Pelita International School vs The International School of Penang (Uplands)
Pelita International School and The International School of Penang (Uplands) are both in Penang, about 4 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge IGCSE programmes. Pelita International School also offers Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels and EYFS, and The International School of Penang (Uplands) also offers IB. Published annual fees are MYR 9,360 - 33,810 at Pelita International School and MYR 24,800 - 70,800 at The International School of Penang (Uplands), which puts The International School of Penang (Uplands) roughly 121% higher. Both take pupils from 4 to 19. The International School of Penang (Uplands) is the larger school, with around 700 pupils to Pelita International School's 300. Typical class sizes are 22 at Pelita International School and 20 at The International School of Penang (Uplands).
Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Curriculum
IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE
Pupils
Pupils
300
Pupils
700
Typical class size
Typical class size
22
Typical class size
20
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2013
Opened
1955
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
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
The school is located in Batu Ferringhi, a beachside suburb on the northern coast of Penang Island, Malaysia. It’s approximately 30 minutes by car from George Town. The area is quieter and more residential, popular with expat families.
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
Uplands is divided into Primary School (ages 4–11) and Secondary School (ages 11–18). The school follows the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), IGCSEs, and the IB Diploma Programme (DP). Students transition through these stages with age-appropriate academic and pastoral structures.
School type
School type
Pelita International is a private, co-educational day school.
School type
The school is co-educational and welcomes both day and boarding students. Boarding is available for students in Year 7 and above, with weekly and term options. The school operates on a not-for-profit basis.
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 provides Learning Support Services to students with mild to moderate additional needs. Support may include in-class assistance, small group sessions, or one-to-one intervention, depending on individual assessments. The school collaborates with parents and specialists to develop tailored support plans.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school has no formal affiliation with any country.
Country affiliation
The school has no formal affiliation with any specific country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school does not have a religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
Uplands is a secular school with 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
The school day typically runs from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Students have scheduled morning and lunch breaks, with time allocated for academic lessons, specialist subjects, and extracurricular activities. The timetable may vary slightly between Primary and Secondary levels.
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.
Bus service details
The school provides a bus service operated by external providers that covers a range of residential areas around Penang Island. Buses are fitted with seatbelts and are supervised by trained personnel. Routes and pickup times are coordinated to accommodate student needs, and the school works closely with providers to ensure safety and punctuality.
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 & Enrolment Fees (One-Time)
* Application Fee: MYR 800 (non-refundable) * Entrance Fee: MYR 7,000 (non-refundable) * Enrolment Deposit: MYR 5,000 (refundable upon withdrawal, subject to conditions) * ISP School Association Membership Fee: MYR 1,000 (applicable to one parent only)
Annual Tuition Fees (by Year Group)
* Reception : MYR 24,800 (MYR 12,400 per semester) * Year 1 : MYR 30,200 (MYR 15,100 per semester) * Year 2 : MYR 37,200 (MYR 18,600 per semester) * Years 3–4 : MYR 44,200 (MYR 22,100 per semester) * Years 5–6 : MYR 53,000 (MYR 26,500 per semester) * Years 7–11 : MYR 68,000 (MYR 34,000 per semester) * Years 12–13 : MYR 70,800 (MYR 35,400 per semester)
*Tuition fees are billed in two equal installments per academic year.*
Additional Charges
* School Development Fund: MYR 2,500 per student, per annum * Personal Accident Insurance: MYR 40 per student, per annum (compulsory) * Public Examination Fees: Applicable for IGCSE and IB examinations in Years 11 and 13; fees vary based on examination boards * Textbooks: Costs for English Literature examination texts (Years 10 & 11) and unreturned IB course textbooks (Years 12 & 13) are billed separately * Uplands Parent Teacher Association Membership: MYR 100 per family, per annum * Library Fines: Charges apply for overdue, lost, or damaged books and resources * Additional Administrative Fees: Applicable for non-routine administrative tasks (e.g., school trips, issuance of certificates)
*All fees must be paid in full before a student can attend the school.*
Discounts
* Sibling Discount: * 10% reduction on tuition fees for the second child * 20% reduction on tuition fees for the third and subsequent children
* Early Payment Discount: * 5% discount on tuition fees by the scheduled early dates.
Payment Methods
* Accepted Payment Methods: * Cheque (payable to 'THE I.S.P.') * Bank Transfer
*Detailed payment instructions are provided upon acceptance.*
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
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
The governance of The International School of Penang (Uplands) is established by the Constitution of The I.S.P. Schools Association and overseen by a Board composed of Patron Governors and Parent Governors. The Board provides strategic leadership and corporate oversight, meeting regularly to guide the school's long-term direction and ensure its continued success. Supporting the work of the Board are several committees, including the Executive Committee (EXCOM), the Trustees Committee, the Audit and Risk Committee (ARCO), and the Development Committee. The Principal is supported by a Senior Management Team, which includes the Head of Primary, Head of Secondary, Head of Administration, Head of Finance, Head of IT, Head of HR, and other senior academic staff. The school's financial matters are monitored by the Head of Finance and are subject to regular audits by an independent external auditor.
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
The International School of Penang (Uplands) offers a continuum of internationally recognized curricula from early years through pre-university. In the Primary School (Reception to Year 6), students follow the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), which focuses on inquiry-based learning across core subjects including English, mathematics, science, social studies, and languages. In Years 7 to 9, the school implements the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), which includes disciplines such as language and literature, individuals and societies, design, sciences, mathematics, and the arts. Years 10 and 11 prepare students for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations across a range of subjects including English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, and languages. In Years 12 and 13, students undertake the IB Diploma Programme (DP), which includes six academic subjects, a 4,000-word Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service). Language acquisition is integrated across all stages, with French, German, Mandarin, and Malay offered.
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
The school integrates Social and Emotional Learning through its pastoral care programme, classroom practices, and structured activities. Homeroom teachers play a central role in daily SEL, supported by year-group coordinators and student welfare teams. The school runs age-appropriate lessons on topics such as emotional regulation, friendships, and conflict resolution. Reflection and community service components, particularly in the IB programmes, further support SEL. Students also have access to counselling services where needed. Collaborative initiatives such as peer mentoring and student council provide opportunities to build empathy and leadership 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)
Uplands supports students with mild to moderate learning needs through its Learning Support Department. The school is not a specialist SEN institution but offers tailored support plans developed in collaboration with families and external professionals. Support is delivered through a mix of in-class assistance, small group sessions, and individualized intervention. Needs supported typically include dyslexia, ADHD, and specific learning difficulties in literacy or numeracy. The SEN team works closely with teaching staff to differentiate lessons and monitor student progress. Admission of students with SEN is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
The school does not have any dedicated EAL department.
English as an additional language
The school offers structured EAL support for students who are developing English language proficiency. Dedicated EAL teachers provide instruction both within mainstream classes and in small group settings. The level of support is based on individual assessments at the time of enrolment and is reviewed regularly. The EAL program is integrated into classroom learning, particularly in Primary and early Secondary years. As students progress, support is gradually reduced as proficiency improves. Communication with parents is maintained to monitor progress and engagement.
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
Students have access to trained school counsellors who provide individual support and group workshops. Wellbeing themes are integrated into tutor time, PSHE lessons, and assemblies across school levels. Staff receive training on student wellbeing awareness, and there are clear referral pathways for additional help. The school encourages an open-door policy for students seeking support and organizes peer-based initiatives such as wellbeing ambassadors. Outdoor learning, sports, and creative clubs also contribute to wellbeing. Collaboration with parents is encouraged when concerns arise.
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
The school follows a clearly defined Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy aligned with international standards. All staff receive mandatory safeguarding training, and procedures for identifying and reporting concerns are in place. Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) oversee all safeguarding matters and ensure compliance. Visitors to the school are screened, and campus access is strictly monitored. Regular policy reviews and audits ensure ongoing effectiveness. Age-appropriate lessons are also delivered to help students understand their rights and how to seek help.
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 International School of Penang (Uplands) operates on a single campus in Batu Ferringhi, Penang. The campus includes drama studios and a multi-purpose hall with computer‑aided lighting and sound equipment. The school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Cambridge International Examinations programs across Primary and Secondary on one campus. The address is Jalan Sungai Satu, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Penang, Malaysia.
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
ROAR SPORT provides competitive and non‑competitive opportunities for students. The sports program includes football, netball, swimming, athletics, basketball, touch rugby, cross‑country, and T‑ball. The school runs an extensive co‑curricular activities (CCA) programme that enables students to engage in sporting, service, cultural and academic learning activities. The school participates in PSAC, ISAC, and FOBISIA events.
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
In Primary, Uplands uses the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). Specialised classes include PE, Swimming, STEAM, Modern Foreign languages, Library lessons, Drama and Music, and EAL. In Secondary, the school offers the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Years 7–9, Cambridge IGCSE, and the IB Diploma in Years 12–13.
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
The secondary presents Student-Led Co-Curricular Activities (CCA): clubs include the Green Club, Do Something Society, the Uplands Social Committee, and the Uplander (the school magazine). Drama provides regular after‑school activities and public performances, including primary and secondary productions and FOBISIA events. The performing arts and sports CCAs extend opportunities across cultural, service and competitive activities.
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
Founded in 1955 during the Malayan Emergency, Uplands began as a boarding school for expatriate planters' children, initially located at the Crag Hotel on Penang Hill. In 1977, the school relocated to Pulau Tikus and later moved to its current purpose-built campus in Batu Ferringhi in 2006. Uplands operates as a non-profit institution, governed by the Incorporated Society of Planters (ISP).
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
Uplands hosts a diverse student body representing over 40 nationalities, fostering a multicultural environment. The school community actively participates in various events, including cultural celebrations, service projects, and sports competitions, promoting inclusivity and global awareness.
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 Uplands Parent Teacher Association (PTA) plays a vital role in enhancing the school community. It organizes events such as international food fairs, cultural nights, and fundraising activities, encouraging parent involvement and supporting school initiatives. The PTA also facilitates communication between parents and the school administration, contributing to a collaborative educational environment.
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 International School of Penang (Uplands) is the First Multiprogramme IB World School in Malaysia. The Primary School follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students aged 4 to 12. The Secondary School offers the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Years 7–9, the Cambridge IGCSE in Years 10–11, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Years 12–13. The school hosts a diverse community with more than 40 nationalities and emphasizes international-mindedness.
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
The Primary School includes Drama and Music and Visual Art as part of the arts program. Specialised Classes also feature STEAM and Library lessons in the curriculum. Physical Education with swimming is provided across year groups as part of a holistic approach to development.
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
Modern foreign languages include Bahasa and Mandarin in the Primary. An English as an Additional Language (EAL) program supports students who are not native English speakers. Communicators in the Primary learner profiles express themselves in more than one language.
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 Primary emphasizes student-led learning and leadership through Primary Leaders and a Year 5–6 Student Council. The Secondary School provides formal leadership opportunities through a Student Council, House Representatives, and Senior Prefects, with additional leadership avenues via co-curricular activities. Co-curricular Activities (CCA) include clubs such as the Green Club, Do Something Society, Uplands Social Committee, and the Uplander school magazine, along with peer mediators, buddies, mentors, and senior interns.
Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
Primary includes Sustainable Development Activities as part of its learning program. Secondary emphasizes service projects as part of the student experience. The school fosters community involvement through leadership, activities, and collaborative projects across year groups.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
Primary Leadership consists of Primary Leaders and a Year 5–6 Student Council. Secondary leadership includes a Student Council, House Representatives, and Senior Prefects with formal responsibilities across the school. Additional leadership pathways arise from CCAs, peer mediation, mentoring, and senior internships.
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
Wellbeing is central to the school's approach, with a focus on balance and an inclusive community. The school's motto is Respect for Self. Respect for Others, guiding daily life and interactions. Learner profiles emphasize Balance and Reflective practice to support intellectual, physical, and emotional well-being.
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 language of instruction is English. In Primary, Modern Foreign Languages are Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) and Mandarin. In IGCSE, languages offered include Bahasa, Chinese, French, German, and Spanish. In the IB Diploma Programme, language options include English, Chinese, Malay, French, German, Spanish, and Mandarin through Group 1 and Group 2 offerings, with the possibility of a Bilingual Diploma by taking two Language A courses.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
The IB Diploma Programme offers a Bilingual Diploma option. Students may take two Language A courses from Group 1 to qualify for the Bilingual Diploma. Group 1 languages include English A, Chinese A, and Malay A. Group 2 languages include English B, French B, German B, Spanish B, and Chinese B.
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
As of now, there are no publicly documented awards received by The International School of Penang (Uplands) in the past five years.
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
* Council of International Schools (CIS): Uplands was re-accredited by CIS in April 2025. This accreditation signifies the school's commitment to high-quality international education and continuous improvement.
* International Baccalaureate (IB) World School: Authorized since June 2001, Uplands offers the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the IB Diploma Programme (DP), reflecting its dedication to the IB's educational philosophy.
* Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE): As a registered centre, the school provides the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations, aligning with international academic standards.
* Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA): Membership since 2007 connects Uplands to a network of British international schools in Asia, facilitating collaboration and shared best practices.
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. Schedule a campus visit or open day (if available). Families are encouraged to visit the school to better understand the environment and facilities. This can include a guided tour and the opportunity to speak with staff. Visits are optional but can help in making an informed decision.
2. Submit an application form. Applications are submitted online and must include supporting documents such as academic records, passport/ID, and any relevant reports (e.g., EAL or SEN assessments). An application fee of MYR 800 is payable at this stage. Applications can be submitted year-round, but spaces may be limited in certain year groups.
3. Student assessment and review. Depending on the age group and background, students may be invited to sit an entrance assessment and/or interview with a member of the academic team. English language proficiency and learning support needs are also reviewed to determine the level of support required.
4. Receive an offer. If the application is successful, the school will issue an offer letter. To secure the place, parents must pay the entrance fee (MYR 7,000) and enrolment deposit (MYR 5,000) within the given deadline.
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
Uplands offers a limited number of academic scholarships for students entering the IB Diploma Programme (Years 12–13). These are merit-based and awarded through an application process that typically includes previous academic records, teacher recommendations, and an interview. Scholarships may cover a portion of tuition fees and do not apply to boarding or additional fees. Specific scholarship availability and application deadlines are communicated directly by the school on an annual basis.
Waitlist
Waitlist
Pelita International School does not publicly indicate the use of a waitlist or pool system.
Waitlist
Uplands may operate a waitlist for year groups that are already at capacity. Applicants placed on the waitlist are notified in writing and may be offered a place if one becomes available. Priority is not guaranteed and may depend on factors such as sibling attendance, date of application, and the applicant’s educational profile. The school does not operate a pooled admissions round; decisions are made on a rolling basis.