Prince of Wales Island International School - Tanjung Bungah vs Tenby Schools Penang

	P Prince of Wales Island International School - Tanjung Bungah Penang, Malaysia	Tenby Schools Penang Penang, Malaysia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year MYR 17,040 - 49,500	Fees / year MYR 14,763 - 84,636
Age range	Age range 3 - 13 years	Age range 3 - 16 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)	Curriculum IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils 400	Pupils 770
Typical class size	Typical class size 18	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2019	Opened 2005
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 Tenby Schools Penang is located in Tanjung Bungah, a residential suburb on Penang Island, approximately 10 km from George Town. The area is popular with local and expatriate families and offers access to beaches, apartments, and local amenities. Public transport options, including Rapid Penang bus services, are available nearby, though most families rely on private vehicles or the school transport service.
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 International School follows the British curriculum, structured into Early Years (ages 3–5), Primary (ages 5–11), and Secondary (ages 11–18). Students progress through Key Stages 1 to 5, culminating in IGCSE and A Level examinations.
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 Tenby International School is a co-educational, non-boarding day school. Students from diverse nationalities attend, with English as the medium of instruction throughout all year levels.
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 Support is available for students with mild to moderate learning needs through the Learning Centre. Provision includes English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Special Educational Needs (SEN) support, coordinated in collaboration with classroom teachers.
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 offers the British curriculum but is not formally affiliated with the UK government.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation POWIIS does not have any religious affiliations.	Religious affiliation Tenby International School has no religious affiliation and operates as a secular school.
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 begins at 8:00 AM and ends around 3:00 PM, with slight variations by year group. Students have scheduled morning and lunch breaks, and optional after-school activities several days a week.
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 facilitates access to private bus services managed by third-party providers. Routes generally cover areas such as Tanjung Tokong, Batu Ferringhi, and George Town. Parents contract directly with providers, and the service is widely used given limited on-site parking and traffic congestion during peak hours.
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 Application and Registration Fees * Application Fee: MYR 1,600 (non-refundable) * Registration Fee: MYR 5,000 (one-time, non-refundable) * Refundable Deposit: Equivalent to half a term’s tuition fee, payable upon enrolment. The deposit is refundable upon withdrawal if all fees are settled, school property is returned, and the required notice period is given. Annual Tuition Fees (International School) Tuition is billed termly. The following fees are calculated by multiplying the termly rate by three: * Nursery: MYR 14,763 per year (MYR 4,921 per term) * Reception: MYR 15,000 per year (MYR 5,000 per term) * Year 1: MYR 20,430 per year (MYR 6,810 per term) * Year 2: MYR 24,609 per year (MYR 8,203 per term) * Year 3: MYR 29,661 per year (MYR 9,887 per term) * Year 4: MYR 33,009 per year (MYR 11,003 per term) * Year 5: MYR 38,001 per year (MYR 12,667 per term) * Year 6: MYR 39,810 per year (MYR 13,270 per term) * Year 7: MYR 43,848 per year (MYR 14,616 per term) * Year 8: MYR 47,562 per year (MYR 15,854 per term) * Year 9: MYR 50,355 per year (MYR 16,785 per term) * Year 10: MYR 54,594 per year (MYR 18,198 per term) * Year 11: MYR 84,636 per year (MYR 28,212 per term) Other Fees * Technology and Learning Support Fee: MYR 1400 * Additional costs for uniforms, books, transport, meals, co-curricular activities, school trips, and examination fees apply and are billed separately. * Deposit Fee (Refundable, amount is calculated based on year group) Payment Terms and Options * Fees are billed before the start of each term. There's three terms per year. * The first term’s tuition, along with the registration fee and deposit, is payable upon acceptance. * Payments can be made via bank transfer.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement The school has a uniform. It is not included in tuition fees.
Food options	Food options —	Food options The canteen offers a wide variety of Asian and Western food; meals can be preordered; the weekly menu changes; payments are cashless via the Vircle digital system.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership The school offers two pathways—the British International School and the Malaysian National School—and it is part of the International Schools Partnership (ISP) network.
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 Tenby International School Penang follows the British curriculum, beginning with the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) in Nursery and Reception. In Primary School (Years 1 to 6), students follow the English National Curriculum, covering subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, Computing, Geography, History, Art, Music, and Physical Education. Mandarin and Bahasa Malaysia are also taught as additional languages. In Secondary School (Years 7 to 9), students continue with Key Stage 3, maintaining a broad academic base. From Years 10 to 11, students prepare for the Cambridge IGCSE examinations across a range of subjects including English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Sciences, Humanities, Languages, and Creative Arts. In Years 12 and 13, students follow the A Level program, selecting from subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Business Studies, Psychology, and Art & Design.
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 integrates SEL into daily routines through its house system, where students are assigned to one of four houses—Ledang, Kinabalu, Jerai, or Tahan—each led by dedicated House Leaders and Tutors. Regular morning and afternoon tutor sessions provide consistent opportunities for students to connect, reflect, and receive guidance. This structure fosters a sense of belonging and encourages the development of leadership skills and peer support.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) Tenby International School Penang offers support for students with mild to moderate learning needs through its Learning Centre. A Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) oversees the development and implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs), collaborating with teachers and parents to tailor support strategies. The school assesses each student's needs upon entry to determine appropriate accommodations and interventions.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language Recognizing the diverse linguistic backgrounds of its student body, the school provides EAL support through its English Learning Centre. Students receive tailored assistance based on their proficiency levels to ensure they can access the full curriculum effectively. Approximately 33% of the student population benefits from EAL programs, which are designed to build confidence and fluency in English.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is a priority at Tenby International School Penang. The school employs certified Mental Health First Aiders who are trained to offer immediate support during mental health challenges. Additionally, the Learning Centre provides personalized counseling services for students aged 8 to 17, addressing social, emotional, and mental health needs through collaborative approaches involving parents and teachers.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding The school adheres to a comprehensive Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy, aligned with the International Schools Partnership guidelines. Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) and Deputy DSLs are clearly identified across the campus, ensuring that all staff are trained to recognize and respond to safeguarding concerns promptly. The policy emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for all students.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy View document
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview Tenby Schools Penang sits on a 10-acre campus. The STEAM Engine is a 75,000 sq ft centre opened in 2024 with robotics labs and creative studios. The campus includes a Dedicated Early Years Centre; science laboratories for Biology, Chemistry and Physics; a food technology kitchen; art studios; a makerspace; an Extended Reality (XR) lab; a computer science lab; and a robotics and coding zone that hosts VEX Robotics competitions. The site features a swimming pool (depth up to 7 feet), a football field, a basketball court, a multi-purpose hall, drama rooms including a Black Box theatre, music rooms and a recording studio, plus a library. An auditorium is coming soon.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities The football field has spectator-friendly sidelines and is regulation size. A basketball court is available near the multi-purpose facilities, and a multi-purpose hall provides space for sports, assemblies and large gatherings.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities The campus provides specialised science laboratories for Biology, Chemistry and Physics. A food technology kitchen supports culinary science. Art studios, a library and drama spaces including a Black Box theatre support creative and performing arts. The design & technology suite, Extended Reality (XR) lab, computer science lab and robotics and coding zone support STEM education, with the robotics zone hosting VEX competitions. The STEAM Engine underpins STEAM learning across the curriculum.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities Tenby Penang offers over 75 co-curricular activities, including VEX robotics, Duke of Edinburgh, ballet and climbing, and Tenby Tigers sports. Students participate in International School Partnership activities, including ISP Artists, ISP Changemakers, ISP Chess Masters, ISP Cultural Exchange, ISP Scientists, ISP Filmmakers, ISP Virtual Exchange and ISP Model United Nations.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History Tenby Schools Penang originated as Sekolah Sri Pinang in 1981, established by the Augustin family as the first private school in Penang. In 2005, it integrated with Tenby International School, combining Malaysian and British curricula on a single campus. By 2011, the school relocated to a purpose-built facility in Tanjung Bungah, enhancing its capacity and resources. Today, it operates under the International Schools Partnership, offering both international and national education streams.
Community	Community —	Community The school fosters a diverse and inclusive community, celebrating various cultural events and festivals. Regular events such as sports carnivals, open days, and cultural celebrations encourage community engagement and showcase student talents. These activities promote a sense of belonging and cultural appreciation among students, parents, and staff.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association The PTA at Tenby Schools Penang plays an active role in organizing events and facilitating communication between parents and the school. Activities include fundraising events, cultural celebrations, and support for school initiatives. The association provides a platform for parents to contribute to the school community and participate in their children's educational experience.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual Tenby Schools Penang provides two learning pathways: the British International School and the Malaysian National School, each enhanced by STEAM learning and an ambitious, supportive culture. The International Schools pathway follows an enhanced UK curriculum from Early Years through IGCSEs, while the National Schools pathway delivers the national curriculum with a Dual Language Programme (DLP) and global opportunities. Students in the National Schools pathway can opt for HSK Mandarin and IGCSE English Language exams..
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision Languages taught across the school include English, Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin. English is the language of instruction for many subjects under the DLP, with Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin supporting language study. At Early Years, learners study English, Mandarin and Malay; Primary includes Mandarin, Bahasa Malaysia and English; Secondary offers Mandarin and English-language studies. English Learning Centre provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support, and after-school language options include Japanese and Korean.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching The school offers bilingual education through the Ministry of Education-approved Dual Language Programme (DLP). The DLP keeps Bahasa Malaysia as a core subject while English is the medium for key subjects, including Science and Mathematics. The programme runs from Early Years to Secondary.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs Mandarin is taught from Early Years and continues through Primary and Secondary, in a multilingual setting alongside English and Malay. Early Years environments are described as trilingual (English, Mandarin, Malay). After-school options include Japanese and Korean.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards * NAPEI Excellence Award for Innovation in Education (2023): Awarded by the National Association of Private Educational Institutions, acknowledging the school's innovative STEAM programs and transformative learning spaces. * Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards (2017): Students recognized for top performance in Cambridge examinations, reflecting academic excellence.
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations * Council of International Schools (CIS): Accredited since April 2019, recognizing the school's commitment to high-quality international education and continuous improvement. * International Schools Partnership (ISP): Part of a global network of over 80 schools across 23 countries, providing access to international learning opportunities and best practices. * Cambridge Assessment International Education: Authorized to offer Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level qualifications, ensuring a globally recognized curriculum.
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. Book a school visit. After your enquiry, the admissions team will arrange a personal or virtual tour of the campus. This visit allows you to observe the school's environment and ask specific questions about your child's potential placement. 2. Submit an application. Applications are accepted year-round, subject to availability. You'll need to complete the application form and provide necessary documents, such as your child's birth certificate, passport, previous school reports, and any relevant medical or learning support information. 3. Application review and assessment. The admissions team will review your application. Depending on the year group and individual circumstances, your child may be invited for an assessment or interview to determine readiness and appropriate placement. 4. Receive an offer. Following the assessment, there are three possible outcomes: a full offer, a conditional offer with specific goals to be met, or a recommendation to defer entry until a later date. 5. Secure your child's place. To confirm acceptance, you'll need to submit any outstanding documents and pay the registration fee and deposit. This step finalizes your child's enrolment at the school. 6. Prepare for the start of school. The school will provide information on orientation sessions, uniform requirements, and any other preparations needed to ensure a smooth transition into the school community.
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 Tenby International School Penang offers exclusive scholarship opportunities through its affiliation with the International Schools Partnership (ISP). These scholarships provide students with unique opportunities to study with some of the world's most renowned institutions, gaining skills for emerging careers and industries globally. Eligibility criteria and application processes for these scholarships are communicated to students and parents as part of the school's Future Pathways program.
Waitlist	Waitlist The school does not publicly mention a waitlist or pool system.	Waitlist Tenby International School Penang does not operate a formal waitlist or pool system. Admissions are processed on a rolling basis throughout the year, subject to space availability in the desired year group. If a year group is full, applicants may be offered a place in a future term or advised to consider alternative options.
	View full profile →	View full profile →