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Stella's School

Brunei

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 3 - 12 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1969
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum
Taught languages Malayalam
Strengths Sport, Languages, Outdoor Education
Clubs Social and Hobbies, Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative
Stages Primary School, Kindergarten
Introduction

Stella's School Brunei was established in 1969 by the late Mrs Stella Litherland to provide a British-type education for expatriate families. The campus is located at No 4 & 7, Simpang 538, Jalan Kebangsaan Lama, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. The school offers Kindergarten for ages 3–5 and Primary through Year 6, with English as the language of instruction and Bahasa Melayu taught as a subject. The English department emphasizes daily reading, writing and grammar, supported by a well-stocked school library. Regular field trips, assemblies and Friday clubs (including Scouts, cooking, baking, Science and Outdoor activities) enrich the curriculum. The principal is Lise K Lee. The school aims to develop confident, independent learners who can adapt to an ever-changing world.

Jalan Sungai Akar, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

The Essentials

Stella's School has instruction in English.

Location
Stella's School Brunei is located at No. 4, Simpang 538, Kampong Sungai Akar, Jalan Kebangsaan Lama, BC1415, Brunei Darussalam. It sits in the Kampong Sungai Akar area in Brunei. The campus provides separate contact numbers for the Primary and Kindergarten programs and lists daytime hours for operation.

Stages
The school operates two main levels: Kindergarten and Primary. Kindergarten accepts children as young as 3 years for Kindergarten One, with morning and afternoon sessions. Primary comprises Lower Primary (Year 1–Year 3).

Type
Stella's School Brunei functions as a two-level school with a Kindergarten and a Primary division; there is no information indicating boarding facilities. The enrollment pages show separate Kindergarten and Primary sections and session-based day schedules.

Additional learning support
No specific Additional Learning Needs (SEN) or other SEN provisions are described on the site. The curriculum entries include standard subjects and Islamic studies, but there is no listed SEN framework.

Country affiliation
No formal country-level affiliation is listed. The school is located in Brunei Darussalam (BC1415, Kampong Sungai Akar).

Religious affiliation
There is no stated religious affiliation for the school. Islamic religious education is included in the Primary curriculum as Pengetahuan Agama Islam.

School day structure
The school operates Monday–Thursday from 7:30am to 2:00pm, with Friday and Sunday closed. Saturday is a 7:30am–2:00pm day.

Bus service
A school bus service is not listed on the site. Enquiries are handled through the main office for registration and contact purposes.
Diving Deeper
Fees
Application fees

- No specific application or registration fees are published in the school's publicly available enrollment materials. Parents should expect to present an Offer Letter and complete any registration procedures at the Main Office when confirming admission.

Tuition fees by year group (per term and per year)

- No published schedule of tuition fees by year group, per term, or per annum is available in the school's publicly available materials.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Enrollment process materials indicate that an Offer Letter is issued and must be presented at the Main Office prior to making payment to confirm a place. "=

Boarding fees (if applicable)

- The school operates kindergarten and primary day sessions. There is no published information indicating boarding facilities or boarding fees.

Other costs and fees

- No specific amounts are published for ancillary costs.

Refund information

- No publicly available statement of refund policy, deposit refund terms, or withdrawal refund schedule is published in the school's enrollment information. Parents should request the school's written refund and withdrawal policy for accurate terms (for example, refundability of deposits or deadlines for partial refunds).

Fee payment options

- The school's enrollment instructions state that payments are handled at the Main Office when accepting an Offer Letter. No published list of accepted payment methods (for example, bank transfer, credit/debit card, cash, or online payment portal) is available in the publicly accessible enrollment materials. Parents should confirm accepted payment methods directly with the school's administration.

Brief summary of search and availability of figures

- The school's publicly available materials include enrollment and kindergarten information and confirm the procedure that an Offer Letter is presented and payment made at the Main Office to confirm enrollment, but they do not include any published fee schedule or numeric fee amounts for application, tuition (per term or per year), boarding, uniforms, or other charges. Therefore no exact fee figures can be provided here. Parents should request the school's official fee schedule and written payment/refund policies from the school administration.
Academics

Stella's School teaches British Curriculum for students aged 3 to 12.

Curriculum
Stella's School Brunei follows a British-type, English-medium curriculum for Kindergarten through Year 6, with Malay taught as a subject in the early years. English instruction emphasizes fluent speaking, reading and writing, with daily lessons covering grammar, comprehension, spelling, writing, and vocabulary, plus regular individual reading supported by established reading schemes and a well-stocked library. Kindergarten 1 to Kindergarten 3 provide the early-years progression: KG1 introduces reading with Ladybird Peter and Jane and basic alphabet and number work; KG2 continues reading and teaches English and Malay; KG3 extends reading and includes English and Malay, mathematics to 100, science, and library. In Primary, mathematics covers counting, operations, sorting and patterning with explicit emphasis on skip-counting. ICT is taught across Years 1–6 with a progression from basic computer safety and word processing to internet use, graphic editing, audio editing, programming in LOGO, and animation. Science is taught across Years 1–6, with a dedicated laboratory and hands-on experiments to foster curiosity, and the curriculum is complemented by assemblies, field trips and Saturday activities; no external qualifications such as IGCSE/A‑Level are listed for progression beyond Year 6.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
SEL is supported through a holistic, inquiry-based curriculum that shapes globally minded, confident, and compassionate learners, reinforced by a dedicated Student Support Services team offering counselling and 1:1 learning plans for students with diverse needs

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Learning Support Programme provides 1:1 support, individualized learning plans, counselling, and additional academic support for students with diverse learning needs; specific SEN types are not publicly disclosed

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
ESL is provided for non-English-speaking students, Vietnamese is offered as a Foreign Language for non-Vietnamese-speaking students, and an Intensive English Language Program (IELP) supports non-native English speakers

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through counselling by the Student Support Services and an on-site Health Care Services facility with first-aid trained staff

Safeguarding
Safeguarding measures include CCTV monitoring, trained security personnel, first-aid trained staff, and emergency response protocols
Parent Experience

History
Stella's School Brunei was founded in 1969 by the late Mrs Stella Litherland to provide a British-type education for expatriate children living and working in Brunei Darussalam. The initial premises were at B2, Jalan Tapak Kuda, Bandar Seri Begawan, and the school opened for nursery classes with classrooms in an open-air area beneath a stilt house. The founder aimed to give students a solid foundation in reading, writing and arithmetic, and enrollment doubled within two years as word spread. Since its opening, the school's dynamic educational environment has continued to evolve. The school is governed by a Board of Governors, and a principal-led leadership team oversees ongoing operations.

Community
Stella's School Brunei maintains an active calendar of community and cultural events, including the 50th-anniversary celebration in 2019 and Carnival activities. Significant assemblies mark events such as Chinese New Year, National Day, Eid Mubarak, with students often wearing themed attire. Parental involvement is a noted feature, with parents providing costumes and props for assemblies and supporting Sports Day. Day trips and local excursions are part of the school's community life, supplementing academic learning and sports activities.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
A formal Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is not publicly documented on Stella's School Brunei's site. Governance is described as a Board of Governors, rather than a PTA, with a principal and staff reporting to that board. Parental involvement is evident in assemblies, where parents provide costumes and props. Parents participate in school events such as Stella's 50th Anniversary celebration in 2019 and Carnival. Sports Day sees active parental encouragement and support, and Friday clubs involve families in extracurricular activities.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Stella's School Brunei operates a dedicated Kindergarten building for ages 3 to 5, with classrooms arranged for easy access and a range of play areas that support sensory exploration. Our Kindergarten facilities include a library and a Support Center where teachers assist with reading, recognizing and writing. Kindergarten 2 and Kindergarten 3 have library access as part of their programmes. The school uses a multi-purpose hall for assemblies and events, including Saturday singing and activity sessions. The Primary program also offers field trips and a range of clubs (e.g., Scouts, cooking, baking, Science, Outdoor activities) to extend learning beyond the classroom. The campus is located at No. 4, Simpang 538, Kampong Sungai Akar, Jalan Kebangsaan Lama, Brunei Darussalam.

Academic Facilities
Kindergarten facilities include a library, and Kindergarten 2 and Kindergarten 3 have library access as part of their programmes. A Support Center provides targeted help in reading, recognizing and writing.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Saturday singing and activity events are held in the school hall. Field trips are organized annually for each level, offering hands-on, real-world learning experiences. Friday clubs include Scouts, cooking, baking, Science and Outdoor activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Stella's School Brunei provides core academic programs in Mathematics, English, Bahasa Melayu, and Science. The English department delivers high-quality instruction aimed at fluent speaking, reading, and writing, with daily lessons, a strong reading program, and a well-stocked library. The Mathematics program features experienced teachers guiding students from Year 1 to Year 6, emphasizing foundational skills and problem-solving, including skip-counting strategies. The Science department uses a well-equipped laboratory to enable hands-on experiments and active learning. Bahasa Melayu instruction is designed to develop standard Malay language skills, reading and writing, and cultural understanding, with teachers supporting learning.

Arts & Creative
Arts and creative activities include Saturday singing and activity events with puppet shows, costumes, and performances. The school schedules field trips once a year for each level to provide authentic, experiential learning. On Fridays, students participate in diverse clubs such as Scouts, cooking, baking, Science, and Outdoor activities, fostering creativity and collaboration. Sports Day and Assemblies provide opportunities for performance and celebration of student talents.

Cultural & Language
Cultural activities are integrated through assemblies that mark occasions such as Chinese New Year, National Day, Eid Mubarak, and other significant dates. Bahasa Melayu language education focuses on standard Malay usage, reading, writing, and cultural understanding (including Melayu Islam Beraja), delivered by a team of Bahasa Melayu teachers. The program seeks to develop language proficiency alongside cultural literacy and civic awareness.

Social & Hobbies
On Fridays, pupils can choose from clubs including Scouts, cooking, baking, Science, and Outdoor activities. Weekend events feature singing and other informal activities that promote social interaction and community engagement. Sports Day provides a coordinated, family-friendly athletic program emphasizing participation and enjoyment.

Community & Service
External talks and outreach activities are part of the program, including anti-drug education from the Biro Kawalan Narkotik and safety talks by government officials from the Law Department. These experiences promote social responsibility and awareness among students.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership development is supported through clubs such as Scouts and through assemblies that recognize achievement and good behaviour. End-of-term award assemblies provide public acknowledgment of student efforts and contribute to personal development and mentorship opportunities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Sports Day emphasizes participation and family involvement in athletic activities. Saturday singing and activity events support wellbeing and a balanced lifestyle, while field trips offer physical activity and real-world experiences that contribute to overall wellbeing.
Languages

Language Provision
English is a core subject taught from Kindergarten through Year 6, with daily English lessons, a focus on speaking, reading and writing, and a well-stocked library. Reading intervention is available when needed. Bahasa Melayu is taught as a language subject, with objectives to achieve proficiency in standard Malay (including both Rumi and Jawi) and to use Malay in daily communication; the program includes Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) and is taught by named Bahasa Melayu/MIB teachers. In Kindergarten 2 (4-year-olds) and Kindergarten 3 (5-year-olds), the curriculum explicitly presents English and Malay instruction, illustrating bilingual provision in the early years.

Bilingual Teaching
Stella's School offers bilingual teaching in English and Bahasa Melayu. In Kindergarten 2 (for 4-year-olds) and Kindergarten 3 (for 5-year-olds), the curriculum includes explicit English and Malay instruction. Reading instruction uses the Suku Kata (syllable) method for both languages as part of the English and Malay units. The bilingual program begins in Kindergarten 2 and continues through the primary years.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Eligibility and space for Kindergarten: Stella's School Brunei requires students to be 3 years old to enter Kindergarten One. Transfers into Kindergarten 2 or Kindergarten 3 are not accepted due to limited space. Enrollment by birthdate determines eligibility for the upcoming entry year: students born 1 Jan – 31 Dec 2018 are eligible for Kindergarten 1 in 2022; those born 2019 are eligible in 2023; and those born 2020 are eligible in 2024.

2. Meet-and-Greet and initial offer: After you register, the school will arrange a Meet and Greet session by phone call a year before the child enters Kindergarten. This session is an opportunity to ask questions about the programme and school operations. Shortly after the Meet and Greet, you will receive an Offer Letter to present to the Main Office before making payment.

3. Primary transfers and eligibility: For transfers to Stella's Primary (Lower Primary – Year 1, 2, 3), there is a Primary Waiting List; transfers require the student to sit for an Entry Test to be eligible to enter. Parents are advised to apply a year before entering.

4. Waiting list windows by entry year: Waiting list registrations have historically occurred in specific windows before entry years. For example, 2021-entry waiting list registration was January–April 2020 (CLOSED); 2022-entry waiting list registration was January–April 2021 (WAITING TO OPEN).

5. Enrollment priorities: Siblings of students already enrolled have priority for attendance. When applying and reporting “sibling status,” the new child will be automatically linked to the same session as the existing sibling (e.g., if the first child is in the PM session, the new child will be in PM as well).

6. Enrollment process and in-person requirement: There is no online enrollment; parents must come to the Main Office to enroll their child.

7. Required documents for enrollment: Bring the child's birth certificate (4 copies), the parents' Identification Cards (3 copies each), and passports (3 copies each of both parents).

8. Kindergarten session statuses by birth year: For Kindergarten One by birthdate, the morning session and afternoon session statuses are updated: 2018 births have both sessions listed as CLOSED – FULL; 2019 births are morning CLOSED – FULL and afternoon CLOSED – FULL or LIMITED SPACE; 2020 births show morning OPEN and afternoon OPEN.

9. Fees note: Current fee amounts are not published on these admissions pages. After an Offer Letter is issued, payment is made at the Main Office (payment occurs after the offer). The school states that online enrollment is not offered and that enrollment requires a visit to the Main Office to complete the process.

Scholarships
There is no published information about scholarships offered by Stella's School Brunei.

Waitlist
Stella's School Brunei maintains a Primary Waiting List for transfers to Lower Primary (Year 1–Year 3). Transfers from the waiting list require students to sit for an Entry Test to be eligible for entry. Families are advised to apply at least a year before entering to improve their position. The school's waiting-list windows have historically been January–April for the upcoming entry year: for 2021-entry, waiting-list registration was January–April 2020 (CLOSED); for 2022-entry, waiting-list registration was January–April 2021 (WAITING TO OPEN). Siblings receive enrollment priority, and when applying, siblings are linked to the same session (e.g., PM or morning). In all cases, enrollment requires in-person submission at the Main Office; there is no online enrollment.
School Events
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