The Higher Line: Sixth Form as a Leadership Threshold at Stonyhurst Penang

At Stonyhurst International School Penang, Sixth Form is not the final stage of schooling, but a threshold into leadership, purpose and independence. Known as The Higher Line, our A Level programme marks the moment when academic excellence becomes personal agency — preparing pupils not only for university, but for life beyond it.

Across the school, formation follows a clear journey: in the Junior School, we Cultivate Curiosity; in the Senior School, we Brew Excellence; and in Sixth Form, we focus on Inspiring Leadership. Here, students take deliberate ownership of their academic and professional direction.

Rooted in the Catholic Ignatian tradition and inspired by Stonyhurst College (founded in 1593), our approach emphasises formation of the whole person. Ignatian education calls young people to reflect deeply, discern wisely and act purposefully. It gives living expression to our motto, Quant Je Puis — as much as I can — urging pupils to pursue excellence with integrity and generosity of spirit.

The Higher Line A Level programme is academically rigorous and designed for entry into leading universities worldwide. Yet scholarship alone is not the end goal. Sixth Formers are treated as emerging adults: entrusted with responsibility, challenged to think independently, and guided to develop moral judgement alongside intellectual confidence.

Through enrichment, service, authentic work experience and personalised university guidance — including exposure visits in Year 12 — pupils begin shaping the leaders they are becoming. These are training years, not finishing years.

For pupils of strong character and potential who are financially disadvantaged, the Stonyhurst Penang Foundation Scholarship offers financial support and leadership formation opportunities. Learn more here:
https://www.stonyhurstpenang.edu.my/scholarships

If you are exploring A Levels after SPM, IGCSE or an equivalent international curriculum, we invite you to discover The Higher Line. Contact our Admissions Team at admissions@stonyhurstpenang.edu.my to begin the conversation.

At Stonyhurst Penang, great leaders do not simply graduate.
They rise.