Edited by Aziza Francienne · B2C Marketing Manager
Penang has a slower pace, known for its food, walkable areas, and a lifestyle that feels more relaxed compared to bigger cities. The island attracts families who want quality schooling without the bustle of KL, and its UNESCO-listed George Town adds cultural depth. School fees tend to be slightly lower than KL, and the expat community is close-knit with regular social events and coffee mornings.
Compare 7 international schools in Penang, Malaysia. Filter by curriculum, fees (average MYR 39,593), location, and more to find the right international school now.
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.
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.
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 .
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.
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.
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.
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.
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