Cornerstone International School vs R.E.A.L Schools - Johor Bahru
Cornerstone International School and R.E.A.L Schools - Johor Bahru are both in Johor Bahru, about 12 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) and Cambridge IGCSE programmes, and R.E.A.L Schools - Johor Bahru also offers EYFS. Published annual fees are MYR 9,600 - 17,160 at Cornerstone International School and MYR 13,020 - 28,450 at R.E.A.L Schools - Johor Bahru, which puts R.E.A.L Schools - Johor Bahru roughly 55% higher. Cornerstone International School takes pupils from 5 to 19, and R.E.A.L Schools - Johor Bahru from 3 to 16. R.E.A.L Schools - Johor Bahru is the larger school, with around 500 pupils to Cornerstone International School's 220. Typical class sizes are 25 at Cornerstone International School and 20 at R.E.A.L Schools - Johor Bahru.
Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils
Pupils
220
Pupils
500
Typical class size
Typical class size
25
Typical class size
20
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2023
Opened
2008
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Cornerstone International School is located within City Plaza, a prominent commercial building along Jalan Tebrau. This central location places the school in the heart of the city, surrounded by various amenities, including shopping centers, eateries, and other educational institutions.
The school's central location ensures connectivity via public transportation. Numerous bus routes operate along Jalan Tebrau, providing easy access to and from different parts of Johor Bahru. Additionally, the area is well-served by taxis and ride-hailing services.
Location
REAL International School is located in Masai, in the eastern part of Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The campus is about 25 minutes from the Johor–Singapore Causeway and is accessible via the Pasir Gudang Highway. The area is mainly residential with nearby shops and amenities, and transport links support commuting from central Johor Bahru and surrounding suburbs.
Stages
Stages
Primary, Secondary
Stages
The international school is structured into four main stages: Early Years (ages 3–5), Primary (ages 5–11), Lower Secondary (ages 11–14), and Upper Secondary (ages 14–16). Students progress through the Cambridge International Curriculum, culminating in IGCSE examinations in Year 11.
School type
School type
Cornerstone International School is a co-educational day school. Boarding facilities are not offered.
School type
It is a co-educational international school offering day schooling only. There are no boarding facilities at the Johor Bahru campus.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
The school does not have publicly available information on additional learning support.
Additional learning support
The school provides limited additional support for students with mild learning needs, typically managed within the classroom by teachers. There is currently no dedicated Special Educational Needs (SEN) department or specialist staff indicated on the school’s site.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school is not affiliated with any country.
Country affiliation
The school does not have a formal affiliation with any particular country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school is not affiliated with any religion, it is a secular school.
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliation and operates as a secular institution.
School day structure
School day structure
The school does not have publicly available information on their day structure.
School day structure
The school day begins at 8:00 AM for all levels. Early Years finishes at 1:10 PM from Monday to Thursday and at 12:00 PM on Fridays. Primary students attend until 3:40 PM Monday to Thursday and 12:40 PM on Fridays. Secondary students have the longest schedule, ending at 4:10 PM Monday to Thursday and 1:10 PM on Fridays. Breaks and lunch are incorporated between morning and afternoon lessons.
Bus service details
Bus service details
Cornerstone International School operates its own fleet of well-maintained buses. Each bus is equipped with a trained attendant to supervise and ensure the safety of the children during transit.
Bus service details
The school offers a private bus service covering various residential areas around Johor Bahru. Transport routes and pricing are managed by third-party providers in coordination with the school. Parents are advised to confirm availability and stop locations directly with the campus during enrollment.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
One-Time Enrollment Fees
Diagnostic Test (Non-Refundable) - Year 1 to Year 6: MYR 200.00
Diagnostic Test (Non-Refundable) - Year 7 to Year 11: MYR 300.00
Registration Fee: MYR 1,200.00
Refundable Deposit: MYR 4,500.00
School Fees (Per Term)
Reception Class (Age 4-5): MYR 2,400.00
Year 1 to Year 6: MYR 3,300.00
Year 7 to Year 8: MYR 3,960.00
Year 9 to Year 11: MYR 4,290.00
Meals - Tea and Lunch (Per Term)
Reception Class (Age 4-5): MYR 450.00
Year 1 to Year 6: MYR 600.00
Year 7 to Year 11: MYR 750.00
Disclaimer: Please note that these are the published fees effective from July 2025. All fees are subject to revision at the institution's discretion.
These fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, except the deposit, which is refundable under the terms of the Admission Contract.
Annual Tuition Fees (Payable Termly)
Early Years * Tuition: MYR 10,620 * Supplementary Fee: MYR 2,200 * Tech Fee: MYR 200 * Total: MYR 13,020 per year
Primary (Years 1–6) * Year 1–2: MYR 21,280 * Year 3: MYR 19,600 * Year 4: MYR 22,900 * Year 5: MYR 19,890 * Year 6: MYR 23,190
Secondary (Years 7–11) * Year 7: MYR 24,620 * Year 8: MYR 25,360 * Year 9: MYR 25,690 * Year 10–11: MYR 28,450
Each year’s fee includes tuition, a MYR 2,800 supplementary fee, and a MYR 500 tech fee, except for Early Years.
Billing Schedule and Payment Terms * Fees can be paid annually (by August) or termly, with due dates in August, January, and April. * A 2% monthly surcharge applies to late payments. * A 3% discount is available for full-year payments made via bank transfer or cash before August.
Other Costs * Uniforms, books, visa fees (for international students), and administrative charges are not included in the tuition fees and are charged separately as applicable.
Refunds * Tuition, registration, and application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. * Deposits are refundable under specific conditions outlined in the admission policy.
Payment Methods * Annual Payments: Bank transfer and cash. * Termly Payments: Bank transfer, cash, credit card, and cheque. * Payments should be made to R.E.A.L Education Group Sdn Bhd, and proof of payment must be submitted via email or fax.
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
The Johor Bahru campus has a cafeteria on site operated by Delischool. It offers a diverse menu with on-site cooking, and meals are prepared to safety and nutritional standards. The cafeteria can be contacted at cafeteria.real@shfservices.com.
House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
The school is a private international school registered with the Ministry of Education and a Cambridge examination centre since 2022.
Governance and ownership
REAL Schools Johor Bahru is part of REAL Schools and is associated with XCL Education in Malaysia.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Cornerstone International School follows the Cambridge International Curriculum from primary through to secondary levels, with a distinctive emphasis on Christian values and character education.
In the primary section (Years 1 to 6), the curriculum includes English, Mathematics, Science, ICT, Global Perspectives, Art & Design and Physical Education.
As students progress to secondary school (Years 7 to 11), they enter the Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme, followed by the IGCSE pathway. Subjects offered at this level include English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Business Studies, Geography, and ICT.
Curriculum details
REAL International School Johor Bahru follows the British Cambridge curriculum across all school stages. In the Early Years (ages 3–5), the school adopts the UK’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), focusing on learning through play and development in communication, numeracy, and creativity. The Primary School (Years 1–6) uses the Cambridge Primary Programme, which covers English, Mathematics, Science, Global Perspectives, and ICT, along with Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin. In Lower Secondary (Years 7–9), students follow the Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum with more subject specialisation. The Upper Secondary (Years 10–11) prepares students for the IGCSE examinations, typically taken at age 16, in subjects such as English, Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, ICT, and Business Studies. Co-curricular subjects like Art, Music, Physical Education, and Robotics are integrated throughout all stages.
Cornerstone International School integrates social and emotional learning by helping children increase their awareness and control of their feelings and reactions, as well as understanding their identity and relationships within a social environment .
The school's approach includes providing manipulative toys and engaging activities that support young children's readiness skills, preparing them for academic subjects in grade school. This method aids in developing emotional regulation and social interaction skills from an early age.
Additionally, Cornerstone offers a range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, art, and clubs, which help students develop new skills, build confidence, and explore their passions. These programs further enhances social and emotional competencies .
Social & emotional learning
Social and Emotional Learning is integrated into daily classroom routines, with teachers supporting the development of empathy, teamwork, and self-regulation. In the Early Years and Primary stages, group activities and play-based tasks help children build confidence and communication skills. Older students participate in pastoral care sessions and character-building programs. Teachers serve as key contact points for emotional support, and the school promotes respectful behavior and positive peer relationships. Assemblies and thematic class discussions are used to reinforce values such as kindness, resilience, and responsibility.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
The schools doe not offer any specialized programme for SEN.
Special educational needs (SEN)
REAL International School Johor Bahru is not a specialist SEN institution but offers limited in-class support for students with mild learning needs. Support is usually delivered by classroom teachers who adjust lesson delivery or pacing as needed.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
The school does not have publicly available information on EAL.
English as an additional language
REAL International School Johor Bahru offers a dedicated English Language Learning Academy (ELLA) for students who require additional support in English. The program is designed for non-native English speakers across all year groups and includes intensive language instruction tailored to each student’s level. ELLA classes are held in small groups to focus on key areas such as reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students work towards joining mainstream classes as their proficiency improves. ELLA is led by qualified English teachers and includes regular assessments to track progress. The program is integrated into the wider school timetable, allowing students to continue participating in core academic and co-curricular activities.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
The school does not have publicly available information.
Mental wellbeing
Student wellbeing is supported through regular class check-ins, character education sessions, and extracurricular activities that promote social connection. Teachers play a central role in monitoring emotional health and encouraging open communication. The school environment emphasizes kindness, cooperation, and mutual respect. While there is no on-site counsellor publicly listed, students are guided to approach staff when they need help. Events such as anti-bullying campaigns and wellness days are organized throughout the year.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
The school does not have publicly available information on their safeguarding policy.
Safeguarding
REAL International School Johor Bahru follows a formal safeguarding policy in line with Malaysian law and UK guidance. The school has a designated Safeguarding Committee and trained Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) who oversee child protection procedures. All staff are required to complete safeguarding training and use the *MyConcern* platform to report any issues or disclosures. Safeguarding topics such as online safety, peer conflict, and self-harm are integrated into the curriculum through PSHLE lessons, assemblies, and tutor sessions. Physical spaces are arranged to support supervision, especially during one-on-one interactions. The policy prioritises immediate reporting and clear procedures to ensure student safety at all times.
The school is located at Level 22, City Plaza, Jalan Tebrau, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Takzim. The campus includes a 4,000-square-foot library that is used for reading, relaxation and learning. A Level 22 arrival and meal space exists. Computer labs support coding and basic IT skills. There is a primary science laboratory for hands-on experiments. The sports facility is located on Level 3A of City Plaza and includes two futsal courts and one basketball court.
Facilities overview
The Johor Bahru campus spans 5 acres and is set among trees and greenery. The Main Building houses a range of learning spaces, and the campus includes a library and a Chemistry Lab to support science learning. Early Years facilities include outdoor play areas and age-appropriate classrooms, with additional spaces for ICT, art, electronics, and other specialised activities. There are dedicated spaces for practical subjects, including a LEGO and robotics room, textiles room, a music studio, a culinary arts kitchen, and design and technology rooms. The campus offers Cambridge International (IGCSE) through its International School and follows the Malaysian National Curriculum through its Private National School, across Early Years, International School, and Private National levels.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
The sports facility is located on Level 3A of City Plaza. It includes two futsal courts and one basketball court.
Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
Stage 1 (Year 1–6) includes English, Math, Bahasa Malaysia (BM), Science, Chinese, Social Studies and ICT. Stage 2 (Year 7–8) includes English, Math, BM, Combined Science, Chinese, Geography and Global Perspectives. Stage 3 (Year 9–11) offers a Science Stream with Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Additional Math, or a Humanities Stream with Geography, Accounting, Economics and Business Studies, plus electives. The Cambridge Pathway provides progression from Cambridge Primary (ages 5–11) to Cambridge Lower Secondary (11–14) to Cambridge Upper Secondary (14–16) with Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge O Level options. The campus includes a 4,000-square-foot library, computer labs and a primary science laboratory.
Academic facilities
The International School follows the Cambridge curriculum for IGCSE. The Private National School follows the Malaysian National Curriculum from Primary 1 to Secondary 5. The campus includes a library and science facilities, including a Chemistry Lab and a Science Lab. It also houses an ICT lab, art rooms, LEGO and robotics room, a music studio, a textile room, a culinary arts kitchen, and design and technology rooms. Early Years facilities and age-appropriate classrooms support foundational learning.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
Extracurricular activities include Leadership & Character Development and Life Skills, with additional ECAs offered.
Extra curricular facilities
Extracurricular activities include inter-school public speaking competitions, with first place at the Trinity College Inter-School Public Speaking Competition. The school has achieved recognition in the National Youth Chess Championship, earning a silver medal. It has strong showings in golf at the Majlis Sukan Negara Elite Under-12 Golf Tournament (1st place). It has participation in the NASA International Space Essay Competition with top performers. It has success in cooking competitions, with champions in the Next Big Chef competition, and an ambassador team represented Malaysia at the Be the Change Conference in Taiwan in 2018.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Cornerstone International School began its journey in August 2008, initially accepting only preschoolers. By 2010, the school expanded to cater to primary-level students aged 6 to 13. The school offers an English-medium education from Year 1 to Year 11, preparing students for the internationally recognized Cambridge IGCSE examinations.
The school's curriculum emphasizes the development of the three basic skills: Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic (3Rs), and incorporates technology to complement learning and research. Cornerstone International School is dedicated to helping pupils develop to their full potential, with a strong emphasis on character building and moral values .
In June 2023, the school celebrated the grand opening of its new auditorium on the 23rd floor, marking a significant milestone in its development .
History
REAL International School Johor Bahru was established in 2008 as part of the REAL Education Group, which operates multiple campuses across Malaysia. The school originally began by offering both national and international curricula and has since expanded its facilities and enrolment. REAL Education Group became part of XCL Education Malaysia, a larger regional education group, in the 2020s. This change introduced group-wide policies, resources, and shared leadership structures across campuses. The Johor Bahru campus continues to operate as a dual-stream school under this umbrella, with distinct national and international divisions.
Community
Community
Cornerstone International School emphasizes community engagement through firstly, parental Involvement. The school encourages strong partnerships with parents, recognizing that collaboration between educators and families is crucial for student success.
Secondly, extracurricular engagement. A variety of clubs and activities are available, allowing students to explore interests, develop talents, and build a sense of community within the school.
Community
The school hosts a range of events throughout the year that bring students, staff, and families together. These include cultural celebrations like Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, and Deepavali, as well as international days and charity fundraisers. Community-building events such as sports days, talent shows, and academic exhibitions are also part of the regular calendar. The school environment is inclusive, with students from multiple national and cultural backgrounds.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
The school does not have a PTA.
Parent teacher association
REAL International School Johor Bahru has an active Parent-Teacher Association that works closely with school leadership to support student activities and community engagement. PTA members help coordinate school-wide events such as the International Day and fundraising initiatives for school improvements. Parents often volunteer during celebrations and assist with logistics for co-curricular competitions or off-site events. The PTA also provides feedback on school operations and helps strengthen communication between families and faculty. Meetings are held regularly, and all parents are encouraged to participate. The school values parent involvement as part of its broader partnership with the school community.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
The school offers the Cambridge Pathway from primary through upper secondary, including Cambridge Primary (Year 1–6), Cambridge Lower Secondary (Year 7–8), and Cambridge Upper Secondary (Year 9–11). Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge O Level options are available in upper secondary. The school is a Cambridge examination centre since 2022. English is the medium of instruction for all subjects, with Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin taught as language subjects.
Academic & intellectual
The Johor Bahru campus offers the Cambridge International curriculum, leading to IGCSE. REAL Schools JB emphasizes collaborative learning and experiential opportunities to deepen understanding. The school provides specialised pathways to enhance language skills and support religious studies. English Language Learning Academy is offered as a Special Programme.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Arts and Music are included as part of the curriculum, with Art & Craft and Music listed among the other subjects. The program supports arts and creative expression through these subjects.
Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
English is the language of instruction; Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin are taught as language subjects. English is used in school at all times except during language classes, and Bahasa Malaysia is encouraged on Wednesdays.
Cultural & language
The Johor Bahru campus offers the English Language Learning Academy as a Special Programme. Language-focused pathways support language development within the school's curriculum. The school emphasises language development as part of its holistic education approach.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Extracurricular activities include Leadership & Character Development and Life Skills as part of ECAs, with many additional options available.
Social & hobbies
Students participate in competitive sports and academic competitions. REAL Schools JB has notable achievements, including MSSM basketball champion and a silver medal in the National Youth Chess Championship. Students also perform in NASA Space Essay competitions, with Best Performers recognized. The school recorded first place in the Trinity College Inter-School Public Speaking Competition.
Community & service
Community & service
Wholistic education is emphasized, with exposure to arts, social issues, and the development of character as part of the student experience.
Community & service
The school supports community and service initiatives through Design for Change, with an ambassador team representing Malaysia at the Be the Change Conference in Taiwan (2018).
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Leadership development is integrated through ECAs such as Leadership & Character Development. Dedicated teaching staff support students, and there is a partnership with parents to foster student growth.
Leadership & professional
Leadership development is promoted through student ambassador roles and public speaking achievements. Notable leadership outcomes include first place in the Trinity College Inter-School Public Speaking Competition and Be the Change ambassador activities.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Class sizes are capped at 25 pupils to support close teacher–student interaction. The school provides a 4,000-square-foot library for study and relaxation, computer labs for coding and IT skills, and sports facilities that include two futsal courts and one basketball court. Wholistic education underpins daily life at the school.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
The Johor Bahru campus sits on a five-acre site set in nature, providing a serene and nurturing environment. The campus is designed to foster academic success alongside personal growth. The school's mission emphasizes safety, happiness, and well-being as core commitments.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Languages taught include English as the medium of instruction; Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, and Chinese are offered as language subjects. BM is encouraged on Wednesdays and during language classes. The Cambridge Pathway is used, with Cambridge Primary (ages 5–11), Lower Secondary (ages 11–14), and Upper Secondary (ages 14–16), offering Cambridge IGCSE or Cambridge O Level options and supporting education from age 5 to 19.
Language provision
The REAL Schools Johor Bahru campus offers three curricular streams: an International School following the Cambridge curriculum leading to IGCSE; a Private National School following the Malaysian National Curriculum from Primary 1 to Secondary 5; and an Early Years programme for ages 3–6. The campus also provides a Special Programme called the English Language Learning Academy.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
English is the language of instruction for all subjects; Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin are taught as language subjects. English must be spoken in school at all times except during language classes, and Wednesdays are when BM is encouraged.
Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
The school does not have publicly available information on awards.
Awards
* SKIPS Award (2024) In September 2024, the National Secondary School at REAL Schools Johor Bahru was honored with the SKIPS award during the Karnival Pendidikan Swasta 2024, recognizing its commitment to quality education and holistic student development.
* NAPEI Education Excellence Awards REAL Schools have previously received the NAPEI Education Excellence Awards in the Schools category, highlighting their dedication to educational excellence.
Accreditations
Accreditations
The school is registered with the Ministry of Education Malaysia.
Accreditations
* Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) REAL International School Johor Bahru is accredited by CAIE to deliver the Cambridge curriculum, including IGCSE qualifications, recognized in over 160 countries.
* Sijil Standard Kualiti Pendidikan Swasta (SKIPS) The school's National Secondary School received the SKIPS award from the Malaysian Ministry of Education in 2024, acknowledging its adherence to quality standards in private education.
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Application Form Submission. Parents are required to complete the application form and submit it along with supporting documents, which typically include:
Two recent passport-sized photographs A copy of the child’s birth certificate Relevant identification documents Previous academic records (where applicable)
2. Diagnostic Test & Parent Interview. As part of the admissions evaluation, the student is given a diagnostic test to assess academic proficiency. In addition, an interview with the parents is conducted.
3. Admission Decision. Based on the outcomes of the test and interview, the school will decide whether to offer a placement.
4. Enrollment. Upon receiving an offer, enrollment is completed through payment of the required admission and deposit fees.
Admissions
1. Book a school tour or attend an Open Day (optional but encouraged). Families can arrange to visit the Johor Bahru campus to view the facilities, observe classroom settings, and speak with school staff. Tours are typically arranged directly with the admissions team and provide a clearer understanding of the school environment.
2. Submit an application form and required documents. Families will be asked to complete a formal application form and provide relevant documents such as academic records, passport copies, birth certificate, and immunisation records. A one-time application fee of MYR 1,500 is payable at this stage.
3. Student assessment and interview. Applicants may be asked to complete a placement assessment or attend an interview, depending on the year level and prior academic background. This helps the school determine appropriate class placement and any additional support needed.
4. Offer and acceptance. Successful applicants will receive an offer letter. Upon acceptance, families must pay a registration fee (MYR 5,000), deposit (MYR 10,000), and the first term’s fees. The Admissions Office will then guide families through onboarding, uniforms, and other first-day preparations.
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
REAL International School Johor Bahru does not currently advertise academic or other scholarships on its official platforms. Fee reductions may be available through sibling discounts and promotional rebates for early or full-year payments. Families are encouraged to check directly with the school regarding any available financial incentives or temporary offers at the time of application.
Waitlist
Waitlist
There is no waitlist for the school.
Waitlist
REAL International School Johor Bahru does not publicly operate a pool system or formal waitlist. Admissions are generally processed on a rolling basis, subject to availability in the requested year group. In cases where classes are full, the admissions team may offer to place a student on an informal waiting list and notify families if a place becomes available.
