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A-LevelEst. 2017

Day School · International School

Crescendo HELP International School

CHIS

Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Last updated: Aug 31, 2026

Curriculum
A-Level / IGCSE / IPC
Tuition from
MYR 29,700 - MYR 42,030(2025-2026)≈ $7,361 - $10,416
Students
~1,350
Nationalities
28+
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Overview

Crescendo HELP International School (CHIS) is an international A-Levels, IGCSE, International Primary Curriculum (IPC) school in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Annual tuition: MYR 29,700–MYR 42,030.

Crescendo-HELP International School is a private, purpose-built day school in Ulu Tiram, Johor, established in 2017 through a Crescendo–HELP Education Group partnership. It serves Year 1 to Year 13 through IPC primary education, an English National Curriculum-based lower secondary programme, Cambridge IGCSE, and Cambridge A-Level. The school reports approximately 1,350 pupils as at 31 January 2025 and operates from a facilities-rich shared 14.4-acre education site. CIS re-accredited CHIS on 23 June 2026, while IPC accreditation runs from 2024 to 2028.

Schoozy Intelligence

Our own read of this school, drawn from public sources and kept separate from the school's own material.

An independently CIS-accredited international day school in Johor Bahru, offering a continuous British pathway from the International Primary Curriculum through Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level.

Crescendo HELP International School (CHIS) is a co-educational day school founded in 2017, teaching a British-based route: IPC in the primary years, English National Curriculum lower secondary, Cambridge IGCSE in Years 10-11 and Cambridge A-Level in the sixth form. The school reports roughly 1,300-1,350 students of at least 28 nationalities and caps classes at 25 (Year 7 up to 26). It was re-accredited by the Council of International Schools on 23 June 2026 and has been a FOBISIA member since 2021.

An editorial summary of the sections below — not a rating or ranking.

Best for
Families in the Johor Bahru area who want a continuous British/Cambridge day-school route from age 5 to 18 without changing systems, who value independent CIS accreditation, and who may need documented English-language or specific-learning-difference support. Eligible incoming Year 7 or sixth-form students may benefit from merit and leadership awards.
Things to consider
The school publishes no IB, AP, Japanese curriculum or boarding option. Outcome figures (a 95% university placement claim and a university-offer list) come only from the school's own channels and lack year, cohort and definitions, so they cannot be treated as verified. Registration, deposit and educational-resource fees are required but their amounts are not published, and the public tuition table shows no Year 12/13 line despite an A-Level programme — request a full written cost schedule. Leadership appointment dates are not published, so continuity cannot be assessed; ask directly.

Known for

  • Continuous British-to-Cambridge pathway
  • Independent CIS accreditation and FOBISIA membership
  • Documented tiered learning-support model

Learning environment

How lessons run
Taught content and inquiry in similar measure
TaughtInquiry
Primary years run themed IPC units that end in student-led Exit Point presentations, while secondary and sixth-form years shift to subject-based IGCSE and A-Level syllabus delivery, so taught content and inquiry-style work sit in different phases rather than one mode running throughout.
Academic load
Demanding
LighterHeavier
Students pass through two staged external qualification points — IGCSE and A-Level — but no published information establishes daily prep, study-period or homework expectations.
Student choice
Guided independence
Set for themChosen by them
Students select a genuine spread of IGCSE and A-Level subjects from published option lists, but the extensive co-curricular programme is predominantly organised and led by staff rather than students.
How students are assessed
Examinations and coursework in similar measure
ExaminationsProjects
A-Level results combine coursework, written examinations and practical assessment, and primary-stage IPC work is judged through unit assessments and Exit Point demonstrations rather than terminal exams alone.

A wider bar means the published evidence narrows the position to a range rather than a point.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition from

MYR 29,700 - MYR 42,030(2025-2026)≈ $7,361 - $10,416

Application Fee

MYR 250≈ $62

Est. First Year Total

MYR 29,950≈ $7,423

Tuition by Grade

GradeAnnual TuitionApplication FeeDeposit
Year 1MYR 29,700≈ $7,361MYR 250≈ $62-
Year 2MYR 29,700≈ $7,361--
Year 3MYR 31,500≈ $7,807--
Year 4MYR 31,500≈ $7,807--
Year 5MYR 32,430≈ $8,037--
Year 6MYR 32,430≈ $8,037--
Year 7MYR 34,020≈ $8,431--
Year 8MYR 35,580≈ $8,818--
Year 9MYR 40,320≈ $9,993--
Year 10MYR 42,030≈ $10,416--
Year 11MYR 42,030≈ $10,416--
View All Fees

Approximate values based on ECB reference rates (Aug 24 – 28, 2026). Actual amounts may vary.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

2

CHIS Founders' Award

Merit-Based
Eligibility: Outstanding incoming Year 7 or Year 12–13 students demonstrating academic ability, leadership potential, and collaborative mindset. Gold, Silver, and Bronze tiers offering 30%–100% tuition coverage.Grade Levels: Year 7, Year 12, Year 13

5% Annual Bursary

Other
Eligibility: Students on published Primary and Secondary fee schedule. No stated nationality restriction.Grade Levels: Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6, Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10, Year 11

Curriculum & Academics

Class Sizes by Grade

Year 1–2

Max
25

Year 3–4

Max
25

Year 5–6

Max
25

Year 7

Max
26

Year 8–11

Max
25

Languages of Instruction

Languages of Instruction

English

Compulsory / Optional

MandarinBahasa MalaysiaEnglish

Subjects Offered

48 subjects

A-Levels(12)

STEM
Further MathematicsA2PhysicsA2ChemistryA2BiologyA2Computer ScienceA2
Languages
English LiteratureA2Mandarin ChineseA2
Humanities
HistoryA2GeographyA2
Social Sciences
EconomicsA2Business StudiesA2
Arts
MusicA2

IGCSE(19)

STEM
MathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyComputer ScienceDesign Technology
Languages
English Literature★English Language★Mandarin Chinese
Humanities
HistoryGeography
Social Sciences
EconomicsBusiness Studies
Arts
MusicDrama & Theatre
Physical Education
Physical Education
IT & Computing
Information TechnologyData Science★
Other
Citizenship★

IPC(9)

STEM
Mathematics★Design Technology★
Languages
English Language★Mandarin Chinese
Humanities
History★Geography★
Physical Education
Physical Education★
IT & Computing
Data Science★
Other
Citizenship★

English National Curriculum(8)

STEM
Mathematics★
Languages
English Language★Mandarin Chinese
Humanities
History★Geography★
Physical Education
Physical Education★
IT & Computing
Data Science★
Other
Citizenship★

Accreditations & Memberships

3 accreditations
CI
CIS
School AccreditationInternational
CA
Cambridge International
International
FO
FOBISIA
MembershipAsia· Since 2021
Cambridge International

Outcomes & Results

University Destinations

Northumbria University
University of Bath
University of Bristol
University College Dublin (RUMC)
University College London
University of Manchester
University of Nottingham
University of West England - Bristol
Deakin University
Monash University
Nastic Academy Barcelona
Asia Pacific University
HELP University
MDIS
Multimedia University
Netherlands Maritime University
Newcastle University Malaysia
Raffles University
Segi University
Taylor's University
Universiti Malaya
University of Reading Malaysia
University of Southampton Malaysia
Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
Nanyang Polytechnic
Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Singapore Institute of Management
Singapore Polytechnic
National University of Singapore
Xiamen University
Okayama University

Reputation & Recognition

Awards

  • CIS Re-accreditation2026Council of International Schools (CIS)

    CHIS was re-accredited by the Council of International Schools on 23 June 2026.

  • IPC Accreditation 2024–20282024International Curriculum Association (ICA)

    CHIS received IPC Accredited School status for the period 2024–2028 from the International Curriculum Association.

Admissions

Admissions Overview

Applicants begin with an enquiry and then schedule a placement-baseline assessment at least one day in advance, paying an RM250 assessment application fee. A successful applicant receives a Letter of Offer by email and has 10 working days to return it; enrolment then requires identity, school and medical documents, plus registration, deposit, one term of fees and resource/miscellaneous fees.

Requirements

Year 1–6 (Primary), Year 7–11 (Secondary)

Written TestEnglish Test

English Requirement: Advanced English

Application Fee: 250

Year 12–13 (A-Level)

Written TestEnglish TestSchool Report Review

English Requirement: Advanced English

Application Fee: 250

Key Dates

CHIS Open Day2026-01-24

CHIS Open Day from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

A-Level Subject Fair for Students & Parents2026-01-30

A-Level Subject Fair for students and parents to explore sixth-form subject options.

HELP Group of Schools Music Festival 20262026-02-07

Annual HELP Group of Schools Music Festival 2026.

School Life

Support & Wellbeing

Co-curricular Activities

41 activities

Team Sports(2)

FootballBasketball

Grades: Primary · Secondary

Individual Sports(7)

SwimmingTennisAikidoTaekwondoBadmintonChessKarate

Grades: Primary · Secondary

Music(3)

ChoirPercussion EnsembleString Ensemble

Grades: Primary · Secondary

Drama & Theatre(1)

Drama Club

Grades: Primary

Academic Clubs(1)

Debate

Grades: Sixth Form

STEM(2)

Engineering ClubRobotics Club

Grades: Primary · Secondary

Visual Arts(1)

Origami

Grades: Secondary

School-specific(24)

Dance ClubBoard Games ClubSewingArts & CraftsLion DanceFashion DesignMalaysia Performing ArtsScrapbook Art & CraftPaper CraftUkulele & GuitarGuitarAcapellaMusic EnsemblesDiaboloCarromJournallingDodgeballWushuMuay Thai BoranZumbaSports StackingUltimate FrisbeeArcheryYoung Scientist

Grades: Primary · Secondary · Sixth Form

Facilities

21 facilities

Sports & Athletics(4)

Indoor Swimming Pool
Gymnasium· Indoor
Dance Studio· Indoor
Tennis Courts· Outdoor

Academic Facilities(4)

General Science Lab· Indoor
Computer Lab· Indoor
Design Technology Workshop
Main Library· Indoor

Arts & Performance(2)

Art Studio· Indoor
Music Room· Indoor

Outdoor Spaces(1)

Primary Playground· Outdoor

Dining(1)

Cafeteria

School-specific(9)

Secondary Classroom
Primary Classroom
A-Level Hub
Carpeted Auditorium
Wooden Auditorium
3-Storey Multi-Purpose Building
Training Pool
Track & Field
Multi-Purpose Sports Hall

Campuses

Main Campus

Crescendo-HELP International School (Johor Bahru Campus)

3, Lebuh Cemerlang, Taman Desa Cemerlang, 81800 Ulu Tiram, Johor, Malaysia

Campus is located in Taman Desa Cemerlang, Ulu Tiram, Johor. No school bus network, shuttle, or station pick-up service is currently published. Families should confirm transport arrangements directly with the admissions team.
Purpose-built day-school campus on a shared 14.4-acre site with Crescendo International College. Facilities include training pool, swimming pool, track and field, multi-purpose sports hall, fitness gymnasium, tennis courts, carpeted and wooden auditoriums, science lab, computer labs, art room, music room, dance studio, design and technology facilities, library, cafeteria, primary playground, primary and secondary classrooms, a 3-storey multi-purpose building, and a dedicated A-Level Hub with specialised classrooms, independent study areas, science laboratories, library/research facilities, and a university-preparation centre.
+607-8616788
Open in Google Maps

Crescendo HELP International School

3, Jln Lbh Cemerlang, Taman Desa Cemerlang, 81800 Ulu Tiram, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia

Open in Google Maps

Schoozy Intelligence — Deep Dive

The full read on each topic, with the sources behind it. Open only what you need.

CIS re-accredited in 2026, FOBISIA member since 2021

Independent bodies confirm quality-recognition and regional network membership, but neither is a ranking that establishes comparative superiority.

Read analysis

External recognition

The Council of International Schools states that Crescendo HELP International School was re-accredited on 23 June 2026. CIS accreditation is an external quality-recognition process; it is not a ranking and does not establish that the school is better than any other.

FOBISIA lists the school as founded in 2017 and joined to the federation in 2021, evidencing membership in a regional British-international-schools network. This is a membership fact, not an independent ranking.

Sources (2)

Placement assessment with an RM250 fee; no acceptance rate published

The school documents an assessment-based entry process, but publishes no acceptance rate, capacity, or waiting-list data, and independent corroboration is thin.

Read analysis

What the process involves

According to the school's own admissions page, entry practice includes a placement-baseline assessment booked at least one day in advance, with an RM250 assessment application fee. The school says a successful assessment leads to an offer but does not publish an acceptance rate, year-group capacity, or waiting-list data.

The International Schools Database, a third-party directory, lists the student entry evaluation as a written assessment and interview. That directory also states the school has not verified its listing information, so it should be read as an unverified secondary source.

Sources (2)

A multinational roll of roughly 1,300, on the school's own figures

School-published and owner-published sources describe a multinational student body of around 1,300 to 1,350, but the exact roll and nationality count vary between sources.

Read analysis

Size and nationalities (self-reported)

This section rests on the school's own material and its corporate owner's reporting; no independent evidence was available. The homepage reports 1,300+ students and 28+ student nationalities, while another official campaign page states more than 30 countries, so the public figures support a multinational student body but not one exact nationality count.

The owner's FY2025 annual report states that approximately 1,350 students of various nationalities were enrolled as at 31 January 2025. An unclaimed third-party directory profile updated on 4 August 2026 instead lists 1,150 pupils and describes the school as co-educational day with no on-campus boarding; because that figure conflicts with the school-published total, it is a community signal rather than a verified roll.

Sources (3)

A 95% placement claim that lacks year, cohort and definition

Outcome figures come only from the school's own channels and cannot be treated as verified matriculation data.

Read analysis

What the school reports

This section rests entirely on the school's own material; no independent evidence was available. The homepage publishes a 95% 'University Placement Rate' but gives no academic year, cohort size, or definition, and does not distinguish between offers, acceptances, destinations, and actual enrolment. It should not be read as a matriculation rate.

A school LinkedIn post says students received offers from Imperial College London, University College London, King's College London, University of Bristol, University of Leeds, University of Exeter, and KAIST. The post gives no student counts, cohort context, year, or confirmed enrolments.

Sources (2)

2026 CIS re-accreditation and the current named leadership

The most recent verifiable development is CIS re-accreditation in June 2026; current leadership is named on the school site but without appointment dates.

Read analysis

Recent milestone

CIS announced that the school was re-accredited on 23 June 2026. This is the one development confirmed by an independent source.

Current leadership (school-stated)

The official leadership page identifies Myles Jackson as Principal, with Joanne Ong Kee Ling and Khoyes Miah as Deputy Principals and Heads of Primary and Secondary respectively. The page does not publish appointment dates, so it does not establish when these arrangements began or whether there has been recent turnover.

Sources (2)

British/Cambridge pathway, 25-per-class cap, and undisclosed add-on fees

On the school's own published information, this is a British/IPC-to-Cambridge school; families needing IB, AP, boarding, or full cost transparency should check specifics before committing.

Read analysis

Curriculum pathway and best fit

This section rests entirely on the school's own material; no independent evidence was available. The school publishes a continuous pathway from IPC primary through English National Curriculum-based lower secondary, IGCSE and Cambridge A-Level. Families specifically seeking IB, AP, a Japanese curriculum, or boarding should note these were not found in the published programme.

The school publishes a maximum of 25 students per class in primary and secondary, with Year 7 permitted up to 26. This is a stated cap rather than an average class-size figure.

Fees and support to confirm in writing

The published 2025/2026 annual tuition table runs from RM29,700 for Year 1 and Year 2 to RM42,030 for Year 10 and Year 11. Registration, a refundable deposit and educational-resource fees are required on admission, but their amounts are not displayed publicly, so families should obtain a full written cost schedule before committing.

Language and learning support options published by the school include EAL classes, Catch-Up Reading and 1:1 Specific Learning Disability sessions. The page does not state fees, staffing levels, intake limits, or the upper limit of needs the school can support, so families with support needs should confirm capacity individually.

Sources (4)

About the School

Established
2017

Leadership

  • Myles JacksonPrincipal
  • Joanne Ong Kee LingDeputy Principal, Head of Primary
  • Khoyes MiahDeputy Principal, Head of Secondary
  • Colin GearAssistant Principal, Whole School
  • Duckyoung BeckerAssistant Principal, Primary
  • Bridget PlattAssistant Principal, Primary
  • Michael DyerAssistant Principal, Secondary
  • Rayne Chow Wan SeanAssistant Principal, Secondary
  • Dr D. Gerard Joseph LouisChairman, Board of Governors

Mission

• To create a nurturing environment for each learner to flourish and realise their potential • To provide each learner opportunities for growth through a wide variety of learning activities every day. • To promote the values and attributes of our Guiding Principles and 10 Masteries • To develop learners who are internationally minded and globally competent

Educational philosophy

CHIS combines British-based education, the International Primary Curriculum and Cambridge pathways with a thematic, enquiry-oriented approach in primary years. Its stated model seeks academic knowledge, personal growth, international-mindedness, leadership and practical global competence.

Core values

Resilient, Respectful, Empathetic, Ethical, Adaptable, Collaborator, Communicator, Thinker

History

CHIS was established in 2017 as a partnership between Crescendo and the HELP Education Group. The school added Cambridge A-Level from September 2019 according to Crescendo's corporate materials. It joined FOBISIA in 2021, received IPC accreditation for 2024–2028, and was re-accredited by CIS on 23 June 2026. Its official campaign page says enrolment grew from 180 students at establishment to more than 1,300 students.

Frequently Asked Questions

What nationalities are represented in the student body at CHIS?

CHIS has students from more than 28 nationalities, with some official sources citing over 30 countries represented. The school welcomes both Malaysian local families and expatriate families, and has a distinct admissions process for international students requiring a student visa.

What is CHIS's university placement rate, and which universities have students been accepted to?

The school's homepage publishes a 95% 'University Placement Rate', though no academic year, cohort size, or precise definition is provided. A school LinkedIn post lists offers from universities including Imperial College London, UCL, King's College London, University of Bristol, University of Leeds, University of Exeter, and KAIST, but without student counts or confirmed enrolment figures.

How long does it take to receive an offer after the assessment, and how long do I have to accept it?

After a successful placement assessment, the school sends a Letter of Offer by email. Families then have 10 working days to sign and return the letter to confirm their child's place.

What documents do I need to submit when enrolling my child at CHIS?

Malaysian families need to provide MyKid/NRIC or passport, birth certificate, both parents' IC or passports, latest school report, immunisation record, three child passport photos, and two photos of each parent. International families have additional requirements including full passports for all family members, a marriage certificate, a family-relations certificate, and financial-resource documentation.

At which year groups can my child apply for a scholarship?

The CHIS Founders' Award scholarship is available specifically for students entering Year 7 or Year 12–13, and is not offered at every year-group entry point. It provides merit and leadership-based tuition coverage of 30%–100% across Gold, Silver, and Bronze tiers, and is renewable throughout secondary and A-Level studies.

Who is currently leading the school?

The school's official leadership page names Myles Jackson as Principal, with Joanne Ong Kee Ling and Khoyes Miah serving as Deputy Principals heading Primary and Secondary respectively. Appointment dates are not published, so the length of their tenure cannot be confirmed from publicly available information.

What is the maximum class size at CHIS?

The school publishes a maximum class size of 25 students across primary and secondary year groups, with Year 7 permitted a ceiling of 26. These figures represent stated caps rather than average class sizes.

What co-curricular activities are available at CHIS, and how many can my child choose from?

CHIS offers between 70 and 100 different co-curricular activities each term, spanning sports, performing arts, STEM, arts and crafts, and cultural activities. Examples include football, robotics, drama, lion dance, violin, archery, and water polo, among many others.

How does CHIS approach student safeguarding?

CHIS publishes a whole-school child-centred safeguarding policy, and all staff undertake initial safeguarding training. The school's published safeguarding structure includes two Designated Safeguarding Leads and three Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads.

Is there a school bus service available for students commuting to CHIS?

The school does not publish a school-bus network, route map, or shuttle service in its current public materials. Families should confirm transport arrangements directly with the admissions team before enrolment, especially those commuting from central Johor Bahru or the Second Link corridor.

What curriculum does Crescendo HELP International School teach?

Crescendo HELP International School follows the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). Students sit A-Levels and IGCSE.

How much is annual tuition at Crescendo HELP International School?

Annual tuition at Crescendo HELP International School ranges from MYR 29,700 to MYR 42,030 (MYR), depending on the grade level.

What additional fees should I budget for at Crescendo HELP International School?

In addition to tuition, Crescendo HELP International School charges a registration fee of MYR 250.

What are the admission requirements for Crescendo HELP International School?

Applicants begin with an enquiry and then schedule a placement-baseline assessment at least one day in advance, paying an RM250 assessment application fee. A successful applicant receives a Letter of Offer by email and has 10 working days to return it; enrolment then requires identity, school and medical documents, plus registration, deposit, one term of fees and resource/miscellaneous fees.

Where is Crescendo HELP International School located?

Crescendo HELP International School is located in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

How many students attend Crescendo HELP International School?

Crescendo HELP International School has approximately 1,350 students from 28+ nationalities.

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About this data

Last updated: Aug 31, 2026

Sources: the school's official website, accreditation bodies (e.g. IBO, CIS), and public records.