Prince of Wales Island International School - Balik Pulau vs Stonyhurst International School Penang
Prince of Wales Island International School - Balik Pulau and Stonyhurst International School Penang are both in Penang, about 14 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels programmes. Prince of Wales Island International School - Balik Pulau also offers British, and Stonyhurst International School Penang also offers EYFS. Published annual fees are MYR 55,260 - 62,970 at Prince of Wales Island International School - Balik Pulau and MYR 18,975 - 63,249 at Stonyhurst International School Penang, which puts Prince of Wales Island International School - Balik Pulau roughly 44% higher. Prince of Wales Island International School - Balik Pulau takes pupils from 11 to 19, and Stonyhurst International School Penang from 3 to 18. Stonyhurst International School Penang is the larger school, with around 700 pupils to Prince of Wales Island International School - Balik Pulau's 500. Typical class sizes are 24 at Prince of Wales Island International School - Balik Pulau and 25 at Stonyhurst International School Penang.
British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Curriculum
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils
Pupils
500
Pupils
700
Typical class size
Typical class size
24
Typical class size
25
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2011
Opened
2022
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Prince of Wales Island International School (POWIIS) Balik Pulau campus sits in a calm, rural setting on the western side of Penang Island, Malaysia, surrounded by orchards and rice fields. It’s reached via a short drive from Balik Pulau town, with a dedicated school bus service connecting it to various residential areas across the island.
Location
The school is located in Tanjung Tokong, a coastal neighborhood on Penang Island, about 15 minutes by car from George Town. It is situated within a residential area known for its waterfront housing and amenities.
Stages
Stages
POWIIS Balik Pulau caters to students aged 11 to 19, beginning from Year 7 through Year 13. The structure is aligned with the British educational system:
Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9): Students follow the National Curriculum of England, providing foundational academic skills across subjects.
Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11): Pupils prepare for the Cambridge IGCSE examinations across a range of core and elective subjects.
Sixth Form (Years 12–13): Students undertake Cambridge International A Levels, with subject choices tailored to individual strengths and university aspirations.
Stages
The school caters to students aged 3 to 18 and is divided into several stages: Early Years (Nursery and Reception), Pre-Prep (Years 1–2), Prep and Elements (Years 3–6), Figures to Lower Grammar (Years 7–9), Grammar and Syntax (Years 10–11), and Sixth Form (Years 12–13). Each stage follows a British-based curriculum aligned to the student's age and developmental needs.
School type
School type
POWIIS is a co‑educational school offering day places for ages 11–19. Boarding is available in full-time, weekly, or flexible arrangements (flexi‑boarding) at the Balik Pulau campus.
School type
It is a co-educational day school, welcoming both local and international students.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
—
Pupil nationality mix
—
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
POWIIS provides targeted support for students with additional learning needs through its Learning Support Department, which offers both English as an Additional Language (EAL) and SEN provisions:
EAL Support: Available for students in Years 7–9, focusing on building fluency and confidence in academic English through structured withdrawal sessions. Pupils are assessed and grouped according to their language needs.
SEN Support: Students with learning differences (such as dyslexia, ADHD, or mild autism spectrum conditions) may receive individualized support based on assessments. Provision can include:
* One-to-one support sessions * Modified classroom strategies * Exam access arrangements (e.g., extra time) * Collaboration with external specialists (when needed)
Additional learning support
While the school emphasizes personalized care, there is no specific mention of a dedicated SEN department or specialist learning support facilities in the current materials.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
POWIIS is an independent school in Malaysia but follows the English National Curriculum.
Country affiliation
The school is affiliated with Stonyhurst College in the UK, but operates independently in Malaysia. Its curriculum is based on the British education system.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
POWIIS does not have any religious affiliations.
Religious affiliation
The school has a Jesuit Catholic heritage and values, though it welcomes students of all faiths and secular backgrounds.
School day structure
School day structure
The school day typically begins at 8:00 AM and ends by 3:00 PM. It includes a morning break and lunch break. Co-curricular activities take place after school hours on selected days.
School day structure
The school day begins with gates opening at 7:35 AM, followed by student registration from 7:50 to 8:00 AM. For both Junior (Nursery to Year 6) and Senior School (Years 7 to 13), academic lessons run from 8:00 AM to 3:20 PM, including scheduled breaks and lunch.
After the academic day ends, Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) are held from 3:20 to 4:20 PM for students in Year 1 and above. Nursery children finish at 1:00 PM, with an optional “Stay and Play” session available until 2:30 PM.
Bus service details
Bus service details
Yes, POWIIS offers a school bus service across Penang Island, with designated pick‑up points in residential areas. Routes and pricing are outlined in the Parent Handbook and include behavior guidelines and booking procedures.
Bus service details
The school offers a bus service in partnership with Lim Boon Kooi School Bus Service (LBK). This service is available for students from Reception onwards and includes bus monitors for attendance and safety. Routes and pickup times are arranged based on demand, and younger students are only dropped off if a caregiver is present.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application and Registration Fees: * Assessment Fee (non-refundable): MYR 1,000 * Registration Fee (non-refundable): MYR 5,000 * Course Deposit: Ranges from MYR 15,800 to MYR 18,000
Tuition Fees: There are three terms per academic year. * Year 7 & 8: MYR 18,420 per term / MYR 55,260 annually * Year 9: MYR 19,240 per term / MYR 57,720 annually * Year 10 & 11: MYR 19,700 per term / MYR 59,100 annually * Year 12 & 13: MYR 20,990 per term / MYR 62,970 annually
A 3.5% discount is offered for full annual payment in advance.
Boarding Fees: Available for students in Year 7 to Year 13: * Boarding Deposit: MYR 12,000 * Full Boarding: MYR 13,200 per term / MYR 39,600 annually * Weekday Boarding (Mon–Fri): MYR 10,500 per term / MYR 31,500 annually * Flexi-Boarding: MYR 220 per night
Boarding includes meals, linen, air-conditioning, supervision, and weekend activities. Single rooms are provided for Sixth Form students.
Arts Academy Fees: Standard Program:
Year 7 to Year 10, Year 12: Termly: MYR 6,000 Annual: MYR 18,000
Year 11 and Year 13: Termly: MYR 6,000 Annual: MYR 12,000
Premium Program:
Year 7 to Year 10, Year 12: Termly: MYR 12,000 Annual: MYR 36,000
Year 11 and Year 13: Termly: MYR 12,000 Annual: MYR 24,000
These fees are in addition to tuition and reflect specialised coaching, performance development, and advanced exposure to the arts. Year 11 and Year 13 only pay for two terms, because term 3 is mainly examinations.
Other Costs: * Uniforms, books, transport, and optional activities (e.g., instrumental music) are not included in tuition.
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.
Refund Policy: Deposits are refundable only if written notice of withdrawal is given by the deadlines listed in the handbook. Assessment and registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Fee details
One-Time Fees * Application Fee: MYR 1,000 (non-refundable; applies to all year groups) * Enrolment Fee: * Nursery – Year 1: MYR 5,000 * Year 2 – Year 6: MYR 8,000 * Year 7 – Year 13: MYR 8,500 *(All enrolment fees are non-refundable)* * Security Deposit: MYR 5,000 (refundable with one term’s written notice)
Billing Schedule & Payment Terms * Fees are billed termly, with three terms per academic year. * A 3% early payment discount is available for full annual payment made upfront. * Payments can be made via bank transfer or cheque.
Additional Costs * Uniforms, meals, transportation, field trips, textbooks, student visas, and external exam fees are not included. * Learning Support Fee (if applicable): MYR 2,500 per year.
POWIIS Balik Pulau follows the British curriculum, structured around the English National Curriculum in the lower years and progressing to internationally recognised qualifications. In Years 7 to 9 (Key Stage 3), students study a broad range of subjects including English, Mathematics, Sciences, Humanities, Languages, Arts, and Physical Education. In Years 10 and 11, students prepare for the Cambridge IGCSE, selecting core subjects (such as English, Mathematics, and Sciences) along with elective options like Business Studies, Art, Music, or Computer Science. In the Sixth Form (Years 12–13), students choose from a range of Cambridge International A Levels, typically taking three or four subjects aligned with their future academic and career plans. The curriculum also includes pastoral, enrichment, and co-curricular programmes that support personal development. English is the medium of instruction, with additional language options offered as part of the academic programme.
Curriculum details
Stonyhurst International School Penang follows a UK-based curriculum from Early Years through Sixth Form. Children in Nursery and Reception follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, with a focus on play-based learning and early literacy and numeracy. In Years 1 and 2 (Pre-Prep), students begin formal instruction in core subjects, supported by specialist teaching in music, physical education, swimming, and languages such as French, Bahasa Malaysia, and Mandarin. From Years 3 to 6 (Prep and Elements), students follow the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) alongside English, mathematics, and science. In Years 7 to 9 (Figures to Lower Grammar), the curriculum expands to include humanities, computing, and creative subjects, leading to the IGCSE program in Years 10 and 11. Sixth Form students (Years 12 and 13) follow the A-Level curriculum, selecting individual subjects based on interest and university pathways.
1. Book a school tour or virtual open event: The school recommends visiting the campus or attending a virtual session to better understand its facilities, curriculum, and learning environment. This can be arranged through the admissions team.
2. Submit the application form and required documents: Parents complete the official application form and upload key documents including school reports, health information, birth certificate/passport, and a photo. These are submitted online or via email to the school registrar.
3. Assessment and interview: Students may be invited for academic assessment (including English language evaluation) and an interview with the academic team. These assessments help determine appropriate placement and support.
4. Offer of place and confirmation: If successful, an offer letter is issued. Parents then confirm the place by returning a signed acceptance form and paying a registration fee and deposit.
Admissions
1. Book a campus visit or attend an open house. Families are encouraged to visit the school to better understand the learning environment and facilities. Open houses or private tours can typically be arranged through the admissions team.
2. Submit an application form and required documents. To begin the formal admissions process, parents need to complete the application form and provide documents such as a copy of the student’s passport, birth certificate, previous school reports, and any relevant medical or learning support documentation. A non-refundable application fee of MYR 1,000 applies.
3. Assessment and interview. Applicants may be invited to take an age-appropriate assessment. Depending on the year level, students may also attend a short interview with the academic or pastoral team, either in person or online.
4. Offer of place and acceptance. If successful, families will receive a formal offer letter. To secure the place, parents must sign the acceptance documents and pay the required enrolment and security deposit fees.
5. Orientation and start of school. Once enrolled, students and families are invited to attend orientation sessions to become familiar with school routines, uniforms, and timetables. The admissions and pastoral teams provide support to ensure a smooth transition into school life.
Scholarships
Scholarships
POWIIS Bukit Pulau offers five types of scholarships for both existing and prospective students, applicable against tuition fees only:
General Academic: Based on CAT scores (top 5% of cohort), IGCSE performance (for Year 12), recent grades, and references.
Subject Specific: For exceptional achievement in a particular academic subject, supported by competition results and teacher recommendations.
Arts: For drama, music, design tech, or visual arts; applicants submit portfolios, performance samples, and validated exam/competition results.
Global Citizenship: Based on involvement in events such as MUN, GIN, WSC, or service projects, supported by portfolios and references.
Sports: For students excelling in school sports with documented team representation, trial performance, and coach recommendations.
Scholarships are awarded per term and are not applied retrospectively. They require an excellent record of attendance and behaviour. Only one application per student per year is accepted, and awards are confidential. Scholarships may be withdrawn with a term’s notice if criteria are not maintained.
Scholarships
The school offers a limited number of merit- and means-tested scholarships for academically strong students. Applicants who meet both academic and financial eligibility may apply for funding of up to 100% of school fees. Full scholarship recipients entering Sixth Form (Years 12–13) receive comprehensive support covering tuition, uniform, meals, books, equipment, residential and day trip fees, transportation, and—if applicable—boarding and insurance costs. These scholarships are awarded for the full two-year Sixth Form term and are subject to ongoing review.
In addition, the school previously offered Honorary Scholarships for high-achieving students who did not qualify for financial support. However, this category has now closed, as all honorary scholarships have been fully awarded.
Waitlist
Waitlist
POWIIS does not mention the use of a waitlist or pool-based admissions system.
Waitlist
Stonyhurst International School Penang does not publicly state whether it operates a waitlist or pooled admissions system. However, admissions are subject to availability in each year group.
