Pelita International School vs Prince of Wales Island International School - Tanjung Bungah

	P Pelita International School Penang, Malaysia	P Prince of Wales Island International School - Tanjung Bungah Penang, Malaysia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year MYR 9,360 - 33,810	Fees / year MYR 17,040 - 49,500
Age range	Age range 4 - 19 years	Age range 3 - 13 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)	Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils	Pupils 300	Pupils 400
Typical class size	Typical class size 22	Typical class size 18
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2013	Opened 2019
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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.	Location POWIIS Tanjung Bungah is located in a residential coastal suburb on the northern side of Penang Island, Malaysia. The area is popular with both local and expatriate families and sits between George Town and Batu Ferringhi. It is well-connected by public roads and accessible by car from most areas of Penang. The school is situated near the beachfront, offering a quiet environment close to essential amenities.
Stages	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.	Stages The school caters to students aged 3 to 13, from Nursery (Early Years) through to Year 8 (Lower Secondary). The structure includes Early Years Foundation Stage (Nursery & Reception), Key Stage 1 (Years 1–2), Key Stage 2 (Years 3–6), and Key Stage 3 (Years 7–8). Students typically continue on to POWIIS Secondary in Balik Pulau for IGCSEs and A Levels.
School type	School type Pelita International is a private, co-educational day school.	School type POWIIS Tanjung Bungah is a co-educational international day school. It does not offer boarding facilities. All students attend on a day-only basis.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support While the school promotes inclusive education, there is limited publicly available detail on structured support for students with additional learning needs.	Additional learning support The school provides support for students with Additional Learning Needs (ALN), including dedicated Learning Support and English as an Additional Language (EAL) staff. Pupils with mild to moderate needs are supported within mainstream classrooms or through targeted interventions. Additionally, the school collaborates with peripatetic specialists (Speech & Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Music Therapy, and Counselling) onsite to support students holistically.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school has no formal affiliation with any country.	Country affiliation The school follows the English National Curriculum, but it is not formally affiliated with the UK government. It is privately owned and open to all nationalities.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school does not have a religious affiliation.	Religious affiliation POWIIS does not have any religious affiliations.
School day structure	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.	School day structure The school day typically begins at 8:00 AM and ends by 3:00 PM, with variations by age group. It includes a morning break and lunch break, with younger children often finishing slightly earlier. Co-curricular activities take place after school hours on selected days.
Bus service details	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.	Bus service details POWIIS Tanjung Bungah offers a school bus service with designated routes across Penang Island and the mainland. The service is operated by an external provider, and families can arrange transport directly with the provider. Fees vary depending on distance and service type.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application & Registration Fees * Application Fee: MYR 300 (non-refundable) * Registration Fee: MYR 1,000 (Reception) to MYR 3,500 (Year 11) 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.	Fee details Application Fees: A non-refundable assessment fee of MYR 1,000 is payable during the application process. A one-time, non-refundable registration fee of MYR 5,000 is required upon acceptance. A refundable deposit, ranging from MYR 5,000–18,000 depending on the year group, must be paid to secure the place. Tuition Fees: Nursery (Age 3) • Per Term: MYR 5,680 • Annual Total: MYR 17,040 Reception • Per Term: MYR 7,280 • Annual Total: MYR 21,840 Year 1–2 • Per Term: MYR 8,190 • Annual Total: MYR 24,570 Year 3–4 • Per Term: MYR 10,300 • Annual Total: MYR 30,900 Year 5–6 • Per Term: MYR 12,190 • Annual Total: MYR 36,570 Year 7–8 • Per Term: MYR 16,500 • Annual Total: MYR 49,500 Billing Schedule and Payment Terms: Fees are billed termly in advance. Tuition payments are due in August, December, and April for each academic year. A 3% discount is offered for full annual payment made in advance. Additional Costs: Additional fees apply for uniforms, school bus services, certain co-curricular activities, individual music lessons, and external assessments. These are billed separately depending on individual arrangements.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements Boarding is not available at POWIIS Tanjung Bungah. Boarding facilities are provided at POWIIS Balik Pulau for ages 11–19.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options Students can either bring packed lunches from home or order from a curated list of lunch providers at Tanjung Bungah; there is a school cafeteria at Balik Pulau.
House system	House system —	House system The school has a House Leadership program. There are four houses: Aqua, Ignis, Terra and Ventus.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership POWIIS is owned and operated by MTT Learning Academy Sdn. Bhd. The Board of Governors is appointed by MTT Learning Academy.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	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.	Curriculum details POWIIS Tanjung Bungah follows the English National Curriculum from Early Years through to Key Stage 3. In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), learning is play-based and focuses on personal, social, and emotional development alongside early literacy and numeracy. Key Stage 1 and 2 (Years 1–6) continue with core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science, supplemented by History, Geography, Computing, Music, Art, Physical Education, and Languages (including Mandarin and Bahasa Malaysia). In Key Stage 3 (Years 7–8), students study a broader subject range in preparation for the IGCSE pathway, which is offered at the Balik Pulau campus from Year 10 onwards. The curriculum is designed to provide continuity, with specialist teachers introduced from early primary years in subjects such as Music, Art, and PE. Students are also offered opportunities in co-curricular learning and community engagement as part of their holistic development.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar View document	Academic calendar View document
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Pelita International School integrates Emotional Intelligence (EQ) as a dedicated subject from Early Years through to Key Stage 4. The program focuses on helping students build self-awareness, empathy, and interpersonal skills. Lessons are delivered by trained teaching staff and embedded into the school timetable alongside core academic subjects. In addition to classroom activities, the school fosters SEL through its house system, peer collaboration, and student-led initiatives such as the student council. Co-curricular offerings in performing arts and service activities further support emotional expression and community engagement. Staff monitor students’ emotional development as part of regular pastoral care.	Social & emotional learning POWIIS Tanjung Bungah does not publicly disclose a formal Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programme. Elements of SEL are embedded within the Early Years Foundation Stage through the focus on Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED). From Year 1 onward, Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) is taught as a discrete subject and includes themes such as healthy lifestyles, relationships, and respect for diversity. In Key Stage 3, subjects like Drama and Outdoor Education also contribute to students' social and emotional growth through teamwork, self-expression, and resilience-building activities. While these components support aspects of SEL, they are not described as part of a dedicated SEL framework.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Pelita International School is not a specialist SEN institution but welcomes students with mild to moderate learning needs.	Special educational needs (SEN) POWIIS Tanjung Bungah runs a dedicated Learning Support Team providing classroom differentiation, small-group interventions, and one-to-one instruction for students with mild to moderate learning needs. Support includes on-site Speech & Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Music Therapy, and Counselling, delivered by peripatetic specialists. This is a mainstream school with inclusive SEN provision, but it is not a specialist SEN institution.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school does not have any dedicated EAL department.	English as an additional language EAL support is formally provided for multilingual students, with structured EAL classes to help them fully access the academic curriculum. These run from Early Years through Key Stage 3, with ongoing language development to aid integration.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported through the school’s EQ curriculum, which includes weekly classes focused on emotional literacy and coping strategies. Teachers monitor student wellbeing and provide informal pastoral care as part of their daily interactions. The small school size enables closer relationships between staff and students. Students also have access to a structured house system and leadership roles, which support peer connections and belonging. Although there is no dedicated school counsellor publicly listed, wellbeing is integrated into the school’s overall approach to education. Parents are encouraged to communicate openly with staff if additional support is required.	Mental wellbeing The school’s Wellbeing mission states they aim to nurture emotional, psychological, and social health by providing safe spaces and encouraging open communication. The school does not publicly disclose specific provisions, staff roles, or programmes focused solely on mental wellbeing for the Tanjung Bungah campus.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Pelita International School does not publicly provide a detailed safeguarding or child protection policy on its website. However, as an institution offering the Cambridge International Curriculum, it is expected to adhere to Cambridge's safeguarding standards.	Safeguarding POWIIS Tanjung Bungah maintains a comprehensive safeguarding framework to ensure student well-being and safety. All staff, including volunteers and contractors, undergo rigorous background checks, including identity verification, qualification review, and criminal record screening from both local and international authorities. Annual safeguarding training is mandatory for all staff, with additional 'Train the Trainer' sessions to maintain best practices. The school implements a detailed Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy, outlining procedures for identifying and responding to concerns. The Designated Safeguarding Lead is Amy Dennis, who works closely with school leadership. A safeguarding working group regularly reviews policies and procedures, and all child protection concerns are formally reported and documented.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy View document
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school is located at Jalan Cengai, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Penang, Malaysia. Hours are Monday to Friday 9am–5pm and Saturday 9am–12noon. The address and contact details are provided for inquiries.	Facilities overview The school has purpose-built facilities and offers a broad range of learning spaces to support its curriculum.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The school offers a range of sports and fitness activities as part of its co-curricular program, including football, badminton, swimming, and table tennis. It also features dance and Taekwondo as part of its sports offerings.	Sports facilities Pupil development includes sports and aquatics with an emphasis on fair play, self-discipline, teamwork, and leadership through sport.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The curriculum combines the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for the preschool level with the Cambridge curriculum for primary and secondary, including IGCSE and A-Levels, alongside a broad set of ICT and artistic facilities to support academics.	Academic facilities The curriculum is delivered through a British framework with adaptations for local context, supported by qualified staff.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Co-curricular activities include sports (dance, Taekwondo, swimming, football, badminton, table tennis), STEM (astronomy), arts (chess, creative arts, choir), and social activities (World Scholar's Cup).	Extra curricular facilities The extra-curricular programme includes academic and sporting opportunities as well as creative and expressive arts such as drama, orchestra and choir.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Pelita International School was established in 2013 as part of the Pelita Schools group, which also includes Pelita Private School. Located in Tanjung Bungah, Penang, the school was founded to provide an international education based on the British curriculum.	History MTT Learning Academy Sdn Bhd, part of a Malaysian-owned group with interests in education and property development. The founding vision was to offer an academically rigorous and inclusive British-style education within a Malaysian context. In response to growing demand for international primary education, the Tanjung Bungah campus opened in September 2019, designed specifically for students aged 3 to 13 (Nursery to Year 8). The campus was built with dedicated learning spaces, specialist rooms, and outdoor facilities tailored to younger learners. Students typically progress to the POWIIS secondary campus in Balik Pulau after Year 8.
Community	Community The school community actively participates in various events throughout the year, including cultural celebrations like Chinese New Year, Christmas, and Mother's Day. Students engage in activities such as field trips, science exhibitions, and performing arts events, fostering a vibrant school culture.	Community POWIIS Tanjung Bungah fosters an active and diverse school community. Cultural and community events play a central role in school life, including an annual International Day, Summer Fair, music recitals, and end-of-term productions. The school encourages parent and community involvement through career talks, volunteering, and fundraising. Partnerships with local businesses and organisations are integrated into learning and co-curricular activities, helping students build awareness of their wider community. These events also serve to strengthen collaboration between staff, students, and families across the school.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Pelita International School maintains an active Parent-Teacher Association that collaborates with the school to organize events and support student activities. The PTA plays a role in coordinating events such as school concerts and cultural celebrations, enhancing the school's community engagement.	Parent teacher association At Tanjung Bungah, the POWIIS Supporters Club (PSC) acts as a consultative group that meets regularly to discuss future initiatives and improve the school’s activities Best Schools Malaysia. PSC members help organize and run community-building events such as the Summer Fair, International Day, concerts, and sports events. The PSC also facilitates ongoing parent-teacher consultations and collaborates on fundraising activities and community outreach efforts. These activities provide structured opportunities for parent participation and feedback, helping to shape the school’s development over time.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Pelita International School follows the Cambridge Assessment International Education Curriculum for Primary and Secondary. In Primary (Years 1–6), the curriculum uses Cambridge Primary and, at the end of Year 6, students take Cambridge Primary Checkpoint in English, Mathematics, and Science. In Secondary (Years 7–11), students undertake Cambridge Secondary 1 Checkpoint in Year 9 and progress to Cambridge IGCSE in Years 10–11, followed by Cambridge A-Levels in Years 12–13. The Cambridge curriculum emphasizes English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, and Modern Languages, with Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin as part of the modern-language offering.	Academic & intellectual POWIIS Tanjung Bungah offers a holistic British curriculum for students aged 3 to 19, with campuses in Balik Pulau and Tanjung Bungah. The curriculum is based mainly on the National Curriculum for England and Wales but adapted to suit all abilities and fit the local environment. Mandarin, sport, technology and the performing and creative arts contribute to developing articulate, confident, well-rounded learners.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Arts offerings include Art & Design, Drama, Guitar, and Creative Arts as part of Cambridge topics and co-curricular activities. The Holistic Focus includes Music and Movement, Art & Design, and Design & Technology, integrating creative work with broader learning. A range of arts-based co-curricular activities is available, including Chess, Media Club, and Choir in addition to drama and performing arts.	Arts & creative Creative and performing arts are emphasised within the holistic curriculum, with a flourishing programme of expressive arts. The programme includes drama, orchestra and choir.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Modern Languages – Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin are offered as part of the Cambridge curriculum. In Cambridge IGCSE, Mandarin is listed as a Foreign/Second Language and Bahasa Malaysia is offered as a subject. English is a focus within the Cambridge curriculum. Global Perspectives is listed as a Cambridge subject.	Cultural & language Mandarin is offered with a two-track approach to accommodate diverse learners. The language provision is part of POWIIS TB's broader curriculum design.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Co-curricular activities include sports such as Dance, Taekwondo, Swimming, Football, Badminton, and Table Tennis. STEM offerings include Astronomy. Arts offerings include Chess, Drama, Creative Arts, Choir, and Guitar, plus the Media Club. The school participates in the World Scholar's Cup as a recurring competition.	Social & hobbies Sports and aquatics develop fair play, self-discipline, collaborative work, leadership, communication and resilience through sport. The extra-curricular programme provides a range of academic and sporting opportunities.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Pupils develop leadership through sport and collaborative activities, supported by the school's inclusive School Life programme. The aim is to provide opportunities that shape the leaders of tomorrow.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school provides a holistic program with Music and Movement and Personal, Social & Health Education. The Holistic Focus also covers Art & Design, Design & Technology, ICT, and Physical Education. A range of sports and clubs is available, including Badminton, Football, Basketball, Swimming, and Table Tennis, along with additional STEM and arts activities.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports and physical activity support students' well-being and personal development, with safeguarding policies emphasised to provide a safe environment.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Pelita International School follows the Cambridge Assessment International Education Curriculum for primary and secondary education, with Cambridge Primary Checkpoint exams at the end of Year 6, Cambridge IGCSE in Years 10–11, and Cambridge A-Levels in Years 12–13. English is taught as a core language, listed as First/Second Language for IGCSE and A-Levels. Malay (Bahasa Malaysia) and Mandarin are offered as modern/foreign language options within the Cambridge framework. In Early Years, the school uses the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.	Language provision Mandarin is taught as part of a two-track program with a distinct Mandarin curriculum; the curriculum is based mainly on the National Curriculum for England and Wales and is adapted to suit all abilities and the local environment; EAL/Learning Support provides additional language support.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching Mandarin is offered through a two-track approach with a distinct Mandarin curriculum.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations * Cambridge International School: Pelita International School is registered with Cambridge Assessment International Education, enabling it to offer Cambridge programs and qualifications such as IGCSE and A-Levels.	Accreditations Council of International Schools (CIS): Global accreditation ensuring rigorous self-evaluation, quality assurance, and continuous improvement. Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA): Regional membership enabling staff development and student participation in academic, sporting, arts, and musical events. Association of International Malaysian Schools (AIMS): National affiliation supporting collaboration within Malaysia’s international school community.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	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.	Admissions 1. Attend a school visit or Open Day. The school offers scheduled visits to help families explore the campus and observe learning in action. 2. Complete the age-appropriate assessment. * Nursery–Year 1 (ages 3–6): A 30-minute session with the Principal. * Years 2–3 (ages 6–8): A 1-hour session with the Principal, including reading and writing. * Years 4–6 (ages 8–11): A CAT4 test (1.5–2 hours) with the Registrar, followed by a 30-minute Principal interview. Years 7–12 (ages 11–17):* A CAT4 test plus a 15-minute interview with the Principal. 3. Submit required documents. Parents should provide the completed assessment registration form, the student’s current English-language school report (if applicable), and a copy of their passport or national ID. 4. Receive the decision and enrolment details. If a place is offered, the school will send an official offer letter with details of deposits, tuition fees, and payment deadlines.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships POWIIS Tanjung Bungah offers scholarships to both existing and new students entering Year 7 or Year 8. Each scholarship provides a 15% discount on annual tuition fees and is awarded in one of the following categories: Academic Scholarship: Awarded based on high CAT (Cognitive Aptitude Test) scores, a teacher or tutor recommendation, and demonstrated exceptional academic ability. Evidence of success in external academic competitions or subject-specific achievements is also considered. Creative Arts Scholarship (Art or Design Technology): Candidates must present a portfolio of work and/or show achievement in external examinations or competitions relevant to the discipline. Performing Arts Scholarship (Music or Drama): Assessed through a performance or portfolio, along with evidence of success in validated music/drama exams or competitions (e.g., ABRSM, drama festivals). Sports Scholarship: Candidates must show evidence of representation at state or national level, or participation in school sports teams at representative level or above. Certification of involvement in competitive events is required. All scholarship recipients must maintain an exemplary attendance and behaviour record. Scholarships are performance-based, reviewed regularly, and may be withdrawn with one term’s notice if students do not continue to meet the expectations .
Waitlist	Waitlist Pelita International School does not publicly indicate the use of a waitlist or pool system.	Waitlist The school does not publicly mention a waitlist or pool system.
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