Education in Penang


This articles concerns the educational institutions of Penang. There are 271 primary schools and 125 secondary schools in Penang.

English Schools

boasts of a good system of education stretching back to the early days of the British administration. Many of the public schools in Penang are among the oldest in the country and even in the region as a whole. Most notable of these are:
These pioneer schools formed the backbone of Malaysia's early education system which has educated generations of rulers, prime ministers, chief ministers, lawmakers, politicians, professionals and people of social standing.

Fully residential schools/ Sekolah berasrama penuh (SBP)

Penang Chinese school has also long been the centre of a well-developed schooling system. These schools were set up by local Chinese associations with donations from philanthropists, and have historically attracted students from Chinese communities in Thailand and Indonesia, where Chinese education was banned.
SchoolCurriculumCampusLevelEstablishedRemarks
GEMS International School, Pearl City, Penang British CurriculumNo. 2, Persiaran Mutiara 5, Pusat Komersial Bandar Tasek Mutiara, 14120 Simpang Ampat, Pulau Pinang, MalaysiaAge 3 to 18Founded in 1959
  • It is owned by GEMS Education, the world leader in K-12 education with an international network of 90 schools in 13 countries.
  • Founder and chairman of GEMS Education is a member of Harvard University's prestigious Global Advisory Council.
  • GEMS Education to expand in India and South East Asia
The International School of Penang International Baccalaureate & British IGCSEJalan Sungai SatuBatu Feringgi 11100, Penang, MalaysiaAge 3 to 18British curriculum International school accredited through the International Baccalaureate and Cambridge International Exams. Located in Batu Ferringhi.
St. Christopher's International Primary SchoolBritish curriculumGurney/Pulau TikusPrimary school based on the British education system. Located in the Gurney/Pulau Tikus area.
Straits International SchoolBritish curriculumKuala Lumpur based school with a Penang campus. Located in the south part of the island, closer to the airport. British curriculum based education and brand new in 2012, they have been offering open houses periodically every year.
Dalat International SchoolInternationalTanjung BungahAmerican Christian International school accredited through ACSI and WASC. Located in Tanjung Bungah. Offers boarding for students.
Fairview International SchoolInternational BaccalaureateBukit JambulKuala Lumpur based school with a Penang campus located in Bukit Jambul. International Baccalaureate based education.
Tenby International SchoolCambridge curriculumCambridge based education with more Malaysian influence. Tenby International School shares a campus with the Malaysian private school, with both schools together called the Tenby Schools.
Pelita International SchoolCambridge curriculumCambridge International Education based system. This is the international school part of a larger system with other schools around Penang.
Prince of Wales Island International SchoolCambridge curriculumclose to Balik PulauLocated on the west side of the island, close to Balik Pulau, Prince of Wales opened in 2011. They do have a bus system that picks up students from all over the island, as well as having brand new dormitory facilities for boarding students. Cambridge-based education, they are part of the Council of British International Schools.

Tertiary Education

Universities