Brighton International School vs Sayfol International School
Brighton International School and Sayfol International School are both in Kuala Lumpur, about 2 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels programmes. Brighton International School also offers Bespoke, Cambridge (Primary) and Cambridge (Secondary), and Sayfol International School also offers IEYC and British. Published annual fees are MYR 11,100 - 23,400 at Brighton International School and MYR 15,900 - 36,000 at Sayfol International School, which puts Sayfol International School roughly 50% higher. Brighton International School takes pupils from 4 to 18, and Sayfol International School from 2.5 to 18. Sayfol International School is the larger school, with around 1,200 pupils to Brighton International School 's 350. Typical class sizes are 20 at Brighton International School and 24 at Sayfol International School.
Bespoke Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Curriculum
IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils
Pupils
350
Pupils
1,200
Typical class size
Typical class size
20
Typical class size
24
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2015
Opened
1985
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
The school is situated just ten minutes from downtown Kuala Lumpur, within the established Taman Setiawangsa neighbourhood. It benefits from access to Kuala Lumpur's public transport system, including buses and the LRT (Line 5), making travel within the city straightforward.
Location
Sayfol International School is situated in the Taman U-Thant area of Kuala Lumpur, a neighbourhood known for its proximity to embassies and the city’s Golden Triangle district. The campus is well connected to main roads and public transport, making it accessible for families across the city.
Stages
Stages
The school is divided into Pre-school, Primary (Lower and Upper), and Secondary (Lower and Upper) levels.
Stages
The school serves children from Early Years (ages 2.5–5) in Kindergarten and Reception, through Primary (ages 5–11), Lower and Upper Secondary (ages 11–17), up to International A‑Level/Sixth Form (ages 17–18).
School type
School type
Brighton International School is a co-educational institution. The school also offers boarding facilities, which are exclusively available to international students and those from outside the local area. These facilities provide modern amenities and are supervised by live-in House Masters, with 24/7 security.
School type
Sayfol is a co-educational institution and does not offer boarding facilities for students.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
BIS provides an English Enhancement Program (BEEP) for students who require additional English language support to succeed in their English-based curriculum. Beyond language support, the school aims to provide an inclusive learning environment and targets areas of learning that require extra support through continuous assessment.
Additional learning support
The school provides some additional learning support for students, primarily through its English as a Second Language (ESL) or Accelerated English Program (AEP) for non-native English speakers who require language assistance. For general academic challenges, the school aims to provide guidance and support within its framework, though specific details on broad academic support structures are not extensively outlined publicly.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school follows a British curriculum although it is not affiliated with any particular country
Country affiliation
The school is not affiliated with any particular country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
Brighton International School has no religious affiliation. It is a non-denominational school that welcomes students from all religions and faiths.
Religious affiliation
The school does not have a specific religious affiliation.
School day structure
School day structure
For Pre-school students, the school day runs from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM from Monday to Thursday, and from 8:00 AM to 12:10 PM on Fridays.
Primary students (Year 1 to Year 6) attend from 8:00 AM to 3:10 PM from Monday to Thursday, and from 8:00 AM to 12:10 PM on Fridays.
Secondary students (Year 7 to Year 13) have a slightly earlier start at 7:55 AM, finishing at 3:25 PM from Monday to Thursday, and at 1:00 PM on Fridays.
School day structure
The school day generally begins at 7:15 am for all students. From Monday to Thursday, Kindergarten to Year 2 students conclude their day at 2:00 pm, while Year 3 to Year 11 students finish at 2:30 pm. On Fridays, the school day is shorter for all levels, ending at 12:30 pm.
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school offers a bus service for its students, which is operated and managed by the school itself. The buses are air-conditioned, equipped with CCTV for safety, and have seat belts. Prefects are assigned to buses to help avoid incidents, and the service is supervised by school staff. The service is currently limited to the Klang Valley area.
Bus service details
Sayfol provides a school bus service for students who require transportation. This service covers most of the major residential areas within Kuala Lumpur, offering convenience for families.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Entry Fees -Application Fee: RM 500 (non-refundable, one-time payment upon application submission) -Registration Fee: RM 2,500 (Years 1-13, non-refundable, payable upon receiving offer letter) -Security Deposit: Equivalent to 1 term's tuition fee (refundable with one full academic term's written notice)
Annual Tuition Fees
Pre-School -Pre-School 1: RM 11,100 per year (RM 3,700 per term) -Pre-School 2: RM 11,100 per year (RM 3,700 per term)
Primary School -Grades 1-3: RM 17,400 per year (RM 5,800 per term) -Grades 4-6: RM 19,500 per year (RM 6,500 per term)
Secondary School -Grades 7-9: RM 21,300 per year (RM 7,100 per term) -Grades 10-11: RM 23,400 per year (RM 7,800 per term)
A-Levels Programme -A-Levels (2-year programme): RM 35,200 total (RM 8,800 per term over 4 terms) -Lab Fees: RM 300 per subject per term (additional cost)
Payment Structure -Tuition fees are split into 3 equal terms per academic year -A-Levels programme runs over 4 terms across 2 years -Security deposit required equivalent to one term's tuition fee -Additional lab fees apply for A-Level subjects
Fee details
Application Fees A one-time Application Fee of RM 1,000 is required for all new students. An Assessment Fee of RM 300 is charged at the placement test stage; this is credited against the Application Fee if the student is accepted. A Registration Fee of RM 5,000 applies for all year groups, or RM 3,000 for Kindergarten, and is non-refundable. A Security Deposit between RM 3,000 and RM 9,000 (depending on year group) is also required. This is refundable upon withdrawal, provided one full term’s written notice is given after the student has completed one full academic year.
Tuition Fees (Per Year) Early Learners (Ages 2.5–4): RM 15,900 Reception (Ages 4–5): RM 16,900 Year 1: RM 18,750 Year 2: RM 19,650 Year 3: RM 21,420 Year 4: RM 22,500 Year 5: RM 23,400 Year 6: RM 25,110 Year 7: RM 27,900 Year 8: RM 29,100 Year 9: RM 30,900 Year 10: RM 34,800 Year 11 (IGCSE): RM 36,000
Fees are billed termly (three terms per year) and must be paid in advance of each term. Failure to pay before the start of the term may result in restriction of attendance.
Additional Fees After-school care for Early Learners to Year 2 is offered at RM 850 per month or RM 2,400 per term. Costs such as uniforms, textbooks, meals, and external examination charges are not included in tuition fees. Term fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Transportation Fees The school offers a bus service covering major residential areas of Kuala Lumpur. Fees are invoiced separately, based on the chosen route. Details are available through the school’s Student Services office.
Learning Support Students requiring support beyond the school’s SEN provision may need to arrange additional assistance at their own cost. Applications for students with SEN are reviewed case-by-case basis, supported by professional documentation.
Refund Policy The Security Deposit is refundable with one full term’s written notice after completion of one academic year. Tuition and term fees are non-refundable.
Payment Options Payments may be made via bank transfer or through the school finance office.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Brighton International School delivers a curriculum based on the internationally recognized Cambridge Curriculum, rooted in the UK National Curriculum.
For the Early Years (ages 3-5), the focus is on communication, cooperation, and stimulating intellectual development through play-based learning, preparing children for the educational environment.
In Key Stage 1 (Grades 1-3), the program continues with the UK National Curriculum, with subjects including Mathematics, Science, English as a First Language, Languages, Computer, History, Geography, Physical Education, Arts & Craft, and Music. As students progress, the curriculum expands to include Information & Communication Technology for Key Stage 2. For Malaysian students, Bahasa Malaysia, Islamic Studies, and Local Studies are also offered.
At the IGCSE level (Years 9-11), students choose from a range of subjects like English Language and Literature, Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Mathematics, Business Studies, Economics, and various electives. In Years 12 and 13, students typically sit for AS-Level and A-Level examinations, choosing up to four subjects from a wide array of options including Mathematics, Sciences, English Literature, Humanities, and Arts.
Curriculum details
Sayfol International School follows the British Curriculum, beginning with the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) in Kindergarten and Reception. In Primary School (Years 1–6), students study subjects based on the English National Curriculum, including English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, and Languages. Lower Secondary (Years 7–9) continues with the British framework, preparing students for external examinations through a broad range of academic subjects. In Upper Secondary (Years 10–11), students undertake the Cambridge IGCSE, which provides internationally recognised qualifications across core and elective subjects. The school also offers Cambridge International AS and A Levels in the Sixth Form (Years 12–13), enabling students to specialise in chosen fields for university preparation. Instruction is in English, with additional languages such as Malay, French, and Mandarin taught.
Submit the Application and Documents. A completed application form, along with a copy of the applicant's birth certificate/IC/passport, a copy of the most recent school report card, and a non-refundable application fee of RM500, must be submitted.
Assessment Test and Interview. Once the application and documents are received, the admissions department will review them. A representative will then contact parents to arrange an Assessment Test for the student, which may be administered online under special circumstances. A personal interview with the student may also be required. These steps help determine the candidate's suitability.
Receive an Offer of Admission. After the assessment results are reviewed, the school will inform parents of its decision. An Offer of Admission, outlining the terms and conditions, will be extended. Upon acceptance, a Welcome Kit will be provided with further matriculation details.
Admissions
Submit the Application. Parents are required to submit the completed Application Form along with a comprehensive set of supporting documents, including passport copies, birth certificates, marriage certificates, latest school reports, photographs, and vaccination records. A non-refundable application fee is also required at this stage. All submitted documents must be in English.
Undergo Assessment/Placement Test. Upon receipt of the full application and fee, an appointment will be made for the student's assessment. This typically involves an assessment for Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 applicants, and a CAT4 examination for Year 3 to Year 10. An interview with the Principal may also be part of this process to determine suitable placement and acceptance.
Receive Application Outcome. The school will notify parents of the application outcome within a few days after the assessment. A Letter of Acceptance will be issued if the student passes the assessment and a place is available. The school maintains discretion over student placement, considering factors such as language proficiency and academic abilities.
Confirm Admission and Pay Fees. To confirm acceptance of a place, parents must make the required payments, which typically include the Registration Fee, a Security Deposit, and the first term's tuition fee by the specified date in the Letter of
Acceptance. Upon successful payment, the Admissions Office will provide further details such as booklists, uniform requirements, and guidance on student visa applications for international students.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Scholarship information is not publicly available.
Scholarships
Sayfol International School offers a limited number of scholarships for prospective students who demonstrate specific achievements. Scholarships are available for students entering Year 7, for SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia) graduates aspiring to undertake A-Levels, and for students with outstanding achievements in sports. These scholarships are subject to management approval.
Waitlist
Waitlist
Information about a waitlist is not publicly available.
Waitlist
Sayfol International School does operate a waitlist system. If a particular year group or class is currently full, qualified students may be placed on a waiting list. When a student is placed on the waitlist, they will receive a provisional Letter of Acceptance. The final confirmation of a place is contingent upon a spot becoming available in the desired year group, followed by the payment of the registration fee, deposit, and initial term's fees.
