Independent Schools in Brunei Darussalam

Gross enrolment overall: 83.1% (2010)

Primary female–male ratio: 1.01:1 (2010)

Secondary female–male ratio: 1.03:1 (2010)

Primary pupil–teacher ratio: 11:1 (2010)

Secondary pupil–teacher ratio: 11:1 (2009)

The primary component of a new education system was introduced during 2009–11. Referred to as the National Education System for the 21st Century or SPN21, the new system is broad-based and provides multiple pathways enabling students with different skills and abilities to survive in a fast-changing world. Under this system, there are six years of primary school, starting at age 6 and leading to Primary School Assessment or Penilaian Sekolah Rendah, and, depending on academic ability, either four or five years of secondary school, leading to the Brunei–Cambridge GCE O-Level exams. Those aiming for higher education will then study for the Brunei–Cambridge GCE A-Level exams; others will move into vocational education. Some 96% of pupils complete primary school (2009). The school year starts in January. The primary curriculum puts the emphasis on literacy and numeracy, including information and communication technology skills.
 

Despite state-run schools dominating the education sector in Brunei, some private schools do operate in the country. These schools are often self-funded largely through the charging of school fees, or through donations from wealthy patrons. Private schools are monitored by the non-government school section under the Department of Schools— which in turn ensures that the national curriculum is adhered to by such institutions and the quality of education is maintained. They cover all age groups. According to the Ministry of Education in 2008 there were 84 private schools. As of 2011 there were two international schools in Brunei: the Jerudong International School (JIS) and International School Brunei (ISB).