International Schools in Sarawak
The government in Sarawak has shown increasing concern in expanding the availability of international schools in the state, reflecting the preference of many parents to enrol their children to international schools. Here is a list of international schools in Sarawak in alphabetical order.
1. Borneo International School
Established in 2017, Borneo International School, located in Kuching, offers education at primary, secondary and pre-university levels. The school follows the Cambridge curriculum, guiding students through to the IGCSE. At the pre-university level, A Levels is offered, including a compulsory 4-week work experience module designed to prepare students for the professional world. Career counselling and masterclass seminars support students throughout their A-level journey. Notably, secondary-level students each have their own lockers, whilst primary-level students are provided with designated areas for storing their personal belongings.
2. Knewton Global Schools
Knewton Global Schools provide the option of International School, Private National School and Hornbills Pre-School. Knewton International School is proud to educate students from the age of 5 to 16, leading them from the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) to the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE). Knewton Global School was originally known as Piasau Primary School and it is actually recognised as the oldest international school in Malaysia! The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is offered by the school, requiring students to complete all four sections (Voluntary Service, Physical Recreation, Skills, and Adventurous Journey) at each of the three levels (Bronze, Silver and Gold).
3. Lodge International School
Lodge International School, established in 1953, holds the distinction of being the oldest international school in Sarawak. Originally known as The Lodge Preparatory School and Kindergarten in 1954, it was founded to cater to the educational needs of the children of British expatriates in Kuching. Over time, the institution has evolved and now operates under four entities: Lodge Kindergarten, Lodge Primary School, Lodge Secondary School and Lodge International School. The school offers the British Curriculum and the IGCSE examination to primary and secondary students, with A Levels available at pre-university level. Lodge Secondary School students have the opportunity to be awarded the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, a prestigious recognition that acknowledges young individuals who have demonstrated development and achievement beyond the classroom. This globally recognised award aims to accord recognition to young people who excel in extracurricular activities.
Lodge International School places a strong emphasis on communication between parents and teachers. To facilitate this, a Lodge Information System has been implemented, allowing teachers to assess students’ performance and monitor behavioral issues. This system fosters a collaborative relationship between parents and teachers, ultimately enhancing students’ academic achievement as well as their emotional well-being.
4. Riam Hill International Secondary School
Riam Hill International Secondary School provides students with a multicultural learning environment, ensuring that they possess linguistic skills in English, Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese. As the school aspires to nurture well-rounded students, programmes in areas such as Social Studies, Coding, Life Skills, Physical Education and other subjects are offered. It is compulsory for Year 10 and Year 11 students to follow the IGCSE programme. Riam Hill International School has incorporated technology in both the classroom and curriculum and they consistently upgrade their devices, software and hardware. With the use of digital learning tools, the school has increased the level of educational achievement and accelerated the rate of learning.
5. St Joseph’s International School Kuching
St Joseph’s International School Kuching is the extension of St Joseph’s Private School, established in 2011. The school offers the Cambridge Curriculum leading to the Cambridge IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) and A-levels examinations. In accordance with Malaysian regulations, all Malaysia citizens are required to study Bahasa Melayu and Pendidikan Moral, whilst Muslim students are required to study Pendidikan Islam. In addition to academic subjects, the school places a strong emphasis on the development of soft skills, interpersonal skills and leadership qualities. These essential skills are integrated into the education system provided by the school, enriching students’ overall learning experience. In recognition of the diverse needs of students, special English classes are available for those who require additional support in the language.
6. Tunku Putra-Help School
Tunku Putra School, established in 1997 and located in Kuching, offers a diverse array of curricula including the British Curriculum, the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), the Cambridge Curriculum and the Malaysian Curriculum. Students at the secondary and pre-university levels undertake the IGCSE and A Level examination, respectively. Tunku Putra-Help proudly holds a position among the top 20 schools worldwide and is the first school in Borneo to receive prestigious accreditation from the International Curriculum Association for implementing the IPC. Secondary students have the opportunity to participate in The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, an initiative that recognises students equipped with essential life skills. This comprehensive approach to education ensures that students at Tunku Putra School receive a well-rounded academic experience coupled with opportunities for personal growth and development.
7. Woodlands International School
Situated in Sibu, Woodlands International School stands as the sole international educational institution in the area. Committed to fostering a nurturing and wholesome learning environment, the school values its students’ ideas, opinions and creativity. Woodlands International School offers a comprehensive range of curricula including the British Curriculum, the Cambridge Curriculum and the International Primary Curriculum. Besides that, the IGCSE and A Level examination are offered as well. The school welcomes students at preschool, primary, secondary and pre-university levels, ensuring a seamless educational journey for learners.
8. Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School (YSISS)
Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School (YSISS) offers the IGCSE Curriculum. The school firmly believes in the principle that all students have the right to receive the highest quality education. Consequently, students from the B40 economic group at YSISS are given priority and are eligible to receive full scholarships. To enrol in YSISS, applicants must fulfil specific criteria: either one of the parents of YSISS students must be Sarawakian, and they must attain a minimum requirement of Band 5 for Bahasa Melayu, English, Science and Mathematics in Pentaksiran Bilik Darjah. Furthermore, students are required to undergo the YSISS Assessment as part of the selection process. The YSISS Entrance Assessment involves evaluation in the subjects of Bahasa Melayu, English, Science and Mathematics. YSISS also provides separate male and female dormitories for its students.