Austin Heights Private & International School vs Tenby Schools Setia Eco Gardens

	A Austin Heights Private & International School Johor Bahru, Malaysia	Tenby Schools Setia Eco Gardens Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year MYR 12,000 - 21,000	Fees / year MYR 18,510 - 48,270
Age range	Age range 3 - 17 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils	Pupils 1,300	Pupils 928
Typical class size	Typical class size 25	Typical class size 21
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2011	Opened 2013
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Austin Heights Private & International School is located in Taman Mount Austin. This area is highly accessible via major roads such as the Pasir Gudang Highway and Eastern Dispersal Link, making commutes easy for families, including those crossing the border from Singapore (approximately 30–40 minutes by car). The school is also connected by local bus routes like P111 and T11. Mount Austin boasts a rich variety of amenities including AEON Mall, Toppen Shopping Centre, cafes, restaurants, and entertainment hubs like the Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park. Nearby medical facilities such as Sultan Ismail Hospital add to the area’s appeal, making it ideal for families seeking convenience and lifestyle amenities.	Location The school is located in Setia Eco Gardens, a residential township in the western part of Johor Bahru, Malaysia. It sits within a gated community and is accessible by car via major roads like the Second Link Expressway and the North–South Expressway. The area is suburban, with housing developments and green spaces nearby.
Stages	Stages The school offers a structured educational journey for early years, primary and secondary levels.	Stages The international school is divided into Early Years (ages 3–5), Primary (ages 5–11), and Secondary (ages 11–16). Students follow the British curriculum, culminating in IGCSEs at the end of Secondary. Each level is structured according to the National Curriculum for England.
School type	School type Austin Heights is a co-educational day school. The school does not offer boarding facilities.	School type The school is co-educational and operates as a day school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school provides additional learning support by having Blackboard Learn, an online learning platform that allows students to review lessons, complete assignments, and access resources anytime, making learning more flexible and easier to refer to whenever its needed.	Additional learning support Tenby International School Setia Eco Gardens considers applications from students with additional learning needs on an individual basis. A meeting with the SEN Coordinator or Head of School, followed by a trial class, helps assess whether the school can provide adequate support within its existing resources. It does not have a dedicated SEN unit.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school does not have formal affiliation with any country.	Country affiliation The school is not officially affiliated with any particular country, but it follows the British curriculum and assessment system.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Austin Heights does not have any formal religious affiliation and operates as a secular school.	Religious affiliation The school does not have any religious affiliation and operates as a secular institution.
School day structure	School day structure School start time KG1 - KG2: 8:30 KG3 - G10: 8:00 School finish time KG1: 12:30 KG2: 14:30 (Friday 12:30) KG3 - G1: 14:30 (Friday 13:10) G2 - G10: 15:40 (Friday 13:10)	School day structure The school day typically begins at 8:00 AM and ends at 3:00 PM. There is a morning break and a lunch break during the day, with timings adjusted slightly depending on the age group. After-school co-curricular activities may extend the day for participating students.
Bus service details	Bus service details Austin Heights provides a school bus service for its students.	Bus service details School transportation services are managed by external providers. Parents arrange directly with these providers for student pick-up and drop-off.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Tuition Fees (Annually) Early Years 1 & 2 (Age 3–4): RM 12,000 Years 1–3 (Age 5–7): RM 15,600 Years 4–6 (Age 8–10): RM 17,400 Years 7–9 (Age 11–13): RM 20,400 Years 10–11 (Age 14–15): RM 23,400 Years 12–13 (Age 16–17): RM 21,000 Other Fees Application Fee: RM 100 – RM 200 (non-refundable, one-time) Registration Fee: RM 1,000 – RM 2,000 (non-refundable, one-time) Security Deposit: One term’s tuition fee (refundable) Miscellaneous Fees: RM 1,000 – RM 1,500 annually Refund Policy Security Deposit: A refundable deposit equivalent to one term’s tuition fee is required upon enrollment. This deposit is refundable upon withdrawal, provided all dues are cleared and the required notice period is observed. Application & Registration Fees: Both are one-time, non-refundable payments. Miscellaneous Fees: Typically non-refundable and non-transferable. Payment Methods Bank transfers Credit/debit cards Online banking Cash or cheque payments	Fee details Application & Enrolment Fees * Application Fee: MYR 1,000 per child (non-refundable) * Registration Fee: MYR 900 per child (non-refundable) * Enrolment Fee: MYR 3,900 per child (non-refundable) * International Student Fee: MYR 2,000 for the first child; MYR 1,500 for siblings; MYR 1,000 for guardians (one-time fee for non-Malaysian students) Tuition Fees (Per Term) The school operates on a three-term academic year. Tuition fees per term are as follows: * Early Years: MYR 6,170 * Year 1: MYR 7,020 * Year 2: MYR 8,150 * Year 3: MYR 9,280 * Year 4: MYR 10,440 * Year 5: MYR 11,170 * Year 6: MYR 11,870 * Year 7: MYR 12,730 * Year 8: MYR 13,670 * Year 9: MYR 14,610 * Year 10: MYR 15,450 * Year 11: MYR 16,090 Billing Schedule & Payment Terms * Tuition Fees: Billed termly; payments are due before the commencement of each term. * Deposit: Refundable upon withdrawal with sufficient written notice and settlement of all dues. * Technology & Learning Support Fee: MYR 715 per child (non-refundable) Additional Costs * Books, Uniforms, Transportation, Meals, Co-curricular Activities, Educational Visits, and External Examination Fees: Not included in the tuition fees and are charged separately. * ID Cards: One ID card per child is provided free of charge; replacements cost MYR 50 each. * Extra Car Stickers: Each family is provided with two car stickers free of charge; up to two more can be purchased at MYR 5 each. Payment Methods * Payments can be made via bank transfer, cheque, or cash. Credit card payments are not accepted.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement The school has a uniform which can be bought in school and differs between Early Years, Primary and Secondary.
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership The school is part of the Tenby Schools Group and is within the International Schools Partnership network.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Austin Heights offers a dual-track education system that caters to both local and international students. The International Stream follows the British curriculum, incorporating programmes such as the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), Cambridge International Primary Programme (CIPP), Cambridge Lower Secondary, and ultimately leading to the Cambridge IGCSE examinations in Years 10 and 11. This stream emphasizes inquiry-based and thematic learning, preparing students with critical thinking and global awareness. Alongside this, the school also offers a Private Stream that follows the Malaysian National Curriculum (KSSR/KSSM), making it an excellent choice for families who prefer a local syllabus but still want a strong co-curricular and English-medium education.	Curriculum details Tenby International School Setia Eco Gardens follows the National Curriculum for England. In Early Years (Nursery and Reception), students follow the EYFS framework, focusing on play-based learning. From Years 1 to 6 (Primary), the curriculum covers English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, and specialist subjects such as Art, Music, PE, and Languages. In Secondary (Years 7 to 9), students study a broad range of subjects aligned with Key Stage 3, including ICT and Design Technology. In Years 10 and 11, students prepare for the Cambridge IGCSE examinations, typically selecting 8–10 subjects from core and elective options. Bahasa Melayu and Mandarin are offered as additional languages throughout.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar View document
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning The school emphasizes social and emotional development through various initiatives. Students engage in activities that promote collaboration, resilience, and self-awareness. The curriculum includes programs that encourage students to reflect on their learning experiences and develop interpersonal skills. Teachers incorporate SEL principles into daily lessons, fostering a supportive classroom environment. Additionally, the school community participates in events and workshops that highlight the importance of emotional well-being.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) While not a specialist SEN school, Tenby International School Setia Eco Gardens considers applications from students with special educational needs on a case-by-case basis. The evaluation process involves an interview with the SEN Counselor or Head of School and a trial class to assess the student's needs and the school's capacity to support them. This individualized approach ensures that any support provided aligns with the school's resources and the student's requirements. The school aims to accommodate a range of learning needs, provided they can be met within the existing educational framework.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language Tenby International School Setia Eco Gardens offers support for students whose first language is not English. The school provides EAL programs designed to enhance English proficiency, facilitating better access to the curriculum. These programs are tailored to individual student needs, ensuring effective language acquisition. Additionally, the school encourages parental involvement through initiatives like parent EAL classes, promoting a holistic approach to language learning.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing The school prioritizes mental well-being by fostering a nurturing environment and integrating well-being practices into the curriculum. Students participate in activities that promote mindfulness, emotional regulation, and stress management. Teachers and staff are trained to recognize signs of emotional distress and provide appropriate support or referrals. The school also organizes events and workshops focused on mental health awareness, encouraging open discussions among students, staff, and parents. These initiatives aim to create a community where mental well-being is acknowledged and supported.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding Tenby International School Setia Eco Gardens has established clear protocols for safeguarding and child protection. The school's policy outlines staff responsibilities, reporting procedures, and measures to ensure student safety. Open communication with students, parents, and stakeholders is emphasized to maintain a transparent safeguarding approach. Regular training sessions are conducted for staff to stay updated on best practices in child protection. The school is committed to providing a secure environment where students can learn and thrive.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy View document
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview Tenby Schools Setia Eco Gardens sits on a 16-acre campus with a purpose-built Discovery Centre, high-tech laboratories, an art studio and a cookery room. The campus includes an aquatic centre with a heated 25-metre pool, covered basketball and tennis courts, and a full playing field for outdoor activities. An auditorium and music rooms support performances, and a TV studio gives students a platform to develop media skills. The library features a multilingual section and dedicated spaces for science, technology and design work, complemented by maker spaces and computer labs. The campus operates with robust safeguarding and security measures, including 24-hour guard service and enclosed recreational areas.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities The campus includes a heated 25-metre outdoor pool, basketball and tennis courts, and a full-sized football pitch for physical education and team sports. A large multi-purpose sports hall supports indoor activities and events.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities Academic facilities include purpose-built laboratories for science, physics, biology and chemistry, as well as dedicated design & technology spaces and a maker space with 3D printers, drones and robotics. The Discovery Centre hosts STEAM activities, and there are computer labs and a library with a multilingual section.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities Co-curricular activities include sports, arts, clubs and global learning opportunities.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History Tenby Schools Setia Eco Gardens was established in 2013 as part of the Tenby Schools network, which originated in Malaysia in 1960. The school was founded to serve the growing demand for international and private education in Johor Bahru, particularly among local and expatriate families in the Setia Eco Gardens township. In 2018, the school became part of the International Schools Partnership (ISP), a global group of private schools. Since then, it has continued to expand its programs while remaining under the same ownership structure.
Community	Community —	Community The school community includes students from various nationalities and cultural backgrounds. Community events are held throughout the year, such as international days, cultural dress-up days, and charity fundraisers. The school also celebrates key local and international festivals, involving students and parents in performances and classroom-based activities.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association The PTA at Tenby International School Setia Eco Gardens plays an active role in building connections between parents, teachers, and the wider school community. It supports school-wide initiatives such as charity drives, International Day celebrations, and cultural festivals. The PTA also organizes welcome events for new families and provides volunteer support for class activities and excursions. Meetings are held regularly to gather feedback and plan upcoming events. Parents are encouraged to participate either as committee members or event volunteers.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual Two distinct curricula are offered: International School (British curriculum; ages 3-18) and National School (Malaysian private national curriculum). The International stream prepares students for IGCSE examinations, while the National stream prepares for SPM examinations. The Discovery Centre delivers STEAM learning with maker spaces and labs, and a life-skills framework is backed by Cambridge University and Camtree. The school is part of the International Schools Partnership network and operates as a Microsoft Showcase School.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative Beyond academics, cocurricular activities include sports, arts, clubs and global learning opportunities.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language Multilingualism is emphasised. Early Explorers is a trilingual program in English, Mandarin and Malay. In the International stream, English is the primary language of instruction with Mandarin and Malay support; the National stream uses English through the Dual Language Programme (DLP) alongside the national curriculum.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies Extracurricular activities include sports, arts, clubs and global learning opportunities.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional A life-skills framework supports leadership development and interpersonal skills. Students receive personalised guidance for university and career pathways.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision The International School follows the English National Curriculum at Primary and prepares students for IGCSE in Secondary. The National School follows the Malaysian National Curriculum (KSSR at Primary and KSSM at Secondary) with English delivery enhanced through the Dual Language Programme (DLP). Mandarin and Malay are taught to support multilingual development and home-language maintenance.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching The school offers multilingual education across two curricula: the British International School and the Malaysian Private National School. English is used in the International School, and English is enhanced in the National School through the Dual Language Programme (DLP). Mandarin and Malay are taught, and home languages are supported to help students maintain fluency in their first languages.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs Early Explorers operates in a trilingual environment with English, Mandarin and Malay. The multilingual approach emphasizes language fluency and cross-language skills through integrated learning and language-rich activities. Language development is supported through school-wide initiatives and global learning opportunities.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards * Eco-Schools Malaysia Bronze Award (2021): Recognized for initiating environmental sustainability practices and promoting eco-awareness among students. * Creative Novice Coder Cup (2025): The school's team, Digital Ascent, won multiple categories including Best Group, Graphics Excellence, Compelling Storyline, and Green Energy Innovation, demonstrating excellence in coding and innovation.
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations * Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE): Tenby International School Setia Eco Gardens is an approved center for CAIE, allowing it to offer the Cambridge IGCSE qualifications. * International Schools Partnership (ISP): The school is part of ISP, a global network of private schools that provides shared educational resources, professional development, and international learning opportunities.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Application Submission: Prospective students must complete the Admission Form and pay a non-refundable application fee of RM100. 2. Entrance Assessment: Applicants are required to sit for an entrance assessment to evaluate their academic proficiency. 3. Interview session: Following the assessment, an interview with the Principal or a designated staff member is conducted to assess the applicant's English language proficiency and behavioral attributes. 4. Document Submission: Applicants must provide necessary documents. 5. Admission Decision: Admission is contingent upon satisfactory performance in the assessment and interview, as well as the availability of places. 6. MOE & Immigration Documentation: The school assists in submitting necessary documents to the Ministry of Education and, for international students, provides letters to support visa applications.	Admissions 1. Attend an Open Day or Schedule a Tour. The school holds regular Open Days and campus tours where families can meet staff, view the facilities, and learn more about the curriculum and co-curricular offerings. These visits are optional but recommended, especially for overseas families. 2. Complete the Application Form. Parents are required to submit a completed application form along with supporting documents such as the child’s birth certificate, passport, previous school reports, and vaccination records. A non-refundable application fee of MYR 1,000 is payable at this stage. 3. Student Assessment and Interview. Depending on the year group, students may undergo an academic assessment and an informal interview. This step helps determine readiness for the year level applied for and allows the school to understand the student’s learning needs. 4. Offer of Place and Enrolment. If the application is successful, families will receive an offer letter. To secure the place, parents must pay the registration and enrolment fees and confirm acceptance by the stated deadline.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships Tenby International School Setia Eco Gardens does not publicly advertise academic or co-curricular scholarships for the international stream. There are no formal scholarship programs currently listed for incoming students. All admissions are based on standard eligibility and application criteria.
Waitlist	Waitlist If no immediate placement is available, applicants are placed on a waiting list. The school reserves the right to assign admission priorities based on its criteria.	Waitlist The school may operate a waitlist for year groups that are at full capacity. When this occurs, applicants are placed in order of completed applications and supporting documents. Priority may be given to siblings of current students. Places are offered as they become available.
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