Prince of Wales Island International School - Tanjung Bungah vs Stonyhurst International School Penang
Prince of Wales Island International School - Tanjung Bungah and Stonyhurst International School Penang are both in Penang, about 3 km apart. Both schools offer EYFS programmes. Prince of Wales Island International School - Tanjung Bungah also offers British, and Stonyhurst International School Penang also offers Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels. Published annual fees are MYR 17,040 - 49,500 at Prince of Wales Island International School - Tanjung Bungah and MYR 18,975 - 63,249 at Stonyhurst International School Penang, which puts Stonyhurst International School Penang roughly 24% higher. Prince of Wales Island International School - Tanjung Bungah takes pupils from 3 to 13, 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 - Tanjung Bungah's 400. Typical class sizes are 18 at Prince of Wales Island International School - Tanjung Bungah and 25 at Stonyhurst International School Penang.
British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Curriculum
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils
Pupils
400
Pupils
700
Typical class size
Typical class size
18
Typical class size
25
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2019
Opened
2022
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
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
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 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 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
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
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
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
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 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, 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 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
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
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 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.
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: 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 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
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. 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. 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 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
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
The school does not publicly mention a waitlist or pool 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.
