Seri Botani International School vs Wesley Methodist School Ipoh International
Seri Botani International School and Wesley Methodist School Ipoh International are both in Ipoh, about 11 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) and Cambridge IGCSE programmes. Seri Botani International School also offers British and EYFS, and Wesley Methodist School Ipoh International also offers Christian. Published annual fees are close, at MYR 9,000 - 23,820 for Seri Botani International School and MYR 11,100 - 20,190 for Wesley Methodist School Ipoh International. Seri Botani International School takes pupils from 3 to 17, and Wesley Methodist School Ipoh International from 6 to 17. Wesley Methodist School Ipoh International is the larger school, with around 500 pupils to Seri Botani International School's 230. Typical class sizes are 20 at Seri Botani International School and 25 at Wesley Methodist School Ipoh International.
British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Curriculum
Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Christian Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
230
Pupils
500
Typical class size
Typical class size
20
Typical class size
25
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2020
Opened
2008
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
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Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
SBIS is situated at 2 Dataran Botani 1A, Bandar Seri Botani, Ipoh, nestled within a 10-acre purpose-built campus in a quiet, landscaped township between Batu Gajah and Simpang Pulai. The school is easily accessed via Jalan Medan Botani and lies about 15–20 minutes from central Ipoh.
Location
Located at 42 Jalan Silibin in northern Ipoh, within a residential neighbourhood approximately 5 km from the city centre. It’s easily reached by public bus (routes A30A/A30B) with stops just a short walk away.
Stages
Stages
The school offers Early Years, Primary School and Secondary School levels.
Stages
The school offers offers Primary and Secondary levels.
School type
School type
SBIS is a co-educational day and boarding school.
School type
Wesley Methodist is a co-educational day school, with no boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
SBIS delivers small class sizes (12–20 students) and adopts personalised mentoring for students, particularly those joining mid-year who receive additional English, Math, and Science support through specialised catch‑up lessons. Their structured academic approach is facilitated by Cambridge-trained teachers who use frequent monitoring and adaptive teaching to meet individual needs.
Additional learning support
WMSII maintains small class sizes (max 25 students) and uses a differentiated learning model, where teachers tailor lessons to individual strengths and areas for improvement. They offer short-term intervention classes, typically in groups of around 4 students, to support those who need extra academic help. Formal tracking and personalised improvement monitoring allow staff to identify and assist students in need.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school is not affilated with any country.
Country affiliation
The school is not affiliated with any country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school is secular and does not have any religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
The school is affiliated with Christianity, founded by Methodist missionaries in 1924; character development and chapel activities are integral.
School day structure
School day structure
School Start Time (Monday to Friday) Nursery & Reception: 8:00 AM Years 1 to 6: 8:00 AM Years 7 to 11: 8:00 AM
Dismissal Time Monday to Thursday: Nursery to Year 6: 2:40 PM Years 7 to 11: 3:20 PM
Friday: All levels (Nursery to Year 11): 1:20 PM
Break Times (Monday to Friday) Nursery & Reception: 9:20 AM to 10:00 AM Years 1 to 4: 8:40 AM to 9:20 AM Years 5 to 8: 9:20 AM to 10:00 AM Years 9 to 11: 10:00 AM to 10:40 AM
Lunch Times (Monday to Thursday) Nursery & Reception: 12:00 PM to 12:40 PM Years 1 to 4: 11:50 AM to 12:30 PM Years 5 to 8: 12:30 PM to 1:10 PM Years 9 to 11: 1:10 PM to 1:50 PM
Friday: No lunch sessions for all year groups due to early dismissal.
Early Years (Nursery & Reception) Application Fee: RM 500 (non-refundable) Registration Fee: RM 1,500 (non-refundable) Deposit: One term’s tuition fee (refundable and topped up yearly) Tuition Fee: RM 3,000 per term (3 terms per year) Material Fee: RM 300 per term
After School Programme: Category 1 (2:40 PM – 5:00 PM): RM 800 per term Category 2 (School Holidays 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM): RM 600 per term Combined (ASP + Holidays): RM 1,200 per term International Student Fee (one-time): RM 5,000
Additional RM 150/day applies if weekday boarders stay over the weekend.
Refund Policy Deposit Refund: The deposit (equal to one term’s fee) is refundable if:
All outstanding fees are cleared.
One full term’s written notice is provided before withdrawal.
Non-refundable Fees: Application, registration, and international student fees.
Boarding Withdrawal: A one-term written notice is required for deposit refund, else forfeited.
Late Payments: A 5% per annum surcharge applies to fees unpaid by the 15th day of the term.
Payment Methods Accepted Methods: Cash Cheque Online Bank Transfer Credit Card
Terms: Fees are billed three times a year, prior to each school term.
Fee details
Malaysian Students One-Time Fees: These are payable once at the time of admission and are not refundable.
Application Fee: Year 1–6: RM 200 Year 7–11: RM 400
Registration Fee: Year 1–6: RM 500 Year 7–11: RM 900
Security Deposit (refundable with 4 months’ written notice): Year 1–6: RM 4,500 Year 7–11: RM 5,500
Annual Fees: Year 1–3:
Tuition: RM 11,100 Insurance: RM 30 Total per year: RM 11,130
Year 4–6: Tuition: RM 12,480 Insurance: RM 30 Total per year: RM 12,510
Year 7–9: Tuition: RM 15,630 Insurance: RM 30 Total per year: RM 15,660
Year 10–11: Tuition: RM 17,820 Insurance: RM 30 Total per year: RM 17,850
Non-Malaysian Students One-Time Fees: These are payable once during enrollment and follow the same refund policies.
Application Fee: Year 1–6: RM 300 Year 7–11: RM 500
Registration Fee: Year 1–6: RM 700 Year 7–11: RM 1,100
Security Deposit (refundable): Year 1–6: RM 6,000 Year 7–11: RM 8,000
Annual Fees: Year 1–3: Tuition: RM 12,480 Insurance: RM 30 Total per year: RM 12,510
Year 4–6: Tuition: RM 14,280 Insurance: RM 30 Total per year: RM 14,310
Year 7–9: Tuition: RM 17,820 Insurance: RM 30 Total per year: RM 17,850
Year 10–11: Tuition: RM 20,190 Insurance: RM 30 Total per year: RM 20,220
Refund Policy
Non-Refundable: Application Fee: This is non-refundable and non-transferable. It is a one-time fee, payable when submitting the application form.
Registration Fee: Also non-refundable and non-transferable. Payable upon official registration of the student.
Security Deposit (Refundable with Conditions): The Security Deposit is refundable, but under the following conditions: A written notice of withdrawal must be submitted at least one full term in advance (i.e., 4 months' notice) while the student is still enrolled. This notice must be received and acknowledged by the school. If the notice is not submitted on time, the security deposit will be forfeited. The amount of the deposit increases by level (RM 4,500–8,000) and follows the student’s progression year to year.
Payment Methods WMSII accepts the following methods of payment:
Cheque Bank Transfer
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
The school provides on-campus boarding facilities for Year 7 onward. The SBIS Boarding House is on the campus and accommodates up to 86 boarders. Boys and girls have exclusive wings, with double or single bedrooms, and are cared for by a residential team. The boarding house includes fully furnished bedrooms, an onsite gym, a media/TV room, a study area, a dining hall/cafeteria, a guest corner, Wi‑Fi, a locker room and a laundry area. A 24-hour patrolling surveillance service by the auxiliary police enhances security. Boarding highlights include nightly supervised study, after-school activities, weekend activities focused on culture, sport and teamwork, a structured weekly routine, and emphasis on health, wellbeing and safety.
Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
The campus has a cafeteria. Boarding meals are included for boarders; weekend overnight stays may incur additional charges for meals.
Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
SBIS is associated with the Taiko Group of Companies.
Governance and ownership
The school operates as two schools on one campus: Wesley Methodist School Ipoh International and Wesley Methodist School Ipoh Private. It is rooted in Methodist education since 1891.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
SBIS follows the Cambridge International Curriculum, which is developed in the UK and used worldwide. Students begin with Cambridge Primary (Years 1–6), continue through Cambridge Lower Secondary (Years 7–9), and then prepare for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) exams in Years 10 and 11. The curriculum includes core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science, along with ICT, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, and Physical Education. The teaching style is structured and subject-based, and assessments are typically conducted through exams, assignments, and coursework.
Curriculum details
WMSII offers the Cambridge International Curriculum, beginning from Primary (Year 1) through to Secondary (Year 11). The programme includes Cambridge Primary and Lower Secondary frameworks, which lead into the globally recognized IGCSE examinations. The school integrates a strong Christian ethos into the learning environment, combining academic with moral education. Students are taught core subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, and Global Perspectives, with elective subjects introduced at upper levels.
The school does not have publicly available information on their SEL.
Social & emotional learning
Guided by a strong Christian ethos, WMSII places emphasis on character formation, respect, and service through programmes like Boys’/Girls’ Brigade, Chapel services, and badge systems. These initiatives foster emotional intelligence, community awareness, leadership, and empathy in students. The school’s fundamental philosophy highlights nurturing students spiritually, emotionally, and socially, in a non-threatening environment.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
The school does not have any specialized SEN program.
Special educational needs (SEN)
The school does not have any specialized SEN program.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
SBIS offers English as a Second Language (ESL) support, which functions similarly to EAL. This is especially targeted at international students or those who join the school mid-academic year. The school provides catch-up English lessons as part of its student support services to help learners adjust to the Cambridge English-medium environment. This support is delivered through smaller group sessions and mentoring, particularly in the Early Years and Primary stages, and continues through Secondary if needed.
English as an additional language
The does not have publicly available information on their EAL.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
The school prioritize student wellbeing through a mentorship-style pastoral system. Boarding students benefit from well-structured residential routines that support emotional stability and belonging.
Mental wellbeing
The school environment centres on students' happiness, security, and growth. The school emphasises emotional maturity, providing a supportive framework through its caring staff. They also organise parent courses and community programmes such as “The Parenting Course” and “Project Canaan,” which further engage families, building connections and emotional resilience.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
The school does not have publicly available infromation about their safeguarding policy.
Safeguarding
The school does not have publicly available information on their safeguarding policy.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
The campus is purpose-built and located in Bandar Seri Botani with safety-controlled and guarded entry and exit. It houses spacious classrooms, science laboratories, a multi-media center, and dedicated music and art rooms. A cafeteria and prayer rooms support daily student life, and a fully furnished boarding facility serves out-of-state students. An outdoor field, a covered basketball court, futsal courts, a swimming pool, and ample green space provide sporting and recreational opportunities.
Facilities overview
The campus houses two Wesley Methodist schools on one site: Wesley Methodist School Ipoh International (WMSII) and Wesley Methodist School Ipoh Private (WMSIP). The International School has undertaken Project Canaan to create modern facilities that support research, collaboration, physical activity, and creative expression. The space includes a resource centre with online research hubs and hard copies of books; a games arena, a dance floor, and play areas; spaces for music, art and technology; a chapel and counselling room. The new complex will include a Multipurpose Hall for sports, camps, Brigade activities and public examinations; an Activity Hall; IT room; Resource Centre; Auditorium; Meeting Rooms; Administration Office; Sick Bay; Classrooms. The school celebrated the completion of Project Canaan in 2024 as part of its centennial development, described as state-of-the-art facilities taking shape 2021-2024.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
Sports facilities include an outdoor field, a covered basketball court, futsal courts, and a swimming pool. These spaces support a range of physical education activities and team sports. The campus provides safe, well-maintained areas for practice and competition. The facilities enable regular PE and sporting events for student engagement.
Sports facilities
The Multipurpose Hall is used for sports, camps, interschool competitions, Brigade activities and public examinations. There is a Games Arena on campus to support physical activities. The school offers a range of sports including Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Dodgeball, Football, Netball and Ping Pong. These facilities and activities support broad co-curricular sports participation across the student body.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
Academic facilities include spacious classrooms, science laboratories, language laboratories, and a multi-media center to support teaching and learning. These spaces enable ICT-enabled instruction and opportunities for independent research.
Academic facilities
The campus includes a Resource Centre for research with online hubs and hard copies of books. An IT room supports information technology learning. Classrooms are part of the new complex. A Chapel and a counselling room support spiritual formation and student wellbeing.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
Exceptional Performing Arts Programme provides vocal, dance, theatre, and instrumental training. On-campus boarding includes after-school activities and weekend programs focusing on culture, sport, and teamwork. Comprehensive student support and wellbeing are part of the school program. Extracurricular offerings support holistic development beyond academics.
Extra curricular facilities
Clubs & Societies include Drama Club, Art & Craft, Music Club, Domestic Science, ECO Club and Indoor Games. Games & Sports include Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Dodgeball, Football, Netball and Ping Pong. Uniform Bodies include Boys' Brigade and Girls' Brigade. School Boards & Teams include Library Board, Monitors Board, Prefectorial Board, Editorial Board, Chapel Enablers, PA Team and Photography Team.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Seri Botani International School was officially established in 2020 by the Taiko Group, one of Malaysia’s oldest and most diversified business entities. The school was founded to offer affordable international education to both local and expatriate communities in Ipoh, Perak, following the Cambridge International Curriculum. SBIS opened its doors with 85 students and 17 teachers, operating from a newly constructed 10-acre campus designed to support long-term academic and residential growth. It is one of the few international schools in Ipoh offering full-day education and boarding in a modern setting, with continued investment by its parent company to expand programs and student capacity.
History
Wesley Methodist School Ipoh traces its origins to the Methodist mission established in Ipoh in 1894, with formal schooling beginning soon after under Rev. William Edward Horley’s leadership. Wesley Methodist School Ipoh was officially launched in 2009 with Ms. Goh Kai Lian as the founding principal. In 2010, the primary school division was introduced, followed by rebranding in 2012 as part of the wider Wesley Methodist Schools network. WMSI became an international school in 2016. Since then, the school has undertaken infrastructure upgrades (2021) and launched Project Canaan (2022), a new facilities initiative. In 2024, it marked its 100th anniversary of school heritage and hope.
Community
Community
SBIS serves both local and expatriate families, fostering a tight-knit campus community with approximately 230 students. It supports cultural diversity through structured language programmes like Mandarin HSK, and hosts events such as STEM fairs and community expeditions to encourage interaction among families.
Community
The school fosters a strong Christian‑focused community, integrating chapel services, Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade programmes, and character formation into daily life. It hosts regular events such as Outdoor Brigade camps, Christmas celebrations, storytelling competitions, honours days, and open days with exhibits and alumni games.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
The school does not have an official PTA.
Parent teacher association
There is no publicly available information about the Parent Teacher Association at Wesley Methodist School Ipoh.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
Seri Botani International School follows the Cambridge Curriculum from Early Years through IGCSE, providing a seamless international pathway. The Learning Pathway runs EY (ages 3–5), Primary (ages 5–11), Lower Secondary (years 7–9, ages 11–14), and Upper Secondary (years 10–11, ages 14–16). Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint and Cambridge IGCSE assessments guide progress and preparation for upper secondary study. The school is located in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia.
Academic & intellectual
The Wesleyan Curriculum draws from the Cambridge framework, developing global content knowledge and essential skills to thrive in a fast-moving world. From Cambridge, the school uses a global-content approach and integrates Cambridge IGCSE preparation for the upper levels. All students are taught in a trilingual program with English, Bahasa Malaysia, and Mandarin, using HSK/YCT Mandarin. Learning emphasizes project-based and inquiry-based approaches to develop 21st-century skills across Key Stages.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
The school offers an Exceptional Performing Arts Programme with vocal, dance, theatre, and instrumental training. The programme supports creativity and confidence as part of the student experience. Campus facilities include dedicated spaces for arts, including arts studios and music rooms.
Arts & creative
Clubs and activities include Drama Club, Art & Craft, and Dance & Drama as part of the co-curricular offerings. Music Club and a music appreciation/enrichment program provide opportunities to develop public performing skills and to pursue IGCSE music certification. Domestic Science and the ECO Club are also among the clubs, and students explore music and arts through a wide range of fun and interactive activities.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
The language program is tri-lingual, with English, Bahasa Malaysia, and Mandarin (HSK/YCT) integrated across the curriculum. Mandarin is taught through HSK/YCT, and Chinese language instruction is offered under Chinese language programs such as Chinese Made Easy. The curriculum emphasizes multilingual proficiency alongside global perspectives.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Boarding life includes after-school activities and weekend activities focused on culture, sport, and teamwork. Boarding highlights include nightly supervised study, structured routines, and a range of after-school and weekend activities that support social development. These activities complement school life and foster community among students.
Social & hobbies
Clubs and societies include Dance & Drama, Art & Craft, Cookery, ECO Club, and Indoor Games. Games and sports offered include Athletics, Dodgeball, Football, Netball, Badminton, Basketball, and Ping Pong. Uniform Bodies include Boys' Brigade and Girls' Brigade. These activities contribute to social development and peer interaction beyond academics.
Community & service
Community & service
The school emphasizes service learning and global citizenship as core elements of its mission. Pastoral care and wellbeing are prioritized to support every student's development. Leadership and community engagement are encouraged through school programs and activities.
Community & service
Brigade programmes promote character formation, servant-leadership, and responsible citizenship. Brigade squads provide leadership opportunities as students work with and coach peers. Weekly Chapel sessions support spiritual formation and community values.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
The school's leadership team includes an Acting School Principal, Academic Director, Head of Secondary, and Head of Primary. The Acting Principal is Andrew Hamilton; the Academic Director is Anushia Senthevadivel; the Head of Secondary is Rajan A/L Supramaniam; the Head of Primary (Early Years & Primary) is Natasha Velkumar.
Leadership & professional
School Boards & Teams include Library Board, Monitors Board, Prefectorial Board, Editorial Board, Chapel Enablers, PA Team, and Photography Team. Brigade programmes contribute to leadership development across the student body. These structures offer formal opportunities for student leadership in school activities.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Seri Botani International School provides Comprehensive Student Support & Wellbeing across the student body. The Boarding House offers an on-campus environment with up to 86 boarders from Year 7 onward, featuring a safe, structured, and supportive community with 24-hour security and pastoral care. The boarding program includes after-school activities, weekend culture/sport events, and a focus on health and wellbeing.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Sports and games span Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Dodgeball, Football, Netball, and Ping Pong. Wellness and wellbeing are supported through homeroom-based monitoring and counselor involvement, alongside Chapel sessions for spiritual wellbeing. Co-curricular activities are designed to foster teamwork, resilience, and well-being as part of holistic development.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
English is the language of instruction across the Cambridge curriculum from Early Years through Upper Secondary. The school also offers a Mandarin language program as part of a Chinese curriculum across Early Years through Upper Secondary.
Language provision
Languages taught include English, Bahasa Melayu, and Mandarin. In the Junior School, English is First Language; Bahasa Melayu (KSSR) and Mandarin (Chinese Made Easy, HS K/YCT) are taught. In the Senior School, English is First Language or Second Language; Bahasa Melayu (KSSM) and Mandarin (Chinese Made Easy) are taught. The curriculum draws on Cambridge frameworks (Cambridge curriculum for Primary and Cambridge IGCSE for Secondary), emphasizing language proficiency and multilingual competence.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
The school operates two campuses on one site: Wesley Methodist School Ipoh International (WMSII) and Wesley Methodist School Ipoh Private (WMSIP). It provides a trilingual language program in English, Bahasa Melayu, and Mandarin across the International stream. English is taught as a first language in the Junior School and as a first or second language in the Senior School. Bahasa Melayu is taught under the KSSR framework and Mandarin is taught through the Chinese Made Easy program (HSK/YCT), with language proficiency embedded across all levels.
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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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 to deliver the Cambridge International Curriculum, offering Cambridge Primary and Secondary programmes leading to IGCSE exams
Accreditations
Cambridge International School (approved to deliver Cambridge Primary, Lower Secondary, and IGCSE curriculum)
Recognised by Cambridge Assessment International Education
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Complete Application Form .Parents or guardians must fill in, sign, and submit the SBIS application form along with supporting documents (e.g., ID/birth certificates, school reports, immunisation records, photos). Malaysian and international requirements differ slightly. Applications can be submitted in person, via email, or by post.
Assessment & Interview.Pay the non‑refundable application fee and, if a place is available, the student undergoes an age-appropriate Cambridge-style placement test. An interview with the Principal is required.
Application Review.The Principal and admissions team review the completed application, test results, and interview notes. Parents are notified of the outcome within 7 working days.
Offer & Deposit. If accepted, a Letter of Offer is issued. Parents secure the place by paying the non‑refundable registration fee, the refundable term deposit, and tuition fees before the commencement of term. Unsuccessful applicants will be informed within 10 working days and may reapply later.
Admissions
1. Submit application form. Complete the official application form and gather supporting documents (e.g., passport, previous school reports).
2. School review & interview. The school assesses documents and may request an interview or sample lesson.
3. Offer letter issued. Upon approval, parents receive an offer to secure the place.
4. Registration & fee payment. Parents pay the registration fee, security deposit, and first term’s tuition.
6. Placement & start. Final details (e.g., class placement) are confirmed prior to the term start.
Scholarships
Scholarships
The school does not have publicly available information on their scholarships.
Scholarships
The school offers the Canaan Scholarship, providing 50–100% tuition waivers for Malaysian students entering Year 7 or Year 10, based on academic merit, leadership, talent, and financial need.