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Prince of Wales Island International School - Balik Pulau

Malaysia, Penang

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees MYR 55,260 - 62,970
Ages 11 - 19 years
Pupil numbers 500
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 2011
Bus Service Yes
Part of
Prince of Wales Island International School
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Taught languages English, Malay, Mandarin, Spanish
Typical class size 24
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, STEM, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Prince of Wales Island International School’s Balik Pulau campus opened in 2011 and offers British-based education from Year 7 to Sixth Form (age 11–19). Located in the quieter, agricultural western side of Penang, it combines rural surroundings with access to quality boarding and day education. The school follows the English National Curriculum, leading students through IGCSE to Cambridge A Levels. Academic achievements are strong. Facilities include science labs for hands-on STEM learning, sports fields used for FOBISIA events, and a creative arts programme offering choir, orchestra, and other drama productions. Boarding options include full, weekday or flexible plans, with transport services available.

This campus is part of Prince of Wales Island International School

1 Jalan Sungai Air Putih 6, Bandar Baru Air Putih, 11000 Balik Pulau, Penang, Malaysia

The Essentials

Prince of Wales Island International School - Balik Pulau has 500 pupils, typical class sizes of 24, instruction in English.

Location
Prince of Wales Island International School (POWIIS) Balik Pulau campus sits in a calm, rural setting on the western side of Penang Island, Malaysia, surrounded by orchards and rice fields. It’s reached via a short drive from Balik Pulau town, with a dedicated school bus service connecting it to various residential areas across the island.

Stages
POWIIS Balik Pulau caters to students aged 11 to 19, beginning from Year 7 through Year 13. The structure is aligned with the British educational system:

Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9): Students follow the National Curriculum of England, providing foundational academic skills across subjects.

Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11): Pupils prepare for the Cambridge IGCSE examinations across a range of core and elective subjects.

Sixth Form (Years 12–13): Students undertake Cambridge International A Levels, with subject choices tailored to individual strengths and university aspirations.

Type
POWIIS is a co‑educational school offering day places for ages 11–19. Boarding is available in full-time, weekly, or flexible arrangements (flexi‑boarding) at the Balik Pulau campus.

Additional learning support
POWIIS provides targeted support for students with additional learning needs through its Learning Support Department, which offers both English as an Additional Language (EAL) and SEN provisions:

EAL Support: Available for students in Years 7–9, focusing on building fluency and confidence in academic English through structured withdrawal sessions. Pupils are assessed and grouped according to their language needs.

SEN Support: Students with learning differences (such as dyslexia, ADHD, or mild autism spectrum conditions) may receive individualized support based on assessments. Provision can include:

* One-to-one support sessions
* Modified classroom strategies
* Exam access arrangements (e.g., extra time)
* Collaboration with external specialists (when needed)

Country affiliation
POWIIS is an independent school in Malaysia but follows the English National Curriculum.

Religious affiliation
POWIIS does not have any religious affiliations.

School day structure
The school day typically begins at 8:00 AM and ends by 3:00 PM. It includes a morning break and lunch break. Co-curricular activities take place after school hours on selected days.

Bus service
Yes, POWIIS offers a school bus service across Penang Island, with designated pick‑up points in residential areas. Routes and pricing are outlined in the Parent Handbook and include behavior guidelines and booking procedures.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Boarding is on campus at POWIIS Balik Pulau. Boarders live in modern, comfortable halls with access to facilities including sports fields, a multi-purpose hall, a library and arts spaces. A team of staff, including boarding matrons, teachers and the school nurse, supports daily life; there are flexible options to suit families' needs, such as full-time boarding or weekday stays.

Food Options
On-site meals are provided for students; boarding includes meals and opportunities for shared meals with staff and peers.

House System
The Balik Pulau campus uses a house system with four houses: Aqua, Ignis, Terra and Ventus. House Captains and deputies lead house events and activities.

Governance and Ownership
POWIIS is owned and operated by MTT Learning Academy Sdn Bhd. The Board of Governors is appointed by MTT Learning Academy and includes representatives of the shareholders and the Board of Directors.
Fees

Annual tuition at Prince of Wales Island International School - Balik Pulau ranges from MYR 55,260 to MYR 62,970 for 2026/27.

Application and Registration Fees:
* Assessment Fee (non-refundable): MYR 1,000
* Registration Fee (non-refundable): MYR 5,000
* Course Deposit: Ranges from MYR 15,800 to MYR 18,000

Tuition Fees:
There are three terms per academic year.
* Year 7 & 8: MYR 18,420 per term / MYR 55,260 annually
* Year 9: MYR 19,240 per term / MYR 57,720 annually
* Year 10 & 11: MYR 19,700 per term / MYR 59,100 annually
* Year 12 & 13: MYR 20,990 per term / MYR 62,970 annually

A 3.5% discount is offered for full annual payment in advance.

Boarding Fees:
Available for students in Year 7 to Year 13:
* Boarding Deposit: MYR 12,000
* Full Boarding: MYR 13,200 per term / MYR 39,600 annually
* Weekday Boarding (Mon–Fri): MYR 10,500 per term / MYR 31,500 annually
* Flexi-Boarding: MYR 220 per night

Boarding includes meals, linen, air-conditioning, supervision, and weekend activities. Single rooms are provided for Sixth Form students.

Arts Academy Fees:
Standard Program:

Year 7 to Year 10, Year 12:
Termly: MYR 6,000
Annual: MYR 18,000

Year 11 and Year 13:
Termly: MYR 6,000
Annual: MYR 12,000

Premium Program:

Year 7 to Year 10, Year 12:
Termly: MYR 12,000
Annual: MYR 36,000

Year 11 and Year 13:
Termly: MYR 12,000
Annual: MYR 24,000

These fees are in addition to tuition and reflect specialised coaching, performance development, and advanced exposure to the arts. Year 11 and Year 13 only pay for two terms, because term 3 is mainly examinations.

Other Costs:
* Uniforms, books, transport, and optional activities (e.g., instrumental music) are not included in tuition.

Billing Schedule and Payment Terms:
Fees are billed termly in advance. Tuition payments are due in August, December, and April for each academic year. A 3% discount is offered for full annual payment made in advance.


Refund Policy:
Deposits are refundable only if written notice of withdrawal is given by the deadlines listed in the handbook. Assessment and registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.


Academics

Prince of Wales Island International School - Balik Pulau teaches British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels for students aged 11 to 19.

Curriculum
POWIIS Balik Pulau follows the British curriculum, structured around the English National Curriculum in the lower years and progressing to internationally recognised qualifications. In Years 7 to 9 (Key Stage 3), students study a broad range of subjects including English, Mathematics, Sciences, Humanities, Languages, Arts, and Physical Education. In Years 10 and 11, students prepare for the Cambridge IGCSE, selecting core subjects (such as English, Mathematics, and Sciences) along with elective options like Business Studies, Art, Music, or Computer Science. In the Sixth Form (Years 12–13), students choose from a range of Cambridge International A Levels, typically taking three or four subjects aligned with their future academic and career plans. The curriculum also includes pastoral, enrichment, and co-curricular programmes that support personal development. English is the medium of instruction, with additional language options offered as part of the academic programme.

Academic calendar
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school begins each day with tutor time, allocating a daily slot where students check in with a trusted adult, often engaging in discussions or wellbeing activities using tools like Komodo Wellbeing. Primary support is provided by form tutors in Key Stage 3, with oversight from Heads of Key Stages and a school counsellor. The PSHE program, held fortnightly, covers topics such as mental health, relationships, digital safety, and decision-making. This curriculum is tailored to each age group and is delivered by pastoral leaders and trained staff within advisory and counselling teams. In the Sixth Form, there remains structured support including tutor guidance, one-to-one meetings with the University & Careers Counsellor, and a mental wellbeing focus during this high-pressure stage.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
POWIIS is not a specialist SEN school but does admit students with learning difficulties who can benefit from its curriculum with appropriate support. According to the school’s SEN Policy, support is available for students with significantly greater difficulty in learning or disabilities that hinder access to mainstream education. The SENCo coordinates daily provisions and oversees assessments, Access Arrangement applications, and individualised plans. Teachers work closely with the SEN team to implement differentiated strategies in the classroom. Admissions decisions for SEN learners are based on available resources, staffing, and adequate background knowledge of the student’s needs, with additional assessments like class observations if required.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
POWIIS offers a structured EAL program for students in Years 7–9, aimed at building academic English proficiency in preparation for IGCSE and A Levels. Placement is informed by CEFR assessments during admissions, and students move through levels until ready to graduate from the program. EAL support includes structured withdrawal lessons and integration within the broader Learning Support team.

Mental Wellbeing
The school has a dedicated pastoral team that includes tutors, key stage leaders, and school counsellors responsible for supporting mental wellbeing. Regular tutor check-ins and PSHE sessions address common emotional challenges faced by adolescents. POWIIS uses tools like Komodo to allow students to report wellbeing concerns and track mood patterns. In the Sixth Form, additional mental health support is embedded through university and future-planning counselling.

Safeguarding
POWIIS Balik Pulau affirms its commitment to safeguarding, ensuring protection from harm through a stable school environment for all students. Tutor teams, pastoral leaders, and counsellors act as designated first contacts for concerns. The school's focus on psychological safety, emotional support, and open communication channels indicates adherence to standard child protection practices.

Safeguarding Policy
Parent Experience

History
The Prince of Wales Island International School (POWIIS) was established in 2011 by the MTT Learning Academy, a private Malaysian education group led by Datin Seri Saisunee Ong. The school was founded with a vision to provide a British-style education in Penang, offering both day and boarding options within a rural campus in Balik Pulau. The ownership group has personal ties to British education and intended POWIIS to follow the structure and curriculum of UK independent schools, combining academic qualifications with character development. The original Balik Pulau campus was designed to serve secondary students (Years 7–13), and in 2019, the school expanded with a second campus, POWIIS Tanjung Bungah, catering to primary-aged children (ages 3–11). Together, the two campuses offer a full-through British curriculum pathway from Early Years through A Levels.

Community
POWIIS Balik Pulau has a diverse and engaged school community consisting of local and expatriate families, boarding students, day pupils, academic staff, and alumni. The school emphasises participation across all groups, and community life is enriched through regular school-wide events, such as International Day, musical and drama productions, science and arts exhibitions, and fundraising initiatives. The House System builds camaraderie through house competitions in sports, academics, and service activities. Students and families are also encouraged to take part in service learning projects and sustainability initiatives, particularly under affiliations such as Eco-Schools and The Alliance for Sustainable Schools. POWIIS promotes intercultural awareness and collective engagement by marking festive and cultural events from multiple traditions, reflecting the international makeup of its student body. Alumni events, parent forums, and university fairs further expand the community's reach beyond school life.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The school invites parents to engage through the POWIIS Supporters Club. This is a voluntary group of parents who support school events and initiatives throughout the year. Any parent may join, and meetings are held once per term on Saturday mornings. The Supporters Club works closely with staff to enhance the student experience and community life, particularly around performances, enrichment events, and co-curricular activities.
Gallery
Facilities

Facilities Overview
POWIIS Balik Pulau is located at 1 Jalan Sungai Air Putih 6, Bandar Baru Air Putih, 11000 Balik Pulau, Penang, Malaysia. It provides a British curriculum with Cambridge IGCSEs and A Levels for students aged 11 to 19. The school includes the POWIIS Arts Academy, a specialist program for those who wish to immerse themselves in music alongside their studies. Boarding provisions are available to meet family needs, providing a home-like environment for boarding students. The school emphasizes global citizenship through the POWIIS Project and offers leadership opportunities through student leadership programs.

Academic Facilities
The Balik Pulau campus offers a Cambridge IGCSE and A Level pathway for students aged 11 to 19. The program runs Year 7 through Year 13, with Year 7-9 (Key Stage 3), Year 10-11 (IGCSE), and Year 12-13 (A Levels). A university and careers counsellor supports students through the POWIIS journey and beyond. The POWIIS Arts Academy forms part of the academic environment, offering a specialist arts pathway for Balik Pulau students. Global citizenship and character development are integrated through school life and the POWIIS Project.

Extra Curricular Facilities
POWIIS Balik Pulau includes the POWIIS Arts Academy, a specialist program for students who wish to immerse themselves in music alongside their studies. Global citizenship is promoted through the POWIIS Project, with the motto 'Be the change, make a difference'. Student leadership programs provide opportunities to develop essential skills and contribute to the school community. Career Pathways supports every child with university and career guidance alongside academic staff. Opportunities for extracurricular activities are available locally, regionally, and internationally.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Prince of Wales Island International School Balik Pulau offers Cambridge IGCSEs and A Level programmes. The curriculum is described as a holistic British curriculum that nurtures academic excellence, creativity, and global citizenship. The learning environment includes modern facilities and a supportive community in Penang. A University and Careers Counsellor supports students with university readiness and career pathways beyond POWIIS. The Balik Pulau campus address is 1 Jalan Sungai Air Putih 6, Bandar Baru Air Putih 11000 Balik Pulau, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. Tel: +604 868 9999; Email: [email protected]

Arts & Creative
The POWIIS Arts Academy is a specialist programme exclusive to Balik Pulau students, allowing those who wish to immerse themselves in music to study alongside their general subjects. It forms part of the centre of excellence for the arts at POWIIS. The arts focus reflects the school's commitment to developing creative talents within a balanced curriculum.

Cultural & Language
POWIIS Balik Pulau emphasizes global citizenship and cultural diversity as core aspects of its community. The motto Be the change, make a difference reflects an emphasis on considering multiple perspectives on contemporary issues. The school fosters an inclusive, culturally diverse environment and encourages engagement with global issues. The Balik Pulau campus is part of a multicultural Penang community.

Social & Hobbies
POWIIS provides a broad range of extracurricular opportunities locally, regionally, and internationally. Student leadership programmes provide a platform for students to develop essential skills and contribute to the school community. The campus offers boarding provisions to meet families' needs, supporting social life and community.

Community & Service
Global citizenship initiatives and the POWIIS Project encourage community involvement and social responsibility. The motto Be the change, make a difference underlines a focus on social impact. Students engage in activities that connect with local and international communities as part of school life.

Leadership & Professional
Student leadership programmes provide opportunities to develop essential skills. A dedicated University and Careers Counsellor supports students through their POWIIS journey and beyond. The school promotes professional development and leadership within its student community.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Well Being is prioritised with a nurturing environment that supports emotional resilience, reduces stress, and enhances mental health. The safeguarding commitment underscores a safe environment for all. Boarding provisions support a balanced lifestyle for students living on campus.
Reputation

Accreditations
Council of International Schools (CIS): Global accreditation for international schools demonstrating high-quality education.

Council of British International Schools (COBIS): UK-based accreditation ensuring delivery of British-style education abroad.

Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA): Membership offering access to regional events, sport, and training.

Association of International Malaysian Schools (AIMS): Malaysian industry association supporting international school quality.

Cambridge Assessment International Education examination centre: Approved provider of Cambridge IGCSE and A Level exams on-site.

Pearson Edexcel examination centre: Approved provider of Edexcel qualifications on-site.

Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award partner: Enables students to participate in this recognised youth development programme.

Eco-Schools / Alliance for Sustainable Schools: Recognises school-wide commitment to environmental education and practices.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Book a school tour or virtual open event:
The school recommends visiting the campus or attending a virtual session to better understand its facilities, curriculum, and learning environment. This can be arranged through the admissions team.

2. Submit the application form and required documents:
Parents complete the official application form and upload key documents including school reports, health information, birth certificate/passport, and a photo. These are submitted online or via email to the school registrar.

3. Assessment and interview:
Students may be invited for academic assessment (including English language evaluation) and an interview with the academic team. These assessments help determine appropriate placement and support.

4. Offer of place and confirmation:
If successful, an offer letter is issued. Parents then confirm the place by returning a signed acceptance form and paying a registration fee and deposit.

Scholarships
POWIIS Bukit Pulau offers five types of scholarships for both existing and prospective students, applicable against tuition fees only:

General Academic:
Based on CAT scores (top 5% of cohort), IGCSE performance (for Year 12), recent grades, and references.

Subject Specific:
For exceptional achievement in a particular academic subject, supported by competition results and teacher recommendations.

Arts:
For drama, music, design tech, or visual arts; applicants submit portfolios, performance samples, and validated exam/competition results.

Global Citizenship:
Based on involvement in events such as MUN, GIN, WSC, or service projects, supported by portfolios and references.

Sports:
For students excelling in school sports with documented team representation, trial performance, and coach recommendations.

Scholarships are awarded per term and are not applied retrospectively. They require an excellent record of attendance and behaviour. Only one application per student per year is accepted, and awards are confidential. Scholarships may be withdrawn with a term’s notice if criteria are not maintained.

Waitlist
POWIIS does not mention the use of a waitlist or pool-based admissions system.
School Events
The school has not added events
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