Welcome to BXCL

"A School of Many Nations but A Family of One"

— Duncan Grice, Principal

At the centre of BXCL are our students with their own needs, dreams, successes and challenges. We believe in the traditional values of good manners, respectful behaviour, and politeness. These are life skills of the utmost importance for our students, which we expect them to adopt, understand and welcome.

Top International School in Penang

Welcome to BXCL International School, Penang's premier destination for holistic education. Here, we blend rigorous academics with enriching activities to provide unparalleled international education, making it ideal for families prioritising excellence and comprehensive growth.

Early Years' Foundation

(Age 3 - 5)

Primary Curriculum

(Age 5 - 11)

Secondary Curriculum

(Age 11 - 16)

Pre-University Curriculum

(Age 16 - 18)

Exceptional Learning Experience That Goes Beyond The Classroom

From FS1 to Year 13, our students can enjoy a wide range of engaging and enriching co-curricular activities. Whether it's the performing arts, sports, or subject extensions, our activities encourage students to pursue their aspirations and build foundational skills. With dedicated teachers and community experts running many of these activities during the school day, students can easily access them as part of their learning journey. Join us at BXCL, a leading international primary school in Penang, and discover a world of fun, learning, and friendship-building opportunities today!

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A Premier Education Destination in Penang

BXCL International School is recognised as one of the best international schools in Penang, focusing on helping each student grow in their own way. We teach important values like respect, honesty, and kindness, which we believe are key to doing well in life.

Tailored Learning for Every Child

As the best international school in Penang, BXCL offers a personalised, caring, and student-focused environment. We blend the rigor of the British and Malaysian curricula, ensuring our students are not just academically proficient but also confident, enthusiastic learners.

Accredited International School

Our position as a leading Penang international school is solidified through accreditations by COBIS, FOBISIA, CAIE, and more. At BXCL, we guarantee a comprehensive educational experience, preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of a global landscape.

Internationally Recognised And Enriched Curriculum

The British Curriculum encompasses a student’s whole school experience from the age of 3 to 18 years. This progression begins first with our BXCL Early Years’ Foundation programme and goes right through to our Primary, Secondary and Pre-University programme.

Campus & Facilities

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News & Events

Enrol your child in one of the top international schools in Penang.

How to Enrol Your Child into an International School in Penang

11 Nov

Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. The

Why XCL International School is the Top Choice for Your Child in Penang

7 Nov

Penang, known as the Pearl of the Orient, is recognised for its diversity and scenic beauty. It is also emerging

Top 5 Reasons BXCL Penang International School Stands Out Among the Rest

24 Jul

BXCL Penang International School is a leading institution in Penang, providing exceptional education for students from diverse backgrounds. Renowned as

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Experience

Co-Curricular Activities

Ian Hopkins

Head of Primary

[email protected]

MBA, Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh & NPQH B.Ed. (Hons) Mathematics

Ian has been in education for over 25 years, beginning his career in teaching in the UK Primary sector where he taught for 16 years, 8 years as a Headteacher in three Primary schools prior to moving internationally. Ian completed the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) in 2007 and is currently undertaking his MBA through Heriot-Watt University. His first degree was a four-year Bachelor of Education with Mathematics from Liverpool Hope University College.

Ian joins XCL International School, Penang (BXCL) having spent the last four years working in China as a school leader in two of the Nord Anglia bilingual schools. Ian was the International Head of Primary in the largest of the Nord Anglia bilingual schools, NACIS, in Shanghai where alongside his co-Headteacher he led 1300 students aged 6-11 before moving to Nord Anglia Nantong as the Acting International Principal.

Prior to moving to China, Ian was at one of the Middle East’s leading international schools in Jordan, the International Community School (ICS), where alongside his role as Primary Headteacher he was also the line manager for their world class inclusion and counselling teams. Ian was also the whole school designated safeguarding lead and worked with the department for education in Jordan in developing policies and procedures which were designed to ensure the safety of all students accessing education in and across Jordan.

ICS was three nominated three times for International School of the Year during the time Ian was a member of the school leadership team, winning in 2018 in the area of Inclusion, nominated twice for its work on safeguarding.

Ian’s first international headship was in Kenya where he led a growing Pre-Prep and Prep school in Nairobi.

Ian has led schools through inspections under the Ofsted framework in the UK in addition to British School Overseas (BSO) inspections during his time internationally. During his leadership in Jordan, Ian was the chair of the steering committee which guided ICS through CIS (Council of International Schools) accreditation. He has also completed the training to be part of the COBIS (Council of British International Schools) Patrons Peer Accreditation teams.

As an educator and school leader, Ian believes very much in a child-centred approach to learning. He puts his students first considering their academic needs are met but ensuring that as a school the teachers also understand that to attain and make progress they need to cater effectively for the child’s emotional and physical needs.