Stonyhurst International School Penang vs Tenby Schools Penang

	S Stonyhurst International School Penang Penang, Malaysia	Tenby Schools Penang Penang, Malaysia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year MYR 18,975 - 63,249	Fees / year MYR 14,763 - 84,636
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 16 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)	Curriculum IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils 700	Pupils 770
Typical class size	Typical class size 25	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2022	Opened 2005
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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.	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 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.	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 It is a co-educational day school, welcoming both local and international students.	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 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.	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 is affiliated with Stonyhurst College in the UK, but operates independently in Malaysia. Its curriculum is based on the British education system.	Country affiliation The school offers the British curriculum but is not formally affiliated with the UK government.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school has a Jesuit Catholic heritage and values, though it welcomes students of all faiths and secular backgrounds.	Religious affiliation Tenby International School has no religious affiliation and operates as a secular school.
School day structure	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.	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 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.	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 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) Tuition Fees (per term / per year) * Nursery (EYFS): MYR 5,500 / MYR 16,500 * Reception (EYFS): MYR 6,325 / MYR 18,975 * Year 1 (Pre-Prep 1): MYR 9,156 / MYR 27,468 * Year 2 (Pre-Prep 2): MYR 9,156 / MYR 27,468 * Year 3–4 (Lower & Upper Prep): MYR 11,445 / MYR 34,335 * Year 5–6 (Lower & Upper Elements): MYR 13,734 / MYR 41,202 * Year 7–9 (Figures, Rudiments, Lower Grammar): MYR 17,808 / MYR 53,424 * Year 10–11 (Grammar, Syntax): MYR 18,868 / MYR 56,604 * Year 12–13 (Poetry, Rhetoric): MYR 19,166 / MYR 57,498 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. Sibling Discounts * 1st sibling: 3% tuition discount * 2nd sibling: 5% * 3rd sibling: 8%	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 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.	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. 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.	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 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.	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 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.	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.
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