Garden International School Kuala Lumpur vs The International School at Parkcity
Garden International School Kuala Lumpur and The International School at Parkcity are both in Kuala Lumpur, about 3 km apart. Both schools offer British, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels programmes, and The International School at Parkcity also offers IPC. Published annual fees are MYR 81,510 - 118,560 at Garden International School Kuala Lumpur and MYR 23,400 - 81,750 at The International School at Parkcity, which puts Garden International School Kuala Lumpur roughly 90% higher. Garden International School Kuala Lumpur takes pupils from 5 to 18, and The International School at Parkcity from 3 to 18. The two are similar in size, at around 2,000 and 1,700 pupils. Typical class sizes are 22 at Garden International School Kuala Lumpur and 24 at The International School at Parkcity.
British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Curriculum
IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils
Pupils
2,000
Pupils
1,700
Typical class size
Typical class size
22
Typical class size
24
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
1951
Opened
2011
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
The school is located in Mont Kiara, a modern township with numerous high-rise residential condominiums, office complexes, and international schools. Mont Kiara is known for its international community, with a significant population of expatriates from various countries. The area is well-connected to the rest of Kuala Lumpur via major expressways and is considered a very desirable residential area for families, with many amenities such as shopping malls, restaurants, and recreational facilities.
Location
ISP is situated in the Desa ParkCity township, a planned residential area in northwest Kuala Lumpur. The school is approximately a 5-hour drive north of Singapore, making it accessible for expatriate families relocating from Singapore. The campus is conveniently located near public amenities, including shopping centers, parks, and recreational facilities, providing a comfortable environment for students and families.
Stages
Stages
The main campus is structured into three main sections to cater for different age groups. These are the Primary School for ages 5-11, the Secondary School for ages 11-16, and the Sixth Form for students aged 16-18.
Stages
The school is divided into The Early Years Centre, Primary School, Secondary School and Sixth Form, with shared facilities across Primary and Secondary Campuses.
School type
School type
GIS is a co-educational day school and does not offer any boarding facilities.
School type
ISP is a co-educational day school.
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 has a dedicated Learning Support faculty that assists students with identified mild learning differences. Support is provided through in-class assistance, small group sessions, or individualised programmes, depending on the student's needs. The team works with teachers and parents to create and review individualised education plans (IEPs).
Additional learning support
ISP offers a Learning Support Department providing specialist assistance for students who may benefit from additional support. This provision includes small group booster lessons in literacy and numeracy, one-to-one support in mainstream lessons, and support through student passports and individual education plans.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school does not have a formal affiliation with any particular country.
Country affiliation
The school is not affiliated with any particular country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
GIS is a non-denominational school and has no religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
ISP is a non-denominational institution and does not have a religious affiliation.
School day structure
School day structure
The school day for primary and secondary students starts at 7:40 am and finishes at 2:10 pm for Years 1 to 3, and 2:20 pm for Years 4 to 13. The day includes a morning break and a lunch break.
School day structure
The school day at ISP begins at 8:00 AM for Primary and Secondary students and at 8:30 AM for Early Years Centre students. The school day concludes at a staggered time from 2:45pm - 3:00 PM for Primary and Secondary levels, while Early Years finishes at 2:15 PM (Nursery) or 2:45pm (Reception).
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school offers an extensive bus service that connects the main campus with major residential areas across Kuala Lumpur. The service is provided by external operators, and the cost is determined by the distance from the student's home to the school.
Bus service details
ISP provides a school bus service through a partnership with JPR Transport Sdn Bhd. The buses are air-conditioned, and attendants accompany students to ensure safety and well-being during the journey.
Year 1 * Fee Per Term: RM 27,170 * Fee Per Year: RM 81,510
Year 2 * Fee Per Term: RM 27,990 * Fee Per Year: RM 83,970
Years 3 & 4 * Fee Per Term: RM 31,050 * Fee Per Year: RM 93,150
Years 5 & 6 * Fee Per Term: RM 32,470 * Fee Per Year: RM 97,410
Years 7 & 8 * Fee Per Term: RM 36,370 * Fee Per Year: RM 109,110
Year 9 * Fee Per Term: RM 38,100 * Fee Per Year: RM 114,300
Years 10 & 11 * Fee Per Term: RM 38,960 * Fee Per Year: RM 116,880
Years 12 & 13 * Fee Per Term: RM 39,520 * Fee Per Year: RM 118,560
Other Costs and Payment Information * Billing Schedule: Fees are billed three times a year, at the start of each academic term. * Payment Options: The school accepts payments via bank transfer, cheque, and credit card.
* English as an Additional Language (EAL): For students in the EAL program in Years 7 to 9, an additional fee equivalent to 10% of the tuition fee is applied.
Fee details
Initial Enrollment Fees
- Application fee: RM 1,500 (non-refundable, payable upon submission of application form)
- Registration fee (non-refundable, payable within 7 days of receiving offer letter): Nursery and Reception: RM 2,000 Year 1 to Year 11: RM 20,000 Year 12 and Year 13: RM 10,000 Students progressing from Reception to Year 1: Additional RM 10,000 top-up required
- Deposit: Equivalent to one term's tuition fee (varies by year level, see tuition fees below)
Refundable with one full academic term's written notice of withdrawal
Annual Tuition Fees
Early Years
Nursery (Age 3): RM 7,800 per term (RM 23,400 per year) Reception (Age 4): RM 8,100 per term (RM 24,300 per year)
Primary Years
Year 1 (Age 5): RM 12,600 per term (RM 37,800 per year) Year 2 (Age 6): RM 17,430 per term (RM 52,290 per year) Year 3 (Age 7): RM 19,870 per term (RM 59,610 per year) Year 4 (Age 8): RM 19,870 per term (RM 59,610 per year) Year 5 (Age 9): RM 20,140 per term (RM 60,420 per year) Year 6 (Age 10): RM 20,140 per term (RM 60,420 per year)
Secondary Years
Year 7 (Age 11): RM 24,000 per term (RM 72,000 per year) Year 8 (Age 12): RM 24,000 per term (RM 72,000 per year) Year 9 (Age 13): RM 24,000 per term (RM 72,000 per year) Year 10 (Age 14): RM 25,920 per term (RM 77,760 per year) Year 11 (Age 15): RM 25,920 per term (RM 77,760 per year) Year 12 (Age 16): RM 27,250 per term (RM 81,750 per year) Year 13 (Age 17): RM 27,250 per term (RM 81,750 per year)
Additional Support Fees
- English as an Additional Language (EAL): RM 3,250 per term (for students requiring additional English support)
Billing Schedule and Payment Terms
- Academic year consists of 3 terms - Tuition fees invoiced termly and payable prior to commencement of each term - Deposit amount adjusted annually to remain equivalent to one term's tuition fee
Discounts Available
- Early payment discount: 3% discount if annual tuition fees paid in full prior to start of academic year
- 25% discount on Registration Fees for Desa ParkCity Residents
- Sibling discounts (when siblings are concurrent students): Third child: 25% discount on registration fees, 5% discount on tuition fees Fourth and subsequent children: 50% discount on registration fees, 10% discount on tuition fees
- Trial offer for ISP Year 11 students and Desa ParkCity residents progressing into Year 12
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
The school has a uniform policy. There is a Second-Hand Uniform Shop to promote sustainability by recycling preloved uniforms.
Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
The Main Campus cafeteria is run by Cezar's Kitchen and provides meals and snacks throughout the day. It offers ten food stations with International, Asian and Vegetarian options, plus Western dishes, pasta, Seoul food, Asian noodles, a salad bar, deli sandwiches, and a live station serving Rotisserie Chicken and Chicken Shawarma on alternating days.
Food options
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House system
House system
GIS has a house system with four houses: Crest, Queen, Chancellor and Sultan. Every student from Early Years to Sixth Form belongs to a house and competes in a range of house events, with house colours celebrated.
House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
GIS is part of Taylor's Schools, a network of six top-tier institutions in Singapore and Malaysia. Taylor's Education Group owns Taylor's Schools.
Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
The curriculum at Garden International School is based on the National Curriculum for England and Wales, adapted for an international student body. In Primary School (Years 1-6), students follow a broad curriculum that builds foundational knowledge across a range of subjects.
In Secondary School (Years 7-11), students continue with a wide range of subjects, which narrows in Years 10 and 11 as they prepare for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations. For their final two years in Sixth Form (Years 12-13), students specialize in subjects of their choice to study for A-Level qualifications, which are recognized for university entrance worldwide.
Curriculum details
ISP offers a British-based curriculum for students aged 3 to 18. Early Years and Primary students follow the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), which provides a thematic and engaging foundation. As students progress to Secondary, the curriculum transitions to the English National Curriculum, culminating in internationally recognized Cambridge IGCSE examinations in Years 10 and 11. For the Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13), students undertake Cambridge AS and A-Levels, a robust pre-university qualification highly valued by universities worldwide, alongside the AQA Baccalaureate to broaden their learning.
The school has a dedicated pastoral care system to support students' well-being. Each student is part of a tutor group, and their form tutor is the primary point of contact for any concerns. The school also has an on-site counseling team that offers confidential support to students. Initiatives such as personal, social, health, and economic (PSHE) education are integrated into the curriculum to help students develop essential life skills.
Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
The school provides support for students with mild learning needs through its Learning Support faculty. This is not a specialist SEN institution, but it has a team of specialist teachers who work with students who require additional support. Support is offered through in-class assistance, small group work, or one-to-one sessions, and the school develops Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) for students with identified needs. The school assesses each child's needs on a case-by-case basis to determine if they can provide the appropriate level of support.
Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
The school has an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program for students who require support to access the curriculum. New students are assessed to determine their level of English proficiency. Based on this assessment, students may be offered a place in the EAL program, which can include intensive English classes and in-class support. There is an additional fee for the EAL program for students in Years 7 to 9.
English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
The school supports student mental wellbeing through its pastoral care structure and a dedicated on-site counseling team. Located within the school's Medical Centre, the counseling unit provides a confidential space for students to discuss their emotional and psychological health. Form tutors also play a role in monitoring student wellbeing and are the initial contact for any concerns. This is supplemented by a PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic) curriculum that addresses wellbeing topics.
Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
The school has a child protection policy in place to ensure student safety and welfare. The school is committed to maintaining a safe environment for all students, and all staff members receive safeguarding training. There are designated safeguarding leads who are responsible for handling any child protection concerns that may arise, following established procedures for reporting and support.
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
The school operates on two campuses: the Main Campus at 16 Jalan Kiara 3, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, and the GIS Early Years Centre at 1 Jalan 41/70A, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur. GIS Campus Reimagined delivers a world-class sports complex and outdoor sports field, with a basement car park completed in Phase 1 and Phase 2 plans for an Alfresco Dining Space, a Multi-Purpose Play Area and a FIFA Youth Field Size. The Main Campus houses specialist learning spaces, a renovated Sixth Form Centre, extensive libraries, and dedicated spaces for art, drama and music, alongside Design & Technology labs. The school integrates technology across learning through an Apple Distinguished School status, Google Suite, and device programs including iPads and MacBooks.
Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
The Sports Facilities & Fitness Centre include a Sports Hall, an all-weather Football Field and Tennis Courts, a 25m eight-lane Swimming Pool, covered hard courts and a Gymnasium with Weight Training Room. Phase 1a of GIS Campus Reimagined completed a basement car park and outdoor sports field, and introduced the new sports centre featuring an Olympic-size swimming pool, two indoor basketball courts, two outdoor tennis courts and a gym/fitness suite. Phase 2 will add an Alfresco Dining Space, a Multi-Purpose Play Area and the expansion of the sports field to a full-size football pitch, plus additional community facilities.
Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
The campus features thirteen science laboratories, Design & Technology laboratories, a STEM room in the Primary School, and a Perceptual Motor Programme (PMP) Room. The Sixth Form Centre provides a university-style study environment for senior students. Libraries across Early Years Centre, Primary and Secondary are well stocked with a broad range of physical and online resources. Digital learning spaces include a fully integrated Digital Environment; the school is an Apple Distinguished School, with Google Suite in use and a mix of iPads (Years 3–9) and MacBooks (Year 10 and above). Design & Technology labs are equipped with industry-standard tools and technologies, and the Performing Arts facilities include dedicated spaces for Art, Drama and Music with a fully equipped drama studio and music facilities.
Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
The school offers over 200 after-school co-curricular programmes. The THRIVE Internship Programme provides pathways beyond the formal curriculum for student development. CCAs and a broad range of activities are available to explore interests in sports, arts and leadership beyond lessons.
Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Founded in 1951 by Sally Watkins, Garden School, as it was then known, was one of the first international schools in what was then the Federation of Malaya. The school was established to cater for the children of expatriates and began in the Lake Gardens of Kuala Lumpur. Due to a growing student body, the school moved several times before settling at its current Mont Kiara location in 1996. The school is now part of the Taylor's Education Group.
History
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Community
Community
The school has a diverse community with students from over 65 nationalities. It hosts a variety of events throughout the year to foster a sense of community. These include cultural celebrations, performances, and the annual "Garden Party," a major fundraising event that brings together students, parents, and staff to support charitable causes. The school also has an active alumni network that organises regular gatherings.
Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
The school has an active Parents, Teachers and Friends (PTF) committee run by parent volunteers. The PTF organises a wide range of activities and events to support the school community and welcome new families. These include cultural trips to explore Malaysia, weekly parent workshops on various topics, and community service initiatives. The PTF also runs a "buddy programme" to help new families settle into the school and a "Country Reps Network" to provide a point of contact for families of different nationalities.
Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
The school offers over 200 co-curricular activities across seven areas, providing opportunities beyond the taught curriculum. Model United Nations is popular, and the school hosts the Kuala Lumpur Modern United Nations (KLMUN) bi-annually. Specialist CCAs support university preparation, including Med Soc and an Oxbridge CCA. From Coding to Public Speaking and language-related clubs, CCAs complement classroom learning for students from Early Years to Year 13.
Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Music, Drama and Arts are central to GIS life. The Instrumental Music Programme runs weekly with over 300 students, offering lessons on 12 instruments and a variety of groups and choirs; regular concerts and events accompany these activities. Annual school productions and exhibitions showcase student talent, and the Big Draw event brings the whole school together. The creative arts are showcased throughout the year through exhibitions and competitions.
Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
Language Clubs extend the World Languages programme (Malay, Mandarin, French, Spanish) with after-school sessions and cultural classes. The school encourages development of language learning to become global citizens, with language clubs helping students develop understanding, fluency and intercultural appreciation. Language learning opportunities run from Year 1 to Year 13.
Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Sports and performing arts provide recreational outlets for students. Dragons sports include Football, Basketball, Swimming, Rugby, Netball, Athletics, T-ball, Tennis, Golf and Badminton, with a GIS Sports Academy offering additional coaching. Public Speaking, Hip Hop Dance, Coding and other CCAs foster social engagement and personal growth. The Student Leadership Programme also supports peer collaboration and extracurricular involvement.
Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
Community & Service Learning emphasises global awareness and service. The programme supports five core charities and promotes student-led initiatives, including Reach Out refugee teaching, Street Store and Refugee's Christmas Party. It aims to develop conscious, skilled, confident global citizens through a range of service-learning activities.
Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
The Student Leadership Programme involves around 200 student leaders across Primary and Secondary. Leaders work in nine strands spanning environment, wellbeing, sport, digital technology and community service. Students plan and lead charity events, performances and campaigns, including Street Store and Refugee's Christmas Party.
Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Sports form the foundation for a healthy life, with both team and individual activities. GIS Dragons teams regularly compete in inter-school and regional events and are part of AIMS, FOBISIA and SEASAC groups. The Sports Academy provides external coaching to broaden participation and support physical and social development.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
The school teaches in English. World Languages offered include Malay, Mandarin, French and Spanish, taught across Primary and Secondary programs.
Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
Apple Distinguished School (2022-2025): This award, from Apple, recognizes the school's continuous commitment to using technology to create innovative learning experiences.
Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
Council of International Schools (CIS): This accreditation confirms that the school meets high standards of professional performance in international education and is committed to continuous improvement.
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): This is a US-based accreditation body that assures the quality of education and encourages school improvement.
Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE): This accreditation allows the school to offer Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level qualifications.
Pearson Edexcel: The school is also a centre for Pearson Edexcel qualifications, offering another route for IGCSE and A-Levels.
GL Centre of Excellence: This award recognises the school's effective use of GL Education's assessments to support student learning.
Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Attend an Open Day or book a tour. The school holds regular open days for prospective families. This is a good opportunity to see the campus, meet teachers, and get a feel for the school environment. You can also arrange a personalised tour with the admissions team.
Submit an application. You will need to complete the online application form and submit it along with all the required documents. These typically include previous school reports, a copy of your child's passport, and passport-sized photos. An application fee is payable at this stage.
Admissions Assessment. Once the application is submitted, the school will arrange an age-appropriate assessment for your child. For primary and secondary students, this usually involves an online diagnostic assessment to understand their learning style and academic potential. For Sixth Form entry, students will also need to meet specific IGCSE (or equivalent) grade requirements.
Offer of a place. If the assessment is successful and a place is available, the school will send you a formal letter of offer. To accept the place, you will need to pay the registration fee and a deposit within the timeframe specified in the offer letter.
Admissions
1. Book an Open Day or Campus Tour ISP offers both in-person and online open days. These sessions provide insights into the school's ethos, curriculum, and facilities. It's advisable to register early, as spots can fill up quickly.
2. Submit an Application Complete the online application form available on the ISP website. Ensure all required documents, such as previous school reports and identification, are uploaded.
3. Attend Assessments and Interviews Depending on the year group, students may need to undergo assessments, such as the CAT4 cognitive ability test and a writing assignment. Interviews are typically conducted in person and may include discussions with academic staff.
4. Receive an Offer If successful, you'll receive a formal offer letter. Confirm your acceptance by the specified deadline and proceed with the necessary documentation.
5. Complete Registration Finalize enrollment by submitting any outstanding documents and settling the required fees. Orientation sessions for new students are often held prior to the start of the academic year.
Scholarships
Scholarships
GIS offers scholarships for students entering the Sixth Form (Year 12) to study for their A-Levels. These scholarships are open to both current students and external applicants and are awarded based on academic merit, as well as talent in areas such as music or sports. The scholarships typically cover a percentage of the tuition fees and may also include the waiver of the application and registration fees. The application process is separate from the standard admissions process and has specific deadlines. It usually requires a personal statement, references, and evidence of achievements.
Scholarships
The school offers a limited number of A-Level scholarships:
Yaw Teck Seng Foundation Scholarship: 75% tuition fee waiver for the top-performing student, based on their IGCSE results.
Second Place Scholarship: 50% tuition fee waiver, based on their IGCSE results.
Third Place Scholarship: 25% tuition fee waiver, based on their IGCSE results.
Principal’s Scholarships: 25% tuition fee waiver for students demonstrating excellence in non-academic areas such as music, art, drama, sport, or community service.
Waitlist
Waitlist
The school does experience high demand for places in most year groups, and a "wait pool" system is in place when a year group is full. When an application is received for a full year group, the student's name is added to the pool. The school does not operate a simple first-come, first-served system. When a place becomes available, they consider various factors to select a student from the wait pool, including the student's academic profile, English language proficiency, and the overall balance of gender and nationality within the year group.
Waitlist
ISP does not operate a waitlist or pooled admissions system. Admissions are based on the availability of spaces in the relevant year group and the successful completion of the assessment and interview process.
