Comparing 6 schools side by side in USD.
Bandar Seri Begawan, Negara Brunei Darussalam. The campus is located at Simpang 396-48-3, Jalan Kebangsaan, Kampung Sungai Akar, BC4115, Brunei. It sits in the Sungai Akar area of Brunei's capital region with access via the main roads serving Kampung Sungai Akar. The Brunei address places the school within the Brunei-Muara district and the Bandar Seri Begawan area.
The school operates three core levels: Early Years, Primary, and Secondary. The Early Years includes Pre-Kindy (KG1) and Kindy (KG2), followed by Reception and Year 1, then Year 2–4, and finally Year 5–9.
Co-educational (mixed gender).
Public materials do not list a dedicated SEN department or provisions. The school emphasises a safe, secure and supportive community and personalised learning as part of its core approach under The Miftah Way.
Brunei (Negara Brunei Darussalam).
Islamic. The school is an Islamic international school and includes Arabic and Islamic Studies within its curriculum.
The school week runs Monday to Friday. Daily start and end times vary by year group: Pre-Kindy/Kindy 7:45am–11:45am (Mon–Thu) and 7:45am–11:30am (Fri); Reception & Year 1 7:30am–1:30pm (Mon–Thu) and 7:30am–11:45am (Fri); Year 2–4 7:30am–2:15pm (Mon–Thu) and 7:30am–11:45am (Fri); Year 5–9 7:30am–3:15pm (Mon–Thu) and 7:30am–11:45am (Fri).
A dedicated school bus service is not publicly advertised. Admissions can discuss transport options. The school's address is in Kampung Sungai Akar, Bandar Seri Begawan, and Brunei has bus services in the capital area, including routes serving Kampung Sungai Akar.
Uniform is required for all pupils. Early Years may wear either the regular uniform or the PE uniform with comfortable footwear. From Year 1 to Year 8, students wear the regular uniform daily (PE uniform on PE days); tudong is mandatory for girls from Year 2, with purple hijab for Years 2–6 and plain black hijab for Year 7; plain black shoes/trainers and black socks are required, with a Miftah jacket allowed if needed and no other outerwear.
Healthy Eating Policy governs food in the school. The school provides healthy food options in the cafeteria, vending machines, and at events, and will accommodate students with allergies or dietary requirements. Nuts are not allowed, and water is encouraged; celebrations avoid junk food, with guidelines for home meals and snacks.
The school is governed by a Board of Governors. Patrons include Her Royal Highness Princess Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Haji Muhammad Ruzaini bin Pengiran Dr Haji Mohd Yakub, who are listed as founders. Ownership and whether the school is part of a group are not stated on the site.
Miftah An-Nur Islamic International School uses the British National Curriculum for core academic subjects, with SPN21 Malay and IQRA International for Arabic and Islamic Studies. The Early Years curriculum is play-based and child-centered, with routines such as morning dhikr and daily duas to foster a sense of belonging. In Primary, learning is organized around a big idea each half-term, with year-group themes that integrate English, Science, Geography, History, Art and Design & Technology, and a Bruneian context. The Secondary program builds on the primary curriculum with subject-specialist teachers and places a strong emphasis on Islamic values and character development. Current provision runs from Pre-Kindy (KG1) to Year 9; the academic year runs from August to July and placements align with International and UK standards.
The school appoints a Head of Wellbeing and a Head of Inclusion to support student welfare and inclusive learning. The leadership and core values emphasize Islamic values and global citizenship, supporting holistic development including social and emotional skills. The Anti-Bullying Policy aims to create a safe, inclusive environment and includes strategies to address bullying, including Kelso's Choices. The Educational Visits Policy includes inclusion of SEN and ensures the same level of support on visits as during the school day, promoting social participation. The Behaviour Policy emphasises respect for self and others and positive interactions consistent with the school's values.
The school has a Head of Inclusion (Makayla Carty) indicating leadership for SEN and inclusion. The Educational Visits Policy states that all students, including those with SEN or other needs, will receive the same support during visits as in school. Publicly available materials do not specify which kinds of SEN the school can support or whether it is a specialist SEN institution. The inclusion leadership and policy presence suggests a structured approach to SEN, though explicit details are not provided in the available materials. The inclusion framework appears to be integrated into school life, with inclusion highlighted in policies and leadership roles.
The school is multilingual and offers English, Malay, and Arabic as part of its language provision. An explicit EAL program is not described in publicly available materials. The presence of a Head of Inclusion supports inclusive language learning within the schooling framework. The secondary language offerings include Arabic, French, and Spanish as second languages, indicating a breadth of language options. Language support specifics beyond the multilingual offerings are not detailed in the sources available.
There is a dedicated Head of Wellbeing (Hasnain Ali) on the leadership team. The school publishes safeguarding and wellbeing-focused policies to protect and support students. The About Us section describes a holistic approach to development, including spiritual, emotional, physical and intellectual faculties. The Secondary curriculum includes a Wellbeing Curriculum, reflecting formal Wellbeing provision. Overall, wellbeing is supported through leadership roles and formal welfare policies.
The school publishes a Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy outlining aims, scope, reporting procedures and safeguarding contacts. A Designated Safeguarding Lead and named safeguarding contacts are provided for reporting concerns. The Safer Recruitment Policy sets out recruitment practices to safeguard children, including police checks and safeguarding-focused screening. The safeguarding framework requires staff training and adherence to procedures for handling concerns. The school's safeguarding framework is designed to ensure a safe and secure learning environment.
No scholarship program is listed on the admissions or fees pages.
The school publishes rolling admissions, accepting applications throughout the year and admitting students at any time. There is no published waitlist or pool system.
EML International School is located at No 17 Simpang 462, Jalan Sungai Hanching Baru, Muara, Brunei Darussalam (BC2115). It lies in the Muara district on Brunei's northeast coast and is accessible via Brunei's main road network. The campus emphasizes outdoor, nature‑based learning as part of its early‑years approach.
The school provides Nursery, Pre‑Kindy, KG1, KG2 and KG3. A child's Year Level is determined by age as of January 1 in the enrollment year, with age ranges guiding placement (e.g., Nursery for 2‑year‑olds, Pre‑Kindy for 3‑year‑olds, KG1‑KG3 thereafter).
EML International School presents itself as a formal inclusive early‑years school. There is no publicly listed information about boarding facilities.
The school describes an inclusive program and offers one‑to‑one support sessions in the afternoon for additional needs. Differently abled children receive targeted support from educators and therapists.
The school is located in Brunei Darussalam and follows the Brunei national school calendar.
Religious affiliation is not disclosed publicly.
School days run with specific session times: Nursery has morning sessions (7:30–11:30) and afternoon sessions (2:00–4:30) on Monday–Thursday; KG1 and KG2 have morning sessions (7:30–11:30) and KG3 ends by 11:45; Lunch breaks occur around 12:30–1:45 (Mon–Thu) or 12:00–2:00 (Fri).
Lunch is provided on-site with designated hours: Monday to Thursday 12:30 PM–1:45 PM; Friday 12:00 PM–2:00 PM.
EML International School in Brunei provides early years education for ages 3–6 across Nursery, Pre-Kindy, KG1, KG2, and KG3. The curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) UK framework and is delivered through play-based learning, with reading and numeracy development beginning from KG2, typically KG3. The school uses the Curiosity Approach, incorporating elements from Reggio Emilia, Montessori, Waldorf, and Te Whariki to support child-led, meaningful learning. It emphasizes an inclusive environment with outdoor, nature-rich learning as a core part of daily experiences.
EML International School supports social and emotional learning (SEL) within an inclusive early-years framework. The Our Approach page notes that learning is meaningful and inclusive, drawing on Reggio Emilia, Montessori, Waldorf, and Te Whariki to nurture curiosity and a sense of belonging. Te Whariki emphasizes children being healthy in mind, body and spirit and having a sense of belonging with families, which underpins SEL. The About page highlights that children practice kindness and friendship, and that differently abled children receive time and support to understand themselves and reach their potential. Educators and therapists are trained to provide support and guidance to all children, and they are described as partners in play. These elements collectively describe an SEL-oriented approach within an inclusive environment.
EML International School identifies itself as an inclusive preschool for KG1–KG3 (ages 3–6). It is not a specialist SEN institution; the school states that it assists with one-to-one services if needed, and these can be provided in the afternoon. The school explicitly references autism in its FAQs, indicating inclusive support for autistic students through one-to-one services. Enrolment documents include a ‘Diagnosis (if applicable),' which shows consideration of individual SEN needs during admissions. In the About page, differently abled children are described as receiving support to understand themselves and develop within the inclusive program, with educators and therapists trained to provide support to all children. This reflects a staff-based SEN support model within an inclusive framework rather than a dedicated SEN unit.
The school does not publicly disclose information about English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision. The site indicates that the curriculum follows the EYFS UK-based framework, embedded in play-based learning, but it does not specify any EAL programmes or language-support staff. Parent-teacher communication is conducted via Storypark, a private online platform for sharing learning highlights. There is no publicly available detail on EAL staff roles, programmes, or language-support initiatives. Based on publicly available information, EAL support cannot be confirmed.
Educators and therapists are trained to provide support and guidance to all children, and they work as partners in play. The school's emphasis on play-based learning and exploration supports social-emotional development and wellbeing. Differently abled children receive time and support to understand themselves and build confidence within the inclusive program. Te Whariki's focus on belonging and healthy development, combined with family partnerships, underpins mental wellbeing. The environment is described as safe for children, reinforcing wellbeing within daily activities.
The About page states that EML International School is a safe environment and that educators and therapists are trained to provide support. The school notes external support from the Ministry of Health, Allied Health Professionals Council, and Ministry of Education, indicating regulatory engagement around safeguarding. Enrolment documents include a ‘Diagnosis (if applicable),' signaling consideration of safeguarding for students with additional needs. Publicly available information does not present a standalone safeguarding policy or procedures. Overall, safeguarding appears integrated into student support, though formal policy details are not published on the site.
1. Reach us. Submit an Enquiry Form and request a tour through the Enrolment Process page. This initial contact starts the admissions sequence and allows the school to arrange a tour to show how they work with the children.
2. Visit the School Environment. After your tour request is confirmed, you should visit the school to understand how EMLi engages with and supports the children.
3. Submit the Enrolment Form. Complete the Enrolment Form and submit it together with the required documents, either in person or via the provided link.
4. Outcome. The outcome of the interview is communicated within 7 days, and a letter of acceptance or rejection is issued with stated reasons for any rejection. Parents/guardians have 14 days to confirm their child's placement.
5. School Enrolment Acceptance. Real placement is secured when a signed acceptance letter is received and a non-refundable BND 200 entrance fee is paid. If the placement is not accepted by the specified date, the offer is withdrawn.
There is no scholarship program described in the posted materials.
The school does not describe a waitlist or pool system in its posted admissions materials.
The ISB Seria Campus is located in Panaga, Kuala Belait District, in the western part of Brunei. It is situated within a residential area primarily serving the local and expatriate communities working in the oil and gas sector. The campus is near the coast and accessible by car from Seria town and the surrounding neighbourhoods.
The ISB Seria Campus caters to students aged 2-13. It includes Early Years (Pre-Kindy to Reception) and Primary School (Years 1 to 6).
SB Seria is a co-educational day school. It does not offer boarding facilities.
Students with additional learning needs are supported by a dedicated Inclusion Team. Tailored support plans and access to specialist teaching and small-group work are provided depending on individual needs. The Seria Campus works closely with the Centre for Inclusive Learning (CIL) to enhance provision.
ISB is an independent international school with no formal affiliation to any specific country.
ISB is a secular institution with no religious affiliation.
The school day typically runs from around 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM for Early Years and 2:30 PM for Primary, with a mid-morning break and lunch break built into the schedule.
International School Brunei (ISB) Seria Campus provides education for children aged 2 to 13, encompassing Early Years and Primary stages. The Early Years programme (ages 2–5) is centred around a play-based, child-led approach, supported by experienced educators. Learning environments include areas for sensory play, construction, reading, and creative exploration, fostering independence and collaboration. From Year 1 onwards, the curriculum aligns with the UK National Curriculum, gradually introducing more structured learning while maintaining elements of play to keep students engaged.
ISB integrates social and emotional learning throughout its curriculum. In the Early Years, the curriculum focuses on holistic development, encompassing cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth.
SB is not a specialist SEN institution.
ISB offers an EAL programme to assist students for whom English is an additional language.
ISB prioritizes the mental wellbeing of its students by embedding wellbeing practices within its curriculum and providing access to a highly qualified Pastoral Team.
ISB is committed to safeguarding its students by implementing policies and practices that provide a safe learning environment. The school has Designated Safeguarding Leads and ensures safe recruitment practices through safeguarding checks for all employees and associates. The Child Protection Policy outlines the school's responsibility to protect and safeguard the welfare of children and young people in its care.
1. Submit the application form and required documentation : Parents complete the online application form and pay a non-refundable application fee of BND 200. Supporting documents include: recent school reports, a copy of the student’s birth certificate, medical form, parent questionnaire, two passport-size photographs, and copies of parents’ passports and Brunei identity cards (if applicable).
2. Diagnostic testing and interview (if applicable): Some students may be asked to sit diagnostic assessments or attend an interview to help determine appropriate placement and support needs. These may be conducted on-site or remotely for overseas applicants.
3. Placement decision : The Admissions team will review all documentation and assessment outcomes. If the year group has available space and the student is eligible, ISB aims to issue a decision within five working days.
4. Confirmation of enrolment : Once a place is offered, families must formally accept the offer and complete the enrolment process. Parents receive orientation and onboarding details to support their child’s transition.
No scholarship programmes are currently offered for Primary students at ISB, Seria.
ISB operates on a rolling admissions basis and does not publicly specify a formal waitlist or pool system.
Chung Hwa Middle School is located at Jalan Berangan, Bandar Seri Begawan BS8211, Negara Brunei Darussalam. The address places the campus in Kampong Berangan in Brunei's capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. The site is accessible by road in central Brunei near the Kianggeh area.
The school comprises three divisions: Kindergarten, Primary, and Secondary.
The school is a private, co-educational institution.
Public information about dedicated SEN provisions is not published on the school's site; SEN facilities are not specified in publicly available pages.
Brunei.
No religious affiliation is published. The school operates as a secular education provider.
Daily start and end times are not published on the official site. Publicly listed hours from third-party sources suggest campus access from early morning to late afternoon, but families should confirm current timings with the school.
No dedicated school bus service is listed by the school. Nearby public transit options exist, with several bus routes and stops in the Kianggeh/Bandar Seri Begawan area.
A school uniform is required. The on-site Cooperative Store sells the uniform and PE shirts, run by the school's management with help from the Entrepreneurs Club. The page does not specify uniform colours or the exact items beyond the mention that a uniform and PE shirts are available for purchase on campus.
The on-site canteen is located near Darussalam Hall. It has four stalls and sells food and drinks in accordance with MOE rules. Basins and handwashing liquid are provided, and the canteen can accommodate around 500 students.
The school is governed by a Board of Directors (2023–2025). The Chairman is Yong Teck Chin, with an Executive Chairman and several Vice Chairs and other Directors listed on the Board page. The site does not specify ownership structure or whether the school is part of a group.
CHMS's curriculum is structured into Primary (lower and upper) and Secondary (lower and upper) with dedicated divisions for Chinese Language, Malay/MIB & Jawi, English, Mathematics, Science, Business Studies Computer Studies Humanities, and an Art, P.E. & CCA Department. The Primary curriculum follows the SPN-21 Brunei standard curriculum; Year 6 sits the Penilaian Sekolah Rendah (PSR) examination to progress to Year 7, and Lower Primary includes Chinese Language, Bahasa Melayu and Jawi, English, Mathematics, MIB, Computer Studies, Music, Islamic Religious Knowledge (IRK), Physical Education, Moral, and Art, with Upper Primary adding Social Studies and Science. The Secondary School comprises Year 7–8 in the lower secondary (following SPN-21, with Year 8 taking SPE) and Year 9–11 in the upper secondary, where students sit the GCE O Level examination at the end of Year 11 and proceed through two streams (Art and Science). The Art stream includes Bahasa Melayu, English, Chinese, MIB, Mathematics, Geography, Principles of Accounts, Commercial Studies, Art, Travel and Tourism, Economics, World History and ICT, while the Science stream includes Bahasa Melayu, MIB, English, Chinese, Additional Mathematics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, ICT, and related electives. Cambridge GCE O Level and PSR are listed among the school's achievements, reflecting its qualification pathways, alongside multiple language departments that support English, Chinese and Malay/Jawi instruction.
CHMS follows United Nations–inspired Modern Education Theories in its Kindergarten Education Approach, including Learning to Know, Learning to Do, Learning to Live Together, and Learning to Be. The Kindergarten curriculum covers Health, Language, Social Studies, Science and Arts, providing a broad foundation for social and emotional development. It aims to develop confidence, curiosity, attention, psycho-motor skills, communication, and social skills, supporting social and emotional learning (SEL). The school provides language-focused spaces such as English Activity Rooms to support collaborative learning and language development, reinforcing SEL through group activity. A Counselling Room in the Primary Block houses two counsellors who offer counselling for emotional issues and guidance on career options and local/overseas tertiary education, contributing to students' SEL and wellbeing. Overall, SEL is supported by both curriculum design and dedicated welfare spaces and staff.
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision, including which kinds of SEN it can support or whether it is a specialist SEN institution. The CHMS English-language site lists academic divisions (Kindergarten, Chinese Department, Malay/MIB/Jawi Department, English Department, Mathematics Department, Science Department, etc.) but does not mention a dedicated SEN section. A counselling office is described as providing emotional support and guidance on education options, rather than explicit SEN services. No explicit SEN program or list of supported needs is publicly disclosed on the available pages. If you need SEN details, please request direct confirmation from CHMS.
The school maintains an English Department as part of its Academic divisions. Public pages describe English-language activity spaces, including English Activity Rooms, indicating English language teaching and activities are integrated into the curriculum. However, explicit EAL (English as an Additional Language) programs or provisions are not described in publicly accessible pages. The presence of English activity spaces suggests language support activity, but there is no separate, clearly stated EAL program.
The school provides a Counselling Room in the Primary Block, with two counsellors who provide counselling to students experiencing emotional issues and offer guidance on career options and local/overseas tertiary education. This counselling service is a core component of student welfare and mental wellbeing support. The on-site Clinic employs two full-time nurses to treat students before referring them to a doctor if needed, supporting physical wellbeing that underpins mental health. The Kindergarten Education Approach emphasizes social-emotional development within its UN-inspired framework, reinforcing wellbeing from early ages. Together, counselling, health services, and a wellbeing-focused curriculum support students' mental wellbeing.
The CHMS English-language site does not publicly disclose a safeguarding or child-protection policy on accessible pages. A Counselling Room and health facilities are described as welfare provisions, but no formal safeguarding policy is published in the public sections of the site. It is not clear from publicly available pages whether a designated safeguarding lead or formal safeguarding procedures exist at the school. If safeguarding policy details are needed, please request confirmation from CHMS directly.
Step 1 — Intake eligibility and timing. Chung Hwa Middle School admits Kindergarten 1 (age 3) and Kindergarten 2 (age 4+) with August intake, which is the main source of new students each year. The school also welcomes eligible local and international students for primary and secondary levels. Admission of students at ages other than kindergarten is assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the applicant's prior educational background as well as the availability of places in the school.
Step 2 — Registration and entry fees. Registration for Kindergarten 1 and Kindergarten 2 begins every August. The school charges a Registration Fee of BND 50 for Kindergarten and BND 30 for other levels. These fees are collected as part of the enrollment process.
Step 3 — Documentation for international applicants. All international students must hold a dependent visa issued by the Immigration Department and must apply for a student pass from the Ministry of Education before starting at the school. The visa and student pass are prerequisites for enrollment.
Step 4 — Enrollment form and completion of enrollment. The school provides a Fees & Student's Enrollment Form section with enrollment forms for Kindergarten and for Primary/Secondary. Completion and submission of the enrollment form are required to finalize admission.
Step 5 — Placement decision and waitlist. Admissions are determined based on the number of available places; there is no publicly described waitlist or pool system for placement. Placement depends on space availability after registration and eligibility review.
Step 6 — Tuition and fees overview. The secondary school tuition is listed as BND 2,900 per year for scholarship considerations. Registration fees are separate (BND 50 for Kindergarten, BND 30 for other levels). Parents should anticipate tuition in addition to the one-time registration fee.
Step 7 — Scholarships overview (academic scholarships). The school offers the Chung Hwa Middle School Scholarship for secondary students. The number of scholarship recipients is not fixed, and the school selects candidates based on academic and behavioral criteria; there is no separate application required. Scholarships are applied as a tuition waiver rather than cash. The scholarship categories cover Year 7 through Year 11, with specific minimum criteria across language and other subject areas depending on year level.
Step 8 — Bursaries for financial aid. The school also offers a Bursary for financially disadvantaged students, with annual renewal required. Eligibility includes the previous year's overall average of at least 60 and conduct of at least B; additional points are awarded for participation in non-academic activities. bursaries are used to waive tuition (not paid in cash), and if partial or full fees have already been paid, refunds may be processed through the Accounts Department. The school reserves the right to adjust bursary terms and to cancel benefits for unsatisfactory conduct.
Chung Hwa Middle School Scholarship (secondary). This is a full scholarship for eligible secondary students. The number of recipients is not fixed, and the school selects candidates based on academic performance and internal criteria. No separate application is required. Scholarship categories run from Year 7 to Year 11, with year-specific minimum scores in Chinese, English, Malay and other subjects, as well as conduct requirements.
Bursary (financial assistance). The Bursary is available to all enrolled students who meet the eligibility criteria, including a minimum overall average of 60 and conduct at least B+. Renewal is required each year, and bursaries are used to waive tuition rather than paid in cash. Additional notes include that applicants must provide a referee (not a parent/guardian), and the school reserves the right to adjust terms or cancel the bursary if requirements are not met.
There is no published waitlist or pool system described for Chung Hwa Middle School.
The Bright Jigsaw School is located at No. 675 Kampong Salambigar, Jalan Muara, BC1515, Brunei. It serves local and expatriate children from Kindergarten 1 to Year 6. The academic year runs January to November.
The school is structured into Kindergarten 1-3 (early childhood) and Year 1-6 (primary).
Private English-medium school. The site does not specify co-educational status or boarding facilities.
SENA Programme provides Special Needs Education Assistance with limited slots, including inclusive/pull-out options; a CDC report may be required and classroom support is available (3–4 SENA students per class).
Brunei
Religious education is part of the core curriculum, including Ugama and Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB).
Kindergarten hours are 7:45 AM–11:45 AM. Primary hours are 7:45 AM–12:00 PM, with Year 2–5 having an extended day until 3:00 PM. Ramadhan timetable exists with adjusted hours and notes for fasting students.
No school bus service details are published by the school.
Uniforms are required for all students. Uniforms can be purchased through Hatina Fashion & Beauty in Kampong Salambigar. Black shoes are required. Tudong is allowed for Year 1-6. No flip-flops or sandals are permitted.
Bright Jigsaw School uses a house system for events. The annual events include Sports Day with a House Cup.
Bright Jigsaw School is a private English-medium institution. It is governed by a Board of Directors, including a Chairman, and has an executive leadership team.
Bright Jigsaw School is an English-medium Brunei primary school teaching Kindergarten 1 to Year 6 and follows the SPN21 national curriculum with UK-based reading programmes. Kindergarten 1–3 emphasizes motor, social, emotional and language development through activity-based learning. From Year 1 to Year 6 the curriculum covers core subjects English Language, Malay/Jawi, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies, alongside ICT, PE, Art, Music, Reading, and Brunei's MIB (Melayu Islam Beraja) and Ugama (religious education). SENA provides an inclusive support programme for a small number of students across KG1 to Year 6. Assessments include Year 1–5 term tests, mid-term tests and projects, with Year 6 adding mock examinations and the PSR national exam. The academic year runs January to November and class sizes are 20–25 students.
Bright Jigsaw School supports social and emotional development by focusing on motor, social, emotional, and language skills in Kindergarten 1–3, and offers a SENA-supported integration program for KG1 to Year 6 to bridge learning gaps and foster inclusion.
The school operates a SENA Programme for Special Educational Needs, including a SENA Student (Support & Integration) approach with a classroom cap of 3–4 SENA students per classroom.
The school is an English Medium private institution; explicit EAL provisions are not publicly disclosed.
Mental wellbeing is supported through the focus on social and emotional development and inclusive practices (SENA integration), though no separate mental health program is named.
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding safeguarding and child protection policies.
1. Determine eligibility and gather initial information. Bright Jigsaw School serves Kindergarten 1 to Year 6, with Kindergarten 1–3 for ages 3–5 and Year 1–6 for ages 6 and up; the academic year runs January to November. For initial inquiries, families can contact the school by phone at (673) 234-1035 or email at [email protected] to request admissions details. This first step helps families confirm that the child's age and level align with the school's offerings.
2. Submit registration to secure a slot and understand availability. There is no published, formal waitlist or pool system by the school. Admission is described as contingent on securing a slot. To secure a slot, the full registration form must be submitted along with the non-refundable registration fee. If slots are not available, no specific waitlist process is described. families should contact the admissions team for the latest status.
3. Complete the registration and review fee/financial options. No scholarship program is published by the school. The pricing page lists a one-time registration fee of $50 and monthly fees for Kindergarten 1–3 ($150/month) and Year 1–6 ($223/month), along with uniform and shadow teacher details, but it does not describe any scholarship or financial aid offering. If the family requires financial assistance beyond standard fees, the school indicates a separate Shadow Teacher/SENA framework rather than a scholarship program.
SMSIS is located at Spg. 340 Jalan Gadong, Kg Mata-Mata, Bandar Seri Begawan BE 1718, Negara Brunei Darussalam. The address places the campus in the Gadong area of Brunei's capital, accessible by road. The school serves expatriate families alongside Bruneian residents.
SMSIS provides Early Years (EYFS) through Primary education. The Primary curriculum runs on the Cambridge Primary Programme for core subjects (English, Mathematics, Science and ICT Starters), and Kindergarten 1 to Year 6 are the listed year levels.
SMSIS operates as an international day school and is co-educational. The admissions policy indicates a focus on expatriate and Bruneian families, implying non-segregated gender provision.
SMSIS provides a Health Clinic with a school nurse to support student health and safety. There is a designated Student Support Unit for learning-support needs. Public details of specific SEN provisions are not published on the site.
No formal country affiliation is published for SMSIS. The curriculum uses the UK-origin Cambridge Primary Programme for core subjects and Brunei's SPN 21 for local subjects, reflecting a dual-framework approach.
There is no explicit religious affiliation stated for SMSIS. Brunei's SPN 21 curriculum includes Islamic Religious Knowledge for Muslim students as part of the national framework, but the school itself is described as international and non-sectarian.
SMSIS uses a two-session day structure: a Morning Session and an Afternoon Session. The exact start/end times are not published in accessible text.
Public information about a school bus service is not published on the SMSIS site. Families should contact the school to discuss transport arrangements. Contact details are available through the school's Contact Us page.
Uniforms are compulsory for all students. School and PE uniforms are available for purchase from Bajoo Boutique, the official uniform supplier located at Unit No. C4, Ground Floor, Warisan Mata-Mata Complex, Jalan Gadong, Bandar Seri Begawan.
SMSIS has an on-site tuck shop run in partnership with SMSS Secondary, located near the book shop and following Brunei's Ministry of Health canteen guidelines. The tuck shop sells healthy items and is operated by a Nyonya Restaurant offering options such as fresh fruits, sandwiches, burgers, porridge, noodles and rice.
SMSIS is governed by a Board of Governors (BoG) that works with the school leadership to guide the school's purpose, policies and strategic direction. The BoG comprises volunteers from the school community (parents, teachers and staff) and prominent local experts, and acts as steward to ensure sustainability, standards and legal compliance.
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is used for the youngest learners, delivered through a thematic approach with prime areas (Personal, Social and Emotional Development; Communication and Language; Physical Development) and specific areas (Literacy, Mathematics, Knowledge and Understanding the World, Creative Development) to support school readiness. In Primary, Cambridge Primary Curriculum covers English, Mathematics, Science and ICT Starters, providing a solid foundation and integrated assessment. Cambridge Primary provides progression-based assessment, including Cambridge Primary Progression Tests (Stages 3–6) to monitor progress and Cambridge Primary Checkpoint, generally taken at the end of Stage 6. Non-core subjects follow the UK National Curriculum in England (PSHE, Social Studies, Music, Physical Education, Art and Design). Brunei's SPN 21 framework applies to MIB, Bahasa Melayu and Islamic Religious Knowledge and is compulsory for local and expatriate Muslim students. Bahasa Melayu is taught from Kindergarten 2 through Year 6, and Mandarin is offered as an elective foreign language.
SMSIS supports Social and Emotional Learning through a Guidance and Counselling Programme aimed at holistic student development via activities, interventions, and positive discipline. The school operates a Student Transition Program to help new students and families prepare for the move with individualized support. The Homeroom Programme strengthens classroom communities, with class teachers meeting students Monday to Thursday for 25-minute sessions covering health and safety awareness, student-led conferences, and life guidance, while fostering self-awareness, empathy and respect for diverse cultures. The Learning Support Unit provides supplementary teaching for students with learning difficulties in literacy and numeracy, and Learning Differences ensures SEN students have access to the full curriculum. An English Learners Language Program supports students whose English is not yet proficient to acquire and improve English over time.
SMSIS discloses a Learning Support Unit and Learning Differences as means to support students with learning difficulties in literacy and numeracy and to enable access to the full curriculum. The English Learners Language Program provides EAL support. Published materials do not indicate other specific SEN categories or that SMSIS is a dedicated specialist SEN institution.
An English Learners Language Program accommodates students whose language is not English to assist them acquire and increase their English language proficiency over time.
Guidance and Counselling supports the holistic development of students, addressing emotional and social needs. The Homeroom Programme includes health and safety awareness, student-led conferences, and life guidance; 25-minute sessions focus on self-awareness, empathy and valuing diversity, supporting mental wellbeing and global citizenship.
The Child Safety Statement commits SMSIS to creating a safe and positive environment and safeguarding students from violence and abuse. The Child Protection Policy is based on Brunei's Child Protection Act 2012 and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child; safeguarding concerns should be directed to Maria Theresa Pagaduan Cordova at the Student Support Unit.
1. Expression of Interest and intake timing. Begin the admissions process by submitting an Expression of Interest to the school. SMSIS notes that expatriate families arrive in Brunei regularly and that admissions occur year-round, with a major intake at the start of the school year in January. The school can assist in predetermining a place for a prospective student if needed.
2. Enrollment documentation. After expressing interest, obtain and submit the Enrollment Form along with the required documents to the Admission Office. You must provide three copies of the completed BPS 12 form, two passport‑sized photos of the child, three copies of the child's birth certificate, and three copies of the student's passport (for expatriate students, the passport copies should show the dependent or student visa stamp). You also need three copies of the parents' IC, three copies of the parents' passports (for expatriates, stamps such as dependent or employment pass), three copies of the child's leaving certificate (if applicable), and three copies of reports detailing the child's educational needs (health/immunization records, medical report, previous school reports, and any development centre reports).
3. Pre‑assessment and entrance assessment. The school conducts a pre‑assessment and an entrance assessment to determine appropriate placement and readiness for the applicant. These assessments help establish the grade level corresponding to the child's age and capabilities. Access to the assessment schedule is provided by the Admissions Office as part of the process.
4. Confirmation of enrollment and deposit. Upon completion of the assessments and acceptance into the program, enrollment is confirmed by paying two (2) months' advance school fees. This advance payment secures the child's place in the school registry and is strictly non‑refundable. Ensure that the required enrollment form and documentation are already in place to proceed to this step.
5. International student processing (Student Pass). For foreign/international students, begin the Student Pass endorsement process. This requires submitting the Student Pass application and supporting documents (including passport copies showing the dependent or employment pass stamps) and coordinating with the appropriate authorities for endorsement. The school assists with the endorsement and related steps once the enrollment is confirmed.
6. Commencement of schooling. After completing the above steps, the student commences at SMSIS. Admissions are year‑round, with the major intake in January each year, and the school can assist in planning a start date that aligns with the family's relocation timeline. Orientation and class assignment follow enrollment confirmation.
7. Withdrawal and notice. If you need to withdraw a student, submit a Notice of Withdrawal form to the SMSIS Administrative Office and provide two months' advance notice. If the notice is short, the school reserves the right to charge fees appropriate to the reduced notice period. This withdrawal policy helps keep the registry accurate and allows for orderly transitions.
8. Fees overview (deposit and typical fee context). After enrollment confirmation, families pay two months' advance fees to secure placement. The exact amount depends on the grade and the current fee schedule. For context, early information from third‑party sources indicates that SMSIS typically publishes annual fees around the Brunei Dollar 2,350–2,550 range by level, with variations by preschool and primary years.
There is no publicly published information on SMSIS offering scholarships or a scholarships program on the admissions pages.
SMSIS does not publish a waitlist or pool system in its admissions materials.