KTJ Achieves Prestigious CIS International Accreditation

Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar (KTJ) has once again been awarded the Council of International Schools (CIS) International Accreditation.

This accreditation involves a comprehensive and rigorous evaluation process, assessing the institution's adherence to internationally recognised standards and offering recommendations for ongoing development. During a week-long assessment, three CIS evaluators conducted focus groups with students and staff, interviewed key stakeholders, observed lessons, and toured the campus.

Image: Three CIS evaluators visited KTJ for a week-long evaluation of all areas of the school.

KTJ exceeded standards in seven out of eight Boarding evaluation areas, including accommodation, food, healthcare, school life, overall wellbeing, parent communication, and safeguarding. The evaluators described Boarding as the “heartbeat” of the school, with a “highly cohesive environment where learning, wellbeing and personal development are woven throughout daily life.” They also noted that student voice “meaningfully shapes life in the houses”, and praised the “outstanding rapport between house boarding staff and boarding students” which enhances learning and personal growth. 

As part of the evaluation, KTJ completed four school wide projects. Project 1: Reimagining Learning Spaces focused on the phased redevelopment of areas around the school, including classrooms, the Rahman Day House, the Library and Conference Room, and recreational facilities. The evaluators concluded that the overall project had “successfully modernised key facilities, strengthened community pride, and demonstrated a sustainable, forward looking approach.” 

Image: Project 1 focused on the development of key spaces in the school, including the new Library.

Project 2, entitled Towards One School, One Curriculum: A Unified Vision for Learning and Progression, aimed to improve school cohesion and streamline the learner’s journey from Early Years to Upper Sixth. The Primary and Secondary co-leaders were praised for creating a self-study project for a unified curriculum, which has “delivered an impactful and innovative transformation in teaching and learning”. 

Image: Project 2 focused on enhancing the learner's journey from Early Years to Sixth Form.

Project 3: All Stakeholders to Understand the Importance of Live Feedback and Assessment for Progress was was recognised as practical and driven by real school needs. It was based on data from student surveys, learning walks, and staff reflections, which informed KTJ's CPD design. The evaluators stated that: “By focusing on live feedback, the school is addressing a core element of teaching quality to cater for the different needs. A small group of teachers have already engaged deeply with the research and early practice, positioning themselves as pioneers in this work."

Image: Project 3 focused on live feedback to cater for the different needs of students.

Finally, Project 4: Using Research-Based Core Pedagogies from WalkThrus to Support High-Quality Learning and Teaching, was reported to have “successfully initiated a transformative shift towards a more collaborative, research-informed teaching culture at KTJ.” The project engaged external and in-house resources to implement WalkThrus, and developed a culture of peer coaching, regular drop-ins, and collaborative practice, to create “a richer and more reflective learning environment across KTJ”. 

Image: Tom Sherrington delivering a talk on Teaching Walkthrus at the FOBISIA CPD Leaders Conference hosted by KTJ in March 2025.

YAM Tunku Naquiyuddin ibni Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar, Royal Founder and Chairman of KTJ’s Board of Trustees, stated: “We are proud that KTJ has been recognised globally as a leader for high-quality international education. Since the school’s inception in 1991, our mission has been to inspire a diverse learning community with holistic British-style education within a Malaysian context. The CIS International Accreditation affirms KTJ’s continued commitment to excellence.” 

Image: YAM Tunku Naquiyuddin ibni Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar, Royal Founder and Chairman of KTJ’s Board of Trustees.

Principal Dr Glenn Moodie stated, “KTJ has been CIS International Accredited for 15 years. We are proud to maintain this quality standard, reflecting our clear direction, commitment to teaching and learning, safeguarding, wellbeing, and continual improvement. I thank all Trustees, staff, students and parents who contributed to the CIS accreditation process.”

The CIS International Accreditation is globally recognised by educational authorities and universities, ensuring schools meet high standards of international education. Universities value students from CIS Accredited schools for their rigorous academic preparation.