IDRISSI International School vs Sri Utama International School - Johor Bahru
IDRISSI International School and Sri Utama International School - Johor Bahru are both in Johor Bahru, about 18 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) and Cambridge IGCSE programmes. Published annual fees are MYR 12,000 - 27,000 at IDRISSI International School and MYR 12,458 - 20,000 at Sri Utama International School - Johor Bahru, which puts IDRISSI International School roughly 20% higher. IDRISSI International School takes pupils from 4 to 16, and Sri Utama International School - Johor Bahru from 3 to 16. Sri Utama International School - Johor Bahru is the larger school, with around 1,000 pupils to IDRISSI International School's 500. Typical class sizes are 25 at IDRISSI International School and 20 at Sri Utama International School - Johor Bahru.
IDRISSI International School EduCity is located at Block A, EduCity Complex 2, Persiaran Canselor 1, EduCity Iskandar, 79200 Iskandar Puteri, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia. It is situated within the EduCity hub, a prominent education zone in southern Johor near the Malaysia–Singapore Second Link. The school is accessible via the EduCity free shuttle bus line (IP), with the nearest stop at Newcastle University of Medicine Malaysia, which is about a 6-minute walk from the school premises.
Location
Sri Utama International School Johor Bahru is located in the residential neighborhood of Melodies Garden, just off Jalan Rhu. The campus is situated within easy reach of the Johor Bahru city centre and is accessible via major roads such as Jalan Abdul Samad and the Tebrau Highway. The area is well-connected by car and close to key amenities including hospitals, shopping malls, and restaurants.
Stages
Stages
The school caters to students from Preschool (Kindergarten 1–3) for ages 4 to 6, Primary (Years 1–6) for ages 7 to 12, and Secondary (Years 7–11) for ages 13 to 16.
Stages
The school is structured into three key phases: Kindergarten (ages 3–5), Primary School (Years 1–6), and Secondary School (Years 7–11). Students typically transition through these phases within the same campus, following the Cambridge International Curriculum throughout.
School type
School type
IDRISSI is a co-educational day and boarding school.
School type
It is a private co-educational day school, welcoming both boys and girls.
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 offers Personal Learning Assistant (PLA) services to students who need academic reinforcement. Additionally, the school also runs a Loving After-Care programme for children who remain on campus after school hours.
Additional learning support
While the school does not advertise a specialised special needs department, it provides differentiated teaching approaches and pastoral care for a range of student needs. Teachers aim to support students' academic and emotional development through classroom accommodations and individual attention, where required.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school is not affiliated with any country.
Country affiliation
The school does not have a formal affiliation with any specific country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
IDRISSI is an Islamic school.
Religious affiliation
The school is not affiliated with any particular religion. However, it offers Islamic Studies as part of its curriculum for students who choose it, alongside PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) for others.
School day structure
School day structure
Preschool students attend from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Fridays.
Primary students have classes from 8:00 AM to 3:20 PM, Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 AM to 12:40 PM on Fridays.
Secondary students follow the longest schedule, from 8:00 AM to 3:50 PM, Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 AM to 12:40 PM on Fridays.
School day structure
The school day typically begins at 8:00 AM and ends at 3:00 PM from Monday to Thursday. On Fridays, the school operates on a shorter schedule, finishing at 12:30 PM. Breaks and lunch are built into the day, though exact timings may vary by age group.
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school does not have a bus service.
Bus service details
The school offers a bus service that circulates through local neighborhoods. Families can obtain contact details for the school’s transportation provider upon enrolment. Routes are arranged based on demand, so parents are encouraged to check whether their area is covered and coordinate directly with the bus operator.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
One-Time Fees (Non-Refundable) Application Fee: RM 300 (payable upon submission of the application form) Registration Fee: RM 1,500 (due upon acceptance of placement offer)
Refundable Deposit Security Deposit: RM 5,000 (refundable upon withdrawal with required notice and without outstanding dues)
Annual Tuition Fees (Payable in full or in installments per term) Preschool (Kindergarten 1–2): RM 12,000 / year Primary (Grades 1–5): RM 22,800 / year Upper Primary (Grade 6): RM 24,000 / year Secondary (Grade 7–9): RM 25,800 / year Secondary (Grade 10–11 / IGCSE Level): RM 27,000 / year
Boarding (Optional for Secondary Students) Boarding Fee: RM 27,000 / year
Boarding Deposit: RM 2,000 (refundable)
Refund Policy The RM5,000 deposit is refundable only if a written withdrawal notice is given at least four (4) months in advance.
The deposit is refunded only if all school fees are fully paid and no outstanding dues exist.
If withdrawal notice is given after the term starts, no school fees will be refunded.
A RM200 administrative charge applies to all withdrawals.
Refunds (if eligible) are processed within two months via cheque
Payment Methods The school has no publicly information on payment methods.
Fee details
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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
IDRISSI International School offers a blended curriculum that combines the Cambridge International Curriculum with Islamic education and eco-conscious learning.
Primary (Years 1–6) Subjects include English, Mathematics, Science, Global Perspectives, ICT, and Physical Education. The curriculum focuses on foundational academic skills, critical thinking, and inquiry-based learning.
Secondary (Years 7–9) This stage uses the Cambridge Lower Secondary Curriculum, which builds on primary knowledge and introduces more subject specialization. Subjects typically include English, Mathematics, Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), History, Geography, and ICT.
Upper Secondary (Years 10–11) Students prepare for the Cambridge IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education). At this level, students take core and elective subjects based on their interests and strengths. These will include English as a First or Second Language, Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Sciences, and elective options like Business Studies, Accounting, and Global Perspectives.
Curriculum details
Sri Utama International School Johor Bahru follows the Cambridge International Curriculum across all stages, from Primary through Upper Secondary. In the Primary years (Years 1–6), students study English, Mathematics, Science, and other subjects based on the Cambridge Primary Framework, with assessments including the Cambridge Primary Checkpoint in Year 6. Lower Secondary (Years 7–9) continues with the Cambridge curriculum and includes another Checkpoint assessment in Year 9 for core subjects. In Upper Secondary (Years 10–11), students prepare for the Cambridge IGCSE examinations, with subjects offered including English (First Language and ESL), Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Accounting, Business Studies, Economics, Malay, and Global Perspectives. Additional subjects such as Art & Design, Music, Physical Education, and ICT are part of the broader curriculum. English is the main language of instruction, and all students also study Malay, with Islamic Studies or PSHE offered depending on student background.
1.Campus Tour or Open Week Participation Prospective families are encouraged to schedule a personalized school tour or participate in the school's Open Week events. These visits offer a firsthand experience of IDRISSI's eco-friendly campus, nature-based learning environments, and boarding facilities.
2.Application Submission To formally apply, submit the completed application form along with the required documents, which typically include:
Child’s passport copy Birth certificate Academic reports Vaccination records A recent passport-sized photograph
This documentation assists the admissions team in assessing eligibility and determining appropriate placement, especially for students transitioning from different educational systems.
3.Assessment and Trial Classes Preschool Applicants (Ages 4–6): Children are invited to participate in a trial class at the Nature-Based Preschool, where their social, emotional, communication, and motor skills are observed. It's important to note that all preschoolers must be toilet-trained before joining the school.
Primary and Secondary Applicants: Students undergo an entry assessment tailored to their age group. This assessment evaluates academic readiness and helps in appropriate class placement. The admissions team will provide details about the assessment schedule and format.
4.Curriculum Consultation After assessments, the admissions team will discuss the Cambridge International Curriculum pathway with you, ensuring it aligns with your child's academic background and future aspirations. They will also explain how Islamic studies and eco-values are integrated into the curriculum.
5.Fee Structure and Enrollment Confirmation Review the detailed fee structure, which includes tuition fees, registration fees, deposits, and any additional costs. Once you agree to the terms, you'll be guided through the payment process to secure your child's enrollment. The admissions team will also provide information on uniforms, transportation options, and other logistical details.
6.Final Enrollment and Orientation Upon successful completion of the above steps, your child's enrollment will be confirmed. The school will share orientation schedules, academic calendars, and other essential information to ensure a smooth transition into the IDRISSI community.
Admissions
1. Attend an Open Day or School Tour Families are encouraged to attend an open house or book a private school tour. These sessions give a first-hand look at the classrooms, facilities, and daily routines. It’s also a chance to meet with academic staff and ask questions relevant to your child’s level.
2. Complete the Application Form Once you've decided to proceed, you'll need to fill out the application form provided by the admissions office. Required documents typically include your child’s birth certificate, passport-sized photos, academic transcripts (if applicable), and immunisation records. Some age levels may require additional forms or reports.
3. Schedule a Placement Assessment Depending on the year group, applicants may be asked to complete a basic placement test in English and Mathematics. This is used to determine appropriate class placement and assess support needs. Younger children may have informal classroom observations instead.
4. Attend a Family Interview After the assessment, families are invited for an interview with the admissions team or school principal. This step helps ensure a good fit between the family and the school community. It’s also a chance to discuss school expectations and ask any final questions.
6. Offer of Admission and Fee Payment If your child is accepted, a formal offer letter is issued along with the school’s terms and conditions. To secure the place, a registration fee and refundable deposit must be paid by the specified deadline. Further orientation or transition arrangements may then be shared by the admissions team.
Scholarships
Scholarships
The school does not have any publicly available information on this.
Scholarships
There is no mention in the current school prospectus or public sources of a formal scholarship program for Sri Utama Schools. At this time, the school does not appear to offer academic or talent-based scholarships, but there is a siblings discount.
Waitlist
Waitlist
IDRISSI International School operates on a first-come, first-served basis. However, due to high demand, especially in certain grade levels, a waitlist may be implemented when classes reach capacity. Families on the waitlist are prioritized based on the date of application submission and are notified promptly when a spot becomes available. It's advisable to apply early and maintain regular communication with the admissions team to stay informed about your application status.
Waitlist
Sri Utama Schools do not operate a formal pooled admissions system. However, for year groups that are fully enrolled, families may be placed on a waitlist. Placement from the waitlist is offered on a rolling basis if spaces become available, and priority may be given to siblings of current students or based on the date of application submission.
