St. Christopher's International School vs Straits International School Penang
St. Christopher's International School and Straits International School Penang are both in Penang, about 15 km apart. Both schools offer British and EYFS programmes, and Straits International School Penang also offers Cambridge (Secondary) and Cambridge IGCSE. Published annual fees are MYR 5,000 - 12,400 at St. Christopher's International School and MYR 6,100 - 16,727 at Straits International School Penang, which puts Straits International School Penang roughly 31% higher. St. Christopher's International School takes pupils from 3 to 10, and Straits International School Penang from 2.5 to 16. The two are similar in size, at around 620 and 500 pupils. Both keep typical class sizes around 25.
British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Curriculum
British Curriculum, Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils
Pupils
620
Pupils
500
Typical class size
Typical class size
25
Typical class size
25
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
1964
Opened
2012
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Located at No. 10 Jalan Nunn, SCIPS sits in the leafy Pulau Tikus suburb of George Town, Penang. It is close to Burmah and Macalister Roads—major thoroughfares lined with shops, eateries, and residential streets—and is served by several Rapid Penang bus routes (101, 102, 103, 104, 304, 306) within a 10–20 minute walk.
Location
Straits International School Penang is located in Bayan Lepas on the southern part of Penang Island. The school is close to residential areas such as Sungai Ara and Bayan Baru.
Stages
Stages
The school serves children aged 3–12, structured into Early Years (Nursery/Foundation/Reception), Primary School (Years 1–6), and an early Secondary extension (Years 7–8)—all following the British National Curriculum.
Stages
The school is divided into Early Years, Primary, and Secondary sections. Early Years caters to children aged 3–5, Primary includes Year 1 to Year 6 (ages 5–11), and Secondary runs from Year 7 to Year 11 (ages 11–16).
School type
School type
SCIPS is a co-educational, non-profit day school overseen by a board comprising expatriate and Malaysian representatives. It does not offer boarding facilities.
School type
The school is co-educational, enrolling both boys and girls across all age groups.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
The school runs a dedicated Learning Support department, led by a qualified Head of Learning Support, which provides tailored interventions in literacy, numeracy, and general learning strategies. Additionally, the school offers EAL (English as an Additional Language) support within classrooms and small groups.
Additional learning support
The school offers support for students with mild to moderate additional learning needs. Provision is managed by a dedicated Learning Support team, and accommodations may include small-group instruction, differentiated tasks, and in-class support. Support services are integrated into the school day where possible.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
SCIPS is registered under Malaysian law but delivers a British-style curriculum, reflecting its international governing structure.
Country affiliation
The school does not have a formal affiliation with any single country but follows the British curriculum framework.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliation and accepts students from all backgrounds.
School day structure
School day structure
Drop-off begins at 7:15 am, with lessons starting at 8:00 am. Students have a morning break (10:15–10:45 am) and lunch/play (12:45–1:45 pm), before finishing early for Early Years at 2:25 pm, Primary Years at 2:50 pm, and Years 5–7 at 3:00 pm. After-School Activities typically run until 4:00 pm
School day structure
The school day typically begins at 8:00 AM and ends around 3:00 PM, depending on the year group. Students have a mid-morning break and a lunch break, with meals either brought from home or available from the canteen. Co-curricular activities often take place after regular lessons.
Bus service details
Bus service details
SCIPS does not run its own bus service.
Bus service details
The school offers a bus service to families living across Penang Island. The service is operated by external transport providers who coordinate directly with the school’s admin team. Routes and pick-up times are arranged based on student locations. Families can choose from full or one-way transport options depending on their needs.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application and One-Time Fees
* Application & Registration Fee: MYR 1,500 for Foundation/Nursery/Reception/Year 1 or MYR 3,500 for Years 2–8 (includes MYR 300 non-refundable administration fee and MYR 650 non-refundable family membership fee) * Refundable Deposit: equivalent to one term’s tuition (refundable with one term’s written notice; depreciates 20% per annum after five years) * Development Fee: MYR 500 annually (supports campus facilities)
Annual Tuition Fees
* Foundation/Nursery: MYR 15,000 * Reception: MYR 17,700 * Year 1–2: MYR 21,300 * Year 3–4: MYR 28,200 * Year 5–6: MYR 33,000 * Year 7–8 (Prep): MYR 37,200
Payment Terms and Methods
* Tuition and additional fees are billed each term (three times per year). * A 4% discount applies if full annual tuition is paid upfront. * Late payments incur a 5% surcharge. * A full term’s tuition is payable even if a student leaves mid-term. * The refundable deposit is returned only after a term’s written notice, subject to a 20% annual depreciation after five years.
* Payment Methods: * Bank transfer * Credit card (available upon arrangement)
Refund Policy
* The deposit is refundable with appropriate notice and subject to annual depreciation. * Tuition refunds for Terms 2 or 3 may be issued if withdrawal occurs before the term starts. * Refunds are not issued mid-term.
* Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS): MYR 2,000 * Primary School: MYR 5,000 * Secondary School: MYR 7,000
Tuition Fees (Per Term and Annual)
The school operates on a three-term academic year. Tuition fees are as follows: Year Group Fee Per Term Annual Fee Nursery RM6,100 RM18,300 Reception RM6,700 RM20,100 Year 1 RM8,800 RM26,400 Year 2 RM9,800 RM29,400 Year 3 RM10,807 RM32,420 Year 4 RM11,867 RM35,600 Year 5 RM12,867 RM38,600 Year 6 RM13,733 RM41,200 Year 7 RM14,233 RM42,700 Year 8 RM14,727 RM44,180 Year 9 RM15,687 RM47,060 Year 10 RM16,007 RM48,020 Year 11 RM16,727 RM50,180 Resource Fees
Resource fees are payable each term and vary by year group.
Term Nursery to Year 2 Year 3 and Above Term 1 RM570 RM500 Term 2 RM565 RM500 Term 3 RM565 RM500
Additional Fees
* Security Deposit: Equivalent to one term's tuition fee, refundable with one academic term's written notice of withdrawal. * Cyber Security Fee: MYR 250 ( one-time )
Billing Schedule and Payment Terms
Tuition and associated fees are billed termly in advance and are due by the first day of each term. A late payment charge of 5% per month applies to outstanding balances not settled within seven days from the term's start date.
Payment Methods
Payments can be made via bank transfer to the school's designated account. Details are provided upon invoicing.
Uniforms and Other Costs
Uniforms are mandatory and can be purchased through the school's designated supplier. Additional costs may include school meals, transportation services, extracurricular activities, and examination fees, depending on the student's year group and participation.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
The school is a day school and does not offer boarding facilities. The school day runs from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
Students are required to wear a school uniform with black shoe.
Food options
Food options
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Food options
The school offers breakfast and lunch service in school daily.
House system
House system
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House system
The school has a house system; a Head of Houses oversees house activities and leadership opportunities.
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
The school is part of International Schools Partnership (ISP), a global network of international schools.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
SCIPS follows a British-based curriculum from Early Years through Prep (ages 3–13). In Nursery and Reception, the school uses a combination of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and International Primary Curriculum (IPC), focusing on structured play to develop communication, literacy, numeracy, physical, social, and emotional skills.
Years 1–6 align with the UK National Curriculum for core subjects—English, mathematics, science, computing, PE, and PSHE—while foundation subjects continue through the IPC. Specialist instruction is provided in Mandarin, Bahasa Malaysia, German, music, and art.
In Years 7–8 (Prep), students are taught by a small team of specialist teachers and engage in enrichment activities such as robotics, coding, photography, dancing, gardening, and community-based outings, alongside standard academic content.
All phases are regularly evaluated against UK standards, with ongoing internal data monitoring and external benchmarking through British Schools Overseas inspections, including the latest review in 2020.
Curriculum details
Straits International School Penang follows the National Curriculum for England (NCE), integrated with the Cambridge curriculum for English, Mathematics, and Science. In Early Years (ages 3–5), students follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, focusing on play-based learning. In Primary (Years 1–6), the curriculum includes English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, ICT, Art, Physical Education, Music, and Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE). Malaysian students also study Bahasa Malaysia, Malaysian History, and Moral Studies. In Secondary (Years 7–9), students continue with a broad range of subjects, preparing for the IGCSE program. In Years 10 and 11, students study for Cambridge IGCSE examinations, selecting core and elective subjects from areas such as Business Studies, Additional Mathematics, ICT, and Global Perspectives.
The school incorporates Social and Emotional Learning through its PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic) program, which is delivered across all year levels. Teachers and form tutors regularly address themes such as emotional regulation, friendship, respect, and resilience. Classroom activities and assemblies provide structured opportunities for students to reflect on their behavior and interactions. The school’s House system also fosters teamwork and belonging. Pastoral care is integrated into daily school life, and staff are trained to identify students who may require additional support. In some cases, students are referred to the school counsellor for individual guidance.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Straits International School Penang supports students with mild to moderate learning needs. A dedicated Learning Support team works with classroom teachers to adapt teaching strategies and provide targeted assistance. Support may include in-class support, small-group sessions, and modified tasks. The school typically supports needs such as ADHD, dyslexia, and speech or language delays.
It is not a specialist SEN institution and may refer students with more complex needs to external professionals. Admission of students with SEN is subject to an individual needs assessment.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
The school offers support for students whose first language is not English. EAL provision includes in-class language support, pull-out sessions for targeted instruction, and differentiated materials. Teachers are trained to adapt lessons to help EAL learners access the full curriculum. New students may be assessed for their level of English and placed on an appropriate support plan. Over time, EAL students are expected to integrate into mainstream classes with reduced support as proficiency increases.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through a combination of pastoral care, counselling services, and SEL-focused teaching. Students can speak with a trained school counsellor, who provides individual sessions when needed. Regular class time is allocated to discussions around stress, self-care, and emotional health, particularly in upper Primary and Secondary. Staff are encouraged to monitor students' wellbeing and refer any concerns through a clear internal process. Activities like mindfulness and circle time are also used, particularly in the younger years.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
The school follows a clear safeguarding and child protection policy aligned with international standards. All staff receive training on safeguarding procedures and how to report concerns. A designated Safeguarding Lead is responsible for managing incidents and ensuring policy compliance. The school conducts background checks on all employees and maintains secure procedures for campus access. Regular briefings and updates are provided to ensure all staff remain aware of their responsibilities.
The campus features bright, modern classrooms and laboratories with the latest technology enhancements. It includes kindergarten classrooms, spacious classrooms, three science laboratories, two large technology suites, and an upcoming STEM laboratory. The library, instrumental rooms and a multi-purpose hall support study, music and events. On‑site facilities include a swimming pool, a futsal pitch, a kindergarten playground, a cafeteria, a medical bay with a certified nurse, and a uniform shop and bookstore. Safety is prioritized with CCTV surveillance and access control via key cards.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
The school has a swimming pool and a futsal pitch for physical education and extracurricular sport. The multi‑purpose hall provides space for indoor sports, assemblies and activities.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
The campus includes three science laboratories and two large technology suites. An upcoming STEM laboratory will expand hands‑on inquiry and project work. The library provides quiet study spaces and resources for research, and there are instrumental rooms for music.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
The school offers over 130 co‑curricular activities, including sports, music, arts and academic clubs. An After School Club runs until 5pm, and holiday programmes are available. Global opportunities include Model United Nations, educational trips, exchange programmes and competitions.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
Established in 2012 by Charter Sdn Bhd, Straits International School Penang began in a shophouse in Bayan Lepas. In October 2021, the school became part of the International Schools Partnership (ISP), integrating into a global network of international schools.
Community
Community
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Community
The school hosts various community and cultural events, including Open Days that celebrate its diverse culture. These events provide opportunities for prospective parents to experience the school's learning atmosphere.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
The Straits Parents’ Society serves as the school's PTA, fostering collaboration between parents and the school. It organizes social events, supports school functions, and provides a platform for parental involvement in school activities.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
Straits International School Penang follows the National Curriculum for England and the Cambridge curriculum for English, Mathematics and Science. Ages 3 to 16 are served across Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary. The Secondary pathway leads to Cambridge IGCSE examinations, and the school reports a 100% pass rate in IGCSEs. The school is part of International Schools Partnership (ISP), offering global opportunities and a structured Future Pathways programme for university and career guidance.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
Arts and creative learning are integrated into the curriculum, with Art, Music and Drama included in Primary. The Primary timetable and core learning pillars emphasize a broad, arts-inclusive education alongside core subjects and co-curricular activities.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
The school maintains a trilingual learning environment (English, Mandarin and Bahasa Melayu) from Early Years through Secondary, with English as an Additional Language (EAL) support and native-language assistance. Mandarin lessons are delivered in Mandarin from Key Stage 2, and weekly language activities bolster cultural immersion.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
There are over 130 co-curricular activities on offer, including after-school clubs and holiday programmes. The After School Club runs until 5pm, providing supervised enrichment beyond the normal school day.
Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
Challenge Week and service-based activities are integrated into the primary learning experience to engage with the local community.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
Future Pathways provides personalised guidance for university and career planning. Students participate in international opportunities such as Model United Nations, exchanges and competitions, and the Life Competencies framework supports leadership and collaboration.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
The campus is described as modern and secure, with specialist spaces for music, science and sports. After-school care is available through the After School Club, contributing to student well-being and continuity of care. The school is located in Bayan Lepas, Penang.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
Languages taught: English, Bahasa Melayu and Mandarin. Instruction is conducted in English with EAL support; native-language lessons are offered in Bahasa Melayu and Mandarin.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
English-medium instruction with Bahasa Melayu and Mandarin language study; EAL support and native-language lessons are provided.
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
—
Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
As of now, there are no publicly documented awards specifically conferred upon Straits International School Penang as an institution.
Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
* Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE): The school is an approved centre for Cambridge programs, offering IGCSE examinations in Years 10 and 11.
* International Schools Partnership (ISP): As a member of ISP since October 2021, the school is part of a global network of over 85 schools across 23 countries, providing access to international learning opportunities and shared best practices.
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. If you would like to see SCIPS in person, schedule a campus tour. This allows you to experience the school’s environment and meet key staff. The admissions team will guide you through classrooms, play areas, and facilities, and can answer any questions you have regarding the curriculum, support programmes, or student life.
2. Prepare and submit the official application alongside required documents. Typically, SCIPS requests your child’s birth certificate, recent school reports, passport or NRIC copies for both student and parents, and recent passport-sized photographs. These documents help the admissions team verify eligibility, determine the appropriate year group, and plan for any additional learning or language support needs.
3. Await confirmation from the admissions team regarding the settling-in assessment period. SCIPS normally conducts a four-week assessment period once a student joins the school. This helps teachers understand your child’s academic level, language proficiency, and social integration, allowing them to offer targeted support for a smooth transition.
4. Discuss the year-group placement and any additional support requirements identified during assessment. SCIPS provides Learning Support and English as an Additional Language (EAL) programmes, and the admissions team will discuss these with you if relevant. They will clarify any concerns and explain how the school’s curriculum aligns with your child’s previous education and future learning pathway.
5. Review the school’s fee structure, payment terms, and required deposits. The admissions team will guide you through SCIPS's tuition fees, registration fees, deposit requirements, available sibling discounts, and payment timelines. This will help ensure you clearly understand all financial commitments before confirming enrolment.
6. Finalize your child’s admission by arranging any necessary student visa or residency documents (for international families). Once your enrolment is confirmed, the school will provide orientation details and communicate the official start date. Practical information regarding uniforms, school schedules, and transport options will also be shared, ensuring your child is ready for their first day at SCIPS.
Admissions
1. Arrange a campus visit or attend an open house. Parents are encouraged to tour the school to better understand the facilities, classroom environments, and daily routines. Open House events are hosted periodically, or a private appointment can be scheduled with the admissions team.
2. Complete the application form and submit documents. The application form is submitted online and must be accompanied by supporting documents such as a copy of the child’s birth certificate or passport, previous school reports, and any relevant medical or specialist reports.
3. Pay the application fee. A non-refundable fee of MYR 1,600 must be paid at this stage. The school will not proceed to the next step until this payment is received.
4. Assessment and interview. Depending on the child’s age and year group, an entrance assessment or informal interview may be arranged. This helps the school determine appropriate placement and any additional learning support that may be required.
5. Offer and enrolment. If the application is successful, a formal offer letter is issued. Parents are required to accept the offer, pay the enrolment and security deposit fees, and complete the enrolment documents to secure the place.
Scholarships
Scholarships
SCIPS does not offer scholarships or financial awards; all placements follow the standard admissions and fee structure.
Scholarships
The school does not currently advertise or offer merit-based or needs-based scholarships.
Waitlist
Waitlist
If your chosen year group is full, SCIPS places your child on a first-come, first-served waitlist, with siblings of current students given priority. The school will contact you when a space opens.
Waitlist
Straits International School Penang operates a waitlist when year groups reach capacity. Offers are made based on application date, space availability, and student profile. In some cases, priority may be given to siblings of current students. If a place becomes available, the admissions team contacts the next family on the list.
