R.E.A.L Schools - Johor Bahru

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.

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.

It is a co-educational international school offering day schooling only. There are no boarding facilities at the Johor Bahru campus.

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.

The school does not have a formal affiliation with any particular country.

The school has no religious affiliation and operates as a secular institution.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.