Knewton Global Schools vs Woodlands International School

	K Knewton Global Schools Sarawak, Malaysia	W Woodlands International School Sarawak, Malaysia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year MYR 11,340 - 23,400	Fees / year MYR 9,725 - 27,005
Age range	Age range 3 - 16 years	Age range 3 - 17 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Malaysian Curriculum	Curriculum IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Cambridge IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils 240	Pupils 300
Typical class size	Typical class size 25	Typical class size 25
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Malay	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2011	Opened 2013
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 Woodlands International School is located at Jalan Salim, in the town of Sibu, Sarawak. It is situated in a suburban area near residential communities, with convenient access to Jalan Oya and key parts of Sibu town, making it accessible for families across the region.
Stages	Stages Knewton Global Schools is divided into Early Years, Primary School and Secondary School.	Stages The school is divided into Kindergarten, Primary, and Secondary levels, with education offered from age 3 up to Year 11 (IGCSE).
School type	School type Knewton Global Schools is a co-educational day school. Boarding facilities are not offered.	School type Woodlands is a co-educational day school. Boarding is not provided, and students commute daily.
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 While the school does not publicly advertise a specialized Learning Support Department, the school’s emphasis on a “holistic, interactive and child-centred approach” suggests that students are supported through differentiated instruction and personalized engagement in the classroom. Teachers are described as experienced and internationally diverse professionals who adapt creatively to students' academic and developmental needs. The school also fosters a collaborative atmosphere involving families and the community, which further reinforces its commitment to inclusive education.
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 WIS is also a secular school 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 Children enrolled in the WINS Angel programme can attend either half-day or full-day sessions. The half-day schedule runs from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM, Monday through Thursday, with dismissal at 12:00 PM on Fridays. Full-day students attend from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, also ending early at 12:00 PM on Fridays. For families needing additional care, extended hours are available until 5:00 PM. Meanwhile, students in Pre-Kindergarten (PK), Reception 1 (R1), and Reception 2 (R2) follow a consistent full-day schedule from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Thursday, and finish at 12:00 PM on Fridays. Like WINS Angel, they can also opt for extended care until 5:00 PM. The school does not have publicly available information on their primary and secondary 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 & Early Years: Kindergarten Angels: RM 6,400 per year (RM 1,600 per term) Pre-Kindergarten: RM 7,600 per year (RM 1,900 per term) Reception 1 (R1): RM 9,000 per year (RM 2,250 per term) Reception 2 (R2): RM 9,900 per year (RM 2,475 per term) Primary School: Lower Primary (P1–P3): RM 13,000 per year (RM 3,250 per term) Upper Primary (P4–P6): RM 15,600 per year (RM 3,900 per term) Secondary School: Lower Secondary (Y7–Y9): RM 17,000 per year (RM 4,250 per term) Upper Secondary (Y10–Y11): RM 20,600 per year (RM 5,150 per term) One-Time Fees Assessment Fee: RM 50 (Kindergarten), RM 80 (Primary & Secondary) Application Fee: RM 250 (Kindergarten), RM 500 (Primary & Secondary) Registration Fee: RM 500 (Kindergarten), RM 1,000 (Primary & Secondary) International Student Fee: RM 800 (all levels) Deposit: RM 2,500 (Kindergarten), RM 3,750 (Primary), RM 4,500 (Secondary) Discounts Upfront full-year tuition payment: 3% discount Sibling discounts: 2nd child: 2% 3rd child: 5% 4th and subsequent children: 10% Additional Annual Charges Student Insurance: RM 25 per year (limited to school-related activities) Technology/Resource Fee: RM 300 per year (Primary & Secondary) Refund Policy WIS requires a refundable deposit (RM 2,500–RM 4,500 depending on the level), which is returned upon withdrawal if all accounts are settled, school property is returned, and the required notice is given. However, the deposit is typically non-refundable in cases of application withdrawal. Payment Methods The school does not publicly specify accepted payment methods.
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 —
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 Woodlands International School offers a fully international curriculum that progresses from the early years through pre-university. In Early Years (ages 2.5 to 5), the school uses the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC), which emphasizes holistic, play-based learning that nurtures children’s personal, social, and academic development. For Primary students (Years 1–6), Woodlands combines the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) with the Cambridge Primary Curriculum. This dual-framework promotes thematic and inquiry-based learning across subjects such as Science, History, Geography, and Languages, fostering creativity, curiosity, and a global outlook. At the Lower Secondary level (Years 7–9), students follow the Cambridge Lower Secondary Curriculum, which builds on earlier learning and prepares them for the rigors of international assessments. This stage continues to encourage a cross-disciplinary approach with a strong emphasis on skill development and critical thinking. In Upper Secondary (Years 10–11), students pursue the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum, which is recognized worldwide for its academic breadth and rigor. Subjects typically include English, Mathematics, Sciences, and Humanities, with options for creative and technical disciplines.
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 does not offer any specialized SEN program.
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 Mental wellbeing is supported through a nurturing and family-oriented environment. Teachers are described as caring and supportive, with a focus on developing students' confidence and emotional growth through character education.
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 There is no publicly available safeguarding policy from the school.
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 —
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 —
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 —
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 —
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 Woodlands International School was founded in 2013 in Sibu, Sarawak. It was established to meet the educational needs of both local and expatriate families seeking an internationally oriented curriculum. The school is the only international institution in the area and offers the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC), International Primary Curriculum (IPC), and the Cambridge curriculum at higher levels.
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 Woodlands nurtures a strong sense of community by encouraging active participation from students, parents, and teachers. The school hosts cultural festivals, student exhibitions, and performances that showcase student talent and promote family engagement. These initiatives contribute to a close-knit school environment with a “family feel” emphasized in their philosophy.
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 —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
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 —
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 Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) Accredited to offer the full Cambridge curriculum from Primary through IGCSE, ensuring a globally recognized 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 and Documents Complete the application form and submit it along with the following documents: Two recent passport-sized photographs of the student Copy of the student's birth certificate and passport (non-Malaysian) or identity card (Malaysian) Copy of both parents' and guardian's (if applicable) passports or identity cards Most recent school report Copy of the student's medical card or vaccination card 2. Assessment After submitting the application, the applicant will be scheduled for an assessment. An assessment fee of RM50 is payable on the day of assessment. The assessment includes a feedback meeting with the Head of Kindergarten, Primary, or Secondary, depending on the applicant's level. 3. Application Review and Placement If the assessment is successful, the Head of the relevant section, under the direction of the School Principal, assigns a year/class placement and sports house. If the school does not offer a placement, the application fee is refunded, except in cases where parents agree to be placed on a waitlist. 4. Offer of Place After assessment and placement, parents arrange fittings for the uniform and make all necessary payments for uniforms, school fees, and books. Parents then receive a Welcome Pack containing a full personal supplies list, school calendar, student diary, and a formal acceptance or conditional acceptance letter. 5. Admission Actual placement and entry into the school occur only after all formalities are completed, including submission of completed application forms, full payment of all school fees, payment of the annual school children accidental coverage (RM20), and purchase of school uniforms and textbooks.
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 their scholarchips.
Waitlist	Waitlist The school does not have a waitlist.	Waitlist WIS has a waitlist policy. If the school does not offer a placement after the assessment, the application fee is refunded, except in cases where parents agree to be placed on a waitlist.
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