Straits International School Penang

Straits International School Penang is located in Bayan Lepas on the southern part of Penang Island. The school is close to residential areas such as Sungai Ara and Bayan Baru.

The school is divided into Early Years, Primary, and Secondary sections. Early Years caters to children aged 3–5, Primary includes Year 1 to Year 6 (ages 5–11), and Secondary runs from Year 7 to Year 11 (ages 11–16).

The school is co-educational, enrolling both boys and girls across all age groups.

The school offers support for students with mild to moderate additional learning needs. Provision is managed by a dedicated Learning Support team, and accommodations may include small-group instruction, differentiated tasks, and in-class support. Support services are integrated into the school day where possible.

The school does not have a formal affiliation with any single country but follows the British curriculum framework.

The school has no religious affiliation and accepts students from all backgrounds.

The school day typically begins at 8:00 AM and ends around 3:00 PM, depending on the year group. Students have a mid-morning break and a lunch break, with meals either brought from home or available from the canteen. Co-curricular activities often take place after regular lessons.

The school offers a bus service to families living across Penang Island. The service is operated by external transport providers who coordinate directly with the school’s admin team. Routes and pick-up times are arranged based on student locations. Families can choose from full or one-way transport options depending on their needs.

Straits International School Penang follows the National Curriculum for England (NCE), integrated with the Cambridge curriculum for English, Mathematics, and Science. In Early Years (ages 3–5), students follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, focusing on play-based learning. In Primary (Years 1–6), the curriculum includes English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, ICT, Art, Physical Education, Music, and Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE). Malaysian students also study Bahasa Malaysia, Malaysian History, and Moral Studies. In Secondary (Years 7–9), students continue with a broad range of subjects, preparing for the IGCSE program. In Years 10 and 11, students study for Cambridge IGCSE examinations, selecting core and elective subjects from areas such as Business Studies, Additional Mathematics, ICT, and Global Perspectives.

The school incorporates Social and Emotional Learning through its PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic) program, which is delivered across all year levels. Teachers and form tutors regularly address themes such as emotional regulation, friendship, respect, and resilience. Classroom activities and assemblies provide structured opportunities for students to reflect on their behavior and interactions. The school’s House system also fosters teamwork and belonging. Pastoral care is integrated into daily school life, and staff are trained to identify students who may require additional support. In some cases, students are referred to the school counsellor for individual guidance.

Straits International School Penang supports students with mild to moderate learning needs. A dedicated Learning Support team works with classroom teachers to adapt teaching strategies and provide targeted assistance. Support may include in-class support, small-group sessions, and modified tasks. The school typically supports needs such as ADHD, dyslexia, and speech or language delays.

It is not a specialist SEN institution and may refer students with more complex needs to external professionals. Admission of students with SEN is subject to an individual needs assessment.

The school offers support for students whose first language is not English. EAL provision includes in-class language support, pull-out sessions for targeted instruction, and differentiated materials. Teachers are trained to adapt lessons to help EAL learners access the full curriculum. New students may be assessed for their level of English and placed on an appropriate support plan. Over time, EAL students are expected to integrate into mainstream classes with reduced support as proficiency increases.

Mental wellbeing is supported through a combination of pastoral care, counselling services, and SEL-focused teaching. Students can speak with a trained school counsellor, who provides individual sessions when needed. Regular class time is allocated to discussions around stress, self-care, and emotional health, particularly in upper Primary and Secondary. Staff are encouraged to monitor students' wellbeing and refer any concerns through a clear internal process. Activities like mindfulness and circle time are also used, particularly in the younger years.

The school follows a clear safeguarding and child protection policy aligned with international standards. All staff receive training on safeguarding procedures and how to report concerns. A designated Safeguarding Lead is responsible for managing incidents and ensuring policy compliance. The school conducts background checks on all employees and maintains secure procedures for campus access. Regular briefings and updates are provided to ensure all staff remain aware of their responsibilities.

1. Arrange a campus visit or attend an open house.
Parents are encouraged to tour the school to better understand the facilities, classroom environments, and daily routines. Open House events are hosted periodically, or a private appointment can be scheduled with the admissions team.

2. Complete the application form and submit documents.
The application form is submitted online and must be accompanied by supporting documents such as a copy of the child’s birth certificate or passport, previous school reports, and any relevant medical or specialist reports.

3. Pay the application fee.
A non-refundable fee of MYR 1,600 must be paid at this stage. The school will not proceed to the next step until this payment is received.

4. Assessment and interview.
Depending on the child’s age and year group, an entrance assessment or informal interview may be arranged. This helps the school determine appropriate placement and any additional learning support that may be required.

5. Offer and enrolment.
If the application is successful, a formal offer letter is issued. Parents are required to accept the offer, pay the enrolment and security deposit fees, and complete the enrolment documents to secure the place.

The school does not currently advertise or offer merit-based or needs-based scholarships.

Straits International School Penang operates a waitlist when year groups reach capacity. Offers are made based on application date, space availability, and student profile. In some cases, priority may be given to siblings of current students. If a place becomes available, the admissions team contacts the next family on the list.