Tenby Schools Ipoh vs Westlake International School
Tenby Schools Ipoh and Westlake International School are both in Ipoh, about 41 km apart. Both schools offer British and Cambridge IGCSE programmes. Tenby Schools Ipoh also offers IEYC, IPC, IMYC and Cambridge International AS Levels, and Westlake International School also offers Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) and Cambridge A Levels. Published annual fees are MYR 10,410 - 29,490 at Tenby Schools Ipoh and MYR 9,300 - 15,900 at Westlake International School, which puts Tenby Schools Ipoh roughly 58% higher. Tenby Schools Ipoh takes pupils from 2 to 18, and Westlake International School from 3 to 18. Tenby Schools Ipoh is the larger school, with around 1,000 pupils to Westlake International School's 600. Both keep typical class sizes around 25.
IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels
Curriculum
British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils
Pupils
1,000
Pupils
600
Typical class size
Typical class size
25
Typical class size
25
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
1960
Opened
2013
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
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.
Location
Westlake International School is located in Bandar Barat, Kampar, within a lakeside township adjacent to Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR). Surrounded by hills and greenery, the campus offers a quiet academic environment. It is about 40 minutes southwest of Ipoh, with easy access via Federal Route 1 and the Kampar town centre.
Stages
Stages
The school offers Toddler & Preschool, Primary (IPC), Secondary (IGCSE), and Sixth Form (A Levels).
Stages
The school covers Kindergarten, Primary, Secondary (IGCSE), and Sixth Form (A Levels).
School type
School type
Tenby is a co-educational school offering both day and boarding (ages 12+).
School type
Westlake is co-educational, with on-campus day and boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
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.
Additional learning support
Westlake International School provides targeted academic support through tools like CAT4 ((Cognitive Abilities Test)) and GL Progress Testing, which help identify students' strengths and learning gaps. These assessments guide differentiated instruction in small classes, capped at 25 students, enabling personalized attention. High-performing students benefit from the E-ProP (Extended Programme for Potential), a specialised academic extension programme. For IGCSE and A-Level students, subject mentoring and academic coaching are available to reinforce learning and exam readiness.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school is affiliated with the United Kingdom through its use of the British-based international curriculum.
Country affiliation
Westlake is affiliated with the United Kingdom.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
Tenby is not affiliated with any religion and it welcomes a global student body.
Religious affiliation
The school does not have any religious affiliation however they do offer a Christian Fellowship.
School day structure
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
School day structure
School hours: Monday–Friday 7:30 am–4:30 pm
Differing dismissal times: Early Years finishes at 1 pm while older students remain until 3 pm on specific days.
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 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.
Fee details
One‑Time Enrolment & Application Fees Upon application: a RM 500 application fee is payable.
Upon acceptance, there’s a RM 3,000 enrolment fee.
International students (non-Malaysian passport holders) pay an additional RM 2,500 administration fee upon enrollment.
Academic Tuition Fees (Term-Based, 3 Terms Per Year) Westlake International School offers tuition from Early Years to Year 6 for students aged 5 to 11. Fees are charged per term and payable three times a year.
Early Years (age 5): RM 3,100 per term Year 1 and Year 2: RM 4,630 per term Year 3 and Year 4: RM 5,180 per term Year 5 and Year 6: RM 5,300 per term
Fees are subject to an annual increment of 5% to 15%, and deposits must be topped up yearly based on the student’s progression level.
Boarding Fees Boarding is available in two formats: weekday boarding (5-day stay) and full boarding (7-day stay). Each has its own rate and entitlements.
Weekday Boarding (5 Days/Week): Fee: RM 5,700 per term
Deposit: RM 1,000 (one-time, refundable with one full term’s written notice)
Duration: Sunday 2:30 PM to Friday after school
Meals: Breakfast and dinner daily, with dinner on Sundays
Laundry: Twice weekly
Weekend extension: Available at RM 70 per night, with full 7-day boarder privileges
Full Boarding (7 Days/Week): Fee: RM 6,900 per term
Deposit: RM 1,000 (refundable with proper notice)
Meals: Breakfast and dinner daily, with meal allowance on Saturdays
Laundry: Three times weekly
Return Policy: All boarders must return home during mid-term and end-of-term breaks
A strict one-term notice is required for withdrawal to be eligible for a boarding deposit refund.
E-ProP Programme: RM 1,000 per term (conditionally applicable based on programme placement)
Development Camps (Year 6): RM 300
Discounts & Payment Incentives Sibling Discount: A 15% discount on term tuition fees is granted for each additional sibling enrolled under the same family. The sibling at the highest level pays full fees, and discounts apply to others.
Advance Payment Discount: A 3% tuition discount is offered for full upfront payment of the academic year made by January of that intake year.
Refund Policy Tuition Deposit: Westlake requires a term fee deposit upon enrollment.
This deposit is refundable, but only with one full term’s written notice of withdrawal.
The notice must be submitted before or on the first day of the term in which the student intends to complete their stay.
Failure to provide this notice will result in forfeiture of the deposit.
Boarding Deposit: A one-time RM 1,000 deposit is required for both 5-day and 7-day boarders.
This is refundable, provided a written withdrawal notice is submitted one full term in advance.
If no notice is given, the boarding deposit is non-refundable.
Boarding is not available during mid-term or end-of-term breaks, and students must return home during these periods. Refunds are not granted for unused boarding days or missed excursions.
Payment Methods Bank Transfer Cash Cheque
Late Payment Clause
The school reserves the right to charge late payment interest at 5% per annum on outstanding balances not settled within 15 days of the term start date.
In cases of continued non-payment, the school may refuse entry to students or terminate enrollment without prior notice.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
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.
Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
There is a school uniform, which can be bought from the school and differs for Early Years, Primary and Secondary.
Uniform requirement
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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.
Food options
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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.
House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
The school is part of the International Schools Partnership network.
Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
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.
Curriculum details
Westlake International School offers the Cambridge International Curriculum across all levels, from Kindergarten through Sixth Form. Students begin with Cambridge Primary (Years 1–6), progress to Lower Secondary (Years 7–9), and take the IGCSE exams in Years 10–11. After IGCSE, students have the option to continue into Cambridge A Levels for university preparation. The curriculum is supported by project-based learning, digital literacy, and extracurricular programmes such as STEM, the arts, and leadership development.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
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.
Social & emotional learning
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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.
Special educational needs (SEN)
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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.
English as an additional language
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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.
Mental wellbeing
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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.
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.
Facilities overview
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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.
Sports facilities
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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.
Academic facilities
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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.
Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
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.
History
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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.
Community
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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.
Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
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.
Academic & intellectual
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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.
Arts & creative
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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.
Cultural & language
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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.
Social & hobbies
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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.
Community & service
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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.
Leadership & professional
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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.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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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.
Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
The school offers trilingual education in English, Mandarin and Bahasa Malaysia; English is the primary medium of instruction.
Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
The school does not have publicly available information on their awards.
Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
Pearson - Edexcel Cambridge Assessment International School International Primary Curriculum
Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
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.
Admissions
1. Download & complete application form.
2. Submit form and application fee. Email form and pay compulsory RM 500 fee.
3. Assessment & interview. Students sit for an entrance test; boarding candidates have supplementary interviews.
4. Offer issued . Successful applicants receive an offer letter (within ~2 weeks).
5. Pay enrollment & enrollment fees. RM 3,000 enrollment fee (plus RM 2,500 if international) and deposit (one term’s fee).
6. Complete registration & begin. Finalize paperwork, attend orientation, and begin school term.
Scholarships
Scholarships
As part of the ISP scholarship scheme, Tenby Ipoh offers scholarships for A-Level students.
Scholarships
Governor’s A-Level Scholarship: Up to 100% tuition coverage for high-achieving international students entering Year 12 (A Level)
Tan Sri Hew Excellence Scholarships: Provides up to 100% term fee waiver for academically outstanding applicants (Years 7–10)
Waitlist
Waitlist
The school does maintain a waitlist for certain year groups due to high demand.