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Borneo International School

Malaysia, Sarawak

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees MYR 9,680 - 33,300
Ages 6 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 600
Type Co-educational
Opened 2017
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels
Taught languages Malay, Mandarin
Typical class size 25
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, STEM, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Cultural and Language, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Borneo International School in Kuching serves students aged roughly 6 to 18, providing education from primary level through to A-Level qualifications. The school follows the Cambridge International curriculum, including IGCSE and A-Level examinations, with instruction delivered in English. The school moved into a purpose-built campus in Saradise in 2022. The new site includes subject-specific classrooms, science labs, a library, and open-air recreational spaces. Class sizes are kept small to support close teacher-student interaction, and the school emphasizes structured learning in core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science. A notable feature of Borneo International School is its integration of community-based learning. Students regularly participate in volunteer work, fundraising activities, and school performances, providing them opportunities to engage beyond the classroom. Family participation is also common at open days and school-hosted events, where student work and performances are showcased.

Lot 6536, Block 11, Lorong 2A5, Jalan Setia Raja, Tabuan Laru, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.

The Essentials

Borneo International School has 600 pupils, typical class sizes of 25, instruction in English.

Location

Borneo International School is situated at Jalan Setia Raja in the Tabuan Laru area of Kuching. This is a well-developed suburban neighborhood that hosts a mix of residential, commercial, and educational facilities. The school’s campus is part of the Saradise development, a modern township with a focus on urban lifestyle, dining, and community spaces.

The location is approximately 10 minutes by car from Kuching International Airport and about 15 minutes from the Kuching city centre. It is also within reach of prominent areas like Tabuan Jaya and Stutong, both established residential zones.

Stages

Borneo International School is divided into Primary School, Secondary School and Sixth Form.

Type

Borneo International School is a co-educational day school. Boarding facilities are not offered.

Additional learning support

Students benefit from career counseling services and assistance with university applications through partnerships with organizations like MABECS and UCAS. A-Level students take part in a four-week work experience programme that provides exposure to professional environments. The school also runs masterclass seminars featuring guest speakers to connect classroom learning with real-world insights. Community service is a key part of student life, with regular activities promoting social awareness and civic responsibility. Small class sizes allow for individual attention, ensuring that students receive guidance tailored to their learning needs.

Country affiliation

The school has no formal affiliation with any country.

Religious affiliation

Borneo International School is a secular institution. There is no any religious affiliation.

School day structure

General School Hours (by level and day):

Primary School

Monday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Extended for ECA)
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Extended for ECA)
Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Secondary School (Years 7–9)

Monday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Extended for ECA)
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Extended for ECA)

Years 10 & 11 (IGCSE)

Monday: 8:00 AM – 3:40 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 3:40 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Extended for ECA)
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 3:40 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Extended for ECA)

Structure of the School Day:

Primary Level:

1.The day is divided into three sessions of approximately two hours each.

2.Includes scheduled morning breaks and a lunch break.

3.On two days per week, students can choose from a variety of activities or clubs, extending their day by one hour.

Secondary Level:

1.The regular day runs slightly longer than primary.

2.Two days per week include extended time for extracurricular activities (ECAs), adding 30 minutes to the day.

3.Students engage with teachers and coaches in settings beyond the classroom, fostering broader personal development.

Bus service

The school does not offer a bus service.
Diving Deeper

Food Options

Lunches are offered daily at a marginal cost; meals vary by day. Packed lunches are allowed with tables set aside in the refectory.

Governance and Ownership

The school is a private international educational institution established in 2017 and located in Kuching, Sarawak. It is governed by a Board of Governors.
Fees

Annual tuition at Borneo International School ranges from MYR 9,680 to MYR 33,300 for 2026/27.

One-Time Fees

Application Fee: RM200
Non-refundable; payable upon submission of the student application form.
Assessment Fee: RM150
Non-refundable; applicable to students required to sit for a written assessment before admission.
Admission Fee (One-time, non-refundable):

1st Child: RM4,000
2nd Child: RM2,000
3rd and subsequent children: RM1,500

Security Fee: RM3,000 per student
Refundable only if a written notice of withdrawal is submitted at least one full term in advance.

Annual and Per-Term Tuition Fees

Malaysian Students
Year 1: RM9,680 annually / RM2,420 per term
Year 2: RM9,680 annually / RM2,420 per term
Year 3: RM9,680 annually / RM2,420 per term
Year 4: RM9,972 annually / RM2,493 per term
Year 5: RM9,972 annually / RM2,493 per term
Year 6: RM9,972 annually / RM2,493 per term
Year 7: RM12,052 annually / RM3,013 per term
Year 8: RM12,052 annually / RM3,013 per term
Year 9: RM13,916 annually / RM3,479 per term
Year 10: RM18,876 annually / RM4,719 per term
Year 11: RM18,876 annually / RM4,719 per term
A-Level (Years 12–13, 18 months): RM27,750 total / RM4,625 per term

Non-Malaysian Students
Year 1: RM11,616 annually / RM2,904 per term
Year 2: RM11,616 annually / RM2,904 per term
Year 3: RM11,616 annually / RM2,904 per term
Year 4: RM11,968 annually / RM2,992 per term
Year 5: RM11,968 annually / RM2,992 per term
Year 6: RM11,968 annually / RM2,992 per term
Year 7: RM14,464 annually / RM3,616 per term
Year 8: RM14,464 annually / RM3,616 per term
Year 9: RM16,700 annually / RM4,175 per term
Year 10: RM22,652 annually / RM5,663 per term
Year 11: RM22,652 annually / RM5,663 per term
A-Level (Years 12–13, 18 months): RM33,300 total / RM5,550 per term

Refund Policy
1.All fees are non-refundable unless explicitly stated otherwise.

2.The Security Fee (RM3,000) is refundable only when a student withdraws with a full term’s written notice.

3.Late payments will incur a surcharge as determined by the school.

Payment Methods
All payments must be made to Borneo Covenant Sdn Bhd and can be processed through the following options:

Cheque
Bank draft
Direct bank deposit
Online banking
Telegraphic transfer
Credit card (in person at the Finance Payment Counter)

Academics

Borneo International School teaches British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels for students aged 6 to 18.

Curriculum

Borneo International School offers a unified academic programme based on the Cambridge International Curriculum, providing a continuous educational journey from Year 1 through A-Level qualifications.

In the primary years (Years 1–6), the school follows the Cambridge Primary Programme, which emphasizes English, Mathematics, and Science, along with additional subjects such as Mandarin and Bahasa Melayu. This foundation prepares students for the structured progression into the Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme in Years 7 to 9.

For students in Years 10 and 11, the focus shifts to the Cambridge IGCSE, a globally recognized qualification assessing academic knowledge across a broad range of subjects. Following this, students may enroll in the Cambridge AS and A-Level programme (Years 12 and 13), which prepares them for university admission both in Malaysia and internationally.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school incorporates social and emotional learning through character-building programmes that are designed in-house. These programmes aim to help students understand their roles and responsibilities within the school and wider community. It integrates key principles like empathy, cooperation, and ethical behavior into regular school life. For example, students are involved in school-organized community outreach and charity events, such as food drives and local fundraising activities. These allow them to engage directly with real social issues and reflect on their own actions and responsibilities.

In the classroom, teachers promote respectful communication, teamwork, and accountability through group-based learning activities and class discussions. Students are often encouraged to present ideas, work collaboratively, and take part in decision-making during projects. Leadership is also developed through student council participation and class representative roles, where students practice problem-solving, negotiation, and organizing school-related initiatives. These everyday practices support emotional development by helping students manage emotions, understand others’ perspectives, and work constructively in group settings.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The school does not have a dedicated SEN programme.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The school does not offer EAL.

Mental Wellbeing

The school offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and clubs, providing students with opportunities to explore interests beyond academics allowing students to build confidence, develop social skills, and manage stress.

Safeguarding

The school does not have publicly available information on their safeguarding policies.
Parent Experience

History

Borneo International School was founded in 2017 in Kuching, Sarawak. It was established to provide quality international education using the Cambridge International Curriculum, covering Year 1 through A-Level qualifications. Initially based in a different location, the school moved to its current campus in Saradise in 2022. The new purpose-built facility supports a growing student population and expanded academic offerings.

The school is part of a larger Malaysian education group that also oversees other institutions like Nobel International and United International schools. While relatively young, Borneo International School has steadily expanded its programmes, student body, and infrastructure since its founding.

Community

Borneo International School serves a growing community of over 600 students representing more than 20 nationalities. The school environment is designed to reflect this cultural variety, with a focus on global-mindedness and inclusion. Students participate in international day celebrations, charity drives, and cultural appreciation activities that highlight traditions from Malaysia and abroad. Parents are frequently invited to school events, where they engage with staff and other families, creating a collaborative atmosphere.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The school does not have a Parent Teacher Association.
Gallery
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The school moved to a new all-purpose built campus at Saradise in 2022, located 3 km from Kuching International Airport. The campus houses ICT laboratories, science laboratories, and a comprehensive library. It includes an indoor Multipurpose Hall and a Performing Arts and Drama Academy Centre. The sporting facilities include an indoor badminton hall with four full-sized courts and outdoor courts for futsal, basketball, and volleyball; lockers are provided for secondary students and primary students have designated storage areas. The campus is protected by 24-hour in-house uniformed security guards and CCTV cameras, and transport can be arranged through a third-party school bus operator.

Sports Facilities

The school has an indoor badminton hall with four full-sized courts and outdoor courts for futsal, basketball, and volleyball.

Academic Facilities

The school provides ICT laboratories, science laboratories, and a comprehensive library.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Extra-Curricular Activities includes: Sports & Games (Badminton, Basketball, Brazilian Jiujitsu, Chess and Board Games, Football/Futsal, Netball, Table Tennis, Pickleball); Clubs & Societies (Animal Welfare, Arts and Crafts, Bible Reading, Cheerleading, Crocheting, Cookery, Debate, Eco-Club, Entrepreneur, Gardening, Geopark, Korean Culture, Music and Choir, Psychology, Quilling and Handicraft, Quilling and Papercraft, Young Doctor Club, Robotics); Uniform Groups (Boys' Brigade, Girls' Brigade, Red Crescent).
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The school offers a broad range of clubs and societies to develop academic inquiry and critical thinking. Students can join Robotics, Debate, Young Doctor Club, Geopark, and Entrepreneur to practice analytical collaboration and problem solving. These activities apply classroom knowledge to real-world contexts and foster teamwork.

Arts & Creative

Clubs and activities include Arts and Crafts, Music and Choir, Crocheting, Quilling and Handicraft, Quilling and Papercraft, and Cookery. Students pursue creative expression through these clubs and have opportunities to perform, exhibit, or share their work. The program supports craftsmanship and artistic development.

Cultural & Language

Korean Culture is offered as a cultural club. Bible Reading is available as a club. The school fosters cross-cultural understanding through diverse cultural activities and clubs.

Social & Hobbies

Animal Welfare, Eco-Club, Gardening, Crocheting, Quilling, Debates, and Cookery provide hobby and interest-based groups. Chess and Board Games, Table Tennis, and other leisure activities are offered as part of after-school options. The range supports social interaction and personal interests beyond the classroom.

Community & Service

Community Service is an established part of the school's holistic education. Students participate in charity work and community events, helping others while developing gratitude and personal growth.

Leadership & Professional

Entrepreneur and Debate clubs develop leadership, communication, and enterprise skills. Uniform Groups such as Boys' Brigade, Girls' Brigade, and Red Crescent offer youth leadership experiences and service opportunities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Sports and Games include badminton, basketball, Brazilian Jiujitsu, chess and board games, football/futsal, netball, table tennis, and pickleball. Nutritious lunches are provided daily, with packed lunches accommodated as needed. Extracurricular activities extend the school day on two days each week, supporting students' wellbeing and balance between academics and activities.
Languages

Language Provision

Malay and Mandarin are the languages taught. English is the medium of instruction for all other subjects. Malay and Mandarin appear as language subjects across Cambridge Primary, Cambridge Secondary and IGCSE curricula. Language learning is integrated within the Cambridge framework.

Bilingual Teaching

The school uses English as the language of instruction for the majority of subjects. Malay and Mandarin are taught as language classes. Malay and Mandarin are listed as language offerings in the Cambridge Primary and Cambridge Secondary curricula.
Reputation

Awards

Eco-Schools Bronze Certificate: The school received a Bronze Certificate from the Green Growth Asia Foundation for its efforts in promoting environmental sustainability within the school and the broader community.

Accreditations

Cambridge International Examination Centre: Borneo International School is accredited by Cambridge International Education (CIE), allowing it to offer Cambridge Primary, Secondary, IGCSE, and A-Level programmes.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Application Submission. Download and complete the school’s Application Form. Attach a copy of your child’s most recent school report card and exam results when submitting the form.

2. Entrance Assessment. Schedule an appointment for your child to sit for the school’s entrance assessment examination.

3. Assessment Outcome. Within one week of the assessment, the school will notify you of the results and recommend an appropriate Year Group placement for your child.

4. Offer and Enrollment. If your child is successful, the school will issue an Offer of Acceptance letter. You will then be asked to complete and submit the Admission Form to finalize the enrollment process.

Scholarships

Borneo International School offers scholarships for its A-Level programme.

Waitlist

The school does not have a waitlist.
School Events
The school has not added events