Ideas International Secondary School Penang
- IGCSE
- A Level
Per yearabout USD 3.84K–4.14K
MYR 15.6K–16.8K · 2025-26 school year · Source: school website (checked 2026-11-06)
About
Inclusive, affordable Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level pathway in Penang for learners from diverse backgrounds, including refugees. Operated by Newlife Education Sdn Bhd and part of the Ideas International group.
Key facts
Source: Read from the school's website
Curriculum
IGCSE · A Level
Ages
Ages 10–18
Language
English
Type
International school
Fee level
- Founded
- 2014
- Selectivity
- Selective
Fees
Source: Read from the school's website
2025-26 school year
Age on the first day of the school year (usually 1 September). Cut-off dates differ by school.
| Grade | Per year |
|---|---|
| 7-9 | MYR 15,600≈ USD 3.84K |
| 10-11 | MYR 16,800≈ USD 4.14K |
Show fee charts
| per year | |
|---|---|
| 7-9 | MYR 15,600 (about USD 3.84K) |
| 10-11 | MYR 16,800 (about USD 4.14K) |
Source: school website (ideasinternational.my) · checked 2026-11-06 · ECB reference rate (2026-11-06)
| min | max | |
|---|---|---|
| Ideas International Secondary School Penang (this school) | MYR 15,600 (about USD 3.84K) | MYR 16,800 (about USD 4.14K) |
| Dalat International School | MYR 22,000 (about USD 5.42K) | MYR 59,000 (about USD 14.5K) |
| Assumption International Secondary School | MYR 15,000 (about USD 3.7K) | MYR 15,000 (about USD 3.7K) |
| Stonyhurst International School Penang | MYR 16,500 (about USD 4.07K) | MYR 59,850 (about USD 14.7K) |
Source: school website (ideasinternational.my) · checked 2026-11-06 · ECB reference rate (2026-11-06)
One-off costs
- Enrolment fee
- MYR 500
- Deposit
- MYR 2,000
- Uniform
- MYR 200
As published by the school. Amounts change with the school year and exchange rates; please confirm with the school before applying. Converted amounts use the reference rate of the date shown. ECB reference rate (2026-11-06). Source: school website (checked 2026-11-06)
Curriculum and academics
Source: Read from the school's website
Curricula, explainedIGCSE · A Level
IGCSE
Ages 14–16, 2 years · Ages 14–16
A subject-by-subject qualification taken around age 16 in British-style schools — usually 5–10 subjects studied over two years.
A Level
Last 2 years of school · Ages 16–18
The British university-entrance qualification: usually 3–4 subjects studied in depth for two years; UK universities make offers on these grades.
Ages are the usual bands; schools can differ.Curriculum basics guide
Campus and school life
Source: Read from the school's website
Facilities
- Ict lab
- Chemistry lab
- Canteen
Sports
- Physical education
- Skateboarding
- Sports teams
Arts
- Music
- Art
- Theatre
After-school activities
- Student Council
- Broadcast Club
- Content Creators Club
- MUN Club
- Music
- Art
- Theatre
- Skateboarding
- Sports teams
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More details
Source: Read from the school's website
Diving deeper
Governance and ownership
Run as a social enterprise with a Board of Governors, after evolving from a charity.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Academics
Curriculum
Offers Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level pathways, with a Fast Track stage for Years 7-8 and coding and human skills classes.
- IGCSE
- A Level
- Fast Track Years 7-8
- Coding
- Human Skills
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Wellbeing
Social and emotional learning (SEL)
Emphasises social and emotional skills such as listening, communication and teamwork through human skills classes.
- Listening skills
- Communication skills
- Team building
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Mental wellbeing
Supports wellbeing through the HumanKIND mental health programme and mindfulness activities.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Parent experience
History
Started as a 2012 committee, opened as Ideas Academy in 2014, and opened the Penang campus in 2024.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Community
Partners with UNHCR and emphasises education for all in a multicultural setting.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Facilities
Sports facilities
Physical education classes and sports teams are offered.
- Physical education
- Sports teams
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Academic facilities
Extra-curricular activities
Arts and creative
Music, art and theatre activities, with one yearly production combining all three.
- Music
- Art
- Theatre
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Community and service
A 'Pay it forward' programme where students facilitate skills modules for other learning centres.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Leadership and professional
Student-led clubs including the student council, broadcast, content creators and Model UN.
- Student Council
- Broadcast Club
- Content Creators Club
- MUN Club
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Lifestyle and wellbeing
Daily breathing and meditation breaks, two hours weekly of physical education, and a skateboarding programme.
- Daily mindfulness
- Physical education
- Skateboarding programme
- Sports teams
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Languages
Language provision
Teaches English and Malay Language as subjects within the curriculum.
- English
- Malay Language
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Reputation
Accreditations
Serves as a Cambridge examination centre for IGCSE and A-Level and as a Cambridge refugee exam centre.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Admissions
Admissions
A selective process with pre-entry assessment considering age, knowledge, skills and social and emotional development.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Location
Source: Read from the school's website
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