Stonyhurst International School Penang

The school is located in Tanjung Tokong, a coastal neighborhood on Penang Island, about 15 minutes by car from George Town. It is situated within a residential area known for its waterfront housing and amenities.

The school caters to students aged 3 to 18 and is divided into several stages: Early Years (Nursery and Reception), Pre-Prep (Years 1–2), Prep and Elements (Years 3–6), Figures to Lower Grammar (Years 7–9), Grammar and Syntax (Years 10–11), and Sixth Form (Years 12–13). Each stage follows a British-based curriculum aligned to the student's age and developmental needs.

It is a co-educational day school, welcoming both local and international students.

While the school emphasizes personalized care, there is no specific mention of a dedicated SEN department or specialist learning support facilities in the current materials.

The school is affiliated with Stonyhurst College in the UK, but operates independently in Malaysia. Its curriculum is based on the British education system.

The school has a Jesuit Catholic heritage and values, though it welcomes students of all faiths and secular backgrounds.

The school day begins with gates opening at 7:35 AM, followed by student registration from 7:50 to 8:00 AM. For both Junior (Nursery to Year 6) and Senior School (Years 7 to 13), academic lessons run from 8:00 AM to 3:20 PM, including scheduled breaks and lunch.

After the academic day ends, Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) are held from 3:20 to 4:20 PM for students in Year 1 and above. Nursery children finish at 1:00 PM, with an optional “Stay and Play” session available until 2:30 PM.

The school offers a bus service in partnership with Lim Boon Kooi School Bus Service (LBK). This service is available for students from Reception onwards and includes bus monitors for attendance and safety. Routes and pickup times are arranged based on demand, and younger students are only dropped off if a caregiver is present.

Stonyhurst International School Penang follows a UK-based curriculum from Early Years through Sixth Form. Children in Nursery and Reception follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, with a focus on play-based learning and early literacy and numeracy. In Years 1 and 2 (Pre-Prep), students begin formal instruction in core subjects, supported by specialist teaching in music, physical education, swimming, and languages such as French, Bahasa Malaysia, and Mandarin. From Years 3 to 6 (Prep and Elements), students follow the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) alongside English, mathematics, and science. In Years 7 to 9 (Figures to Lower Grammar), the curriculum expands to include humanities, computing, and creative subjects, leading to the IGCSE program in Years 10 and 11. Sixth Form students (Years 12 and 13) follow the A-Level curriculum, selecting individual subjects based on interest and university pathways.

The school incorporates social and emotional development through its Jesuit-inspired framework, known as the Jesuit Pupil Profile, which promotes values such as compassion, attentiveness, and discernment. Teachers integrate these themes into lessons and school life, encouraging reflective discussions and positive behavior. Each student is supported by form tutors and pastoral staff who monitor their personal growth and social interactions. In addition, co-curricular programs and service opportunities are designed to build resilience, empathy, and teamwork. Senior students are encouraged to take on leadership roles to foster responsibility and self-awareness.

Stonyhurst Penang is not a specialist SEN institution, but it offers support for students with mild to moderate learning needs. A Learning Support Fee of MYR 2,500 per year applies if additional support is required. Support is coordinated in consultation with teachers and pastoral staff, focusing on classroom accommodations and individual monitoring.

While there is no separate EAL department outlined in public materials, the school welcomes students from diverse language backgrounds and provides language support through its teaching teams.

Stonyhurst Penang provides mental wellbeing support through a structured counselling program and regular pastoral check-ins. A team of trained staff, including a Head of Pastoral, oversees emotional development and offers individual support as needed. The school’s emphasis on values-based education encourages a caring environment where students feel comfortable seeking help. Advisory and counselling services are accessible throughout a student’s time at the school. Activities that promote mindfulness, reflection, and peer support are embedded within the curriculum and extracurricular program.

Safeguarding is overseen by the Designated Safeguarding Lead (the Head of Pastoral), supported by school-wide policies and training. All staff involved with students undergo regular child protection training, including bus monitors and drivers. The school enforces secure pickup procedures, mandatory background checks, and standardized reporting for all safeguarding concerns. Protocols for absences, transportation, and adult authorization are documented and strictly followed. The school follows a structured safeguarding policy aligned with international school standards in Malaysia.

1. Book a campus visit or attend an open house.
Families are encouraged to visit the school to better understand the learning environment and facilities. Open houses or private tours can typically be arranged through the admissions team.

2. Submit an application form and required documents.
To begin the formal admissions process, parents need to complete the application form and provide documents such as a copy of the student’s passport, birth certificate, previous school reports, and any relevant medical or learning support documentation. A non-refundable application fee of MYR 1,000 applies.

3. Assessment and interview.
Applicants may be invited to take an age-appropriate assessment. Depending on the year level, students may also attend a short interview with the academic or pastoral team, either in person or online.

4. Offer of place and acceptance.
If successful, families will receive a formal offer letter. To secure the place, parents must sign the acceptance documents and pay the required enrolment and security deposit fees.

5. Orientation and start of school.
Once enrolled, students and families are invited to attend orientation sessions to become familiar with school routines, uniforms, and timetables. The admissions and pastoral teams provide support to ensure a smooth transition into school life.

The school offers a limited number of merit- and means-tested scholarships for academically strong students. Applicants who meet both academic and financial eligibility may apply for funding of up to 100% of school fees. Full scholarship recipients entering Sixth Form (Years 12–13) receive comprehensive support covering tuition, uniform, meals, books, equipment, residential and day trip fees, transportation, and—if applicable—boarding and insurance costs. These scholarships are awarded for the full two-year Sixth Form term and are subject to ongoing review.

In addition, the school previously offered Honorary Scholarships for high-achieving students who did not qualify for financial support. However, this category has now closed, as all honorary scholarships have been fully awarded.

Stonyhurst International School Penang does not publicly state whether it operates a waitlist or pooled admissions system. However, admissions are subject to availability in each year group.