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· Reviewed by Aziza Francienne · B2C Marketing Manager
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.
2077, Jalan Kulim, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Penang
Assumption International Secondary School has 200 pupils, instruction in English.
Assumption International Secondary School is located at 2077, Jalan Kulim, in the town of Bukit Mertajam, Penang, Malaysia. The area is residential with local amenities and is accessible via main roads connecting to Butterworth and George Town.
The school offers education from Year 7 to Year 13, covering Key Stages 3 to 5 of the Cambridge international curriculum. Students typically begin around age 11 and complete their A-Levels by age 18 or 19.
Assumption International Secondary School is a co-educational day and boarding school.
The school offers academic interventions through its Quick Response and Intervention System (QRIS), supporting students who are not meeting curriculum benchmarks. Assistance is delivered in small groups, but the school is not a specialist SEN provider. It accommodates students with mild to moderate learning needs.
The school is a Malaysian institution and is not affiliated with any foreign country.
The school operates as an inclusive institution and welcomes students from all religious backgrounds.
Exact school hours are not published.
The school's official sources do not provide details about a school bus service.
Annual tuition at Assumption International Secondary School ranges from MYR 21,600 to MYR 28,800 for 2026/27.
Assumption International Secondary School teaches Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels for students aged 11 to 19.
Assumption International Secondary School offers the Cambridge international curriculum from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 5. In Years 7 to 9 (Key Stage 3), students follow a broad curriculum covering subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, ICT, and Languages. In Years 10 and 11 (Key Stage 4), students prepare for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), selecting from a range of subjects that include core and elective options. In Years 12 and 13 (Key Stage 5), students progress to AS and A-Level qualifications. Instruction is delivered in English, and assessments follow Cambridge International Examinations standards. The school supports a gradual academic progression tailored to international benchmarks.
Students at all grades participate weekly in Moral Lessons and Mind Therapy sessions alongside their academic timetable. These are designed to foster personal growth and emotional awareness. The school promotes values like self-determination and independence as part of its educational philosophy. Teachers work closely with students to encourage positive qualities and resilience.
There is no dedicated SEL department, but the integration of these lessons suggests a school-wide commitment to supporting students’ emotional development.
The school mentions that it caters to students with a variety of learning needs and offers an alternative method to typical international schools. A key provision is the use of a Quick Response and Intervention System (QRIS), which helps identify students who are underperforming. These students are then supported in small group interventions.
The school is not a specialist SEN institution and does not specify types of needs supported, but the approach indicates general support for mild to moderate learning difficulties.
Dedicated EAL programs or specialist staff are not explicitly listed in publicly available sources.
Mental wellbeing is supported through regular Mind Therapy sessions, conducted weekly as part of the school schedule for all students. These sessions are part of the school's efforts to create a nurturing and safe environment. Teachers and leadership place emphasis on moral and emotional development in parallel with academics.
No formal counselling department or mental health staff are named.
The school does not publicly provide detailed information regarding safeguarding.
1. Fill in the application form.
Once you receive communication from the school, you’ll be asked to complete an application form. This form will include student details, academic background, and parent contact information. The form can typically be submitted online or in person.
2. Schedule and complete an assessment test.
After your application is reviewed, the school will arrange a time for your child to take an academic assessment. This is used to understand the student’s current level and help place them in the appropriate year group. Assessment subjects and format may vary depending on the year level.
3. Attend a personal interview.
Following the assessment, the school will schedule an interview with the student and parent. This meeting gives both sides a chance to discuss the student’s educational needs and expectations, and it also helps the school assess the student’s fit.
4. Receive and respond to an offer.
If the application is successful, you will receive a Letter of Offer along with a Letter of Acceptance. Parents are required to sign and return the Letter of Acceptance by the given deadline to confirm enrolment.
5. Complete registration.
To finalize enrolment, parents must pay the registration fees and purchase uniforms and books. This step officially secures the student’s place at the school. Orientation or further onboarding information may be shared at this stage.
Assumption International Secondary School offers scholarships, particularly for students from B40 (lower-income) families. These are provided through the Assumption Butterworth Alumni Association (ABAA), as part of a commitment to make the school accessible to a wider community.
The school does not mention operating a formal waitlist or applicant pool system in its admissions materials.