Sayfol International School vs Wembley International School
Sayfol International School and Wembley International School are both in Kuala Lumpur, about 14 km apart. Both schools offer British and Cambridge IGCSE programmes. Sayfol International School also offers IEYC, Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels, and Wembley International School also offers Cambridge (Primary) and Cambridge (Secondary). Published annual fees are MYR 15,900 - 36,000 at Sayfol International School and MYR 13,000 - 17,000 at Wembley International School, which puts Sayfol International School roughly 73% higher. Sayfol International School takes pupils from 2.5 to 18, and Wembley International School from 6 to 17. Typical class sizes are 24 at Sayfol International School and 12 at Wembley International School.
IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Curriculum
Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, British Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
1,200
Pupils
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Typical class size
Typical class size
24
Typical class size
12
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
1985
Opened
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Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Sayfol International School is situated in the Taman U-Thant area of Kuala Lumpur, a neighbourhood known for its proximity to embassies and the city’s Golden Triangle district. The campus is well connected to main roads and public transport, making it accessible for families across the city.
Location
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Stages
Stages
The school serves children from Early Years (ages 2.5–5) in Kindergarten and Reception, through Primary (ages 5–11), Lower and Upper Secondary (ages 11–17), up to International A‑Level/Sixth Form (ages 17–18).
Stages
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School type
School type
Sayfol is a co-educational institution and does not offer boarding facilities for students.
School type
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Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
The school provides some additional learning support for students, primarily through its English as a Second Language (ESL) or Accelerated English Program (AEP) for non-native English speakers who require language assistance. For general academic challenges, the school aims to provide guidance and support within its framework, though specific details on broad academic support structures are not extensively outlined publicly.
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school is not affiliated with any particular country.
Country affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school does not have a specific religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
The school day generally begins at 7:15 am for all students. From Monday to Thursday, Kindergarten to Year 2 students conclude their day at 2:00 pm, while Year 3 to Year 11 students finish at 2:30 pm. On Fridays, the school day is shorter for all levels, ending at 12:30 pm.
School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
Sayfol provides a school bus service for students who require transportation. This service covers most of the major residential areas within Kuala Lumpur, offering convenience for families.
Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application Fees A one-time Application Fee of RM 1,000 is required for all new students. An Assessment Fee of RM 300 is charged at the placement test stage; this is credited against the Application Fee if the student is accepted. A Registration Fee of RM 5,000 applies for all year groups, or RM 3,000 for Kindergarten, and is non-refundable. A Security Deposit between RM 3,000 and RM 9,000 (depending on year group) is also required. This is refundable upon withdrawal, provided one full term’s written notice is given after the student has completed one full academic year.
Tuition Fees (Per Year) Early Learners (Ages 2.5–4): RM 15,900 Reception (Ages 4–5): RM 16,900 Year 1: RM 18,750 Year 2: RM 19,650 Year 3: RM 21,420 Year 4: RM 22,500 Year 5: RM 23,400 Year 6: RM 25,110 Year 7: RM 27,900 Year 8: RM 29,100 Year 9: RM 30,900 Year 10: RM 34,800 Year 11 (IGCSE): RM 36,000
Fees are billed termly (three terms per year) and must be paid in advance of each term. Failure to pay before the start of the term may result in restriction of attendance.
Additional Fees After-school care for Early Learners to Year 2 is offered at RM 850 per month or RM 2,400 per term. Costs such as uniforms, textbooks, meals, and external examination charges are not included in tuition fees. Term fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Transportation Fees The school offers a bus service covering major residential areas of Kuala Lumpur. Fees are invoiced separately, based on the chosen route. Details are available through the school’s Student Services office.
Learning Support Students requiring support beyond the school’s SEN provision may need to arrange additional assistance at their own cost. Applications for students with SEN are reviewed case-by-case basis, supported by professional documentation.
Refund Policy The Security Deposit is refundable with one full term’s written notice after completion of one academic year. Tuition and term fees are non-refundable.
Payment Options Payments may be made via bank transfer or through the school finance office.
Fee details
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Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
KG – Year 2: Dark Green collar t-shirt and mid-length Tart an shorts. Year 3 – Year 6: Dark Green collar t-shirt and mid-length grey shorts (boys) or Tart an skort (girls). Secondary: Dark green collar t-shirt and long grey pants (boys) or Tart an skirt (girls).
Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
Breakfast: Assorted sandwich, Fries, Nuggets, Porridge, Nasi Lemak, Fried Noodles (RM 3 – RM 5.50). Lunch: Asian, Western & Vegetarian (RM 9 – RM 13). The Sayfol E-Canteen System manages meals; KG–Year 2 have a weekly pre-ordered meal system; older students purchase meals via E-Canteen; cards can be reloaded at the school bookstore or via online (eservice.sayfol.edu.my).
Food options
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House system
House system
The House System comprises five houses: Tulip, Marigold, Clover, Shamrock, Violet.
House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
The school is led by a Head of School and a Chief Executive Officer. The Head of School is Ms. Michelle Jane. The Chief Executive Officer is Ms. Karen Kok. The founder is Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Haji Ghulam Mohd Sayeed.
Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Sayfol International School follows the British Curriculum, beginning with the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) in Kindergarten and Reception. In Primary School (Years 1–6), students study subjects based on the English National Curriculum, including English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, and Languages. Lower Secondary (Years 7–9) continues with the British framework, preparing students for external examinations through a broad range of academic subjects. In Upper Secondary (Years 10–11), students undertake the Cambridge IGCSE, which provides internationally recognised qualifications across core and elective subjects. The school also offers Cambridge International AS and A Levels in the Sixth Form (Years 12–13), enabling students to specialise in chosen fields for university preparation. Instruction is in English, with additional languages such as Malay, French, and Mandarin taught.
The school supports students' social and emotional development through various aspects of its educational approach. The International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) emphasizes personal, social, and emotional growth, fostering independence, collaboration, respect, and kindness. The school also focuses on instilling discipline, self-confidence, and resilience, guiding students through discussions and experiences in both curricular and extracurricular activities. Furthermore, the school provides access to a licensed counsellor, alongside support from Heads of Departments and Year Coordinators, to offer academic guidance and career counselling, which often encompasses emotional well-being.
Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
Sayfol accepts students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) on a case-by-case basis, and they do employ a qualified SEN teacher. However, the school explicitly states that it is not a specialist SEN institution and acknowledges limitations in its expertise and resources for all types of needs. While they consider admissions for students with learning difficulties such as Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism, Dysgraphia, and Dyspraxia, the school reserves the right to decline enrollment if it deems itself unable to adequately support a child's specific requirements.
Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
Sayfol offers specific support for students with English as an Additional Language (EAL) requirements. Upon a placement test, teachers determine if a student needs additional guidance through English as a Second Language (ESL) lessons. In the Primary section, ESL is integrated into the timetable, replacing a language subject. For Secondary students, ESL is taught as a dedicated subject. The school also provides an Accelerated English Program (AEP) to assist non-native speakers, including those with limited English proficiency, through a partial immersion approach tailored to their grade level.
English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Sayfol supports the mental wellbeing of its students by fostering an environment that encourages self-confidence, resilience, and positive personal development. The school emphasizes character building, encouraging students to face challenges and learn from experiences. Through discussions within the curriculum and extracurricular activities, students are guided to develop a strong moral compass and social skills. Furthermore, the school provides access to a licensed counsellor to offer guidance that extends to students' emotional well-being, complementing academic and career advice.
Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
The school is committed to safeguarding and child protection, ensuring the welfare and safety of all its students. The school maintains a clear Child Protection and Safeguarding policy, with an assigned leader responsible for overall safeguarding, who liaises with relevant local authorities when necessary. Key measures include police vetting for all staff during recruitment and maintaining a safe and confidential system for reporting and archiving suspected child abuse cases. The campus also has security measures such as controlled access for visitors and 24-hour surveillance to ensure student safety. Staff receive regular training on their safeguarding responsibilities and child protection protocols.
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
The school has a new swimming pool and a multipurpose hall. The school operates an e-canteen system to manage dining. Sayfol uses a blended approach towards holistic 21st-century international learning and teaching. The campus serves students from Kindergarten to International A-Level.
Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
Sayfol has a multipurpose hall for indoor activities and events. The campus includes a swimming pool for aquatic programs. Facilities support a range of sports and physical education. Extracurricular sports activities are offered as part of co-curricular and extracurricular programs.
Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
Sayfol provides a customised learning environment for Early Years to A-level. The IGCSE Cambridge Syllabus is used for upper levels. The Early Years programme is accredited by the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC). Curriculums and examinations are accredited by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) and Pearson Edexcel. Accelerated English Program (AEP) is available. Scholarships are available for Year 7 intake, SPM graduates (A-Level) and outstanding sports achievements.
Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
Sayfol offers a wide range of extracurricular activities and co-curricular activities, including languages, sports clubs, and community outreach. Academic guidance and career counselling are provided by heads of departments, year coordinators, administrators and a licensed counsellor. Sayfol has maintained a 99% pass rate over the last five years. Sayfolians have been awarded the Pearson Academic Excellence Award for top achievers in the region, country and world in many subjects.
Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Sayfol International School was founded in 1985 by Datuk Haji Ghullam Mohammed Sayeed, who continues to be the school's owner. Since its establishment, the school has operated with a vision of fostering a special sense of cordiality and harmony among children from diverse nationalities.
History
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Community
Community
The school boasts a diverse and vibrant community, educating students from approximately 60 different countries. This multicultural environment is actively cultivated to foster cordiality, harmony, and mutual respect among students. The school regularly organizes various community and cultural events, such as Chinese New Year Celebrations, Malaysia Day activities, and Health, Sport & Fitness Weeks, to promote cultural appreciation and engagement. These events encourage participation and help build a cohesive school spirit among students and staff.
Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
The school communicates with parents through channels such as newsletters, the school website, email, and platforms like Seesaw. Parents also engage with the school through termly progress report meetings to discuss student development.
Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
The school offers Kindergarten, Primary, Lower Secondary, Upper Secondary (IGCSE), and International A-Level programmes. The school uses Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) and Pearson Edexcel for curriculums and examinations. The Early Years programme is accredited by the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC).
Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
English Language/English as a Second Language is compulsory in Upper Secondary. Malay is compulsory for Malaysian students. Mandarin, French, and Malay Language are offered as IGCSE subjects. The Accelerated English Program (AEP) provides additional English language support.
Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
NAPEI Malaysia 2024 Excellence Awards – Sustainability in Education (2024): This award acknowledges Sayfol's commitment to incorporating sustainable practices within its educational environment and operations.
Pearson Academic Excellence Award: This recognition is granted for Sayfol's consistent maintenance of excellent academic records, with its students frequently being recognized as high achievers in Pearson Edexcel examinations across the region, country, and even worldwide.
Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
Cambridge Assessment International Education: Authorised centre to deliver and examine Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level qualifications.
Pearson Edexcel: Approved examination centre for international GCSE and A-Level programmes.
International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC): Recognised for delivering the IEYC framework in Early Years.
National Association of Private Educational Institutions (NAPEI), Malaysia: Member institution under Malaysia’s national body for private schools and colleges.
National Online Safety (NOS) Certified School, 2021–22: Recognition for implementing certified online safety practices in education.
Junior Award Scheme for Schools (JASS): Accredited to deliver this personal achievement programme for young learners.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (Malaysia): Licensed to run this internationally recognised youth development programme.
Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Submit the Application. Parents are required to submit the completed Application Form along with a comprehensive set of supporting documents, including passport copies, birth certificates, marriage certificates, latest school reports, photographs, and vaccination records. A non-refundable application fee is also required at this stage. All submitted documents must be in English.
Undergo Assessment/Placement Test. Upon receipt of the full application and fee, an appointment will be made for the student's assessment. This typically involves an assessment for Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 applicants, and a CAT4 examination for Year 3 to Year 10. An interview with the Principal may also be part of this process to determine suitable placement and acceptance.
Receive Application Outcome. The school will notify parents of the application outcome within a few days after the assessment. A Letter of Acceptance will be issued if the student passes the assessment and a place is available. The school maintains discretion over student placement, considering factors such as language proficiency and academic abilities.
Confirm Admission and Pay Fees. To confirm acceptance of a place, parents must make the required payments, which typically include the Registration Fee, a Security Deposit, and the first term's tuition fee by the specified date in the Letter of
Acceptance. Upon successful payment, the Admissions Office will provide further details such as booklists, uniform requirements, and guidance on student visa applications for international students.
Admissions
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Scholarships
Scholarships
Sayfol International School offers a limited number of scholarships for prospective students who demonstrate specific achievements. Scholarships are available for students entering Year 7, for SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia) graduates aspiring to undertake A-Levels, and for students with outstanding achievements in sports. These scholarships are subject to management approval.
Scholarships
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Waitlist
Waitlist
Sayfol International School does operate a waitlist system. If a particular year group or class is currently full, qualified students may be placed on a waiting list. When a student is placed on the waitlist, they will receive a provisional Letter of Acceptance. The final confirmation of a place is contingent upon a spot becoming available in the desired year group, followed by the payment of the registration fee, deposit, and initial term's fees.
