Frequently Asked Questions 

Straits International School Penang offers a British-based education for children aged 3 to 16, from Nursery to Year 11, preparing students for IGCSE exams. The school provides a supportive learning environment with modern facilities and experienced teachers. Tuition fees are structured per term, with three terms in an academic year. Annual tuition fees range from RM15,450 to RM36,840, depending on the year group. 

No, SIS Penang does not offer boarding facilities. We operate as a day school, with classes running from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday. 

Straits International School Penang was established in August 2012 with the mission to provide affordable, high-quality international education to families in the southern region of Penang Island. Initially operating from a modest shophouse in Bayan Lepas, the school quickly developed a strong sense of community, with teachers and parents collaborating to organize field trips, outings, and sports days for students. 

In 2016, Straits International School Penang moved to its permanent campus at 2 Lilitan Sungai Tiram, Bayan Lepas. The new seven-Storey facility spans 90,000 square feet and features modern amenities such as science laboratories, a spacious library, ICT suites, a music room, drama studio, futsal court, swimming pool, and an Early Years play area. The campus is strategically located near Penang International Airport and the Free Industrial Area, making it accessible to both expatriate and local families.  

Straits International School Penang offers a multilingual education, reflecting its commitment to providing an international yet locally relevant curriculum. All students are required to study Mandarin, either as a first or second language. Additionally, Malaysian students are mandated to learn Bahasa Malaysia, Malaysian History, and Moral Studies. For Muslim students, Islamic Studies are also part of the curriculum. These language offerings are integrated across all educational stages, from kindergarten through to Secondary, ensuring students develop strong linguistic skills alongside their academic studies.

School Day Timings 

Monday to Thursday: 
Arrival: 7:30–7:50 AM 
Lessons: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM 
Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs): 3:00–3:45 PM (optional, with staggered finish between 3:45–4:00 PM) 
After School Club: 3:45–5:00 PM 

Friday: 
Arrival: 7:30–7:50 AM 
Lessons: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (staggered finish between 2:00–2:15 PM) 
After School Club: 2:15–5:00 PM (optional) 

Please note that the After School Club is available to all students, including those not enrolled at the school. Activities include Kidz Club, Music Lessons, Sports, and Secondary Revision, with fees ranging from RM130 to RM850 per term, depending on the activity.  

SIS Penang offers over 100 co-curricular activities, encompassing sports, music, arts, academic clubs, and more, to support holistic student development.  

The admissions process involves:  

1. Enquiry – Submit an enquiry form  
2. Campus Visit – Schedule a visit  
3. Application – Complete and submit application  
4. Assessment – Trial class or placement test  
5. Offer & Acceptance – Receive and accept offer  
6. Enrollment – Submit forms and fees  

Our campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including ICT suites, STEM Lab, Pickleball Court, a multi-purpose hall, sports courts, swimming pool, drama studio, music rooms, fitness suites, art and design rooms, well-equipped library, science labs, comfortable classrooms, and a cafeteria.  

Straits International School Penang fosters open and ongoing communication between parents and the school through multiple effective channels. Parents can easily reach out to teachers via email or speak with them in person during daily dismissal. Bi-weekly Coffee Mornings with the Principal provide a welcoming space for parents to share feedback and raise concerns in a relaxed setting. Termly Parent Meetings offer structured opportunities to discuss students’ progress and school-related matters. The Straits Parents Support Group (SPSG) encourages active parental involvement in school events, fundraising, and co-curricular activities, while also serving as a vital link between parents and the school’s leadership team. Additionally, the school has a formal "Concerns and Feedback Policy" to ensure that all parent feedback is acknowledged, addressed, and acted upon promptly and constructively.  

Straits International School Penang offers a variety of extra co-curricular activities designed to enrich students’ learning experiences beyond the classroom. These activities provide opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and social interaction, helping students build confidence, teamwork, and leadership qualities in a supportive environment.

Straits International School Penang supports students with special educational needs (SEN) and encourages parents to seek additional assistance by hiring shadow teachers or personal aides to provide one-on-one support. The school works closely with families to accommodate individual learning needs and ensure a positive, inclusive learning environment. Parents are welcome to discuss their child’s specific requirements with the admissions team to plan the best support approach. 

Your child’s progress at Straits International School Penang will be communicated to you regularly through multiple channels. Parents receive detailed academic reports at the end of each term, which outline your child’s achievements, strengths, and areas for improvement. Additionally, there are scheduled parent-teacher meetings each term where you can discuss your child’s development in person. 

Yes, we offer comprehensive English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for students whose first language is not English. The school provides dedicated EAL instruction, delivered by trained specialists, to help students develop proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. EAL support is integrated into the regular curriculum through both in-class assistance and targeted pull-out sessions, allowing students to receive up to four hours of focused language support per week. 

Straits International School Penang offers reliable and secure transportation services through trusted, third-party providers. The service covers key areas across Penang Island, including Teluk Bahang and Balik Pulau, with limited coverage to selected locations on the mainland. All transportation partners are carefully selected to ensure student safety, with vehicles regularly maintained and drivers vetted for professionalism and reliability.  

Required documents:  

• Parents’ passport/IC  
• Parents’ visa and work permit (if applicable)  
• Student’s birth certificate (translated to English if necessary)  
• Student’s passport/MyKid/IC  
• Previous school reports  
• Medical/immunisation records 
• Passport-sized photograph of the student  

Yes, transportation services are available covering Penang Island and selected areas on the mainland. 

The campus has 24-hour CCTV surveillance and on-site security personnel to ensure student safety.