Prince of Wales Island International School - Balik Pulau vs The International School of Penang (Uplands)
Prince of Wales Island International School - Balik Pulau and The International School of Penang (Uplands) are both in Penang, about 12 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge IGCSE programmes. Prince of Wales Island International School - Balik Pulau also offers British, Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels, and The International School of Penang (Uplands) also offers IB. Published annual fees are MYR 55,260 - 62,970 at Prince of Wales Island International School - Balik Pulau and MYR 24,800 - 70,800 at The International School of Penang (Uplands), which puts Prince of Wales Island International School - Balik Pulau roughly 24% higher. Prince of Wales Island International School - Balik Pulau takes pupils from 11 to 19, and The International School of Penang (Uplands) from 4 to 19. The International School of Penang (Uplands) 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 20 at The International School of Penang (Uplands).
British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Curriculum
IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE
Pupils
Pupils
500
Pupils
700
Typical class size
Typical class size
24
Typical class size
20
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2011
Opened
1955
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 Batu Ferringhi, a beachside suburb on the northern coast of Penang Island, Malaysia. It’s approximately 30 minutes by car from George Town. The area is quieter and more residential, popular with expat families.
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
Uplands is divided into Primary School (ages 4–11) and Secondary School (ages 11–18). The school follows the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), IGCSEs, and the IB Diploma Programme (DP). Students transition through these stages with age-appropriate academic and pastoral structures.
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
The school is co-educational and welcomes both day and boarding students. Boarding is available for students in Year 7 and above, with weekly and term options. The school operates on a not-for-profit basis.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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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
The school provides Learning Support Services to students with mild to moderate additional needs. Support may include in-class assistance, small group sessions, or one-to-one intervention, depending on individual assessments. The school collaborates with parents and specialists to develop tailored support plans.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
POWIIS is an independent school in Malaysia but follows the English National Curriculum.
Country affiliation
The school has no formal affiliation with any specific country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
POWIIS does not have any religious affiliations.
Religious affiliation
Uplands is a secular school with no religious affiliation.
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 typically runs from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Students have scheduled morning and lunch breaks, with time allocated for academic lessons, specialist subjects, and extracurricular activities. The timetable may vary slightly between Primary and Secondary levels.
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 provides a bus service operated by external providers that covers a range of residential areas around Penang Island. Buses are fitted with seatbelts and are supervised by trained personnel. Routes and pickup times are coordinated to accommodate student needs, and the school works closely with providers to ensure safety and punctuality.
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
Application & Enrolment Fees (One-Time)
* Application Fee: MYR 800 (non-refundable) * Entrance Fee: MYR 7,000 (non-refundable) * Enrolment Deposit: MYR 5,000 (refundable upon withdrawal, subject to conditions) * ISP School Association Membership Fee: MYR 1,000 (applicable to one parent only)
Annual Tuition Fees (by Year Group)
* Reception : MYR 24,800 (MYR 12,400 per semester) * Year 1 : MYR 30,200 (MYR 15,100 per semester) * Year 2 : MYR 37,200 (MYR 18,600 per semester) * Years 3–4 : MYR 44,200 (MYR 22,100 per semester) * Years 5–6 : MYR 53,000 (MYR 26,500 per semester) * Years 7–11 : MYR 68,000 (MYR 34,000 per semester) * Years 12–13 : MYR 70,800 (MYR 35,400 per semester)
*Tuition fees are billed in two equal installments per academic year.*
Additional Charges
* School Development Fund: MYR 2,500 per student, per annum * Personal Accident Insurance: MYR 40 per student, per annum (compulsory) * Public Examination Fees: Applicable for IGCSE and IB examinations in Years 11 and 13; fees vary based on examination boards * Textbooks: Costs for English Literature examination texts (Years 10 & 11) and unreturned IB course textbooks (Years 12 & 13) are billed separately * Uplands Parent Teacher Association Membership: MYR 100 per family, per annum * Library Fines: Charges apply for overdue, lost, or damaged books and resources * Additional Administrative Fees: Applicable for non-routine administrative tasks (e.g., school trips, issuance of certificates)
*All fees must be paid in full before a student can attend the school.*
Discounts
* Sibling Discount: * 10% reduction on tuition fees for the second child * 20% reduction on tuition fees for the third and subsequent children
* Early Payment Discount: * 5% discount on tuition fees by the scheduled early dates.
Payment Methods
* Accepted Payment Methods: * Cheque (payable to 'THE I.S.P.') * Bank Transfer
*Detailed payment instructions are provided upon acceptance.*
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
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
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
The International School of Penang (Uplands) offers a continuum of internationally recognized curricula from early years through pre-university. In the Primary School (Reception to Year 6), students follow the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), which focuses on inquiry-based learning across core subjects including English, mathematics, science, social studies, and languages. In Years 7 to 9, the school implements the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), which includes disciplines such as language and literature, individuals and societies, design, sciences, mathematics, and the arts. Years 10 and 11 prepare students for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations across a range of subjects including English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, and languages. In Years 12 and 13, students undertake the IB Diploma Programme (DP), which includes six academic subjects, a 4,000-word Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service). Language acquisition is integrated across all stages, with French, German, Mandarin, and Malay offered.
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. Schedule a campus visit or open day (if available). Families are encouraged to visit the school to better understand the environment and facilities. This can include a guided tour and the opportunity to speak with staff. Visits are optional but can help in making an informed decision.
2. Submit an application form. Applications are submitted online and must include supporting documents such as academic records, passport/ID, and any relevant reports (e.g., EAL or SEN assessments). An application fee of MYR 800 is payable at this stage. Applications can be submitted year-round, but spaces may be limited in certain year groups.
3. Student assessment and review. Depending on the age group and background, students may be invited to sit an entrance assessment and/or interview with a member of the academic team. English language proficiency and learning support needs are also reviewed to determine the level of support required.
4. Receive an offer. If the application is successful, the school will issue an offer letter. To secure the place, parents must pay the entrance fee (MYR 7,000) and enrolment deposit (MYR 5,000) within the given deadline.
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
Uplands offers a limited number of academic scholarships for students entering the IB Diploma Programme (Years 12–13). These are merit-based and awarded through an application process that typically includes previous academic records, teacher recommendations, and an interview. Scholarships may cover a portion of tuition fees and do not apply to boarding or additional fees. Specific scholarship availability and application deadlines are communicated directly by the school on an annual basis.
Waitlist
Waitlist
POWIIS does not mention the use of a waitlist or pool-based admissions system.
Waitlist
Uplands may operate a waitlist for year groups that are already at capacity. Applicants placed on the waitlist are notified in writing and may be offered a place if one becomes available. Priority is not guaranteed and may depend on factors such as sibling attendance, date of application, and the applicant’s educational profile. The school does not operate a pooled admissions round; decisions are made on a rolling basis.
