Lodge International School vs St. Joseph’s International School Kuching
Lodge International School and St. Joseph’s International School Kuching are both in Sarawak, about 5 km apart. Both schools offer British, Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels programmes. Lodge International School also offers Cambridge (Primary), and St. Joseph’s International School Kuching also offers Malaysian. Published annual fees are MYR 7,340 - 20,000 at Lodge International School and MYR 14,800 - 21,400 at St. Joseph’s International School Kuching, which puts St. Joseph’s International School Kuching roughly 32% higher. Lodge International School takes pupils from 7 to 18, and St. Joseph’s International School Kuching from 13 to 18. St. Joseph’s International School Kuching is the larger school, with around 1,500 pupils to Lodge International School's 700. Both keep typical class sizes around 25.
British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Curriculum
British Curriculum, Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Malaysian Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
700
Pupils
1,500
Typical class size
Typical class size
25
Typical class size
25
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English, Malay
Opened
Opened
1953
Opened
2017
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
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.
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
Lodge International School offers education for Primary, Lower Secondary, Upper Secondary and A-Level.
Stages
St. Joseph’s International School Kuching is divide into Lower Secondary, Upper Secondary and A-Level.
School type
School type
The school is a co-educational day school and it does not offer boarding facilities.
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
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.
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 does not have a country affiliation.
Country affiliation
The school does not have a country affiliation.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
Lodge International School is a secular institution without any religious affiliation.
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
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
School day structure
School Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school does offer a bus service.
Bus service details
The school does not offer a bus service
Fees
Fees
Fee details
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
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
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
The school has a dress code policy. Students are required to maintain a neat appearance and comply with the dress code policy.
Uniform requirement
—
Food options
Food options
—
Food options
—
House system
House system
—
House system
—
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
Lodge Group of Schools operates four entities: Lodge Kindergarten; Lodge Primary School; Lodge Secondary School; and Lodge International School.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 any specialized support for students with special educational needs.
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
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.
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
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.
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
The school does not have their safeguarding policy publicly available.
Safeguarding
The school does not have their safeguarding policy publicly available.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
—
Safeguarding policy
—
Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
—
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
—
Sports facilities
The school has a basketball court.
Academic facilities
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).
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 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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
Parent teacher association
The school does not have PTA.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
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.
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
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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
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.
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. 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.
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
The school does not have publicly available information on scholarships.
Scholarships
The school does not have publicly available information on scholarships.