Edited by Aziza Francienne · B2C Marketing Manager
Penang has a notable concentration of SEN-supportive schools relative to its size, with several offering dedicated learning support coordinators and individualised education plans. The island's close-knit school communities mean SEN students often receive more personalised attention than in larger city schools.
Compare 11 SEN / Special Education international schools in Penang, Malaysia. Filter by curriculum, fees (average MYR 35,811), location, and more to find the right international school now.
Sri KDU International School Penang (formerly BXCL), founded in 2015, is located in Simpang Ampat on the mainland side of Penang, Malaysia. Previously known as BXCL, the school recently underwent a rebranding and now operates under the Sri KDU brand. The school offers the British curriculum from Early Years through to A-Levels and serves a diverse student body of approximately 540 students from over 20 nationalities. The purpose-built campus spans eight acres and includes modern facilities such as two football fields, two swimming pools, well-equipped science laboratories, a black box theatre, dance and music studios, and multi-purpose halls. Sri KDU International School Penang emphasizes both academic and co-curricular excellence. Its vibrant and strong House System comprises of four houses, which engage in year-round competitions in academics, sports and community service. The school’s co-curricular programme includes offerings such as taekwondo, robotics, drama, fencing and choir. Known for its integration of local and international learning elements, the school provides a holistic and global education in a nurturing environment.
Straits International School Penang, located in Bayan Lepas, offers education for students aged 3 to 16, following the National Curriculum for England and Cambridge curriculum for English, Mathematics, and Science . The campus includes facilities such as science laboratories, technology suites, a swimming pool, and a library . The school emphasizes language learning, with English as the medium of instruction and additional instruction in Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin . A distinctive feature is the school's integration of local subjects like Malaysian History and Moral Studies for Malaysian students, reflecting a commitment to both international and local educational standards .
Stonyhurst International School Penang is a coeducational day school for students aged 3 to 18, situated in Tanjung Tokong on Penang Island. The school offers a British-based curriculum, including the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), International Primary Curriculum (IPC), IGCSE, and A-Level programs. Facilities include an Astroturf field, a 25-meter swimming pool, a learner's pool, a multipurpose hall, a dance studio, junior and senior school libraries, an art gallery, and a 500-seat auditorium . A distinctive feature is the school's emphasis on 'cura personalis'—care for the entire person—manifested through personalized learning, coaching, advisory, and counselling programs . Each student is assigned an individual learning coach and mentor to support their educational journey.
Pelita International School, located in Tanjung Bungah, Penang, offers the British Cambridge curriculum from Early Years through IGCSE. The school emphasizes experiential learning, integrating practical activities and real-life scenarios into lessons. A distinctive feature is the inclusion of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) as a subject from Early Years to Key Stage 4, focusing on interpersonal and intrapersonal skills. Facilities include a football field, badminton and basketball courts, and a volleyball court. The school provides a range of co-curricular activities such as football, badminton, swimming, expressive arts, cooking, and dance. English is the primary language of instruction, with additional language classes in Malay and Mandarin.
Dalat International School in Penang, Malaysia, serves students from preschool through Grade 12 and delivers a North American, Christian-based education. All instruction is in English, with English as an Additional Language (EAL) support offered up to Grade 8 . The school offers 17 Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including AP Biology, Computer Science, Microeconomics, and Music Theory, with students typically taking up to six APs during high school . Its 1-to-1 laptop program supports digital learning across all levels. A notable feature is the school’s capstone and independent studies program, encouraging self-directed learning. Students also participate annually in local and overseas service-learning trips, with a mandatory 10 hours of community service per year. The Distance Learning Resource Center and a focus on Standards-Based Teaching and Learning (SBTL) further support flexible academic pathways. The campus is located in Tanjung Bunga and enrolls over 700 students from 22 countries.
Tenby Schools Penang, situated in Tanjung Bungah, offers both the British International Curriculum and the Malaysian National Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18. The campus spans 10 acres and features a 75,000 sq. ft. STEAM Centre known as "The STEAM Engine," supporting hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. The school emphasizes practical, project-based learning, encouraging students to engage in activities like designing rockets and participating in global collaborations. With over 75 co-curricular activities, students have opportunities in sports, arts, and various clubs. Language instruction includes English, with additional classes in Mandarin and Bahasa Malaysia. The school reports strong academic outcomes, with 93% of IGCSE students achieving A*–C grades in core subjects. Tenby Schools Penang is part of the International Schools Partnership, providing students with international exposure and opportunities.
St. Christopher’s International Primary School in Penang welcomes children aged 3–13 with a British-based curriculum adapted from EYFS and the UK National Curriculum up to Year 8. Located in the leafy Pulau Tikus residential district (served by Rapid Penang buses 10, 304 & 306), the campus blends older and newer facilities like a library, AV room, EAL/SEN support, a modern languages centre, and science labs. The school is particularly known for its “OPAL” (Outside Play and Learning) programme and annual residential trips, which are valued for building resilience and independence. With around 620 co‑educational students representing over 38 nationalities, SCIPS is a non-profit institution governed by parents and staff.
Assumption International Secondary School (AISS), located in Bukit Mertajam, Penang, Malaysia, offers the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum for students aged 11–19. The school emphasizes small class sizes to provide individualized attention and a stress-free learning environment. Students progress through Key Stages 3 to 5, culminating in A-Level qualifications. The campus spans 2.7 acres along Jalan Kulim and includes a classroom block, administrative offices, and a multi-purpose hall repurposed from the historic St. Joachim Church. AISS is notable for its commitment to affordability, aiming to make international education accessible.
The International School of Penang (Uplands) is a co-educational, not-for-profit school located in the coastal area of Batu Ferringhi, Penang, Malaysia. Established in 1955, it offers a full continuum of International Baccalaureate (IB) programs—PYP, MYP, and DP—as well as IGCSEs in the secondary years. The school enrolls students aged 4 to 18 from over 40 countries. The campus features six science labs, two drama studios, music and art rooms, design and technology labs, a multipurpose hall, a dedicated sports centre with a climbing wall, and a 25-metre outdoor swimming pool. One of the school’s distinctive features is its structured Service Learning Program, which is integrated across all year levels and encourages student-led projects that support local communities and NGOs.
Prince of Wales Island International School’s Balik Pulau campus opened in 2011 and offers British-based education from Year 7 to Sixth Form (age 11–19). Located in the quieter, agricultural western side of Penang, it combines rural surroundings with access to quality boarding and day education. The school follows the English National Curriculum, leading students through IGCSE to Cambridge A Levels. Academic achievements are strong. Facilities include science labs for hands-on STEM learning, sports fields used for FOBISIA events, and a creative arts programme offering choir, orchestra, and other drama productions. Boarding options include full, weekday or flexible plans, with transport services available.
Prince of Wales Island International School (POWIIS) – Tanjung Bungah, also known as POWIIS Primary, is a private international day school located on the scenic northern coast of Penang Island, Malaysia. Opened in September 2019, this campus serves children aged 3 to 13, covering Early Years to Key Stage 3. Designed to reflect a nurturing, inquiry-led philosophy, POWIIS Primary offers the English National Curriculum enriched with local and international perspectives. It promotes a student-centered approach where academic development, creativity, and personal well-being are deeply integrated.
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