Penang’s two registered private secondary schools sit on different parts of the island and mainland. Northern Lights is based in Simpang Ampat on the mainland, while SRI Tenby operates in Tanjung Bungah on the island’s north coast. Both offer internationally recognised qualifications and attract families who want smaller school environments compared to the larger international schools in George Town.
Private secondary school curricula in Penang
Northern Lights follows a blended approach: CASS, Cambridge IGCSE, and KSSM (the Malaysian national secondary curriculum). This means students can sit both IGCSE and SPM examinations. SRI Tenby focuses on the Cambridge IGCSE pathway, a well-established route to A-Levels and university entry. Both schools give Penang families access to British-style qualifications without the higher price tags of fully international campuses. For details on how these curricula differ, check our guides.
Private secondary school fees in Penang
Private secondary schools in Penang generally cost less than the state’s international schools, which can charge upwards of RM 30,000 per year. Exact fees for Northern Lights and SRI Tenby should be confirmed with each school. Visit our fees page for comparisons across school types and states.