Pelita International School vs St. Christopher's International School
Pelita International School and St. Christopher's International School are both in Penang, about 5 km apart. Both schools offer EYFS programmes. Pelita International School also offers Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels, and St. Christopher's International School also offers British. Published annual fees are MYR 9,360 - 33,810 at Pelita International School and MYR 5,000 - 12,400 at St. Christopher's International School, which puts Pelita International School roughly 148% higher. Pelita International School takes pupils from 4 to 19, and St. Christopher's International School from 3 to 10. St. Christopher's International School is the larger school, with around 620 pupils to Pelita International School's 300. Typical class sizes are 22 at Pelita International School and 25 at St. Christopher's International School.
Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Curriculum
British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils
Pupils
300
Pupils
620
Typical class size
Typical class size
22
Typical class size
25
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2013
Opened
1964
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
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.
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
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.
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.
School type
School type
Pelita International is a private, co-educational day school.
School 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.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
While the school promotes inclusive education, there is limited publicly available detail on structured support for students with additional learning needs.
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
Country affiliation
The school has no formal affiliation with any country.
Country affiliation
SCIPS is registered under Malaysian law but delivers a British-style curriculum, reflecting its international governing structure.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school does not have a religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliation.
School day structure
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.
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 details
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.
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.
Fee details
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.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
Packed lunches may be brought to school and kept in the air-conditioned classroom. Lunches can be dropped off at the class basket outside the coffee shop. Lunches can be ordered through catering providers.
House system
House system
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House system
The school has a House system. Students in Years 3 to 6 earn House Points.
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
The school is a non-profit making association governed by a board of governors representing expatriates and Malaysian communities. Parents are members of the association.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
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.
Curriculum details
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.
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.
Social & emotional learning
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 mindfulness and reflection techniques—like chime ringing and breathing exercises—for emotional regulation. Leadership roles such as OPAL play leaders, House captains, and the Student Council further develop empathy, responsibility, and inter-personal skills.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
Pelita International School is not a specialist SEN institution but welcomes students with mild to moderate learning needs.
Special educational needs (SEN)
The school provides inclusive SEN support via a dedicated Learning Support department. Although not a specialist SEN school, SCIPS offers targeted interventions and co-teaching models, with support delivered by qualified staff within classrooms or small groups. The provision is tailored to individual needs and monitored regularly through internal data and external audit processes.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
The school does not have any dedicated EAL department.
English as an additional language
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.
Mental wellbeing
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.
Mental wellbeing
Student wellbeing is supported through mindfulness activities integrated into PSHE and assemblies, as well as reflective social-emotional practices. Regular opportunities for mental health—such as calm art, yoga, and OPAL outdoor play—are incorporated across all age levels. The school’s emphasis on personal goals and nurturing relationships contributes to a positive school ethos and overall emotional support.
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
SCIPS has well-established child protection and safeguarding policies, overseen by designated safeguarding staff, and meets all required standards under the British Schools Overseas (BSO) framework. Staff are trained, and routines like secure campus access and transportation procedures are in place. The school's single central register records staff suitability and compliance.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
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.
Facilities overview
The school is a Penang-based international primary-focused campus located at No. 10 Nunn Road, 10350 Penang, Malaysia. The site shows four learning phases and a range of student life and policy resources.
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.
Sports facilities
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.
Academic facilities
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.
Academic facilities
The school delivers an English-medium international curriculum. English follows the UK National Curriculum, complemented by the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) for Years 1–6. ICT, science, maths, and other core subjects are taught across the primary range with specialist teachers as appropriate.
Extra curricular facilities
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).
Extra curricular facilities
Residential trips are a core part of learning, with annual domestic trips linked to each year group (Year 3 Taiping; Year 4 Kuala Lumpur; Year 5 Cameron Highlands; Year 6 Langkawi). After-school activities are offered, and a range of enrichment options (e.g., robotics, coding, arts) is described within the curriculum pages.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
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.
History
St. Christopher’s International Primary School was established in 1963 by merging Western Road and Firrell schools and officially opened its campus on Nunn Road in 1964, operating as a non-profit association governed by a board representing expatriate and Malaysian communities. The school expanded in 1997 with additions including classrooms, library, AV suite, SEN facilities, and a modern languages center.
Community
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.
Community
The school serves around 580 students across more than 30 nationalities, fostering a close-knit community often referred to as the “SCIPS family.” Annual events include cultural celebrations, coffee mornings, school discos, and the signature international Food & Fun Festival.
Parent teacher association
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.
Parent teacher association
The Parent Committee is active and inclusive, meeting regularly to support school initiatives with volunteer involvement rather than fundraising. They coordinate and host events such as school discos, Christmas celebrations with Santa, Chinese New Year, Teacher Appreciation Day, international food fairs, and regular coffee mornings to facilitate parent engagement and communication.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
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.
Academic & intellectual
The school delivers a broad, British-based curriculum for ages 3 to 11. English is the medium of instruction, with the UK National Curriculum guiding English and the English National Curriculum (2014) guiding Mathematics. The International Primary Curriculum (IPC) is taught to Years 1–6 to link History, Geography, Technology, Art, Society and Internationalism in a topic-based approach. English as an Additional Language (EAL) and a Learning Support Programme provide targeted help, with Individual Educational Plans as appropriate.
Arts & creative
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.
Arts & creative
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.
Cultural & language
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.
Cultural & language
Mandarin and German are offered as additional languages from Year 1; Bahasa Malaysia is offered for Malaysian nationals. German for native speakers is taught in collaboration with the German School Association. Bahasa Malaysia follows the Malaysian Government Syllabus for Years 1–6, with Moral Education and Malaysian History included. French and Spanish are planned additions.
Social & hobbies
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.
Social & hobbies
The school runs an after-school activities (ASA) programme with a wide range of activities after school, typically 3:00–4:00 pm; activities are optional and signing up is via an online booking system. Some activities may not run if sign-ups are low.
Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
Leadership opportunities include Year 6 prefects, House Captains and Librarians, providing roles to develop PSHE and leadership skills and to support younger pupils.
Lifestyle & 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.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
OPAL provides outdoor play and learning, including nature exploration, mud kitchen, den building and wheeled play; OPAL emphasises outdoor play and well-being and invites parent and community involvement. Residential trips for Years 3–6 occur in Malaysia (Taiping, Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands, Langkawi). Physical Education is taught by specialist teachers and follows the British National Curriculum, with participation in local and international sporting competitions.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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.
Language provision
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.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
There are no publicly documented awards specifically presented to the school.
Accreditations
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.
Accreditations
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: SCIPS has been a member since 1989, indicating participation in a cooperative network of British-style international schools in the region
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
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.
Admissions
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
Scholarships
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Scholarships
SCIPS does not offer scholarships or financial awards; all placements follow the standard admissions and fee structure.
Waitlist
Waitlist
Pelita International School does not publicly indicate the use of a waitlist or pool system.
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.
