Stonyhurst International School Penang vs The International School of Penang (Uplands)
Stonyhurst International School Penang and The International School of Penang (Uplands) are both in Penang, about 7 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge IGCSE programmes. Stonyhurst International School Penang also offers Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels and EYFS, and The International School of Penang (Uplands) also offers IB. Published annual fees are MYR 18,975 - 63,249 at Stonyhurst International School Penang and MYR 24,800 - 70,800 at The International School of Penang (Uplands), which puts The International School of Penang (Uplands) roughly 16% higher. Stonyhurst International School Penang takes pupils from 3 to 18, and The International School of Penang (Uplands) from 4 to 19. The two are similar in size, at around 700 and 700 pupils. Typical class sizes are 25 at Stonyhurst International School Penang and 20 at The International School of Penang (Uplands).
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Curriculum
IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE
Pupils
Pupils
700
Pupils
700
Typical class size
Typical class size
25
Typical class size
20
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2022
Opened
1955
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
The school is located in Batu Ferringhi, a beachside suburb on the northern coast of Penang Island, Malaysia. It’s approximately 30 minutes by car from George Town. The area is quieter and more residential, popular with expat families.
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
Uplands is divided into Primary School (ages 4–11) and Secondary School (ages 11–18). The school follows the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), IGCSEs, and the IB Diploma Programme (DP). Students transition through these stages with age-appropriate academic and pastoral structures.
School type
School type
It is a co-educational day school, welcoming both local and international students.
School type
The school is co-educational and welcomes both day and boarding students. Boarding is available for students in Year 7 and above, with weekly and term options. The school operates on a not-for-profit basis.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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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
The school provides Learning Support Services to students with mild to moderate additional needs. Support may include in-class assistance, small group sessions, or one-to-one intervention, depending on individual assessments. The school collaborates with parents and specialists to develop tailored support plans.
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 has no formal affiliation with any specific country.
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
Uplands is a secular school with no religious affiliation.
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 runs from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Students have scheduled morning and lunch breaks, with time allocated for academic lessons, specialist subjects, and extracurricular activities. The timetable may vary slightly between Primary and Secondary levels.
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 provides a bus service operated by external providers that covers a range of residential areas around Penang Island. Buses are fitted with seatbelts and are supervised by trained personnel. Routes and pickup times are coordinated to accommodate student needs, and the school works closely with providers to ensure safety and punctuality.
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)
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.
* Application Fee: MYR 800 (non-refundable) * Entrance Fee: MYR 7,000 (non-refundable) * Enrolment Deposit: MYR 5,000 (refundable upon withdrawal, subject to conditions) * ISP School Association Membership Fee: MYR 1,000 (applicable to one parent only)
Annual Tuition Fees (by Year Group)
* Reception : MYR 24,800 (MYR 12,400 per semester) * Year 1 : MYR 30,200 (MYR 15,100 per semester) * Year 2 : MYR 37,200 (MYR 18,600 per semester) * Years 3–4 : MYR 44,200 (MYR 22,100 per semester) * Years 5–6 : MYR 53,000 (MYR 26,500 per semester) * Years 7–11 : MYR 68,000 (MYR 34,000 per semester) * Years 12–13 : MYR 70,800 (MYR 35,400 per semester)
*Tuition fees are billed in two equal installments per academic year.*
Additional Charges
* School Development Fund: MYR 2,500 per student, per annum * Personal Accident Insurance: MYR 40 per student, per annum (compulsory) * Public Examination Fees: Applicable for IGCSE and IB examinations in Years 11 and 13; fees vary based on examination boards * Textbooks: Costs for English Literature examination texts (Years 10 & 11) and unreturned IB course textbooks (Years 12 & 13) are billed separately * Uplands Parent Teacher Association Membership: MYR 100 per family, per annum * Library Fines: Charges apply for overdue, lost, or damaged books and resources * Additional Administrative Fees: Applicable for non-routine administrative tasks (e.g., school trips, issuance of certificates)
*All fees must be paid in full before a student can attend the school.*
Discounts
* Sibling Discount: * 10% reduction on tuition fees for the second child * 20% reduction on tuition fees for the third and subsequent children
* Early Payment Discount: * 5% discount on tuition fees by the scheduled early dates.
Payment Methods
* Accepted Payment Methods: * Cheque (payable to 'THE I.S.P.') * Bank Transfer
*Detailed payment instructions are provided upon acceptance.*
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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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
The International School of Penang (Uplands) offers a continuum of internationally recognized curricula from early years through pre-university. In the Primary School (Reception to Year 6), students follow the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), which focuses on inquiry-based learning across core subjects including English, mathematics, science, social studies, and languages. In Years 7 to 9, the school implements the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), which includes disciplines such as language and literature, individuals and societies, design, sciences, mathematics, and the arts. Years 10 and 11 prepare students for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations across a range of subjects including English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, and languages. In Years 12 and 13, students undertake the IB Diploma Programme (DP), which includes six academic subjects, a 4,000-word Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service). Language acquisition is integrated across all stages, with French, German, Mandarin, and Malay offered.
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. Schedule a campus visit or open day (if available). Families are encouraged to visit the school to better understand the environment and facilities. This can include a guided tour and the opportunity to speak with staff. Visits are optional but can help in making an informed decision.
2. Submit an application form. Applications are submitted online and must include supporting documents such as academic records, passport/ID, and any relevant reports (e.g., EAL or SEN assessments). An application fee of MYR 800 is payable at this stage. Applications can be submitted year-round, but spaces may be limited in certain year groups.
3. Student assessment and review. Depending on the age group and background, students may be invited to sit an entrance assessment and/or interview with a member of the academic team. English language proficiency and learning support needs are also reviewed to determine the level of support required.
4. Receive an offer. If the application is successful, the school will issue an offer letter. To secure the place, parents must pay the entrance fee (MYR 7,000) and enrolment deposit (MYR 5,000) within the given deadline.
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
Uplands offers a limited number of academic scholarships for students entering the IB Diploma Programme (Years 12–13). These are merit-based and awarded through an application process that typically includes previous academic records, teacher recommendations, and an interview. Scholarships may cover a portion of tuition fees and do not apply to boarding or additional fees. Specific scholarship availability and application deadlines are communicated directly by the school on an annual basis.
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
Uplands may operate a waitlist for year groups that are already at capacity. Applicants placed on the waitlist are notified in writing and may be offered a place if one becomes available. Priority is not guaranteed and may depend on factors such as sibling attendance, date of application, and the applicant’s educational profile. The school does not operate a pooled admissions round; decisions are made on a rolling basis.
