The British International School of Kuala Lumpur vs The Alice Smith School - Secondary Campus

	T The British International School of Kuala Lumpur Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia	The Alice Smith School - Secondary Campus Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year MYR 56,395 - 122,110	Fees / year MYR 108,360 - 117,360
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 11 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils	Pupils 1,200	Pupils 829
Typical class size	Typical class size 22	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2009	Opened 1998
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location BSKL is situated at No. 1, Changkat Bukit Utama, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. This residential suburb lies to the west of Kuala Lumpur city centre. The school is accessible via public transport; the nearest MRT & LRT station is TTDI, approximately a 19-minute walk away. Several bus routes, including T811, 780, PJ06, and PJ05, serve the area, with the closest bus stops being Sjkc Puay Chai 2 and Centre Point Bandar Utama, both within an 8-minute walk.	Location The Alice Smith School's Secondary Campus is located in Equine Park, on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, approximately a 20-minute drive from the city centre. Equine Park is a more recently developed, planned community. While further from the city center, its location allows for spacious facilities, including extensive green areas, and it is accessible via major roads, which makes it a practical choice for families residing in surrounding residential developments, often relying on car or the school's bus service for transport.
Stages	Stages BSKL offers education from Pre-Nursery (age 2) through to Sixth Form (age 18). The school is structured into three sections: Lower School, Junior School, and Secondary School.	Stages The Secondary Campus is structured into Secondary and Sixth Form levels.
School type	School type BSKL is a co-educational day school. It does not offer boarding facilities.	School type The school is a co-educational institution and does not offer boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support BSKL offers tailored support for students with additional learning needs through its Learning Support Department. This includes individualized education plans and access to a dedicated sensory room designed to aid emotional regulation and focus.	Additional learning support The school offers learning support at the Secondary Campus through its dedicated Learning Support Unit (LSU) and Personalised Learning Faculty (PLF). This team includes Special Educational Needs (SEN) teachers and Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) who collaborate with students, teachers, and parents to develop individual education support plans. The PLF assists students with a range of needs, including dyslexia and attention difficulties, providing in-class support and, at times, small group withdrawals. There is close liaison between the LSU and pastoral and subject staff to monitor student progress and adjust support as needed.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school follows the British National Curriculum and is affiliated with the United Kingdom.	Country affiliation The Alice Smith School has a strong affiliation with the United Kingdom. It is recognised as the first British international school in Malaysia, established in 1946.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation BSKL has no religious affiliation.	Religious affiliation The school does not have an affiliation with a particular religion.
School day structure	School day structure For Early Years (Pre-Nursery to Reception), the school day starts at 7:45 am with a soft start/drop-off period, and lessons begin at 8:30 am. The day ends at 2:10 pm, except on Fridays when it concludes at 1:30 pm. Primary students (Years 1–6) also start at 8:30 am and finish at 3:10 pm, with a 2:00 pm finish on Fridays. Secondary students (Years 7–13) have registration at 7:45 am, lessons commencing at 8:30 am, and the school day ending at 3:10 pm, or 2:00 pm on Fridays.	School day structure The school day starts at 7:55 AM and finishes at 2:40 PM.
Bus service details	Bus service details BSKL offers a school bus service operated by Haanusha Travel & Tour Agency Sdn Bhd. The service provides daily pick-up and drop-off for students, with routes covering various areas in Kuala Lumpur. The annual roundtrip fee is RM6,900, while the termly roundtrip fee is RM2,300.	Bus service details The school offers a school bus service covering most major residential areas in Kuala Lumpur. This service is managed by a transport provider. Parents can utilise the Bus Buddy app to view their child's bus routes, timings, and track location, as well as manage schedules. While not a door-to-door service, common stop points are established. Morning pick-ups typically occur between 6:30 AM and 7:10 AM. Buses for normal dismissal depart around 3:00 PM, with later departures for optional after-school activities.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application & Enrolment Fees Application Fee: RM 1,500 per application (non-refundable) Enrolment Fee: RM 18,000 per family (non-refundable, but partial return possible with 3 months' notice) Annual Tuition Fees Early Years Centre Pre-nursery: RM 56,395 per year Nursery: RM 56,395 per year Reception: RM 68,180 per year Primary School Year 1: RM 69,255 per year Year 2: RM 90,240 per year Years 3-6: RM 90,240 per year Secondary School Years 7-9: RM 102,190 per year Years 10-11: RM 120,025 per year Years 12-13: RM 122,110 per year Termly Payment Breakdown For families who prefer to pay per term (3 terms per year) Pre-nursery & Nursery: Reception: RM 24,702 per term Year 1: RM 32,343 per term Years 2-6: RM 32,343 per term Years 7-9: RM 35,856 per term Years 10-11: RM 42,113 per term Years 12-13: RM 42,845 per term Payment Options -Bank Transfer/TT -Online Credit/Debit Card (Processing Fees: Local cards: 1.55%, International cards: 3.3%) -International Payments (via Flywire) -JomPay -In-Person Payment	Fee details Application and Enrollment Fees - Application Fee: RM1,500 (payable upon submission) - Enrollment Fee: RM15,000 (non-refundable) - Association Membership: RM20 (parents must join Alice Smith Schools Association) Termly School Fees by Year Group - Years 7-9: RM 36,120 per term, RM 108,360 per year - Years 10-13: RM 39,120 per term, RM 117,360 per year Deposits and Additional Fees - Parent Deposit: RM24,000 (Year 1 onwards) - refundable with full term's notice - EAL Programme: RM4,500 per term (additional fee) Billing Schedule and Payment Terms - Fees billed termly (3 terms per academic year) - Payment due by first day of each term - School fees include all books, materials, and resources Sibling Discounts - Available only for families with 3+ children attending simultaneously - Third child: 6% discount on school fees - Fourth and subsequent children: 10% discount Payment Methods - Cheque - Telegraphic transfer and online transfer - JomPAY (Malaysian banks only) - Flywire (international transfers only) - Cash payments no longer accepted at campus Refund Policy - All fees are non-refundable unless specifically indicated - Parent deposits refundable with proper notice when child leaves school
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement The Secondary Campus has on‑campus uniform shops where most uniform items can be purchased or ordered. Shoes, trainers and stationary equipment are not included in the uniform shop. Uniform lists by year group cover Pre‑school, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2; Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6; and the Secondary Campus Uniform and Equipment List.
Food options	Food options —	Food options The Secondary Campus has the KLASS Hub Canteen offering a range of food and beverages with Vircle as the payment method. The canteen is nut‑free, and the Parent Deli and Coffee Shop are nut‑free as well.
House system	House system —	House system The school uses a four‑house system: Fairfield (Blue), Muir (Yellow), Fleming (Red), and Scott (Green).
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership The Alice Smith Schools Association, incorporated in 1950 as a company limited by guarantee, governs The Alice Smith School. It is a not‑for‑profit organisation with resources directed to student development and well‑being. All parents are members of the Association. The Council of Governors (15–18 governors) manages the School; seven governors are nominated by trustee organisations, up to ten are appointed following the AGM or by the Council, and the Chair of the PTA is a governor. The Association holds an AGM and files audited financial statements in accordance with the Malaysian Financial Reporting Standards and the International Financial Reporting Standards, as well as the Companies Act 2016 in Malaysia.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details BSKL follows the English National Curriculum from Early Years through to Sixth Form. In Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9), students study a broad range of subjects including English, mathematics, science, geography, history, drama, music, art, graphic design, digital technology, and physical education. Students also select two additional languages. In Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11), students prepare for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations at age 16. In Sixth Form (Years 12–13), students pursue A-Level qualifications, choosing from a variety of subjects to specialize in their areas of interest.	Curriculum details The Alice Smith School offers an enhanced British curriculum tailored to its international context. The Secondary curriculum (Years 7-13, ages 11-18) is structured into Middle(Years 7-9), Upper (Years 10-11), and Senior (Years 12-13). Students study a broad range of subjects, including English, Mathematics, Science, and two modern foreign languages, until they reach Upper Years 10-11 when students specialise in subjects reflecting their interests and prepare for (I)GCSE examinations. Seniors in Years 12 and 13 - the Sixth Form - can select from over 24 A Level subjects, with the option of completing the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), preparing students for university.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar View document	Academic calendar View document
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning At the Secondary Campus, student wellbeing and pastoral care form a core part of the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) approach. Support is provided through daily tutor check-ins, student surveys, and proactive follow-up by experienced pastoral teams. The curriculum includes a dedicated Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) programme called ACHIEVE, designed to help students develop resilience, character, and essential life skills. A dedicated counselling service is available, offering confidential support and resources to students, with pastoral leaders also playing a vital role in addressing individual and family concerns.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) The school supports students with Special Educational Needs at its Secondary Campus, though it is not a specialist SEN institution. The Personalised Learning Faculty (PLF) and Learning Support Unit (LSU) work to address a range of needs, such as dyslexia and attention difficulties. Support is integrated through in-class assistance and occasional small group withdrawals to ensure students can access the curriculum. Student needs are considered on a case-by-case basis upon application, with detailed records required to determine the school's capacity to provide appropriate support.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language The Secondary school offers a dedicated English as an Additional Language (EAL) support programme. Students whose first language is not English undergo an assessment, which may involve an interview with an English language specialist from the Learning Support Unit, to determine their proficiency. Accepted students who require specialist English language support join an EAL programme, often on the condition that they achieve a sufficient level of fluency over time with this support. The EAL support includes additional English language teaching both within and beyond the academic curriculum, spanning Years 7 to 13, and is led by dedicated EAL teachers and a Head of Department for EAL. Additional fees are charged for EAL support.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing At the Secondary Campus, mental wellbeing is a key priority, integrated through a structured pastoral care system. This includes regular daily tutor check-ins, student surveys to monitor wellbeing trends, and follow-up by experienced pastoral teams. A dedicated counselling service is available, offering confidential support and resources for students, staff, and parents for more complex concerns. The PSHE programme, ACHIEVE, is a timetabled lesson that teaches students essential life skills, including stress management and emotional resilience, actively engaging them in discussions and debates on relevant topics.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding The Alice Smith School is deeply committed to safeguarding and child protection. Its policies and procedures are aligned with UK Government guidance and international standards, ensuring the welfare of all children is paramount. The school implements robust safeguarding practices, including rigorous safer recruitment processes for all staff and adults working on site, and conducts appropriate background checks. A Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and a Child Protection Team are in place with clear roles, ensuring all concerns are reported and addressed promptly. All school staff receive regular training on child protection, and students are educated on how to keep themselves safe. This commitment to safeguarding extends to all school-arranged activities, whether on or off campus.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy View document
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview The Secondary Campus sits on a purpose-built 25-acre site in Equine Park, Seri Kembangan, about 20 minutes south of Kuala Lumpur with easy access from the MEX highway. Opened in 1997, the facilities have evolved to incorporate the latest educational and technological developments to enhance the learning experience. Natural light, breakout collaborative areas, glass walls, multi-level seating and seamless access to technology create a spacious, modern learning environment. The campus supports both individual study and collaborative work.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities Indoor facilities include a Sports Hall with three air-conditioned basketball courts that can be configured for volleyball, badminton or five-a-side football. A 50m, 10-lane swimming pool and a three-floor multi-gym provide a range of aquatic and strength-training options. Climbing and bouldering facilities are available under supervision. Outdoor facilities include a full-size football pitch, a rugby pitch, seven outdoor tennis courts that double as netball courts and an artificial surface for 5-a-side field hockey, plus a multi-purpose grass area for softball, T-ball, touch rugby and ultimate frisbee. An eight-lane synthetic running track is IAAF-certified, and the school was the first international school in Malaysia to achieve this standard.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities Science is supported by ten purpose-built laboratories with gas, water and electricity, plus breakout spaces for collaboration and student displays; three full-time, fully qualified technicians support practical work. The Steve Warry Centre houses the Media Studies and Computing departments, with two classrooms, breakout spaces and a Mac editing suite for video and photo editing. The library is a two-storey resource hub with books, periodicals and study spaces, staffed by dedicated library personnel. The campus also features a Lecture Theatre that seats over 120, used for university lectures and student presentations.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities The ACHIEVE Programme, bespoke to Alice Smith, runs for Years 7 to Sixth Form as distinct weekly lessons focused on wellbeing and essential life skills, including topics such as online safety, financial well-being, relationships, health, nutrition, stress management and study skills. Careers education and university applications support are provided through dedicated resources and programmes. Lunchtime lectures from universities around the world are part of the Sixth Form experience, and students have opportunities to present to peers. The school highlights a range of extracurricular activities and programmes beyond academic subjects to enrich learning and personal development.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History The Alice Smith School was founded in 1946 by Alice Fairfield-Smith, an experienced teacher and biology graduate from Harvard University, who sought to provide a suitable education for her own daughter in Kuala Lumpur. Starting in her home, the school quickly grew, leading to the formation of The Alice Smith Schools Association (ASSA) in 1950. ASSA, a not-for-profit educational foundation registered in Malaysia, took over the administration, placing responsibility with a Council of Governors. This unique ownership structure ensures that all resources and any surpluses are reinvested directly into the school for the benefit of the students. The Secondary Campus was opened in 2017.
Community	Community —	Community The Alice Smith School fosters a vibrant and inclusive community that celebrates diversity and unity. With students representing over 34 nationalities, the school regularly hosts cultural events such as the annual "International Day." This event provides an opportunity for students, parents, and staff to celebrate various cultures, languages, and traditions through colourful displays, traditional dishes, and activities. The strong community spirit is also evident through alumni engagement and various school-wide events listed on the school calendar, encouraging participation from all members of the Alice Smith family.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association The Alice Smith School benefits from an active and diverse Parent Teacher Association (PTA), which plays an integral role in enhancing school life and fostering community. The PTA Committee, comprising parents and staff, meets regularly to support school initiatives and organise events. They manage Class Rep (for Primary) and Year Rep (for Secondary) WhatsApp groups to help new and existing parents connect. Common events organised by the PTA include the Back to School Social, Halloween events, Christmas Bazaars, Staff Appreciation days, Spring/Summer Fairs, Parent Coffee Mornings, and Quiz Nights. These events aim to strengthen community ties, create a welcoming atmosphere, and raise funds for school improvements and local charities.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual The Secondary Campus is located at 3 Jalan Equine, Taman Equine, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia. The school has two campuses, Primary and Secondary, about 20 minutes apart. The school provides an English curriculum.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language In Key Stage 3 the school offers 14 subjects including two languages. In Year 9 students select two elective subjects from options such as Exploring Media, The DT Experience, Extended Computing, School of Rock, Musical Theatre, STEM, Printmaking, Health & Fitness, Trinity Acting & Speaking Award, and more. Languages available as options in the curriculum include Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, French, and Spanish.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision In Key Stage 3 (Year 7–9), students study 14 subjects, including English, mathematics and science, and two languages. Two languages are studied in Key Stage 3 from Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, French and Spanish. In Year 10–11, GCSE options include Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, French and Spanish.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards COBIS Beacon Status Awards (June 2024): The school was awarded two prestigious Beacon Status Awards for "Ethos & Values" and "Student Leadership in the School." These awards recognise unparalleled excellence in adhering to COBIS standards and a commitment to sharing best practices with other schools worldwide. Spear's Schools Index 2025 (March 2025): Alice Smith School earned a place among the "Top 100 Private Schools Globally" and was ranked "one of the best in Asia" in the Spear's Schools Index, recognising its world-class education and holistic student development. International School Awards 2021 - Winner, Inclusion Category (August 2021): The school won for its "KLASS Student-Support Programme," which empowers students to lead on in-class support, demonstrating an outstanding initiative in fostering an inclusive learning environment. Independent Schools of the Year - Finalist (British International School of the Year category - 2020, 2021, and shortlisted again for 2022): Alice Smith School has been consistently recognised as a finalist in this prestigious award, which celebrates the success stories of independent schools and British schools overseas in the UK. International School Awards 2019 - Winner, Pastoral Initiative Category: This award recognised the school's excellence in pastoral care, highlighting its commitment to student wellbeing. The PIEoneer Awards 2022 - Shortlisted for Secondary Learning International Impact Award: The school was shortlisted for demonstrating innovation in delivering learning and support, ensuring students are prepared for higher education or the world of work as global citizens.
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations British School Overseas (BSO) Status (Department for Education, London): Alice Smith School is accredited as a British School Overseas, indicating that it meets the standards required for schools in England. This provides assurance about the quality of the British education offered. They were graded as 'outstanding' in their 2019 report. Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA) Founding Member: Being a founding member of FOBISIA indicates the school's long-standing commitment to high-quality British education and collaboration with other leading British international schools across Asia. Council of International Schools (CIS) Member: Membership in CIS reflects the school's dedication to high-quality international education, promoting global citizenship and continuous improvement through a peer-driven accreditation process. Independent Schools Council (ISC) Member: This membership connects Alice Smith School with a network of independent schools in the UK, often implying adherence to a set of educational and operational standards recognised within the independent school sector. East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS) Member: EARCOS membership highlights the school's engagement with a community of international schools in East Asia, fostering professional development and collaboration among educators in the region. Ministry of Education's 5-Star Quality Standards Award for Private Education Institutions (SKIPS): Both the Primary and Secondary Campuses received this prestigious award, which is the highest possible rating from the Ministry of Education in Malaysia, affirming the school's high quality standards. International Award Centre (IAC) for The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award: The school is a fully registered centre for this international youth award programme, which encourages students to develop skills, engage in physical activity, volunteer, and undertake expeditions.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Schedule a tour. You can arrange an in-person visit to the campus in Kuala Lumpur or opt for a virtual tour if you're unable to visit in person. This provides an opportunity to experience the school's environment and ask any preliminary questions. 2. Complete the online application. Submit the application form along with the required documents, which include your child's passport or Malaysian IC card, recent school reports (in English), and any relevant medical or additional learning needs documentation. An application fee is also required at this stage. 3. Assessment and interview. Depending on your child's age, they will be invited to participate in an age-appropriate assessment. For Early Years, this involves an in-class taster session or an informal online interview. Primary applicants may take a writing test and have an interview with the Head of Primary. Secondary applicants will sit a computerised assessment and may be interviewed by the Head of Secondary. 4. Offer and acceptance. If your child is offered a place, you will receive a formal offer letter. To accept, you'll need to sign and return the enrolment agreement and pay the enrolment fee. Offers are typically made within 7–10 working days after the assessment.	Admissions Consider attending an open house or school tour. For a deeper understanding of the school's environment and facilities, parents are encouraged to arrange a visit. At the Secondary Campus, tours can be arranged with the Admissions team based on availability. Complete the online application form. The first formal step involves submitting a comprehensive online application. This requires providing necessary documents such as your child's birth certificate, recent school reports, and passport copies for both the child and parents. After submission, you should receive an email acknowledgment. Participate in an assessment. All applicants are required to complete an assessment, which varies depending on the child's age. This assessment helps the school determine if they can meet the student's needs within their age-appropriate class. Secondary applicants will also need to provide evidence of prior academic achievement. For non-English first language speakers, a short interview may be conducted to assess English proficiency. Receive and accept an offer. If your child is successful and a place is available in the relevant year group, the school will issue a formal offer letter detailing the fees and terms. To secure the place, parents must accept the offer and pay the indicated fees by the stated deadline before the student begins school.
Scholarships	Scholarships BSKL offers Sixth Form scholarships to both current and incoming Year 12 students. These scholarships are designed to support high-achieving students entering the Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13). Applicants are typically required to submit a cover letter expressing interest, school reports, and references. The selection process may include assessments and interviews.	Scholarships KLASS Honour Roll: This scholarship is specifically for existing Alice Smith students. From the 2024-2025 academic year, awards are made based on the academic accomplishments of the ten highest-attaining (I)GCSE students, who will be entered into the KLASS Honour Roll based on their final summer results. Recipients receive a 25% academic scholarship on their tuition fees for Years 12 and 13. Arts Scholarship: One scholarship is awarded per academic year to a student demonstrating outstanding ability and talent in the Arts. Recipients of this award receive a 25% scholarship on their tuition fees for Years 12 and 13. Students are expected to be positive role models and committed to continued participation and support of the Arts within the school. Sports Scholarship: Similar to the Arts Scholarship, one scholarship is awarded per academic year for a student who exhibits outstanding ability and talent in Sports. This scholarship also provides a 25% reduction on tuition fees for Years 12 and 13. Recipients are expected to be positive role models and committed to sustained involvement in school sports.
Waitlist	Waitlist BSKL operates a rolling admissions policy, allowing students to join at any time during the academic year, subject to availability. If a year group is full, applicants are placed on a waiting list. The admissions team will contact families when a place becomes available.	Waitlist When an application is received and assessed, if a place is not immediately available in the child's age-appropriate year group, the applicant will be placed in this "waiting pool." The assessment process determines whether a child is suitable for an offer of a place or for placement in this pool. Offers from the waiting pool are made when a vacancy arises. It is important to note that placement in the waiting pool is not a guarantee of a place, but rather an indication that the child is deemed suitable should an opening occur. Assessments remain valid for twelve months, though follow-up assessments may be required if a place is not taken up within that timeframe.
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