Uplands International School

Uplands International School, Batu Ferringhi, Penang (6 February 2019)


Uplands International School (GPS: 5.46998, 100.24947) is an international school in Batu Ferringhi, Penang. Officially known as The International School of Penang (Uplands), it is one of the oldest international schools in the state. It was established in 1955 by British plantation owners who created the Incorporated Society of Planters. At the time of its setting up, the political climate of the country could be described as volatile due to communist insurgency which affected rural places, making rubber estates particularly vulnerable. Penang Hill was found to be a safe haven for these plantation owners to send their children for education, without having to send them back to their homeland.

When the school opened, it originally occupied bungalows on Penang Hill that was until then in a semi-dilapidated state. The former premises of the Crag Hotel became the Primary Boarding School with an initial intake of 60 children. A short distance away, Grace Dieu was also leased to be the kindergarten. Later, as the student body grew, another bungalow - Hillview - was also leased for use. The school acquired the name Uplands to denote its being on the hills.

The high point of life up at Penang Hill was the visit by Queen Elizabeth II in 1972. Uplands School eventually relocated to George Town in 1977, when the threat of communist insurgence has passed. It took up residence at the St. Xavier's Branch School building in Kelawei Road. Due to lack of space, the boarding house had to be housed separately, at 457 Burmah Road. Although no longer up on the hill, it continued to use the name Uplands. Its initials, I.S.P, of International School of Penang, was also borrowed from the initials of its founding society.

In 1988 that Uplands acquired the use of the former St. Joseph's Novitiate directly behind the school, and from then on, the whole school could operate from one campus.

After 28 years of leasing at Pulau Tikus, Uplands School finally movede to its own purpose-built campus in Batu Ferringhi. The official opening of the new campus was held on 9 September, 2006, in the presence of the then Chief Minister of Penang, Dr Koh Tsu Koon.

Many primary students from the St Christopher's International Primary School continue their studies at Uplands School, which observes a curriculum designed to provide students with an international education. This culminates with the sitting of the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE). Those continuing into the Sixth Form sit for the International Baccalaureate Diploma.

Contact

International School of Penang (Uplands)
Jalan Sungai Satu
11100 Batu Ferringhi
Penang Phone: +60 4 881 9777

Getting there

The International School of Penang (Uplands) is located some 20-30 minutes from the nearest bus stop which is along Jalan Batu Ferringhi. It is therefore more practical to reach it by private vehicle.

International School Penang (Uplands) (26 September 2009)


Uplands International School, Batu Ferringhi (26 September 2009)

Uplands International School is on the Map of Batu Ferringhi, Penang

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