Assumption International Secondary School vs Pelita International School

	A Assumption International Secondary School Penang, Malaysia	P Pelita International School Penang, Malaysia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year MYR 21,600 - 28,800	Fees / year MYR 9,360 - 33,810
Age range	Age range 11 - 19 years	Age range 4 - 19 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils	Pupils 200	Pupils 300
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 22
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2017	Opened 2013
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location 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.	Location Pelita International School is located in Tanjung Bungah, a coastal suburb of Penang, Malaysia. The school is situated between George Town and Batu Ferringhi, with nearby access to residential areas popular with expatriate families. The area is known for its proximity to beaches, international eateries, and housing options.
Stages	Stages 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.	Stages The school is structured into four main levels: Early Years (ages 4–6), Primary School (ages 7–12), Secondary School (ages 13–16), and Sixth Form (ages 17–18). Students follow the Cambridge curriculum, leading to IGCSEs and A-Levels.
School type	School type Assumption International Secondary School is a co-educational day and boarding school.	School type Pelita International is a private, co-educational day school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support 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.	Additional learning support While the school promotes inclusive education, there is limited publicly available detail on structured support for students with additional learning needs.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school is a Malaysian institution and is not affiliated with any foreign country.	Country affiliation The school has no formal affiliation with any country.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school operates as an inclusive institution and welcomes students from all religious backgrounds.	Religious affiliation The school does not have a religious affiliation.
School day structure	School day structure Exact school hours are not published.	School day structure Classes typically start around 8:00 AM and end between 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM, depending on the student’s year group. The day includes scheduled breaks for snacks and lunch. Co-curricular activities are often held after regular classes.
Bus service details	Bus service details The school's official sources do not provide details about a school bus service.	Bus service details Pelita International School offers a school transport service through external bus providers. The service is available to students living in surrounding areas, and parents can arrange routes and fees directly with the operators. Availability may vary based on location, and safety protocols are managed jointly between the school and service providers.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Fees Overview (Malaysian Students) Application Fee: RM300 (one-time, non-refundable). Registration Fee: RM1,500 (one-time, non-refundable). Resource Fee: RM3,500 per academic year (covers miscellaneous, experiment, and ICT fees; non-refundable). Security Deposit: RM5,000 (refundable upon graduation or with one full term’s written notice before withdrawal, subject to policy). Tuition Fees (per year/per term): The academic year is divided into three terms. Year 7: RM15,000 annually (RM5,000 per term) Year 8: RM16,200 annually (RM5,400 per term) Year 9: RM17,640 annually (RM5,880 per term) Year 10: RM20,400 annually (RM6,800 per term) Year 11: RM21,120 annually (RM7,040 per term) Billing Schedule & Payment Terms: Tuition fees are billed annually or on a term basis. A 6% early payment discount is available for full academic year tuition paid upfront. If a student withdraws mid-year, a refund for remaining terms is provided, but the 6% discount will be deducted from the refund. Additional Costs: Fees do not include uniform, learning support, materials, meal plans, accommodation, co-curricular activities, or transport. Payment Methods: Accepted via cash, cheque, or online bank transfer Refunds: Only the security deposit and eligible tuition refunds under specified conditions are refundable. School Fees Overview (International Students) Application Fee: RM500 (one-time, non-refundable). Registration Fee: RM6,500 (one-time, non-refundable). Resource Fee: RM3,500 per academic year (covers miscellaneous, experiment, and ICT fees; non-refundable). Uniform Fee: RM742 (includes three school uniforms and two sports T-shirts). Materials Fee: RM1,137 (Years 7–9) / RM2,500 (Years 10–11). Security Deposit: RM5,000 (refundable upon graduation or with one full term’s written notice before withdrawal, subject to policy). Tuition Fees (per year/per term): The academic year is divided into three semesters Year 7: RM21,600 annually (RM7,200 per term) Year 8: RM22,800 annually (RM7,600 per term) Year 9: RM24,000 annually (RM8,000 per term) Year 10: RM28,800 annually (RM9,600 per term) Year 11: RM28,800 annually (RM9,600 per term) Additional Costs: Co-curricular Activities (CCA): RM600-RM1728 annually (RM200–RM576 per term) Meal Plan: RM2700 annually Boarding Fee (two students per room): RM35000 (RM9,000–RM14,000 per term (refundable)) Billing Schedule & Payment Terms: Fees are billed by term. Payment accepted via cash, cheque, or online bank transfer. Refunds: Only the security deposit, boarding fees, and applicable tuition refunds (with advance notice) are refundable. All other costs are non-refundable.	Fee details Application & Registration Fees * Application Fee: MYR 300 (non-refundable) * Registration Fee: MYR 1,000 (Reception) to MYR 3,500 (Year 11) Tuition Fees (Per Annum) * Nursery: MYR 9,360 * Reception: MYR 13,110 * Year 1–2: MYR 15,480 * Year 3–4: MYR 19,440 * Year 5–6: MYR 21,240 * Year 7: MYR 25,185 * Year 8: MYR 27,600 * Year 9: MYR 30,015 * Year 10: MYR 31,050 * Year 11: MYR 33,810 Note: All fees are annual and subject to change without prior notice. Billing Schedule & Payment Terms * Tuition fees are billed annually. * Classes commence upon full payment of fees. * A refundable deposit equivalent to one term’s tuition fee is required upon enrollment. Additional Costs * Uniforms, textbooks, and co-curricular activities may incur additional charges. Refund Policy * A full term’s written notice is required for withdrawal. * The withdrawal form must be submitted by the last school day of the preceding term. * Failure to provide timely notice results in forfeiture of the deposit. * Refunds are processed within the last week of the student’s final term. Payment Methods * Payments can be made via bank transfer.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniforms are included with enrolment; books & uniform are part of the enrolment process.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Operated by Wing International Education Sdn Bhd (661189-X). MoE Registration No: PUB 0001.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details 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.	Curriculum details Pelita International School follows the Cambridge International Curriculum from Early Years through to A-Levels. In the Early Years and Primary School (Reception to Year 6), students follow the Cambridge Primary Program, which includes English, Mathematics, Science, and subjects such as Music, Art, ICT, Physical Education, and Emotional Intelligence. In Secondary School (Years 7 to 9), the curriculum transitions into the Cambridge Lower Secondary Program, continuing core subjects while introducing project-based learning and assessments. For Years 10 and 11, students prepare for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), selecting subjects such as English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Business Studies, ICT, and Additional Mathematics. Sixth Form students (Years 12 and 13) undertake the Cambridge A-Level program with a choice of academic subjects for university preparation. Throughout, students also study Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin as language subjects, and participate in co-curricular and enrichment programs.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar View document	Academic calendar View document
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning 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.	Social & emotional learning Pelita International School integrates Emotional Intelligence (EQ) as a dedicated subject from Early Years through to Key Stage 4. The program focuses on helping students build self-awareness, empathy, and interpersonal skills. Lessons are delivered by trained teaching staff and embedded into the school timetable alongside core academic subjects. In addition to classroom activities, the school fosters SEL through its house system, peer collaboration, and student-led initiatives such as the student council. Co-curricular offerings in performing arts and service activities further support emotional expression and community engagement. Staff monitor students’ emotional development as part of regular pastoral care.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) 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.	Special educational needs (SEN) Pelita International School is not a specialist SEN institution but welcomes students with mild to moderate learning needs.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Dedicated EAL programs or specialist staff are not explicitly listed in publicly available sources.	English as an additional language The school does not have any dedicated EAL department.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing 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.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported through the school’s EQ curriculum, which includes weekly classes focused on emotional literacy and coping strategies. Teachers monitor student wellbeing and provide informal pastoral care as part of their daily interactions. The small school size enables closer relationships between staff and students. Students also have access to a structured house system and leadership roles, which support peer connections and belonging. Although there is no dedicated school counsellor publicly listed, wellbeing is integrated into the school’s overall approach to education. Parents are encouraged to communicate openly with staff if additional support is required.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school does not publicly provide detailed information regarding safeguarding.	Safeguarding Pelita International School does not publicly provide a detailed safeguarding or child protection policy on its website. However, as an institution offering the Cambridge International Curriculum, it is expected to adhere to Cambridge's safeguarding standards.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The classrooms are designed to accommodate small groups, enabling quality time with the teacher. Small classes help learners learn in an environment free from stress and peer pressure. Learning programmes include the Cambridge IGCSE, with classes from Year 7 to Year 13. Examinations occur at the end of each term and progress report cards are provided; exams are conducted in accordance with the IGCSE syllabus and exam structure.	Facilities overview The school is located at Jalan Cengai, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Penang, Malaysia. Hours are Monday to Friday 9am–5pm and Saturday 9am–12noon. The address and contact details are provided for inquiries.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities The school offers a range of sports and fitness activities as part of its co-curricular program, including football, badminton, swimming, and table tennis. It also features dance and Taekwondo as part of its sports offerings.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Cambridge IGCSE Programmes are offered as the learning pathway, with classes from Year 7 to Year 13. Cambridge IGCSE is globally recognised. Examinations occur at the end of each term and progress report cards are issued; examinations follow the IGCSE syllabus and exam structure.	Academic facilities The curriculum combines the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for the preschool level with the Cambridge curriculum for primary and secondary, including IGCSE and A-Levels, alongside a broad set of ICT and artistic facilities to support academics.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Physical education, Moral lessons, Mind Therapy sessions, and science-based activities are engaged weekly.	Extra curricular facilities Co-curricular activities include sports (dance, Taekwondo, swimming, football, badminton, table tennis), STEM (astronomy), arts (chess, creative arts, choir), and social activities (World Scholar's Cup).
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Assumption International Secondary School was established in 2017 as a collaboration between Wing International Education Sdn Bhd, the Titular Roman Catholic Bishop of Penang, and the Assumption Butterworth Alumni Association. This initiative aimed to transform the former SK Assumption campus in Bukit Mertajam into an international secondary school offering affordable, quality education. The school's mission focuses on providing accessible international education to students from diverse backgrounds.	History Pelita International School was established in 2013 as part of the Pelita Schools group, which also includes Pelita Private School. Located in Tanjung Bungah, Penang, the school was founded to provide an international education based on the British curriculum.
Community	Community The school community actively engages in various events throughout the academic year. Notable occasions include the annual Teacher's Day celebration, fostering appreciation between students and educators, and the Charity Food & Fun Fair, which raises funds for local causes. These events promote a sense of unity and involvement among students, parents, and staff.	Community The school community actively participates in various events throughout the year, including cultural celebrations like Chinese New Year, Christmas, and Mother's Day. Students engage in activities such as field trips, science exhibitions, and performing arts events, fostering a vibrant school culture.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association While specific details about a formal Parent Teacher Association (PTA) at Assumption International Secondary School are not publicly available, the school's emphasis on community events suggests active parental involvement.	Parent teacher association Pelita International School maintains an active Parent-Teacher Association that collaborates with the school to organize events and support student activities. The PTA plays a role in coordinating events such as school concerts and cultural celebrations, enhancing the school's community engagement.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school provides a Cambridge-based international education pathway, with Lower Secondary (KS3: Years 7–9), Upper Secondary (KS4: Years 10–11), and an A-Level pathway (KS5: Years 12–13). Cambridge Checkpoint and IGCSE examinations guide progression, with exams at the end of each term and progress report cards. Core subjects include English, Malay, Mandarin, Mathematics, Science, History, and Information & Communications Technology. Small class sizes support individualized attention in the learning process.	Academic & intellectual Pelita International School follows the Cambridge Assessment International Education Curriculum for Primary and Secondary. In Primary (Years 1–6), the curriculum uses Cambridge Primary and, at the end of Year 6, students take Cambridge Primary Checkpoint in English, Mathematics, and Science. In Secondary (Years 7–11), students undertake Cambridge Secondary 1 Checkpoint in Year 9 and progress to Cambridge IGCSE in Years 10–11, followed by Cambridge A-Levels in Years 12–13. The Cambridge curriculum emphasizes English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, and Modern Languages, with Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin as part of the modern-language offering.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The school offers co-curricular activities that foster arts and creative expression, including 24 Festive Drums, Art Club, Dance Club, and Music/Media opportunities such as Media Club. Additional creative outlets are provided through Culinary, Drama-related activities, and other clubs integrated into student life. These activities complement academic learning by providing performance and visual arts experiences. Co-curricular offerings include both indoor and outdoor creative pursuits.	Arts & creative Arts offerings include Art & Design, Drama, Guitar, and Creative Arts as part of Cambridge topics and co-curricular activities. The Holistic Focus includes Music and Movement, Art & Design, and Design & Technology, integrating creative work with broader learning. A range of arts-based co-curricular activities is available, including Chess, Media Club, and Choir in addition to drama and performing arts.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Lower Secondary subjects include English, Malay, and Mandarin among others. At the A-Level pathway, languages such as French, Spanish, and Chinese are listed as options. Mandarin is described as a language offered in the curriculum, with Malay as a foreign language and English as a language option at higher levels. The program supports language development across levels through its General Subjects and language-specific offerings.	Cultural & language Modern Languages – Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin are offered as part of the Cambridge curriculum. In Cambridge IGCSE, Mandarin is listed as a Foreign/Second Language and Bahasa Malaysia is offered as a subject. English is a focus within the Cambridge curriculum. Global Perspectives is listed as a Cambridge subject.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies A broad range of sports and hobby clubs are offered through co-curricular activities, including Soccer, Volleyball, Karate, Muay Thai, Dodgeball, and Pickle Ball. Other activities include Scout, and various clubs such as Art, Dance, and Media. These activities promote teamwork, physical fitness, and social interaction within a structured school environment.	Social & hobbies Co-curricular activities include sports such as Dance, Taekwondo, Swimming, Football, Badminton, and Table Tennis. STEM offerings include Astronomy. Arts offerings include Chess, Drama, Creative Arts, Choir, and Guitar, plus the Media Club. The school participates in the World Scholar's Cup as a recurring competition.
Community & service	Community & service The school describes itself as part of a Lasallian community, rooted in a values-based culture with core values of Growth, Grit, Gratitude, and Giving. A charity event, Charity Food & Fun Fair 2025, demonstrates social responsibility within the school community. Service-oriented activities include involvement with St. John Ambulance among the co-curricular offerings. The Lasallian tradition underpins a community focus on giving and service.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Giving is a core value, and the Lasallian ethos supports leadership and personal development within the school community. Participation in co-curricular activities provides opportunities to develop teamwork, organization, and communication skills that contribute to personal and professional growth. The school's values and structured pathways support students preparing for higher education and future careers.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Classrooms are designed for small groups to enable quality time with teachers in a supportive environment. The learning approach emphasizes a stress-free atmosphere and student well-being alongside academics. A broad selection of sports and outdoor activities supports physical health and balance in student life. The program also emphasises affordability and accessible international education as part of overall student wellbeing.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school provides a holistic program with Music and Movement and Personal, Social & Health Education. The Holistic Focus also covers Art & Design, Design & Technology, ICT, and Physical Education. A range of sports and clubs is available, including Badminton, Football, Basketball, Swimming, and Table Tennis, along with additional STEM and arts activities.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Languages taught include English, Malay, and Mandarin in Lower Secondary. In Upper Secondary, English is offered as a Second Language, with English as First Language optional; Malay is a Foreign Language; Mandarin is offered as Second or Foreign Language optional. At A-Level, languages include French, Spanish, and Chinese. Cambridge pathways are used across Year 7 to Year 13, including Cambridge Checkpoint (Year 9) and IGCSE (Year 11), with A-Levels in Years 12-13.	Language provision Pelita International School follows the Cambridge Assessment International Education Curriculum for primary and secondary education, with Cambridge Primary Checkpoint exams at the end of Year 6, Cambridge IGCSE in Years 10–11, and Cambridge A-Levels in Years 12–13. English is taught as a core language, listed as First/Second Language for IGCSE and A-Levels. Malay (Bahasa Malaysia) and Mandarin are offered as modern/foreign language options within the Cambridge framework. In Early Years, the school uses the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations * Cambridge Assessment International Education: The school is registered to offer the Cambridge curriculum, including the IGCSE and A-Level programs. This accreditation allows the school to administer official Cambridge examinations and follows the curriculum standards set by Cambridge International Education. * Ministry of Education Malaysia (MoE) Registration No: PUB 0001 The school is formally registered with Malaysia’s Ministry of Education as a private international secondary school. This registration confirms that the institution meets national operational and educational requirements.	Accreditations * Cambridge International School: Pelita International School is registered with Cambridge Assessment International Education, enabling it to offer Cambridge programs and qualifications such as IGCSE and A-Levels.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 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.	Admissions 1. Book a school tour or visit. Parents are encouraged to visit the school in person to see the campus and meet staff. School tours can usually be arranged during the school week by contacting the administrative office. This step is optional but helpful for families unfamiliar with the school or area. 2. Submit the application form and supporting documents. Parents need to complete the official application form and submit documents including the child’s birth certificate, passport, academic records, and a recent passport-sized photo. A non-refundable application fee of MYR 300 is required at this stage. 3. Attend an interview and placement test. Students may be invited for an academic assessment or interview depending on their age and year group. This helps the school assess English proficiency and academic readiness. In some cases, this may be conducted online. 4. Receive an offer letter and confirm placement. Successful applicants will receive an official offer letter outlining the year group, fee structure, and terms of admission. To confirm a place, parents must pay the registration fee and deposit. The school will then provide start dates, orientation information, and class placement details.
Scholarships	Scholarships 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.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist The school does not mention operating a formal waitlist or applicant pool system in its admissions materials.	Waitlist Pelita International School does not publicly indicate the use of a waitlist or pool system.
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