Pelita International School vs Straits International School Penang

	P Pelita International School Penang, Malaysia	Straits International School Penang Penang, Malaysia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year MYR 9,360 - 33,810	Fees / year MYR 6,100 - 16,727
Age range	Age range 4 - 19 years	Age range 2½ - 16 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, Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils	Pupils 300	Pupils 500
Typical class size	Typical class size 22	Typical class size 25
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2013	Opened 2012
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 Straits International School Penang is located in Bayan Lepas on the southern part of Penang Island. The school is close to residential areas such as Sungai Ara and Bayan Baru.
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 is divided into Early Years, Primary, and Secondary sections. Early Years caters to children aged 3–5, Primary includes Year 1 to Year 6 (ages 5–11), and Secondary runs from Year 7 to Year 11 (ages 11–16).
School type	School type Pelita International is a private, co-educational day school.	School type The school is co-educational, enrolling both boys and girls across all age groups.
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 offers support for students with mild to moderate additional learning needs. Provision is managed by a dedicated Learning Support team, and accommodations may include small-group instruction, differentiated tasks, and in-class support. Support services are integrated into the school day where possible.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school has no formal affiliation with any country.	Country affiliation The school does not have a formal affiliation with any single country but follows the British curriculum framework.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school does not have a religious affiliation.	Religious affiliation The school has no religious affiliation and accepts students from all backgrounds.
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 around 3:00 PM, depending on the year group. Students have a mid-morning break and a lunch break, with meals either brought from home or available from the canteen. Co-curricular activities often take place after regular lessons.
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 The school offers a bus service to families living across Penang Island. The service is operated by external transport providers who coordinate directly with the school’s admin team. Routes and pick-up times are arranged based on student locations. Families can choose from full or one-way transport options depending on their needs.
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 and Enrolment Fees * Application Fee: MYR 1,600 (non-refundable, one-time payment). * Enrolment Fee (one-time, non-refundable): * Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS): MYR 2,000 * Primary School: MYR 5,000 * Secondary School: MYR 7,000 Tuition Fees (Per Term and Annual) The school operates on a three-term academic year. Tuition fees are as follows: Year Group Fee Per Term Annual Fee Nursery RM6,100 RM18,300 Reception RM6,700 RM20,100 Year 1 RM8,800 RM26,400 Year 2 RM9,800 RM29,400 Year 3 RM10,807 RM32,420 Year 4 RM11,867 RM35,600 Year 5 RM12,867 RM38,600 Year 6 RM13,733 RM41,200 Year 7 RM14,233 RM42,700 Year 8 RM14,727 RM44,180 Year 9 RM15,687 RM47,060 Year 10 RM16,007 RM48,020 Year 11 RM16,727 RM50,180 Resource Fees Resource fees are payable each term and vary by year group. Term Nursery to Year 2 Year 3 and Above Term 1 RM570 RM500 Term 2 RM565 RM500 Term 3 RM565 RM500 Additional Fees * Security Deposit: Equivalent to one term's tuition fee, refundable with one academic term's written notice of withdrawal. * Cyber Security Fee: MYR 250 ( one-time ) Billing Schedule and Payment Terms Tuition and associated fees are billed termly in advance and are due by the first day of each term. A late payment charge of 5% per month applies to outstanding balances not settled within seven days from the term's start date. Payment Methods Payments can be made via bank transfer to the school's designated account. Details are provided upon invoicing. Uniforms and Other Costs Uniforms are mandatory and can be purchased through the school's designated supplier. Additional costs may include school meals, transportation services, extracurricular activities, and examination fees, depending on the student's year group and participation.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements The school is a day school and does not offer boarding facilities. The school day runs from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement Students are required to wear a school uniform with black shoe.
Food options	Food options —	Food options The school offers breakfast and lunch service in school daily.
House system	House system —	House system The school has a house system; a Head of Houses oversees house activities and leadership opportunities.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership The school is part of International Schools Partnership (ISP), a global network of international schools.
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 Straits International School Penang follows the National Curriculum for England (NCE), integrated with the Cambridge curriculum for English, Mathematics, and Science. In Early Years (ages 3–5), students follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, focusing on play-based learning. In Primary (Years 1–6), the curriculum includes English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, ICT, Art, Physical Education, Music, and Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE). Malaysian students also study Bahasa Malaysia, Malaysian History, and Moral Studies. In Secondary (Years 7–9), students continue with a broad range of subjects, preparing for the IGCSE program. In Years 10 and 11, students study for Cambridge IGCSE examinations, selecting core and elective subjects from areas such as Business Studies, Additional Mathematics, ICT, and Global Perspectives.
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 —	Social & emotional learning The school incorporates Social and Emotional Learning through its PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic) program, which is delivered across all year levels. Teachers and form tutors regularly address themes such as emotional regulation, friendship, respect, and resilience. Classroom activities and assemblies provide structured opportunities for students to reflect on their behavior and interactions. The school’s House system also fosters teamwork and belonging. Pastoral care is integrated into daily school life, and staff are trained to identify students who may require additional support. In some cases, students are referred to the school counsellor for individual guidance.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) Straits International School Penang supports students with mild to moderate learning needs. A dedicated Learning Support team works with classroom teachers to adapt teaching strategies and provide targeted assistance. Support may include in-class support, small-group sessions, and modified tasks. The school typically supports needs such as ADHD, dyslexia, and speech or language delays. It is not a specialist SEN institution and may refer students with more complex needs to external professionals. Admission of students with SEN is subject to an individual needs assessment.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language The school offers support for students whose first language is not English. EAL provision includes in-class language support, pull-out sessions for targeted instruction, and differentiated materials. Teachers are trained to adapt lessons to help EAL learners access the full curriculum. New students may be assessed for their level of English and placed on an appropriate support plan. Over time, EAL students are expected to integrate into mainstream classes with reduced support as proficiency increases.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported through a combination of pastoral care, counselling services, and SEL-focused teaching. Students can speak with a trained school counsellor, who provides individual sessions when needed. Regular class time is allocated to discussions around stress, self-care, and emotional health, particularly in upper Primary and Secondary. Staff are encouraged to monitor students' wellbeing and refer any concerns through a clear internal process. Activities like mindfulness and circle time are also used, particularly in the younger years.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding The school follows a clear safeguarding and child protection policy aligned with international standards. All staff receive training on safeguarding procedures and how to report concerns. A designated Safeguarding Lead is responsible for managing incidents and ensuring policy compliance. The school conducts background checks on all employees and maintains secure procedures for campus access. Regular briefings and updates are provided to ensure all staff remain aware of their responsibilities.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy View document
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview The campus features bright, modern classrooms and laboratories with the latest technology enhancements. It includes kindergarten classrooms, spacious classrooms, three science laboratories, two large technology suites, and an upcoming STEM laboratory. The library, instrumental rooms and a multi-purpose hall support study, music and events. On‑site facilities include a swimming pool, a futsal pitch, a kindergarten playground, a cafeteria, a medical bay with a certified nurse, and a uniform shop and bookstore. Safety is prioritized with CCTV surveillance and access control via key cards.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities The school has a swimming pool and a futsal pitch for physical education and extracurricular sport. The multi‑purpose hall provides space for indoor sports, assemblies and activities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities The campus includes three science laboratories and two large technology suites. An upcoming STEM laboratory will expand hands‑on inquiry and project work. The library provides quiet study spaces and resources for research, and there are instrumental rooms for music.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities The school offers over 130 co‑curricular activities, including sports, music, arts and academic clubs. An After School Club runs until 5pm, and holiday programmes are available. Global opportunities include Model United Nations, educational trips, exchange programmes and competitions.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History Established in 2012 by Charter Sdn Bhd, Straits International School Penang began in a shophouse in Bayan Lepas. In October 2021, the school became part of the International Schools Partnership (ISP), integrating into a global network of international schools.
Community	Community —	Community The school hosts various community and cultural events, including Open Days that celebrate its diverse culture. These events provide opportunities for prospective parents to experience the school's learning atmosphere.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association The Straits Parents’ Society serves as the school's PTA, fostering collaboration between parents and the school. It organizes social events, supports school functions, and provides a platform for parental involvement in school activities.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual Straits International School Penang follows the National Curriculum for England and the Cambridge curriculum for English, Mathematics and Science. Ages 3 to 16 are served across Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary. The Secondary pathway leads to Cambridge IGCSE examinations, and the school reports a 100% pass rate in IGCSEs. The school is part of International Schools Partnership (ISP), offering global opportunities and a structured Future Pathways programme for university and career guidance.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative Arts and creative learning are integrated into the curriculum, with Art, Music and Drama included in Primary. The Primary timetable and core learning pillars emphasize a broad, arts-inclusive education alongside core subjects and co-curricular activities.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language The school maintains a trilingual learning environment (English, Mandarin and Bahasa Melayu) from Early Years through Secondary, with English as an Additional Language (EAL) support and native-language assistance. Mandarin lessons are delivered in Mandarin from Key Stage 2, and weekly language activities bolster cultural immersion.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies There are over 130 co-curricular activities on offer, including after-school clubs and holiday programmes. The After School Club runs until 5pm, providing supervised enrichment beyond the normal school day.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Challenge Week and service-based activities are integrated into the primary learning experience to engage with the local community.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Future Pathways provides personalised guidance for university and career planning. Students participate in international opportunities such as Model United Nations, exchanges and competitions, and the Life Competencies framework supports leadership and collaboration.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing The campus is described as modern and secure, with specialist spaces for music, science and sports. After-school care is available through the After School Club, contributing to student well-being and continuity of care. The school is located in Bayan Lepas, Penang.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision Languages taught: English, Bahasa Melayu and Mandarin. Instruction is conducted in English with EAL support; native-language lessons are offered in Bahasa Melayu and Mandarin.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching English-medium instruction with Bahasa Melayu and Mandarin language study; EAL support and native-language lessons are provided.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards As of now, there are no publicly documented awards specifically conferred upon Straits International School Penang as an institution.
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations * Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE): The school is an approved centre for Cambridge programs, offering IGCSE examinations in Years 10 and 11. * International Schools Partnership (ISP): As a member of ISP since October 2021, the school is part of a global network of over 85 schools across 23 countries, providing access to international learning opportunities and shared best practices.
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. Arrange a campus visit or attend an open house. Parents are encouraged to tour the school to better understand the facilities, classroom environments, and daily routines. Open House events are hosted periodically, or a private appointment can be scheduled with the admissions team. 2. Complete the application form and submit documents. The application form is submitted online and must be accompanied by supporting documents such as a copy of the child’s birth certificate or passport, previous school reports, and any relevant medical or specialist reports. 3. Pay the application fee. A non-refundable fee of MYR 1,600 must be paid at this stage. The school will not proceed to the next step until this payment is received. 4. Assessment and interview. Depending on the child’s age and year group, an entrance assessment or informal interview may be arranged. This helps the school determine appropriate placement and any additional learning support that may be required. 5. Offer and enrolment. If the application is successful, a formal offer letter is issued. Parents are required to accept the offer, pay the enrolment and security deposit fees, and complete the enrolment documents to secure the place.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships The school does not currently advertise or offer merit-based or needs-based scholarships.
Waitlist	Waitlist Pelita International School does not publicly indicate the use of a waitlist or pool system.	Waitlist Straits International School Penang operates a waitlist when year groups reach capacity. Offers are made based on application date, space availability, and student profile. In some cases, priority may be given to siblings of current students. If a place becomes available, the admissions team contacts the next family on the list.
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