Tenby Schools Penang vs The International School of Penang (Uplands)

	Tenby Schools Penang Penang, Malaysia	T The International School of Penang (Uplands) Penang, Malaysia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year MYR 14,763 - 84,636	Fees / year MYR 24,800 - 70,800
Age range	Age range 3 - 16 years	Age range 4 - 19 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils 770	Pupils 700
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2005	Opened 1955
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	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.	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 offers the British curriculum but is not formally affiliated with the UK government.	Country affiliation The school has no formal affiliation with any specific country.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Tenby International School has no religious affiliation and operates as a secular school.	Religious affiliation Uplands is a secular school with no religious affiliation.
School day structure	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.	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 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.	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 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.	Fee details Application & Enrolment Fees (One-Time) * 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 —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school has a uniform. It is not included in tuition fees.	Uniform requirement —
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.	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
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.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	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.	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.
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 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.	Social & emotional learning —
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.	Special educational needs (SEN) —
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.	English as an additional language —
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.	Mental wellbeing —
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 —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy View document	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
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.	Facilities overview —
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.	Sports 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.	Academic 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.	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
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.	History —
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.	Community —
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.	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
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..	Academic & intellectual —
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 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.	Language provision —
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.	Bilingual teaching —
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.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
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.	Awards —
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.	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	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.	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 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.	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 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.	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.
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