Prince of Wales Island International School - Tanjung Bungah vs Sri KDU International School Penang

	P Prince of Wales Island International School - Tanjung Bungah Penang, Malaysia	Sri KDU International School Penang Penang, Malaysia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year MYR 17,040 - 49,500	Fees / year MYR 18,900 - 52,500
Age range	Age range 3 - 13 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)	Curriculum British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 400	Pupils 540
Typical class size	Typical class size 18	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2019	Opened 2015
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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.	Location Sri KDU International School Penang is located in Simpang Ampat, on the mainland side of Penang, Malaysia. The school is about 30 minutes from Penang Island via the Second Penang Bridge and is accessible by major expressways such as the North-South Expressway. It serves families living in areas like Batu Kawan, Bukit Mertajam, and Seberang Jaya.
Stages	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.	Stages The school offers education for students aged 3 to 18, structured into Early Years, Primary, and Secondary levels. Students progress through the British curriculum, culminating in IGCSE and A-Level qualifications. The campus supports continuous education across all stages.
School type	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.	School type Sri KDU International School Penang is a co-educational day school, admitting both boys and girls from Early Years through Sixth Form. The school does not provide boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	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.	Additional learning support The school provides support for students with mild to moderate additional learning needs. This includes dedicated staff and tailored in-class support, though it is recommended that families discuss specific needs with the school in advance to determine suitability. There is currently no dedicated SEN department or facility for high-support requirements.
Country affiliation	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.	Country affiliation The school does not have an affiliation with any particular country.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation POWIIS does not have any religious affiliations.	Religious affiliation Sri KDU International School Penang is a secular school and does not have any religious affiliation.
School day structure	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.	School day structure The school day typically runs from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with scheduled morning breaks and a midday lunch period. Timings may vary slightly depending on the year level and co-curricular activities. After-school programs are also offered on select days.
Bus service details	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.	Bus service details Sri KDU International School Penang offers a school bus service. Parents can register and manage transport needs through the dedicated portal.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	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.	Fee details One-Time Fees: * Application Fee (International): MYR 1,500 * Application Fee (Malaysian): MYR 1,000 * Registration Fee (for EYFS): MYR 8,000 * Registration Fee (for Y1 onwards): MYR 10,000 * Security Deposit: MYR 10,000 (refundable upon withdrawal with required notice) Annual Tuition Fees: * Early Years (FS1–FS2): MYR 18,900 * Year 1: MYR 28,890 * Year 2: MYR 30,450 * Year 3: MYR 32,580 * Year 4: MYR 36,750 * Year 5: MYR 39,380 * Year 6: MYR 41,490 * Year 7: MYR 44,450 * Year 8: MYR 46,020 * Year 9: MYR 47,050 * Year 10-11: MYR 49,680 * Year 12: MYR 52,500 * Year 13: MYR 50,000 Note: The academic year is divided into three terms: Term 1, Term 2, and Term 3. Fees are paid on a termly basis Additional Costs: * Meals: Optional meal plans are available; costs vary based on selection. * Transportation: School bus services are offered; fees depend on distance and route. * After-School Activities: Some co-curricular activities may incur additional charges. * Examination Fees: External examination fees (e.g., IGCSE, A-Level) are charged separately. Billing and Payment Terms: * Payment Schedule: Tuition fees are billed termly and are payable in advance before the commencement of each term. * Payment Methods: Payments can be made via online bank transfer, cash, credit card, or cheque (payable to “XCL British Education Sdn Bhd”). * Late Payment: A late payment may result in restrictions on student attendance and access to reports. Refund Policy: * Security Deposit: Refundable upon withdrawal, provided one full academic term’s notice is given. * Registration and Admission Fees: Non-refundable. * Tuition Fees: Pro-rated refunds may be considered in cases where the school is unable to meet the student's needs. Sibling Discounts: * Second child: 10% discount on tuition fees * Third child: 15% discount * Fourth child and onwards: 20% discount
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement The uniform includes house-color T-shirts as part of the uniform.
Food options	Food options —	Food options Delischool is the school caterer providing healthy, balanced meals cooked on-site. Menus are reviewed by a dietitian and include a diverse range of local and international options to accommodate dietary needs.
House system	House system —	House system There are four houses: Griffin, Phoenix, Kelpie and Hydra. Each house is led by a house captain. All staff and students are allocated to a house and siblings are assigned to the same house.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership The school is part of the XCL Education family of schools and operates under Sri KDU branding. It is MOE-registered with MOE Reg No: PUBE001.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	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.	Curriculum details Sri KDU International School Penang follows the British National Curriculum, tailored for an international context. The educational stages are: * Early Years Foundation Stage (FS1–FS2): Focus on play-based learning and foundational skills. * Primary (Year 1–6): Core subjects include English, Mathematics, Science, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, History, Geography, Art, Computing, Design and Technology, Physical Education, and Music. * Secondary (Year 7–9): Continuation of core subjects with increased depth and complexity, preparing students for IGCSE. * IGCSE (Year 10–11): Students undertake the International General Certificate of Secondary Education examinations, choosing subjects based on their interests and strengths. * A-Level (Year 12–13): Pre-university program offering a range of subjects, enabling students to specialize in areas aligned with their higher education aspirations. The curriculum is delivered in English, with additional language instruction in Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin. Co-curricular activities complement academic learning, fostering a well-rounded educational experience.
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 Sri KDU International School Penang integrates social and emotional learning through its curriculum and school culture. The school emphasizes values such as respect, honesty, and kindness, aiming to develop students' personal and social skills alongside academic growth. Teachers are trained to support students' emotional health and social etiquette, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. Additionally, the school encourages democratic learning practices, allowing students to participate actively in their educational journey.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) The school is not a specialist SEN institution and may not be equipped to support students with severe or complex needs. Each application is considered on a case-by-case basis to ensure the best possible outcome for the student.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language Sri KDU International School Penang offers support for students requiring assistance with English as an Additional Language. The school employs EAL support assistants who provide specialized instruction to help students develop their English proficiency. This support is integrated into the classroom environment, allowing students to progress alongside their peers. The goal is to enable students to access the full curriculum effectively and confidently.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing The school prioritizes the mental wellbeing of its students by fostering a positive and supportive environment. Teachers and staff are attentive to students' emotional health, promoting values such as kindness and respect. Activities and challenges, like the "Wednesday Wellbeing Challenge," are organized to engage students in practices that support mental health. These initiatives aim to equip students with coping strategies and resilience for their personal development.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding Sri KDU International School Penang has a comprehensive safeguarding framework to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students. The school appoints a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) responsible for overseeing child protection policies and procedures. Staff and volunteers undergo regular training to stay informed about safeguarding best practices. The school also implements an effective online safety policy and maintains clear procedures for reporting and managing concerns. Visitors are provided with safeguarding information upon arrival to ensure a secure environment for students.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy View document
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview BXCL Penang International School has air-conditioned classrooms, art rooms, a black box theatre, a dance studio, a design technology workshop, ICT/digital learning spaces, libraries, and music rooms. The campus includes two football fields, a fully equipped multi-purpose hall, a primary sports hall, two swimming pools, and a range of indoor and outdoor learning spaces. A health clinic and a counselling room, plus a prayer room, are on site, and the environment is Wi‑Fi enabled with LED screens and interactive whiteboards in classrooms. These facilities support learning across a broad range of subjects and activities, both inside and outside the classroom.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities Two football fields, a primary sports hall, basketball courts, a futsal court, a netball court, and a soccer pitch are available for physical education and team sports. The campus includes a main swimming pool and a learner pool. Outdoor spaces and a multi-purpose hall support a variety of sports and activities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities Science laboratories support practical experiments, complemented by a design technology workshop. ICT/digital learning spaces and LED screens/interactive whiteboards equip classrooms for modern teaching. Libraries, art rooms, and music rooms provide spaces for creative and academic pursuits. The learning spaces are air-conditioned and designed to support a range of curricular activities.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities A wide range of enrichment activities are offered, including sports, performing arts, culture, science and technology. After-school activities are available, with examples such as chess and fencing.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History Sri KDU International School Penang was established in 2015 as GEMS International School Pearl City. In 2020, it was acquired by XCL Education, a Southeast Asia-focused education group, and rebranded to XCL International School Penang. The school became part of XCL British Education Sdn Bhd, which operates a network of schools across the region. In a further brand alignment move, the school was rebranded again in 2024 to Sri KDU International School Penang.
Community	Community —	Community Sri KDU International School Penang fosters a diverse and inclusive community, celebrating various cultural events that reflect its multicultural student body. Events such as Malaysia Day are observed, where students and staff share their appreciation for the country's diversity. The school also organizes festive celebrations, including Christmas events featuring performances by students, staff, and parents, promoting a sense of unity and togetherness.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association The school's PTA actively engages in organizing events and activities that enhance the school community's spirit. While specific events are not detailed, the PTA's involvement includes supporting school functions, facilitating communication between parents and the school, and contributing to a collaborative educational environment. Their efforts play a significant role in fostering a supportive and engaged school community.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual The school offers a wide range of co-curricular activities for FS1 through Year 13 that take place beyond the classroom. Activities span creative and performing arts, subject extensions, and sports, and are designed to support students' aspirations and build foundational skills. These activities are run by dedicated teaching staff or local community experts and are delivered within the school day across four sessions per week. The program provides access to enrichment as part of the learning experience.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative The school offers co-curricular activities in creative and performing arts as part of its beyond-the-classroom program. These activities foster creativity and artistic expression and complement academic learning. They are delivered by dedicated teachers or local community experts within the school day. Participation provides opportunities to explore artistic pursuits alongside peers.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies The co-curricular program includes basketball, volleyball, football, and international chess. These activities support teamwork, competition, and skill development among students from Early Years to Pre-University. They are run by staff or community experts and are scheduled four sessions per week within the school day.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional XCL International School Penang is now part of the Sri KDU community. The BXCL House System provides leadership and community-building opportunities.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing Co-curricular activities include basketball, volleyball and football, promoting physical activity, teamwork, and well-being. These activities run within the school day with four sessions per week, ensuring regular participation. Participation supports physical fitness, social connection, and overall well-being.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards As of now, there are no publicly documented awards for Sri KDU International School Penang within the past five years.
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations Sri KDU (formerly BXCL) – Accreditations & Memberships Overview 1. Council of British International Schools (COBIS) Sri KDU is a recognized member of COBIS, a prestigious global association that represents and quality-assures British international schools. This membership affirms the school’s commitment to delivering high standards of British-style education worldwide. 2. Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA) Since 2021, Sri KDU has been part of the FOBISIA network, a collaborative platform that promotes excellence in British-style international education across Asia. 3. Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) Sri KDU is fully accredited by CAIE to offer its internationally respected programmes. Students can pursue qualifications such as the IGCSEs and A-Levels, ensuring a rigorous and globally recognized academic path. 4. Pearson Edexcel Authorized by Pearson Edexcel, Sri KDU delivers a range of GCSE and A-Level programmes. This provides students with flexible academic options aligned with international benchmarks. 5. Association of International Malaysian Schools (AIMS) As a member of AIMS, Sri KDU is part of a national network of schools dedicated to elevating the quality and impact of international education in Malaysia. 6. Governance Network for International Schools (iGNIS) Sri KDU is a pioneer member of iGNIS, reflecting its strong leadership in education governance and ongoing pursuit of excellence and institutional improvement.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	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.	Admissions 1. Schedule a visit or book an open day (optional but encouraged). Families are encouraged to tour the campus, either during scheduled Open Days or by arranging a private appointment. This allows parents and students to experience the facilities and meet staff before applying. Virtual tours may also be available for overseas families. 2. Complete the online application form. Parents must fill out the school’s admission form, which can be submitted via the school’s website. Required documents include a copy of the child’s passport or birth certificate, recent school reports, immunization records, and any relevant assessments or reports for students with learning needs. 3. Interview and assessment. Depending on the year group, students may be invited to an age-appropriate academic assessment or interview. For younger children, informal observation or play-based activities may be used. This step helps the school determine class placement and any additional support needed. 4. Offer of placement and payment of fees. If a place is offered, families will receive an official letter of offer along with an invoice for the registration and admission fees, and details of the refundable security deposit. To confirm the place, payment must be made by the given deadline.
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 .	Scholarships Sri KDU International School Penang offers scholarships to students who demonstrate exceptional talent, particularly in academics, leadership, or other specialist areas. These scholarships are primarily awarded to students entering Sixth Form (Years 12–13).
Waitlist	Waitlist The school does not publicly mention a waitlist or pool system.	Waitlist Sri KDU International School Penang operates a waitlist system for year groups that are at full capacity. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and once all places are filled, subsequent applicants are added to the waitlist. Priority may be given to siblings of existing students or to applicants with a strong fit based on assessment outcomes. If a space becomes available, families on the waitlist are contacted directly in the order their applications were received.
	View full profile →	View full profile →