Knewton Global Schools vs Woodlands International School
Knewton Global Schools and Woodlands International School are both in Sarawak. Both schools offer IPC and Cambridge IGCSE programmes. Knewton Global Schools also offers British and Malaysian, and Woodlands International School also offers IEYC. Published annual fees are close, at MYR 11,340 - 23,400 for Knewton Global Schools and MYR 9,725 - 27,005 for Woodlands International School. Knewton Global Schools takes pupils from 3 to 16, and Woodlands International School from 3 to 17. The two are similar in size, at around 240 and 300 pupils. Both keep typical class sizes around 25.
IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Malaysian Curriculum
Curriculum
IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Cambridge IGCSE
Pupils
Pupils
240
Pupils
300
Typical class size
Typical class size
25
Typical class size
25
Instruction language
Instruction language
English, Malay
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2011
Opened
2013
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Knewton Global Schools is located along Jalan Desa Senadin in the Senadin township, on the northern edge of Miri, Sarawak. The school is positioned near Curtin University Malaysia, which is a key educational and residential zone within the area. It is also close to commercial spots like E-Mart Riam and Tamu Desa Senadin.
The school is accessible by car, school transport (if arranged), or local taxis and e-hailing services like Grab. The Jalan Lutong-Kuala Baram road, a key arterial road in the city, connects Senadin to the main parts of Miri, including the city centre and Miri Airport.
Location
Woodlands International School is located at Jalan Salim, in the town of Sibu, Sarawak. It is situated in a suburban area near residential communities, with convenient access to Jalan Oya and key parts of Sibu town, making it accessible for families across the region.
Stages
Stages
Knewton Global Schools is divided into Early Years, Primary School and Secondary School.
Stages
The school is divided into Kindergarten, Primary, and Secondary levels, with education offered from age 3 up to Year 11 (IGCSE).
School type
School type
Knewton Global Schools is a co-educational day school. Boarding facilities are not offered.
School type
Woodlands is a co-educational day school. Boarding is not provided, and students commute daily.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Knewton Global Schools provides a range of support services to assist student adjustment and learning. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is available for students who are not native English speakers, with tailored guidance from a dedicated coordinator. New students are paired with peers through a buddy system to help them transition smoothly into school life. The school encourages participation in co-curricular activities, such as sports and creative clubs, to support well-rounded development. Students also have opportunities to take on leadership roles through the House system and student governance.
Additional learning support
While the school does not publicly advertise a specialized Learning Support Department, the school’s emphasis on a “holistic, interactive and child-centred approach” suggests that students are supported through differentiated instruction and personalized engagement in the classroom.
Teachers are described as experienced and internationally diverse professionals who adapt creatively to students' academic and developmental needs. The school also fosters a collaborative atmosphere involving families and the community, which further reinforces its commitment to inclusive education.
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
Knewton Global Schools operates as a secular institution.
Religious affiliation
WIS is also a secular school without any religious affiliation.
School day structure
School day structure
The school does not have publicly available information on their day structure.
School day structure
Children enrolled in the WINS Angel programme can attend either half-day or full-day sessions. The half-day schedule runs from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM, Monday through Thursday, with dismissal at 12:00 PM on Fridays. Full-day students attend from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, also ending early at 12:00 PM on Fridays. For families needing additional care, extended hours are available until 5:00 PM.
Meanwhile, students in Pre-Kindergarten (PK), Reception 1 (R1), and Reception 2 (R2) follow a consistent full-day schedule from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Thursday, and finish at 12:00 PM on Fridays. Like WINS Angel, they can also opt for extended care until 5:00 PM.
The school does not have publicly available information on their primary and secondary 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
Preschool (Nursery, Reception, Foundation) – Malaysian National Curriculum
Application Fee: RM500 One-time, non-refundable. Payable upon submission of application. Registration Fee: RM1,200 One-time, non-refundable. Payable upon acceptance of offer. Deposit: Equivalent to one term’s tuition fee Refundable with one full term’s written notice of withdrawal.
Note: The academic year is divided into three terms.
Pro-Rated Fees for Mid-Term Admissions:
Students joining in Weeks 1–4: 100% of term fee payable Students joining in Weeks 5–8: 70% of term fee payable Students joining after Week 8: 40% of term fee payable
International Curriculum (British) – Primary & Secondary Levels
Application Fee: RM1,000 One-time, non-refundable. Payable upon submission of application. Registration Fee: RM3,500 One-time, non-refundable. Payable upon acceptance of offer. Deposit: Equivalent to one term’s tuition fee Refundable with one full term’s written notice of withdrawal.
Tuition Fees (per term):
Year 1 (Age 5): RM8,290 Year 2 (Age 6): RM8,290 Year 3 (Age 7): RM9,660 Year 4 (Age 8): RM9,660 Year 5 (Age 9): RM9,660 Year 6 (Age 10): RM9,660 Year 7 (Age 11): RM12,405 Year 8 (Age 12): RM12,405 Year 9 (Age 13): RM12,405 Year 10 (Age 14): RM13,530 Year 11 (Age 15): RM13,530
Note: The academic year is divided into three terms.
Pro-Rated Fees for Mid-Term Admissions:
Students joining in Weeks 1–4: 100% of term fee payable Students joining in Weeks 5–8: 70% of term fee payable Students joining after Week 8: 40% of term fee payable
Refund Policy 1.Non-Refundable Fees: The application and registration fees are non-refundable.
2.Deposit Refund: The deposit, equivalent to one term's tuition fee, is refundable only if a full term's written notice of withdrawal is provided.
The school does not have their payment methods publicly available.
Fee details
Kindergarten & Early Years: Kindergarten Angels: RM 6,400 per year (RM 1,600 per term) Pre-Kindergarten: RM 7,600 per year (RM 1,900 per term) Reception 1 (R1): RM 9,000 per year (RM 2,250 per term) Reception 2 (R2): RM 9,900 per year (RM 2,475 per term)
Primary School: Lower Primary (P1–P3): RM 13,000 per year (RM 3,250 per term) Upper Primary (P4–P6): RM 15,600 per year (RM 3,900 per term)
Secondary School: Lower Secondary (Y7–Y9): RM 17,000 per year (RM 4,250 per term) Upper Secondary (Y10–Y11): RM 20,600 per year (RM 5,150 per term)
Additional Annual Charges Student Insurance: RM 25 per year (limited to school-related activities)
Technology/Resource Fee: RM 300 per year (Primary & Secondary)
Refund Policy WIS requires a refundable deposit (RM 2,500–RM 4,500 depending on the level), which is returned upon withdrawal if all accounts are settled, school property is returned, and the required notice is given. However, the deposit is typically non-refundable in cases of application withdrawal.
Payment Methods The school does not publicly specify accepted payment methods.
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
—
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
—
Governance and ownership
—
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Knewton Global Schools offers two distinct academic pathways from early years through secondary: the British International Curriculum and the Malaysian National Curriculum.
The international stream follows the British educational model, beginning with the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) in the early and primary years. Students then transition to the Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme in Years 7 to 9, and ultimately prepare for the Cambridge IGCSE examinations at the end of Year 11. Instruction is delivered in English, with additional support for non-native speakers.
The Malaysian national stream follows the official curriculum set by the Ministry of Education Malaysia, taught primarily in Malay. This pathway covers Standard 1 through Form 5, ending with the national SPM examination. Subjects include core academic disciplines as well as local language and moral studies.
Students across both streams participate in co-curricular activities, community service projects, and cultural events, contributing to a well-rounded school experience regardless of curriculum path.
Curriculum details
Woodlands International School offers a fully international curriculum that progresses from the early years through pre-university. In Early Years (ages 2.5 to 5), the school uses the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC), which emphasizes holistic, play-based learning that nurtures children’s personal, social, and academic development.
For Primary students (Years 1–6), Woodlands combines the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) with the Cambridge Primary Curriculum. This dual-framework promotes thematic and inquiry-based learning across subjects such as Science, History, Geography, and Languages, fostering creativity, curiosity, and a global outlook.
At the Lower Secondary level (Years 7–9), students follow the Cambridge Lower Secondary Curriculum, which builds on earlier learning and prepares them for the rigors of international assessments. This stage continues to encourage a cross-disciplinary approach with a strong emphasis on skill development and critical thinking.
In Upper Secondary (Years 10–11), students pursue the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum, which is recognized worldwide for its academic breadth and rigor. Subjects typically include English, Mathematics, Sciences, and Humanities, with options for creative and technical disciplines.
1. Campus Visit. Prospective families are encouraged to visit the school to get a feel for the environment and ask any questions about the curriculum or student life.
2. Application Submission Complete and submit the application form along with the required documents, which include:
Student’s birth certificate and passport (for non-Malaysians) or MyKid (for Malaysians) Parent’s passport or MyKad Previous school reports Medical and immunization records One passport-sized photograph
3. Assessment. An entry assessment is scheduled, which may include the Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4) for certain year groups. Early Years applicants undergo classroom observations.
4. Offer & Enrollment. If the assessment is successful, an offer letter is issued. Parents must then submit the acceptance form and pay the registration fee, deposit, and term fees to secure the place.
5. Orientation. Before the start of the academic year, orientation details, including information about uniforms and transportation, are provided.
Admissions
1. Submit Application Form and Documents Complete the application form and submit it along with the following documents:
Two recent passport-sized photographs of the student Copy of the student's birth certificate and passport (non-Malaysian) or identity card (Malaysian) Copy of both parents' and guardian's (if applicable) passports or identity cards Most recent school report Copy of the student's medical card or vaccination card
2. Assessment After submitting the application, the applicant will be scheduled for an assessment. An assessment fee of RM50 is payable on the day of assessment. The assessment includes a feedback meeting with the Head of Kindergarten, Primary, or Secondary, depending on the applicant's level.
3. Application Review and Placement If the assessment is successful, the Head of the relevant section, under the direction of the School Principal, assigns a year/class placement and sports house. If the school does not offer a placement, the application fee is refunded, except in cases where parents agree to be placed on a waitlist.
4. Offer of Place After assessment and placement, parents arrange fittings for the uniform and make all necessary payments for uniforms, school fees, and books. Parents then receive a Welcome Pack containing a full personal supplies list, school calendar, student diary, and a formal acceptance or conditional acceptance letter.
5. Admission Actual placement and entry into the school occur only after all formalities are completed, including submission of completed application forms, full payment of all school fees, payment of the annual school children accidental coverage (RM20), and purchase of school uniforms and textbooks.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Knewton Global Schools provides scholarships through the SiWu Scholarship Programme, managed by its parent organization, Bonanza Educare. This programme is designed to support students who demonstrate exceptional achievements in academics, creative arts, sports, leadership, or character.
Scholarships
The school does not have publicly available information on their scholarchips.
Waitlist
Waitlist
The school does not have a waitlist.
Waitlist
WIS has a waitlist policy. If the school does not offer a placement after the assessment, the application fee is refunded, except in cases where parents agree to be placed on a waitlist.
