Seri Botani International School vs Tenby Schools Ipoh

	S Seri Botani International School Ipoh, Malaysia	Tenby Schools Ipoh Ipoh, Malaysia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year MYR 9,000 - 23,820	Fees / year MYR 10,410 - 29,490
Age range	Age range 3 - 17 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)	Curriculum IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels
Pupils	Pupils 230	Pupils 1,000
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 25
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2020	Opened 1960
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location SBIS is situated at 2 Dataran Botani 1A, Bandar Seri Botani, Ipoh, nestled within a 10-acre purpose-built campus in a quiet, landscaped township between Batu Gajah and Simpang Pulai. The school is easily accessed via Jalan Medan Botani and lies about 15–20 minutes from central Ipoh.	Location Tenby Schools Ipoh is located in Bandar Meru Raya, a growing township in the northwestern part of Ipoh. The school is nestled near residential neighbourhoods, offering a quiet learning environment. It is easily accessible via the Ipoh–Lumut Expressway and public routes.
Stages	Stages The school offers Early Years, Primary School and Secondary School levels.	Stages The school offers Toddler & Preschool, Primary (IPC), Secondary (IGCSE), and Sixth Form (A Levels).
School type	School type SBIS is a co-educational day and boarding school.	School type Tenby is a co-educational school offering both day and boarding (ages 12+).
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support SBIS delivers small class sizes (12–20 students) and adopts personalised mentoring for students, particularly those joining mid-year who receive additional English, Math, and Science support through specialised catch‑up lessons. Their structured academic approach is facilitated by Cambridge-trained teachers who use frequent monitoring and adaptive teaching to meet individual needs.	Additional learning support Tenby offers targeted support via its Learning Centre, which provides customised support for EAL (English as an Additional Language) learners, extra help for academic needs, and interventions for emotional and learning support. The Learning Centre’s focus is on ensuring students are happy, healthy, and safe.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school is not affilated with any country.	Country affiliation The school is affiliated with the United Kingdom through its use of the British-based international curriculum.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school is secular and does not have any religious affiliation.	Religious affiliation Tenby is not affiliated with any religion and it welcomes a global student body.
School day structure	School day structure School Start Time (Monday to Friday) Nursery & Reception: 8:00 AM Years 1 to 6: 8:00 AM Years 7 to 11: 8:00 AM Dismissal Time Monday to Thursday: Nursery to Year 6: 2:40 PM Years 7 to 11: 3:20 PM Friday: All levels (Nursery to Year 11): 1:20 PM Break Times (Monday to Friday) Nursery & Reception: 9:20 AM to 10:00 AM Years 1 to 4: 8:40 AM to 9:20 AM Years 5 to 8: 9:20 AM to 10:00 AM Years 9 to 11: 10:00 AM to 10:40 AM Lunch Times (Monday to Thursday) Nursery & Reception: 12:00 PM to 12:40 PM Years 1 to 4: 11:50 AM to 12:30 PM Years 5 to 8: 12:30 PM to 1:10 PM Years 9 to 11: 1:10 PM to 1:50 PM Friday: No lunch sessions for all year groups due to early dismissal.	School day structure Day School Students: 7:45am – 3:00pm Boarding Students: Morning Routine 6:15am – 6:45am Students begin their day with personal hygiene and tidying their living space 6:45am – 7:15am The first group boards the shuttle to school 7:00am – 7:35am Students arriving early have breakfast before lessons begin 8:30am (A Level students) A Level students travel later to school 8:30am – 9:00am (A Level students) Breakfast is served upon arrival for A Level students Academic Hours 7:45am Academic sessions commence for most students 7:45am – 3:00pm School hours Afternoon Return & Rest 3:30pm Students head back unless involved in Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) 3:30pm – 5:00pm Students engage in light personal activities or relaxation Evening Activities 5:00pm – 6:00pm Physical activities and fitness sessions 6:00pm – 7:30pm Shower & Dinner 7:30pm – 8:00pm Tidying dining areas and preparing for study time Study & Wind-Down 8:00pm – 9:30pm Revision / Homework 9:30pm – 10:30pm Family calls or organizing school items 10:30pm Hand in mobile phone to House Parents Bedtime 11:00pm
Bus service details	Bus service details The school offers a bus service.	Bus service details The school offers a bus service.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Early Years (Nursery & Reception) Application Fee: RM 500 (non-refundable) Registration Fee: RM 1,500 (non-refundable) Deposit: One term’s tuition fee (refundable and topped up yearly) Tuition Fee: RM 3,000 per term (3 terms per year) Material Fee: RM 300 per term After School Programme: Category 1 (2:40 PM – 5:00 PM): RM 800 per term Category 2 (School Holidays 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM): RM 600 per term Combined (ASP + Holidays): RM 1,200 per term International Student Fee (one-time): RM 5,000 Primary and Secondary (Year 1–11) Application Fee: RM 500 (non-refundable) Registration Fee: RM 2,500 (non-refundable) Deposit: One term’s tuition fee (refundable) Tuition Fees (per term): Year 1–2: RM 4,750 Year 3–4: RM 4,990 Year 5–6: RM 5,900 Year 7–8: RM 6,800 Year 9: RM 6,800 Year 10–11: RM 7,940 Technology Fee (per year): RM 400 for Years 1–6 RM 500 for Years 7–11 Visa Processing Fee (International Students): New Parents: RM 1,000 Renewals: RM 440 Students: RM 700 (new), RM 360 (renewal) International Student Fee (one-time): RM 5,000 Boarding Fees (Optional) Deposit: RM 2,000 (refundable) Full Boarding (3 terms): Single Room: RM 8,400 / 8,400 / 6,300 Double Room: RM 7,600 / 7,600 / 5,700 Weekday Boarding (5-day stay): Single Room: RM 7,200 / 7,200 / 5,400 Double Room: RM 6,400 / 6,400 / 4,800 Additional RM 150/day applies if weekday boarders stay over the weekend. Refund Policy Deposit Refund: The deposit (equal to one term’s fee) is refundable if: All outstanding fees are cleared. One full term’s written notice is provided before withdrawal. Non-refundable Fees: Application, registration, and international student fees. Boarding Withdrawal: A one-term written notice is required for deposit refund, else forfeited. Late Payments: A 5% per annum surcharge applies to fees unpaid by the 15th day of the term. Payment Methods Accepted Methods: Cash Cheque Online Bank Transfer Credit Card Terms: Fees are billed three times a year, prior to each school term.	Fee details Early Years School (Ages 2–5) For the Early Years programme, which includes Toddler, Nursery, and Reception levels: Children aged 2+ in Toddler, 3–4 in Nursery, and 4–5 in Reception are charged RM 3,470 per term, with 3 terms a year. A refundable deposit equal to half a term’s fee, i.e., RM 1,735, is required. Additional one-time fees include a non-refundable application fee of RM 1,000, a non-refundable registration fee of RM 1,500, and an annual resource fee of RM 1,455. International Primary School (Ages 5–11) The school uses a blend of the National Curriculum for England and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). Year 1 (ages 5–6) costs RM 5,160 per term, with a deposit of RM 2,580. Year 2 (ages 6–7) costs RM 5,500 per term, deposit RM 2,750. Year 3 and 4 (ages 7–9) are charged RM 7,030 per term, deposit RM 3,515. Year 5 and 6 (ages 9–11) are priced at RM 8,540 per term, with a deposit of RM 4,270. Additional fees include a non-refundable application fee of RM 1,000, a non-refundable registration fee of RM 4,000, and an annual resource fee of RM 1,455. International Secondary School (Ages 11–16) This programme prepares students for IGCSE examinations and supports character and life skill development. Years 7 to 9 (ages 11–14) cost RM 10,300 per term, with a refundable deposit of RM 5,150. Year 10 (ages 14–15) is RM 11,830 per term, deposit RM 5,915. Year 11 (ages 15–16) is RM 17,745 per term, deposit RM 5,915. These fees are exclusive of taxes and add-on charges like uniforms, books, food, transportation, co-curriculars, and exam fees. Sixth Form (Ages 16–18) For pre-university levels (Years 12–13), the fee is RM 9,830 per term, with a refundable deposit of RM 4,915. Refund Policy Tenby Schools Ipoh requires a deposit equal to one term’s tuition, which is refundable upon withdrawal if proper notice is given. All application and registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, regardless of student progression or withdrawal. Payment Methods The school does not have publicly available information on their payment methods.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements The Tenby Ipoh Boarding House accommodates students aged 12–19 and is located in a secure gated community near the campus. It provides air‑conditioned ensuite bedrooms, individual study spaces, reliable Wi‑Fi and home entertainment. There are separate accommodations for girls and boys, with dedicated House Parents who supervise welfare and wellbeing. The boarding day includes meals and a structured routine balancing study, sports and weekend activities.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement There is a school uniform, which can be bought from the school and differs for Early Years, Primary and Secondary.
Food options	Food options —	Food options Boarders have meals provided with meal times described as social moments offering healthy, balanced options. Breakfast is taken in the school canteen as part of a typical boarding day.
House system	House system —	House system Boarding operates under House Parents in a Home Style Boarding House. Two spacious, two‑storey townhouses host boarders with shared dining, study and social areas, plus two kitchens and laundry facilities. House Parents provide a family‑like, supportive environment and oversee welfare.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership The school is part of the International Schools Partnership network.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details SBIS follows the Cambridge International Curriculum, which is developed in the UK and used worldwide. Students begin with Cambridge Primary (Years 1–6), continue through Cambridge Lower Secondary (Years 7–9), and then prepare for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) exams in Years 10 and 11. The curriculum includes core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science, along with ICT, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, and Physical Education. The teaching style is structured and subject-based, and assessments are typically conducted through exams, assignments, and coursework.	Curriculum details Tenby Schools Ipoh offers a dual curriculum model, combining both international and Malaysian education tracks. The International Stream uses the British-based system, starting with the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC), followed by the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC), and culminating in the Cambridge IGCSE and A Level programmes.
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 —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning Tenby embeds its ISP ‘Learning.First’ competence framework, which weaves social-emotional skills into all aspects of school life, academic, CCA, and co-curricular. The school fosters resilience, teamwork, leadership, empathy, and growth mindsets through activities such as MUN, house systems, and School Council participation, encouraging students to step beyond academic comfort zones.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) Tenby considers SEN students on a case-by-case basis as at present they do not have a dedicated SEN department.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language The school does offer EAL. Incoming students undergo initial language assessments and personalized timetables, while in-class assistant support ensures they succeed alongside peers.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing Tenby actively nurtures mental well-being through a dedicated Safeguarding Team, including a Designated Safeguarding Lead and counsellor, offering accessible support to all students especially boarders. Their boarding house environment is built on safety, community, and emotional care, creating supportive social structures.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding The school enforces a formal Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy, led by trained Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs). Campus-wide measures include CCTV surveillance, visitor ID systems, controlled access points, and Safer Recruitment practices. Students benefit from on-site care through a qualified school nurse and a counsellor, while digital safety is supported by Smoothwall filtering, cyberbullying prevention, and device use education. Clear reporting mechanisms like the "MyConcern" system and policies on anti-bullying, physical intervention, and e-safety ensure swift and structured responses to any issues.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy View document
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview Tenby Ipoh sits on a 13-acre campus in Bandar Meru Raya, Ipoh, with green surroundings that support a calm learning environment. The campus is co-designed to be productive and inspirational for learners from Early Years to Sixth Form and for both day and boarding students. It features science laboratories, ICT suites, an art and design studio, a music studio, an auditorium, and a library, alongside spaces for sport, dining, and wellbeing. The Learning Centre provides access to counselling and wellbeing support, and the Boarding House offers en-suite accommodation close to campus for boarders. A canteen and a Parent cafe support daily life on campus, with safety and safeguarding measures prioritised.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities An air-conditioned Multi-Purpose Hall provides four badminton courts, a netball court, and a basketball court. The campus includes a football field and a 25-metre, 7-lane swimming pool with a diving board. A wading pool offers a safe shallow area for younger students, and a tennis court supports additional sports. The basketball court features a premium PowerGame surface.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities Six fully equipped Science Laboratories support hands-on learning in physics, biology, chemistry, and general science. The ICT Suites are advanced spaces for technology, digital skills, and coding. The Library is a spacious area for reading, homework, and research. The Design & Technology Lab provides modern tools, including a 3D printer. Art & Design Studios, Drama Studio, and Music Studios offer spaces for creative subjects. The Medical Centre includes a waiting area, two in-patient beds, and a treatment room for first aid. The Learning Centre provides counselling and wellbeing support for students.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities Tenby Ipoh offers international opportunities through International School Partnership (ISP) programmes. ISP Artists, ISP Changemakers, ISP Chess Masters, ISP Cultural Exchange, ISP Scientists, ISP Filmmakers, ISP Virtual Exchange, and ISP Model United Nations are available. These CCAs include workshops, cross-campus collaborations, and activities that develop digital, global, cognitive, and interpersonal skills, along with self-leadership. The ISP network connects Tenby Ipoh with partner ISP schools worldwide to broaden learning beyond the classroom.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History Established in 1960 by Mrs. Dorothy Nelson-Doig, Tenby International School Ipoh was originally a small expatriate kindergarten named after her Welsh hometown, Tenby. Over the years, the school grew to offer both British and Malaysian curricula on a dual-stream campus. In September 2013, it moved to a new, purpose-built site in Bandar Meru Raya. After several changes in ownership, the school is now part of the International Schools Partnership, a global education group.
Community	Community —	Community The school community comprises over 1,000 students from around 30 nationalities, engaging in regular cultural and service activities. Annual events, such as the Christmas Charity Run, support local causes like Epic Homes and Karisma Humanitarian Outreach Mission, reflecting the school’s commitment to community engagement. Students also participate in language, arts, and sporting clubs that foster inclusivity and shared experiences.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association The Parents’ Association works closely with the school to support events and student initiatives. Members volunteer at school performances, fundraising events, and cultural celebrations. The PTA also supports parent engagement by helping coordinate events like coffee mornings, celebration assemblies, and parent-teacher conferences.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual The school offers two curricula: the international British curriculum leading to IGCSEs and A levels, and the national Malaysian curriculum leading to UPSR and SPM. The international pathway runs from Early Years through Primary and Secondary to IGCSEs and Cambridge A levels. English, Mandarin and Bahasa Malaysia are used from Early Years, with a global curriculum framework across stages. The campus provides advanced learning spaces, including science laboratories, ICT suites, art and design studios, a music studio, and an auditorium. The school is part of the International Schools Partnership network, offering global skill-building programmes and university or career pathways.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative Art & Design Studios and Music Studios anchor creative learning, and the campus includes a Drama room and an auditorium for performances and events. These facilities support visual arts, theatre and music across the age range, enabling practical creative work and public performances.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language From Early Years the school operates in a trilingual mode with English, Mandarin and Bahasa Malaysia. English, Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin are offered across the school, with language support through a Learning Centre and English as an Additional Language provision. Real-world language experiences are available through ISP language programmes and exchanges, debates, and creative projects.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies International opportunities are delivered through ISP programmes, including ISP Artists, ISP Changemakers, ISP Chess Masters, ISP Cultural Exchange, ISP Scientists, ISP Filmmakers, ISP Virtual Exchange and ISP Model United Nations. These activities develop life competencies in digital, global, cognitive, self-leadership and interpersonal domains and include workshops, collaborations with ISP schools, and competitions across a global network.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service The school's social impact and global collaboration are advanced through ISP programmes such as IS P Changemakers and cultural exchange initiatives, fostering community action and international understanding among students aged 8–18.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Leadership opportunities are available through the Student Council, prefect roles, sports leadership and involvement in global learning programmes within the ISP framework.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing Boarding is available for students aged 12–19, with a safe, home-like Boarding House and dedicated House Parents. The day includes a structured schedule with study time, activities and supervision. The campus emphasizes safety and wellbeing with safeguarding teams, counselling services, and Student Support Services, and facilities include a swimming pool, canteen, parent cafe, library, and modern learning spaces such as science labs, IT suites, and arts spaces.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision English is the primary medium of instruction, with Malay and Mandarin taught as additional languages. Early Years and Primary teach English, Mandarin and Bahasa Malaysia; Secondary teaches English, Mandarin and Bahasa Malaysia. EAL (English as an Additional Language) support is available for students with zero to minimal English. The school offers two curricula: the international British curriculum leading to IGCSEs and A levels, and the national Malaysian curriculum leading to UPSR and SPM.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching The school offers trilingual education in English, Mandarin and Bahasa Malaysia; English is the primary medium of instruction.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards The school does not have publicly available information on their awards.
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations Pearson - Edexcel Cambridge Assessment International School  International Primary Curriculum
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Complete Application Form .Parents or guardians must fill in, sign, and submit the SBIS application form along with supporting documents (e.g., ID/birth certificates, school reports, immunisation records, photos). Malaysian and international requirements differ slightly. Applications can be submitted in person, via email, or by post. Assessment & Interview.Pay the non‑refundable application fee and, if a place is available, the student undergoes an age-appropriate Cambridge-style placement test. An interview with the Principal is required. Application Review.The Principal and admissions team review the completed application, test results, and interview notes. Parents are notified of the outcome within 7 working days. Offer & Deposit. If accepted, a Letter of Offer is issued. Parents secure the place by paying the non‑refundable registration fee, the refundable term deposit, and tuition fees before the commencement of term. Unsuccessful applicants will be informed within 10 working days and may reapply later.	Admissions 1. Book a visit. After enquiry, families are invited to tour the campus in person or virtually. 2. Submit application. Complete and return the application form along with documents (passport, birth certificate, previous reports, photos). 3. Application review. School reviews and may invite for assessment or interview based on age and documents. 4. Outcome notification. Receive either an unconditional offer, conditional offer (subject to meeting goals), or “not ready yet” with feedback. 6. Secure the place. Pay registration fees and deposit to accept the offer. 7. Prepare for start. Final administrative steps, including uniforms, orientation, and visa support if needed. 8. Commence schooling. Family receives term dates and student begins studies.
Scholarships	Scholarships The school does not have publicly available information on their scholarships.	Scholarships As part of the ISP scholarship scheme, Tenby Ipoh offers scholarships for A-Level students.
Waitlist	Waitlist The school does not have a waitlist.	Waitlist The school does maintain a waitlist for certain year groups due to high demand.
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