Whole school

SPM in a Private School: How Sekolah Sri Tenby helps students excel

19-02-2026

Discover how Sekolah Sri Tenby combines the Malaysian National Curriculum with personalised support and English-rich learning for SPM success.

Introduction – A Smarter Way to Prepare for SPM 

For many families, SPM is still one of the biggest academic milestones in their child’s school journey. But parents today are looking for more than just grades. They want their children to grow in a learning environment that feels safe, motivating, and balanced — a place where students are supported not only academically, but emotionally and socially too. 

At Sekolah Sri Tenby, students follow the Malaysian National Curriculum on their pathway towards SPM, but the experience goes far beyond what most people imagine a “national school” to be. While textbooks guide the curriculum, learning doesn’t stop there. Our teachers are passionate about making lessons come alive — using creative, innovative approaches to help students truly understand what they’re learning. 

Parent Pain Point: “My child needs more support.” 

In many schools, students often face exam pressure on their own. At private schools, however, smaller class sizes, additional tutorials, and personalised mentoring make a significant difference. Teachers are able to monitor each student’s progress closely and maintain consistent communication with parents. 

At Tenby, this support is further strengthened by the International Schools Partnership (ISP) and our Learning.First approach — a framework that ensures every decision prioritises student learning, wellbeing, and progress. With this structure, our learners benefit from a system that truly understands how to help them succeed. 

Our results speak for themselves: an Average Grade A for the past 10 years, a 99% passing rate, and 62% A+ to A- grades, with our 2024 SPM cohort achieving the school's strongest results to date. 

Our 1:25 student–teacher ratio ensures every student receives the attention and guidance they need to thrive. 

Strong English Exposure through DLP 

The Dual Language Programme gives our students a meaningful head start. By learning Science and Mathematics in English, students gain a strong foundation that prepares them for tertiary studies, global opportunities, and future careers. They learn to present, write, and analyse confidently — skills that carry them far beyond the SPM classroom. 

All students at Sekolah Sri Tenby use the Cambridge English textbook from Standard 1 onwards, giving them the same strong language foundation found in international schools. For students with stronger English proficiency, there is an additional opportunity to take English Literature, allowing them to explore global texts, deepen critical thinking, and further strengthen their command of the language. 

At the same time, every student at Sekolah Sri Tenby also learns Mandarin, adding another valuable language to their skill set. This multilingual approach — English, Bahasa Malaysia, and Mandarin — helps our students communicate confidently in today’s diverse and connected world, opening more doors for their future. 

Parent Pain Point: “SPM feels too rigid — what about creativity?” 

Sekolah Sri Tenby integrates projects, debates, and real-world applications to make learning active and engaging. While the syllabus remains structured, the delivery encourages creativity, critical thinking, and deeper understanding. Students learn by exploring, presenting, and applying concepts rather than memorising them. 

Academic Excellence with Well-Being 

Private schools balance academic ambition with strong well-being support — and at Sekolah Sri Tenby, this is a core priority. We have a full-time, dedicated counsellor on campus who supports students’ emotional needs, helps them manage stress, and ensures they feel safe, heard, and understood throughout the school year. 

To further strengthen students’ resilience, we offer a range of well-being and study-related workshops — including study skills, stress-management, mindfulness, and exam-readiness sessions. These programmes help students build healthy habits, manage pressure, and stay motivated both inside and outside the classroom. 

We also believe that well-being grows when students feel empowered. That’s why we offer numerous leadership workshops and roles, giving students the chance to step up, contribute positively to the school community, and become role models for younger learners. This sense of purpose and responsibility strengthens their confidence and emotional maturity. 

Together, our counselling support, well-being programmes, and leadership opportunities create a nurturing environment where every student can thrive. 

“Strong academic results begin with Happy Learning, where students enjoy the journey as much as the achievement.” – Ms. Saw, Head of National Secondary 

Beyond SPM – Opening Future Doors 

Graduates progress to A Levels, Foundation, or Diploma programmes both locally and abroad. With an SPM qualification from a private school — supported by strong English fluency — students have the flexibility to choose pathways in Malaysia or pursue opportunities overseas. 

Our students have gone on to secure prestigious scholarships, including awards from PETRONAS, as well as scholarships to pursue their studies in the United States, Japan, and other countries around the world. These diverse pathways reflect not only their strong academic foundation, but also the confidence, adaptability, and global readiness they develop at Sekolah Sri Tenby. 

Conclusion – The Advantage of Doing SPM the Private Way 

Doing SPM in a private school offers the rigour of the national syllabus with the care, confidence, and flexibility parents want today. At Sekolah Sri Tenby, families find a learning environment where academic goals sit comfortably alongside well-being, character development, and personalised support — a balance that truly helps students thrive. 

Here, SPM preparation is taken seriously, guided by teachers with deep experience in leading students through the journey. Our approach is structured and intentional, but never overwhelming. Each stage is paced thoughtfully, supported by regular check-ins, targeted feedback, and personalised mentoring to ensure every learner stays on track. In the classroom, students learn with confidence — using English and Bahasa Melayu naturally, building the bilingual fluency and understanding they need to excel in the exam. 

Beyond academics, students grow through leadership roles, competitions, and international programmes that expose them to diverse perspectives and build real-world skills. These experiences shape maturity, resilience, and self-belief — qualities that matter as much as exam results. 

By the time they reach SPM, our students stand prepared not only for the exam, but for the many pathways that follow. They leave Sekolah Sri Tenby as confident, capable young people ready to embrace the next stage of their education, whether locally or abroad. 

Ready to learn more about our SPM journey at Sekolah Sri Tenby? 
Book a school tour today and experience our learning community firsthand. 

Latest news

19 February 2026

International Primary Curriculum (IPC)

Choosing the right curriculum can feel like a big decision for families.

19 February 2026

The A-Levels Advantage at Tenby Schools Setia Eco Park

For many parents, choosing what comes after secondary school can feel overwhelming.

19 February 2026

Purposeful Play: Learning That Begins in the Early Years

Discover an Early Years experience built on purposeful play, caring relationships.