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Malaysia, Penang
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Prince of Wales Island International School (POWIIS) Balik Pulau campus sits in a calm, rural setting on the western side of Penang Island, Malaysia, surrounded by orchards and rice fields. It’s reached via a short drive from Balik Pulau town, with a dedicated school bus service connecting it to various residential areas across the island.
POWIIS Balik Pulau caters to students aged 11 to 19, beginning from Year 7 through Year 13. The structure is aligned with the British educational system:
Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9): Students follow the National Curriculum of England, providing foundational academic skills across subjects.
Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11): Pupils prepare for the Cambridge IGCSE examinations across a range of core and elective subjects.
Sixth Form (Years 12–13): Students undertake Cambridge International A Levels, with subject choices tailored to individual strengths and university aspirations.
POWIIS is a co‑educational school offering day places for ages 11–19. Boarding is available in full-time, weekly, or flexible arrangements (flexi‑boarding) at the Balik Pulau campus.
POWIIS provides targeted support for students with additional learning needs through its Learning Support Department, which offers both English as an Additional Language (EAL) and SEN provisions:
EAL Support: Available for students in Years 7–9, focusing on building fluency and confidence in academic English through structured withdrawal sessions. Pupils are assessed and grouped according to their language needs.
SEN Support: Students with learning differences (such as dyslexia, ADHD, or mild autism spectrum conditions) may receive individualized support based on assessments. Provision can include:
One-to-one support sessions
Modified classroom strategies
Exam access arrangements (e.g., extra time)
Collaboration with external specialists (when needed)
POWIIS is an independent school in Malaysia but follows the English National Curriculum.
POWIIS does not have any religious affiliations.
The school day typically begins at 8:00 AM and ends by 3:00 PM. It includes a morning break and lunch break. Co-curricular activities take place after school hours on selected days.
Yes, POWIIS offers a school bus service across Penang Island, with designated pick‑up points in residential areas. Routes and pricing are outlined in the Parent Handbook and include behavior guidelines and booking procedures.
Application and Registration Fees:
Assessment Fee (non-refundable): MYR 1,000
Registration Fee (non-refundable): MYR 5,000
Course Deposit: Ranges from MYR 15,800 to MYR 18,000
Tuition Fees:
There are three terms per academic year.
Year 7 & 8: MYR 18,420 per term / MYR 55,260 annually
Year 9: MYR 19,240 per term / MYR 57,720 annually
Year 10 & 11: MYR 19,700 per term / MYR 59,100 annually
Year 12 & 13: MYR 20,990 per term / MYR 62,970 annually
A 3.5% discount is offered for full annual payment in advance.
Boarding Fees:
Available for students in Year 7 to Year 13:
Boarding Deposit: MYR 12,000
Full Boarding: MYR 13,200 per term / MYR 39,600 annually
Weekday Boarding (Mon–Fri): MYR 10,500 per term / MYR 31,500 annually
Flexi-Boarding: MYR 220 per night
Boarding includes meals, linen, air-conditioning, supervision, and weekend activities. Single rooms are provided for Sixth Form students.
Arts Academy Fees:
Standard Program:
Year 7 to Year 10, Year 12:
Termly: MYR 6,000
Annual: MYR 18,000
Year 11 and Year 13:
Termly: MYR 6,000
Annual: MYR 12,000
Premium Program:
Year 7 to Year 10, Year 12:
Termly: MYR 12,000
Annual: MYR 36,000
Year 11 and Year 13:
Termly: MYR 12,000
Annual: MYR 24,000
These fees are in addition to tuition and reflect specialised coaching, performance development, and advanced exposure to the arts. Year 11 and Year 13 only pay for two terms, because term 3 is mainly examinations.
Other Costs:
Uniforms, books, transport, and optional activities (e.g., instrumental music) are not included in tuition.
Billing Schedule and Payment Terms:
Fees are billed termly in advance. Tuition payments are due in August, December, and April for each academic year. A 3% discount is offered for full annual payment made in advance.
Refund Policy:
Deposits are refundable only if written notice of withdrawal is given by the deadlines listed in the handbook. Assessment and registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
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.
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