafeteria on campus.	Food options The school has a large cafeteria and provides well-balanced meals with pre-ordered healthy meal plans as an option.
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 part of the HELP Group of Schools.
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 Tunku Putra-HELP School offers a dual-track curriculum comprising the Malaysian National Curriculum and the British-based International Curriculum. At the Kindergarten level, the school blends the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) with elements from the Malaysian curriculum, emphasizing early literacy, numeracy, and social development through play-based learning. In the National Primary section (Standard 1–6), students follow the Malaysian KSSR syllabus, enhanced by British and Singaporean resources in Mathematics and Science. Subjects include Bahasa Malaysia, English, Science, Mathematics, Mandarin, History, ICT, Music, Visual Arts, Physical Education, Moral Studies, and Islamic Studies where applicable. The International Primary stream (Years 1–6) follows the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), a theme-based program designed to foster global perspectives, creativity, and inquiry-based learning. This curriculum is complemented by the English National Curriculum for literacy and numeracy. At the secondary level, students in the National stream (Form 1–5) follow the KSSM syllabus, leading up to the national SPM examination. The curriculum is supported by additional content from Singaporean and British syllabi for Mathematics and Science. For the International Secondary stream (Years 7–11), students pursue the Cambridge curriculum, leading to the IGCSE examinations. TPHS also offers Cambridge International A-Levels (Years 12–13) for students in pre-university, enabling them to specialize in their preferred academic disciplines and preparing them for higher education globally.
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 View document
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 The school does not have publicly available information about their social and emotional learning.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school does not have a dedicated SEN programme.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school employs a Head of Inclusion who oversees the development and implementation of strategies to accommodate students with special educational needs. This includes personalized support plans and collaboration with teachers to ensure that all students can thrive academically and socially.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school offers EAL.	English as an additional language The school does not have publicly available information on 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 TPHS recognizes the importance of mental wellbeing and incorporates it into their educational approach. The school has organized webinars focusing on nurturing and developing resilient and mentally healthy children, indicating a proactive stance on mental health education and support.
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 is committed to upholding the highest standards in safeguarding and child protection, in line with both Malaysian laws and international practices. This commitment is reflected in their policies, which clearly state that all concerns regarding the welfare of children whether suspicions, allegations, or disclosures must be taken seriously and addressed promptly. Staff members are required to remain vigilant and responsible when it comes to the safety of students. They are expected to follow clear procedures in reporting any potential harm or risk to a child. This includes documenting concerns appropriately and ensuring they are escalated to the relevant safeguarding personnel. The school acknowledges that early intervention is key, and therefore empowers teachers and staff through clear protocols and guidance. Training and awareness are integral parts of the school’s safeguarding framework. Staff undergo regular training to ensure they understand their obligations and are equipped to act decisively when needed. The school also fosters a culture where students feel safe to speak up and seek help.
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 sits on a purpose-built campus designed for holistic learning. It features air-conditioned classrooms with Apple TVs, a large library, and Design and Technology facilities including a Cookery Lab, Textile Lab, and Resistant Materials Lab. Six science labs, an art studio, music rooms, a dance studio, and a 200-seat Performing Arts Theatre support learning across disciplines. Outdoor spaces include a half-Olympic-sized swimming pool, a large school field, a mini amphitheatre, and a spacious cafeteria with on-site health services.
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 Sports facilities include a large School Field for outdoor activities, a half-Olympic-sized Swimming Pool with six lanes, and a Fitness Suite for cardio workouts. A Multi-Purpose Hall adds indoor space for activities.
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 Academic facilities include air-conditioned classrooms with Apple TVs, The Laila Taib Library, and Computer Labs. Design and Technology facilities comprise a Cookery Lab, Textile Lab, and Resistant Materials Lab. Six state-of-the-art Science Labs support Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The campus also houses Music Rooms, Art Studios, and a Performing Arts Theatre, and an on-site Clinic.
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 Dance Studio With Full-Length Mirrors supports rehearsals, dance practice, yoga, taekwondo and Zumba. The Performing Arts Theatre hosts drama classes and performances. Art Studios and Music Rooms support visual and musical arts. The Mini Amphitheatre and Fitness Suite provide spaces for gatherings and fitness activities.
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 The school was established in 1997 in Kuching, Sarawak. It was founded through a collaboration between the HELP Education Group and local stakeholders, with the aim of offering both national and international curricula in a single institution. The school has since evolved into a modern campus providing education from early years through secondary level.
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 The school hosts a diverse student body, welcoming learners from various cultural backgrounds. It fosters a vibrant school culture through events such as Hari Merdeka, Chinese New Year celebrations, and international days. These activities reflect Malaysia’s multicultural identity while helping students build cross-cultural understanding and school spirit.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school does have a Parent Teacher Association.	Parent teacher association The school does not have a Parent Teacher Association.
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 International Primary combines the Cambridge Curriculum with the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) to build knowledge, skills, and international mindedness. The IPC is inquiry-based and emphasizes real-world themes, collaboration, and the eight Personal Learning Goals (resilient, thinkers, ethical, empathetic, collaborators, communicators, adaptable, respectful). IPC accreditation highlights the school's international approach, and the school is ranked among the top 20 worldwide as the first and only IPC-accredited school in Borneo.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative Music and Drama are part of the curriculum, with Art offered as a subject across year groups. The Secondary curriculum includes Performing Arts: Drama and Music. IPC covers Art and Technology, and the A Level programme also includes Art as a subject.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language Mandarin and Bahasa Malaysia are core language offerings. Islamic Studies is available for Muslim students. IPC Learning Goals promote international-mindedness and cross-cultural awareness through Geography, History, ICT, Art, Technology, and Society.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies Upper secondary students can participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, which supports fitness, adventure, volunteering, and leadership. The IGCSE curriculum also includes Leadership & Enterprise options such as entrepreneurship and media studies. Physical Education includes swimming, and Personal, Social and Health Education is part of the curriculum.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service The Duke of Edinburgh's Award emphasizes volunteering and community service as part of its activities. Leadership & Enterprise options and Careers-related enrichment provide opportunities to serve and develop community impact.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Enrichment programmes in the A Level pathway include Careers and Personal Projects, alongside the Duke of Edinburgh International Award. Leadership and Enterprise options in IGCSE foster entrepreneurial and financial-literacy skills. The school supports pathways to scholarships through its network with HELP Education Group.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing Physical Education (including swimming) supports fitness and wellbeing as part of the core curriculum. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award promotes physical activity, exploration, and volunteering as wellbeing-enhancing experiences. Personal, Social and Health Education contributes to students' wellbeing and life-skills development.
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 Kindergarten Language and Literacy program includes English, Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin. In the International Primary program, English, Mandarin and Bahasa Malaysia are listed as subjects, and the IPC component covers Geography, History, ICT, Art, Technology, Society and International Mindedness. In the International Secondary program, Mandarin and Bahasa Malaysia are offered as subjects, with English also taught and IGCSE options available in Year 10–11. The A Level program lists English among its subjects.
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 CollectivED Silver Award (2024–2027) Recognized for excellence in coaching, mentoring, and professional learning, highlighting the school's commitment to collaborative educator development.
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 International Primary Curriculum (IPC) Tunku Putra-HELP is the first school in Kuching and the 35th globally to receive IPC accreditation, reflecting its commitment to a thematic and creative learning approach. Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award The school offers this globally recognized program, promoting personal development through service, skills, and physical activities.
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 and Documents Complete the application form and submit it along with the following documents: Medical and Health Record form Two recent passport-sized photographs of the child, parents, and guardian (if applicable) Copies of the child's birth certificate, passport, identity card (Malaysian), and visa (non-Malaysian) Copies of both parents' passports, identity cards (Malaysian), and visas (non-Malaysian) Most recent school report and a testimonial regarding character and ability from the principal or class teacher If the child is staying with a guardian, provide the guardian's recent photo, passport, identity card (Malaysian), visa (non-Malaysian), and a letter confirming the appointment as a guardian 2. Assessment Once the complete application is received, the applicant will be scheduled for an assessment. The assessment varies depending on the year group and includes a meeting with the coordinator of the relevant section. 3. Application Review The school reviews the assessed applications, considering factors such as assessment results, school reports, subject options at IGCSE, English language ability, the child's behavior, and availability of places. 4. Offer of Place If the application is successful, an offer of place will be made. Placement is at the school's discretion, considering the student's age, academic ability, and level of achievement. Acceptance of the offer requires payment of the applicable fees by the stipulated date. If fees are paid by an employer, a Letter of Financial Guarantee must be provided. 5. Admission Upon receiving payment or a Letter of Financial Guarantee, the school will communicate the child's start date and provide support with purchasing the school uniform and textbooks. The Admissions Officer or Coordinator will provide details for the first day at school.
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 TPHS offers bursaries and special rebates on tuition fees. For instance, the 2025 fee structure indicates that Malaysian students in Years 7 to 11 can receive a bursary. Non-Malaysian students may also be eligible for bursaries.
Waitlist	Waitlist The school does not have a waitlist.	Waitlist The school does not have a waitlist.
	View full profile →	View full profile →