Borneo International School vs Tunku Putra-HELP School
Borneo International School and Tunku Putra-HELP School are both in Sarawak, about 3 km apart. Both schools offer British programmes. Borneo International School also offers Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International AS Levels, and Tunku Putra-HELP School also offers Cambridge A Levels and Malaysian. Published annual fees are close, at MYR 9,680 - 33,300 for Borneo International School and MYR 10,060 - 32,410 for Tunku Putra-HELP School. Borneo International School takes pupils from 6 to 18, and Tunku Putra-HELP School from 3 to 19. Tunku Putra-HELP School is the larger school, with around 800 pupils to Borneo International School's 600. Typical class sizes are 25 at Borneo International School and 30 at Tunku Putra-HELP School.
British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels
Curriculum
British Curriculum, Cambridge A Levels, Malaysian Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
600
Pupils
800
Typical class size
Typical class size
25
Typical class size
30
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2017
Opened
1996
Bus service
Bus service
—
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
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.
Location
Tunku Putra-HELP School is located at The NorthBank along the Kuching–Samarahan Expressway in Tabuan Jaya, Kuching, Sarawak. It sits in a rapidly developing residential and commercial area and is close to the planned Stutong station on the upcoming Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS), which will improve accessibility in the future.
Stages
Stages
Borneo International School is divided into Primary School, Secondary School and Sixth Form.
Stages
The school is divided into Kindergarten, Primary, Secondary, and Sixth Form (A-Level) sections. It offers both Malaysian national and British international curricula from age 3 through Year 13 (A-Level).
School type
School type
Borneo International School is a co-educational day school. Boarding facilities are not offered.
School type
TPHS is a co-educational day school. Boarding facilities are not available.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
—
Pupil nationality mix
—
Additional learning support
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.
Additional learning support
TPHS provides a dedicated Learning Support programme to assist students with higher learning needs. Support is primarily delivered within the classroom setting, but there is also a designated Learning Support Room (B22.5) for more focused interventions. The school emphasizes stimulating various approaches to enhance brain function for learning.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school has no formal affiliation with any country.
Country affiliation
The school is not affiliated with any country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
Borneo International School is a secular institution. There is no any religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
TPHS is a secular institution with no religious affiliation.
School day structure
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.
School day structure
The school does not have publicly available information on their day structure.
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school does not offer a bus service.
Bus service details
The school does not offer a bus service.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
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):
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)
Fee details
Kindergarten (Kindy 1 to 3) Annual Fee: RM 10,060 Per Instalment (3 terms): RM 3,353
International Primary School Malaysian Students: Primary 1–3 Published Rate: RM 20,530/year or RM 6,844 per term Bursary Rate: RM 17,450/year or RM 5,817 per term
Primary 4–6 Published Rate: RM 22,530/year or RM 7,510 per term Bursary Rate: RM 19,150/year or RM 6,384 per term
Non-Malaysian Students: Primary 1–3 Published Rate: RM 20,530/year or RM 6,844 per term Bursary Rate: RM 18,475/year or RM 6,159 per term
Primary 4–6 Published Rate: RM 22,530/year or RM 7,510 per term Bursary Rate: RM 20,275/year or RM 6,759 per term
International Secondary School (Year 7–11) Malaysian Students: Published Rate: RM 32,410/year or RM 10,804 per term Bursary Rate: RM 27,550/year or RM 9,184 per term
Non-Malaysian Students: Published Rate: RM 32,410/year or RM 10,804 per term Bursary Rate: RM 29,170/year or RM 9,724 per term
The school does not have publicly available information on their Refund Policy and Payment Methods.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
—
Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
—
Uniform requirement
—
Food options
Food options
—
Food options
—
House system
House system
—
House system
—
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
—
Governance and ownership
—
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
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.
Curriculum details
Tunku Putra-HELP School offers a dual-track curriculum comprising the Malaysian National Curriculum and the British-based International Curriculum. At the Kindergarten level, the school blends the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) with elements from the Malaysian curriculum, emphasizing early literacy, numeracy, and social development through play-based learning.
In the National Primary section (Standard 1–6), students follow the Malaysian KSSR syllabus, enhanced by British and Singaporean resources in Mathematics and Science. Subjects include Bahasa Malaysia, English, Science, Mathematics, Mandarin, History, ICT, Music, Visual Arts, Physical Education, Moral Studies, and Islamic Studies where applicable.
The International Primary stream (Years 1–6) follows the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), a theme-based program designed to foster global perspectives, creativity, and inquiry-based learning. This curriculum is complemented by the English National Curriculum for literacy and numeracy.
At the secondary level, students in the National stream (Form 1–5) follow the KSSM syllabus, leading up to the national SPM examination. The curriculum is supported by additional content from Singaporean and British syllabi for Mathematics and Science.
For the International Secondary stream (Years 7–11), students pursue the Cambridge curriculum, leading to the IGCSE examinations. TPHS also offers Cambridge International A-Levels (Years 12–13) for students in pre-university, enabling them to specialize in their preferred academic disciplines and preparing them for higher education globally.
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.
Admissions
1. Submit Application Form and Documents Complete the application form and submit it along with the following documents:
Medical and Health Record form Two recent passport-sized photographs of the child, parents, and guardian (if applicable) Copies of the child's birth certificate, passport, identity card (Malaysian), and visa (non-Malaysian) Copies of both parents' passports, identity cards (Malaysian), and visas (non-Malaysian) Most recent school report and a testimonial regarding character and ability from the principal or class teacher If the child is staying with a guardian, provide the guardian's recent photo, passport, identity card (Malaysian), visa (non-Malaysian), and a letter confirming the appointment as a guardian
2. Assessment Once the complete application is received, the applicant will be scheduled for an assessment. The assessment varies depending on the year group and includes a meeting with the coordinator of the relevant section.
3. Application Review The school reviews the assessed applications, considering factors such as assessment results, school reports, subject options at IGCSE, English language ability, the child's behavior, and availability of places.
4. Offer of Place If the application is successful, an offer of place will be made. Placement is at the school's discretion, considering the student's age, academic ability, and level of achievement. Acceptance of the offer requires payment of the applicable fees by the stipulated date. If fees are paid by an employer, a Letter of Financial Guarantee must be provided.
5. Admission Upon receiving payment or a Letter of Financial Guarantee, the school will communicate the child's start date and provide support with purchasing the school uniform and textbooks. The Admissions Officer or Coordinator will provide details for the first day at school.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Borneo International School offers scholarships for its A-Level programme.
Scholarships
TPHS offers bursaries and special rebates on tuition fees. For instance, the 2025 fee structure indicates that Malaysian students in Years 7 to 11 can receive a bursary. Non-Malaysian students may also be eligible for bursaries.
