School Guide

List of 7 Best International Schools in Penang

Published by SchoolAdvisor | Nov 17, 2021

Apart from Penang’s sandy beaches, scrumptious hawker foods and being the Silicon Valley of the East, the state offers the 7 best international schools in the country. But before we get into the list of international schools in Penang, let’s get to know the Pearl of the Orient!

An economic powerhouse, Penang is strategically located in the Straits of Melaka and is home to many manufacturing factories on the island (the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone) and the mainland in Seberang Perai. The state is one of Malaysia’s prime destinations, offering the best sights and retail experiences to the locals, expatriate communities and foreign tourists. Penang is a melting pot of different races such as the Malays, Chinese, Indians, and non-Malaysians make up as many as 8.6% of the population in 2018.

The quality of education at international schools in Penang is governed by a division of the Ministry of Education (MOE), known as the Private Education Department (PED). International schools in Penang go through a strict accreditation process to ensure the quality of education is up to the standards set by MOE.

Here is a list of international schools in Penang:

The International School of Penang (Uplands)

Located near the tourist hub in Batu Ferringhi, The International School of Penang, also known as Uplands, was established 65 years ago, making it one of the oldest international schools in Malaysia. Uplands offers Primary education, IGCSE for students in Years 10 to 11, and International Baccalaureate (IB) for students in Years 12 to 13.

38% of Uplands’ 2021 IBDP cohort received 40 points and above, whereas four students achieved perfect scores of 45 and 44 points, respectively. Upon completion of their final four years of education at Upland, students in Grade 13 will be awarded the High School Diploma, in addition to their IB Diploma Programme qualifications, making Uplands the only international in Penang to grant two types of high school certificates.

Uplands is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS), the Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA), the Boarding Schools Association (BSA) and more. The school offers boarding with in-house pastoral care and nurses on duty.

As of 2021, the International School of Penang’s (Upland) fees ranges from RM20,000 per year for Reception to RM55,880 per year for Years 12 and 13.

Prince of Wales Island International School

Located in Balik Pulau, The Prince of Wales Island International School, or POWIIS, offers the English National Curriculum for students aged 11-18 years old. POWIIS Primary for students aged 3-11 years old was introduced in 2019 and is located in Tanjung Bungah. The secondary school opened in 2011 and with the success of the secondary school, POWIIS expanded its faculty to welcome primary students in 2019.

The school caters for students from 43 countries and 85% of the teaching staff are from the United Kingdom. POWIS offers Early Years education for students aged 3 to 5-years-old and a direct pathway to primary school, IGCSEs and Sixth Form. 83% of A-Levels students at POWIIS achieved A* to B grades in 2020, and 73% of the 2020 IGCSE cohort received A* to C grades.

Boarding is available at POWIIS for students in Year 7 to Year 13. POWIIS is a member of the Council of International Schools (CIS), the Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA)  and more.

As of 2021, Prince of Wales Island International School’s fees ranges from RM9,600 per year for Nursery to RM54,000 per year for Year 13.

Dalat International School

Dalat International School has its roots in late 1929 in Dalat, Vietnam The school catered to children of the Christian missionaries in Vietnam before relocating to Tanah Rata in Cameron Highlands. The school finally settled in Tanjung Bungah in Penang in the 1960s.

Dalat utilises the American curriculum with a direct pathway from Elementary to Middle and High School. Students may opt for Advanced Placement (AP) subjects, which allows them to sit for College level courses.

The school is accredited by the Association of International Malaysian Schools (AIMS), the East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS), and the first school to be accredited with the “exemplary” status by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). To receive the ‘“exemplary” status, Dalat went through arduous evaluations to prove that Dalat provides a high-quality environment and education.

As of 2021, Dalat International School fees range from RM13,300 per year for Pre School to RM45,500 per year for Grades 9 to 12. Boarding is available for Dalat’s students.

Tenby International School Penang

Tenby International Penang is part of the Tenby Schools network with over 60 years of experience in educating students in international and private education in Malaysia. Located in Tanjung Bungah, Tenby International Penang offers the National Curriculum for England with a direct pathway from Early Years to Sixth Form.

The school has been a member of the International School Partnership (ISP) with 50 schools in 15 countries worldwide since 2018. Tenby International Penang is committed to bringing an internationally-minded education for its students through participation in The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, Model United Nations, and being a part of international trips and more.

The school is proud to have a purpose-built campus with state-of-the-art facilities and technologies to house the international school and its sister school, Sekolah Sri Tenby, which offers the Malaysian National Curriculum.

As of 2021, Dalat International School fees range from RM13,890 per year for Nursery, RM43,020 for Year 11, whereas the fee ranges from RM16,800 to RM25,200 for Years 12 and 13.

St Christopher’s International Primary School

St Christopher International Primary School, also known as SCIPS, is an international school that provides a British-based curriculum tailored for students aged 3 to 11 years old.

Located in Jalan Nunn in Georgetown, the school is a non-denominational school that nurtures by maintaining a caring, family-like setting; placing an emphasis on friendship, respect, trust and values.

SCIPS is a member of the Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA) that ensures the school meets the regulated standard in its governance and education.

As of 2021, St Christopher’s International Primary School fees range from RM12,300 per year for Foundation/Nursery to RM27,000 per year for Years 5 and 6.

GEMS International School, Pearl City

GEMS International School, Pearl City, or GIP, is located in Simpang Ampat on Penang’s mainland.

GIP offers British Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18 years old. Students in Years 10 to 11 sit for the Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge AS and A-Levels at the pre-university level. The school views learning as a meaningful and enjoyable experience based on the existing and new knowledge that the students have acquired.

The school is a part of the GEMS Education Group that has over 60 years worth of experience in international education and GIP is also a Council of British International Schools’s (COBIS) Compliance member.

As of 2021, GEMS International School, Pearl City fees range from RM21,000 per year for Nursery to RM39,900 per year for Grade 13.

Straits International School Penang

Located in Bayan Lepas, Straits International School Penang offers a British Cambridge Curriculum for students aged 3 to 16 years old, offering a happy learning environment that challenges students academically and instils a sense of community in its students.

The school encourages students to be a part of co-curriculum activities. Offering as many as 130 types of co-curriculum, ranging from yoga for Early Years students to Graphic Design, Acting and Writing Techniques and the CodeCombat Club in Year 10, students are able to enrich their interest outside of the classroom setting. The school has strong community service with local organisations, such as Silver Jubilee Home for the Aged and St Nicholas School for the Blind.

As of 2021, Straits International School fees range from RM15,450 per year for Nursery to RM26,840 per year for Year 11.

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