The International School of Penang (Uplands), under the leadership of Principal Dr. Marc Mesich, is a non-profit, co-educational Primary and Secondary School, open to children aged 4 to 18 years old. It is one of the leading international schools in Malaysia, offering the IB PYP, IB Diploma Programme, High School Diploma, and IGCSE qualifications. We are a candidate school and will be implementing the IB MYP.

Since being established in 1955 at the top of Penang Hill, we are now established in a modern campus in Batu Ferringhi. During our rich history, Uplands has strived to embody a caring community—a school where both international and Malaysian students are happy to learn with our motto of Respect for Self. Respect for Others.

Students receive a wealth of quality education from a diverse international teaching faculty as well as a range of sporting and extracurricular activities, cultivating our values of respect, integrity, inquiry, diversity, collaboration, resilience, and balance. Year upon year, Uplands students have attained academic results that are consistently higher than global averages, with some achieving perfect scores in the IB Diploma pre-university course and receiving prestigious university scholarships. Under Dr. Mesich’s guidance, Uplands remains deeply rooted in the concept of community, care, and compassion.

Uplands has received many accreditations and recognitions due to its dedicated endeavors toward academic excellence and student development. It is an IB World School accredited by The International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO), which is also recognized by the Malaysian Ministry of Education and is open to both foreign and local students alike. The school has received accreditation from The Council of International Schools (COIS), a global organization that ensures high-quality international education. It is also accredited by The East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS), and is a member of The Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISA) and The Association of International Malaysian Schools (AIMS).

The school is approved to offer external examinations by The International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO), Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), and Edexcel International Examinations.

Uplands ensures that students stay safe and healthy while actively engaging in their curricula and extracurricular activities. Our thorough, spiraled health and wellbeing curriculum provides a comprehensive platform for introducing and discussing personal, social, health, wellbeing, and citizenship issues with students. A co-tutoring system in Secondary ensures that each student is cared for by two tutors who support their holistic well-being, overseen by a dedicated Head of Year. This crucial role helps bridge the school-home divide, fostering close collaboration with parents.

We are thrilled to announce the 70th Anniversary platinum celebrations of The International School of Penang (Uplands)! This milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone who has been a part of their vibrant school community.

To mark this special occasion, Uplands has planned a week full of exciting events, and extend the invitation for you to join the community in the celebrations.

10th, 12th & 14th March 2025: School Tours

11th March 2025: Mingle Evening

13th March 2025: Cultural Fusion Concert

15th March 2025: Gala Dinner

For more information and to register for the above events, please visit https://www.uplands.org/uplands-70th-anniversary/ or email: [email protected]