Assumption International Secondary School vs Pelita International School
Assumption International Secondary School and Pelita International School are both in Penang, about 23 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels programmes, and Pelita International School also offers Cambridge (Primary) and EYFS. Published annual fees are MYR 21,600 - 28,800 at Assumption International Secondary School and MYR 9,360 - 33,810 at Pelita International School, which puts Assumption International Secondary School roughly 17% higher. Assumption International Secondary School takes pupils from 11 to 19, and Pelita International School from 4 to 19. Pelita International School is the larger school, with around 300 pupils to Assumption International Secondary School's 200.
Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Curriculum
Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils
Pupils
200
Pupils
300
Typical class size
Typical class size
—
Typical class size
22
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2017
Opened
2013
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Assumption International Secondary School is located at 2077, Jalan Kulim, in the town of Bukit Mertajam, Penang, Malaysia. The area is residential with local amenities and is accessible via main roads connecting to Butterworth and George Town.
Location
Pelita International School is located in Tanjung Bungah, a coastal suburb of Penang, Malaysia. The school is situated between George Town and Batu Ferringhi, with nearby access to residential areas popular with expatriate families. The area is known for its proximity to beaches, international eateries, and housing options.
Stages
Stages
The school offers education from Year 7 to Year 13, covering Key Stages 3 to 5 of the Cambridge international curriculum. Students typically begin around age 11 and complete their A-Levels by age 18 or 19.
Stages
The school is structured into four main levels: Early Years (ages 4–6), Primary School (ages 7–12), Secondary School (ages 13–16), and Sixth Form (ages 17–18). Students follow the Cambridge curriculum, leading to IGCSEs and A-Levels.
School type
School type
Assumption International Secondary School is a co-educational day and boarding school.
School type
Pelita International is a private, co-educational day school.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
—
Pupil nationality mix
—
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
The school offers academic interventions through its Quick Response and Intervention System (QRIS), supporting students who are not meeting curriculum benchmarks. Assistance is delivered in small groups, but the school is not a specialist SEN provider. It accommodates students with mild to moderate learning needs.
Additional learning support
While the school promotes inclusive education, there is limited publicly available detail on structured support for students with additional learning needs.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school is a Malaysian institution and is not affiliated with any foreign country.
Country affiliation
The school has no formal affiliation with any country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school operates as an inclusive institution and welcomes students from all religious backgrounds.
Religious affiliation
The school does not have a religious affiliation.
School day structure
School day structure
Exact school hours are not published.
School day structure
Classes typically start around 8:00 AM and end between 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM, depending on the student’s year group. The day includes scheduled breaks for snacks and lunch. Co-curricular activities are often held after regular classes.
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school's official sources do not provide details about a school bus service.
Bus service details
Pelita International School offers a school transport service through external bus providers. The service is available to students living in surrounding areas, and parents can arrange routes and fees directly with the operators. Availability may vary based on location, and safety protocols are managed jointly between the school and service providers.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Fees Overview (Malaysian Students) Application Fee: RM300 (one-time, non-refundable). Registration Fee: RM1,500 (one-time, non-refundable). Resource Fee: RM3,500 per academic year (covers miscellaneous, experiment, and ICT fees; non-refundable). Security Deposit: RM5,000 (refundable upon graduation or with one full term’s written notice before withdrawal, subject to policy).
Tuition Fees (per year/per term): The academic year is divided into three terms.
Year 7: RM15,000 annually (RM5,000 per term) Year 8: RM16,200 annually (RM5,400 per term) Year 9: RM17,640 annually (RM5,880 per term) Year 10: RM20,400 annually (RM6,800 per term) Year 11: RM21,120 annually (RM7,040 per term)
Billing Schedule & Payment Terms: Tuition fees are billed annually or on a term basis. A 6% early payment discount is available for full academic year tuition paid upfront. If a student withdraws mid-year, a refund for remaining terms is provided, but the 6% discount will be deducted from the refund.
Additional Costs: Fees do not include uniform, learning support, materials, meal plans, accommodation, co-curricular activities, or transport.
Payment Methods: Accepted via cash, cheque, or online bank transfer
Refunds: Only the security deposit and eligible tuition refunds under specified conditions are refundable.
School Fees Overview (International Students) Application Fee: RM500 (one-time, non-refundable). Registration Fee: RM6,500 (one-time, non-refundable). Resource Fee: RM3,500 per academic year (covers miscellaneous, experiment, and ICT fees; non-refundable). Uniform Fee: RM742 (includes three school uniforms and two sports T-shirts). Materials Fee: RM1,137 (Years 7–9) / RM2,500 (Years 10–11). Security Deposit: RM5,000 (refundable upon graduation or with one full term’s written notice before withdrawal, subject to policy).
Tuition Fees (per year/per term): The academic year is divided into three semesters Year 7: RM21,600 annually (RM7,200 per term) Year 8: RM22,800 annually (RM7,600 per term) Year 9: RM24,000 annually (RM8,000 per term) Year 10: RM28,800 annually (RM9,600 per term) Year 11: RM28,800 annually (RM9,600 per term)
Additional Costs: Co-curricular Activities (CCA): RM600-RM1728 annually (RM200–RM576 per term) Meal Plan: RM2700 annually Boarding Fee (two students per room): RM35000 (RM9,000–RM14,000 per term (refundable))
Billing Schedule & Payment Terms: Fees are billed by term. Payment accepted via cash, cheque, or online bank transfer.
Refunds: Only the security deposit, boarding fees, and applicable tuition refunds (with advance notice) are refundable. All other costs are non-refundable.
Tuition Fees (Per Annum) * Nursery: MYR 9,360 * Reception: MYR 13,110 * Year 1–2: MYR 15,480 * Year 3–4: MYR 19,440 * Year 5–6: MYR 21,240 * Year 7: MYR 25,185 * Year 8: MYR 27,600 * Year 9: MYR 30,015 * Year 10: MYR 31,050 * Year 11: MYR 33,810 *Note: All fees are annual and subject to change without prior notice. *
Billing Schedule & Payment Terms * Tuition fees are billed annually. * Classes commence upon full payment of fees. * A refundable deposit equivalent to one term’s tuition fee is required upon enrollment.
Additional Costs * Uniforms, textbooks, and co-curricular activities may incur additional charges.
Refund Policy * A full term’s written notice is required for withdrawal. * The withdrawal form must be submitted by the last school day of the preceding term. * Failure to provide timely notice results in forfeiture of the deposit. * Refunds are processed within the last week of the student’s final term.
Payment Methods * Payments can be made via bank transfer.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
—
Food options
Food options
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Food options
—
House system
House system
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House system
—
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
—
Governance and ownership
—
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Assumption International Secondary School offers the Cambridge international curriculum from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 5. In Years 7 to 9 (Key Stage 3), students follow a broad curriculum covering subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, ICT, and Languages. In Years 10 and 11 (Key Stage 4), students prepare for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), selecting from a range of subjects that include core and elective options. In Years 12 and 13 (Key Stage 5), students progress to AS and A-Level qualifications. Instruction is delivered in English, and assessments follow Cambridge International Examinations standards. The school supports a gradual academic progression tailored to international benchmarks.
Curriculum details
Pelita International School follows the Cambridge International Curriculum from Early Years through to A-Levels. In the Early Years and Primary School (Reception to Year 6), students follow the Cambridge Primary Program, which includes English, Mathematics, Science, and subjects such as Music, Art, ICT, Physical Education, and Emotional Intelligence. In Secondary School (Years 7 to 9), the curriculum transitions into the Cambridge Lower Secondary Program, continuing core subjects while introducing project-based learning and assessments. For Years 10 and 11, students prepare for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), selecting subjects such as English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Business Studies, ICT, and Additional Mathematics. Sixth Form students (Years 12 and 13) undertake the Cambridge A-Level program with a choice of academic subjects for university preparation. Throughout, students also study Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin as language subjects, and participate in co-curricular and enrichment programs.
1. Fill in the application form. Once you receive communication from the school, you’ll be asked to complete an application form. This form will include student details, academic background, and parent contact information. The form can typically be submitted online or in person.
2. Schedule and complete an assessment test. After your application is reviewed, the school will arrange a time for your child to take an academic assessment. This is used to understand the student’s current level and help place them in the appropriate year group. Assessment subjects and format may vary depending on the year level.
3. Attend a personal interview. Following the assessment, the school will schedule an interview with the student and parent. This meeting gives both sides a chance to discuss the student’s educational needs and expectations, and it also helps the school assess the student’s fit.
4. Receive and respond to an offer. If the application is successful, you will receive a Letter of Offer along with a Letter of Acceptance. Parents are required to sign and return the Letter of Acceptance by the given deadline to confirm enrolment.
5. Complete registration. To finalize enrolment, parents must pay the registration fees and purchase uniforms and books. This step officially secures the student’s place at the school. Orientation or further onboarding information may be shared at this stage.
Admissions
1. Book a school tour or visit. Parents are encouraged to visit the school in person to see the campus and meet staff. School tours can usually be arranged during the school week by contacting the administrative office. This step is optional but helpful for families unfamiliar with the school or area.
2. Submit the application form and supporting documents. Parents need to complete the official application form and submit documents including the child’s birth certificate, passport, academic records, and a recent passport-sized photo. A non-refundable application fee of MYR 300 is required at this stage.
3. Attend an interview and placement test. Students may be invited for an academic assessment or interview depending on their age and year group. This helps the school assess English proficiency and academic readiness. In some cases, this may be conducted online.
4. Receive an offer letter and confirm placement. Successful applicants will receive an official offer letter outlining the year group, fee structure, and terms of admission. To confirm a place, parents must pay the registration fee and deposit. The school will then provide start dates, orientation information, and class placement details.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Assumption International Secondary School offers scholarships, particularly for students from B40 (lower-income) families. These are provided through the Assumption Butterworth Alumni Association (ABAA), as part of a commitment to make the school accessible to a wider community.
Scholarships
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Waitlist
Waitlist
The school does not mention operating a formal waitlist or applicant pool system in its admissions materials.
Waitlist
Pelita International School does not publicly indicate the use of a waitlist or pool system.
