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Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Taught languages English, German, Malay, Mandarin
Typical class size 25
Strengths STEM, Academic Enrichment, Outdoor Education, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Community and Service, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction
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.
St. Christopher's International School has 620 pupils, typical class sizes of 25, instruction in English.
Location
Located at No. 10 Jalan Nunn, SCIPS sits in the leafy Pulau Tikus suburb of George Town, Penang. It is close to Burmah and Macalister Roads—major thoroughfares lined with shops, eateries, and residential streets—and is served by several Rapid Penang bus routes (101, 102, 103, 104, 304, 306) within a 10–20 minute walk.
Stages
The school serves children aged 3–12, structured into Early Years (Nursery/Foundation/Reception), Primary School (Years 1–6), and an early Secondary extension (Years 7–8)—all following the British National Curriculum.
Type
SCIPS is a co-educational, non-profit day school overseen by a board comprising expatriate and Malaysian representatives. It does not offer boarding facilities.
Additional learning support
The school runs a dedicated Learning Support department, led by a qualified Head of Learning Support, which provides tailored interventions in literacy, numeracy, and general learning strategies. Additionally, the school offers EAL (English as an Additional Language) support within classrooms and small groups.
Country affiliation
SCIPS is registered under Malaysian law but delivers a British-style curriculum, reflecting its international governing structure.
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliation.
School day structure
Drop-off begins at 7:15 am, with lessons starting at 8:00 am. Students have a morning break (10:15–10:45 am) and lunch/play (12:45–1:45 pm), before finishing early for Early Years at 2:25 pm, Primary Years at 2:50 pm, and Years 5–7 at 3:00 pm. After-School Activities typically run until 4:00 pm
Bus service
SCIPS does not run its own bus service.
Diving Deeper
The school has not added this information
Fees
Annual tuition at St. Christopher's International School ranges from MYR 5,000 to MYR 12,400 for 2026/27.
Application and One-Time Fees
Application & Registration Fee: MYR 1,500 for Foundation/Nursery/Reception/Year 1 or MYR 3,500 for Years 2–8 (includes MYR 300 non-refundable administration fee and MYR 650 non-refundable family membership fee) Refundable Deposit: equivalent to one term’s tuition (refundable with one term’s written notice; depreciates 20% per annum after five years) Development Fee: MYR 500 annually (supports campus facilities)
Annual Tuition Fees
Foundation/Nursery: MYR 15,000 Reception: MYR 17,700 Year 1–2: MYR 21,300 Year 3–4: MYR 28,200 Year 5–6: MYR 33,000 Year 7–8 (Prep): MYR 37,200
Payment Terms and Methods
Tuition and additional fees are billed each term (three times per year). A 4% discount applies if full annual tuition is paid upfront. Late payments incur a 5% surcharge. A full term’s tuition is payable even if a student leaves mid-term. The refundable deposit is returned only after a term’s written notice, subject to a 20% annual depreciation after five years.
Payment Methods: Bank transfer Credit card (available upon arrangement)
Refund Policy
The deposit is refundable with appropriate notice and subject to annual depreciation. Tuition refunds for Terms 2 or 3 may be issued if withdrawal occurs before the term starts. Refunds are not issued mid-term.
Academics
St. Christopher's International School teaches British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage) for students aged 3 to 10.
Curriculum
SCIPS follows a British-based curriculum from Early Years through Prep (ages 3–13). In Nursery and Reception, the school uses a combination of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and International Primary Curriculum (IPC), focusing on structured play to develop communication, literacy, numeracy, physical, social, and emotional skills.
Years 1–6 align with the UK National Curriculum for core subjects—English, mathematics, science, computing, PE, and PSHE—while foundation subjects continue through the IPC. Specialist instruction is provided in Mandarin, Bahasa Malaysia, German, music, and art.
In Years 7–8 (Prep), students are taught by a small team of specialist teachers and engage in enrichment activities such as robotics, coding, photography, dancing, gardening, and community-based outings, alongside standard academic content.
All phases are regularly evaluated against UK standards, with ongoing internal data monitoring and external benchmarking through British Schools Overseas inspections, including the latest review in 2020.
1. If you would like to see SCIPS in person, schedule a campus tour. This allows you to experience the school’s environment and meet key staff. The admissions team will guide you through classrooms, play areas, and facilities, and can answer any questions you have regarding the curriculum, support programmes, or student life.
2. Prepare and submit the official application alongside required documents. Typically, SCIPS requests your child’s birth certificate, recent school reports, passport or NRIC copies for both student and parents, and recent passport-sized photographs. These documents help the admissions team verify eligibility, determine the appropriate year group, and plan for any additional learning or language support needs.
3. Await confirmation from the admissions team regarding the settling-in assessment period. SCIPS normally conducts a four-week assessment period once a student joins the school. This helps teachers understand your child’s academic level, language proficiency, and social integration, allowing them to offer targeted support for a smooth transition.
4. Discuss the year-group placement and any additional support requirements identified during assessment. SCIPS provides Learning Support and English as an Additional Language (EAL) programmes, and the admissions team will discuss these with you if relevant. They will clarify any concerns and explain how the school’s curriculum aligns with your child’s previous education and future learning pathway.
5. Review the school’s fee structure, payment terms, and required deposits. The admissions team will guide you through SCIPS's tuition fees, registration fees, deposit requirements, available sibling discounts, and payment timelines. This will help ensure you clearly understand all financial commitments before confirming enrolment.
6. Finalize your child’s admission by arranging any necessary student visa or residency documents (for international families). Once your enrolment is confirmed, the school will provide orientation details and communicate the official start date. Practical information regarding uniforms, school schedules, and transport options will also be shared, ensuring your child is ready for their first day at SCIPS.
Scholarships
SCIPS does not offer scholarships or financial awards; all placements follow the standard admissions and fee structure.
Waitlist
If your chosen year group is full, SCIPS places your child on a first-come, first-served waitlist, with siblings of current students given priority. The school will contact you when a space opens.
School Events
The school has not added events
FAQs
What curriculum does St. Christopher's International School follow?
SCIPS follows a British-based curriculum from Early Years through Prep (ages 3–13).
What age range does St. Christopher's International School cater to?
The school serves students aged 3 to 10. The school serves children aged 3–12, structured into Early Years (Nursery/Foundation/Reception), Primary School (Years 1–6), and an early Secondary extension (Years 7–8)—all following the British Nat.
What are the tuition fees at St. Christopher's International School?
Annual tuition ranges from approximately RM5,000 to RM12,400. ### **Application and One-Time Fees**
* **Application & Registration Fee:** MYR 1,500 for Foundation/Nursery/Reception/Year 1 or MYR 3,500 for Years 2–8 (includes MYR 300 non-refundable administratio
Where is St. Christopher's International School located?
Located at No. 10 Jalan Nunn, SCIPS sits in the leafy Pulau Tikus suburb of George Town, Penang. It is close to Burmah and Macalister Roads—major thoroughfares lined with shops, eateries, and residential streets—and is served by several Rapid Penang bus routes (101, 102, 103, 104, 304, 306) within a
What are the school hours at St. Christopher's International School?
Drop-off begins at 7:15 am, with lessons starting at 8:00 am. Students have a morning break (10:15–10:45 am) and lunch/play (12:45–1:45 pm), before finishing early for Early Years at 2:25 pm, Primary Years at 2:50 pm, and Years 5–7 at 3:00 pm. After-School Activities typically run until 4:00 pm
What accreditations does St. Christopher's International School hold?
British Schools Overseas (BSO) – Inspectorate Approved (2024): SCIPS was most recently inspected in June 2024 by Penta International and met all BSO standards, confirming alignment with UK school quality benchmarks. Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA) Membership: S
Does St. Christopher's International School provide additional learning support?
The school runs a dedicated Learning Support department, led by a qualified Head of Learning Support, which provides tailored interventions in literacy, numeracy, and general learning strategies. Additionally, the school offers EAL (English as an Additional Language) support within classrooms and sm
Is there a school bus service?
SCIPS does not run its own bus service.
What languages are taught at St. Christopher's International School?
The school uses English as the medium of instruction. English as a Second Language (ESL) support is provided. Modern Languages offered include German and Bahasa Malaysia.
Does St. Christopher's International School offer scholarships?
SCIPS does not offer scholarships or financial awards; all placements follow the standard admissions and fee structure.
Is there a waitlist at St. Christopher's International School?
If your chosen year group is full, SCIPS places your child on a first-come, first-served waitlist, with siblings of current students given priority. The school will contact you when a space opens.
How do I apply to St. Christopher's International School?
1. If you would like to see SCIPS in person, schedule a campus tour. This allows you to experience the school’s environment and meet key staff. The admissions team will guide you through classrooms, play areas, and facilities, and can answer any questions you have regarding the curriculum, support p
How many students attend St. Christopher's International School?
The school has approximately 580 students.
What sports facilities are available?
The school offers physical education taught by specialist teachers and participates in local and international sporting events. The program follows the British National Curriculum for PE with a focus on a progression of skills and regular competitive opportunities.
What wellbeing support does St. Christopher's International School provide?
SCIPS places strong emphasis on personal and social development through its eight “Personal Goals” (curious, resilient, respectful, etc.), which are regularly highlighted in PSHE lessons and weekly assemblies. The Jigsaw PSHE programme supports consistent SEL across age groups. Students are taught m
Does St. Christopher's International School offer English language support?
SCIPS actively supports EAL learners throughout the Early Years and Primary stages. Specialist teachers provide in-class and small-group assistance, and English proficiency is required for Year 1 entry. EAL support is embedded into English lessons and across school life.
What extracurricular activities are available?
Music is taught by specialist teachers. In the Early Years, music is learned through musical play; later lessons focus on singing, dancing, playing instruments and musical theory to foster enjoyment and proficiency. The school emphasises a creative musical experience as part of the curriculum.
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