Epsom College in Malaysia vs The Alice Smith School - Secondary Campus

The school is situated in Bandar Enstek, Negeri Sembilan, approximately 15 minutes from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and about 45 minutes south of Kuala Lumpur city centre. The campus spans 80 acres in a suburban setting, offering a tranquil environment for students.

The school caters to students aged 3 to 18 years, divided into two main sections: the Prep School for ages 3 to 11 and the Senior School for ages 11 to 18.

Epsom College in Malaysia is a co-educational institution offering both day and boarding options.

Epsom College in Malaysia provides tailored support for students with mild to moderate learning needs through its Learning Support Department. Support may include in-class accommodations, small group sessions, or individualised interventions, depending on the student's specific requirements. The school collaborates with parents and external specialists to ensure appropriate support is in place.

The school is affiliated with the United Kingdom, serving as the only international campus of Epsom College UK. It follows the British National Curriculum and maintains strong ties with its sister school in Surrey.

Epsom College in Malaysia is a non-denominational school. It offers a multi-faith chaplaincy to support the diverse religious backgrounds of its student body.

The school day begins at 8:00 am with registration, followed by assemblies or tutor time. Students attend four lessons before lunch, with the day concluding at 4:00 pm for Prep School pupils. Senior School students may have extended hours due to extracurricular activities.

Epsom College offers a free shuttle bus service for day students from selected areas, including Cyberjaya, Kota Warisan, Nilai, Bangsar, and Kenny Hills. This service facilitates daily commutes for students residing in these locations.

Boarding is central to student life at Epsom College in Malaysia. The school offers full boarding for Senior School pupils and prep school boarding for Year 5 and up. There are four boys' boarding houses (Carr, Granville, Holman, Propert) and three girls' boarding houses (Crawfurd, Rosebery, Wilson). A thorough induction programme for new boarders starts at the beginning of term, and each house is led by a Housemaster or Housemistress with a staff team to support pupils academically and pastorally. Boarders share meals in their houses and have access to kitchen facilities and communal spaces; a laundry service is provided and included in fees, with optional dry-cleaning available. Prep School pupils from Year 5 upwards may join as boarders and live in boarding houses alongside Senior pupils.

Boarders wear the College uniform until 17:30 each day, after which they may change into their own clothes. They should bring: black shoes and trainers, sports clothing, casual clothing, and more formal attire for end-of-term socials. The laundry is managed by the House Matron and an external company; bed linen is changed weekly, and there is an option for dry-cleaning at extra cost. Students' clothes should be labelled for laundry and storage is provided within the house.

Boarding students are served breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day, plus three snacks; day pupils receive lunch and two snacks. The dining menu is varied and nutritious, with vegetarian options, meat and fish dishes, a salad bar, and fresh fruit; dietary requirements are accommodated.

Senior School pupils are members of a House, forming a second home within the College. Boys' boarding houses are Carr, Granville, Holman and Propert; girls' boarding houses are Crawfurd, Rosebery and Wilson. Each House is led by a Housemaster/Housemistress (HMM) and supported by an Assistant HMM and staff, providing academic and pastoral guidance and coordinating inter-house activities and Prefect training. Prep School pupils from Year 1 onwards are linked to a House, and Prep School boarders join the Boarding House to live with Senior pupils in the evenings and at weekends. Over 90% of staff live on site, contributing to a family-like community.

The school is governed by a Board of Governors. Tan Sri Tony Fernandes serves as Chairman of the Board of Governors. Mark Lascelles has been Head of Epsom College Malaysia since September 2024. Gareth Lim is the CEO of Ormond Group, and other governors include Ashley Head, Francis Minah, Datuk Kamarudin Bin Meranun, and Datuk Seri Kalimullah Bin Masheerul Hassan.

Epsom College follows the English National Curriculum, enhanced with subjects like Mandarin and Singapore Mathematics. Students in the Senior School prepare for IGCSEs in Years 10 and 11, followed by A Levels in Years 12 and 13. The Sixth Form offers a dedicated centre and a fast-track A Level programme, allowing completion in 15 months.

The school emphasises the importance of social and emotional learning (SEL) through it's curriculum and school structure. The school integrates SEL into its curriculum and pastoral care, ensuring students develop skills such as empathy, resilience, and effective communication. Regular workshops and activities are organised to support students' emotional growth and wellbeing. The school fosters a sense of belonging through its house system, where students are grouped into houses that promote community, support, and healthy competition. Wellbeing Prefects lead initiatives aimed at creating a compassionate and supportive school environment.

The school supports students with mild to moderate special educational needs, including specific learning difficulties like dyslexia and ADHD. The Learning Support Department develops Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) for students requiring additional assistance, outlining tailored strategies and goals. Support is primarily delivered within mainstream classrooms, with additional sessions provided as needed. The school works closely with parents and external professionals to monitor progress and adjust support accordingly. It's important to note that Epsom College is not a specialist SEN institution and may not be equipped to support students with more complex needs.

The school offers support for students learning English as an Additional Language. Upon entry, students undergo baseline assessments to determine their English proficiency, guiding placement into appropriate pathways. These pathways range from intensive programmes with up to 15 English lessons per week to integrated support within mainstream classes. EAL is typically studied in place of a Modern Language, and students are prepared for qualifications such as the IGCSE English as a Second Language and IELTS. The school's approach emphasises both academic progress and full integration into the school community.

The school places significant emphasis on the mental wellbeing of its students. The school hosts annual Mental Health Awareness Weeks, featuring assemblies, tutor sessions, and support groups focusing on topics like stress, anxiety, and self-esteem. Students have access to confidential counselling services provided by qualified professionals. Initiatives like the Anxiety Support Group during co-curricular activities offer additional support. Furthermore, Sixth Form students are trained as national ambassadors for mental health platforms, promoting peer-to-peer support and fostering a compassionate school environment.

Epsom College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its students. The school has a comprehensive Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy, aligning with UK standards, which outlines procedures for identifying and addressing concerns. All staff members undergo regular training to remain vigilant and responsive to potential risks. The policy includes provisions for managing low-level concerns, ensuring a culture of openness and accountability. Designated Safeguarding Leads oversee the implementation of these policies, maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all students.

1. Arrange a visit or attend an open day.
Prospective families are encouraged to tour the campus and meet staff to gain a better understanding of the school's environment and offerings.

2. Submit an application.
Complete the application form and provide the necessary documents, including recent school reports and a reference from the current school.

3. Assessment and interview.
Applicants undergo age-appropriate assessments and interviews conducted by senior staff members. For Year 4 and below, this includes a short interview and tasks by the Head of Prep School; for Years 5 to 12, an entrance test and interview are required.

4. Offer and acceptance.
Successful candidates receive a written offer within seven days of assessment. To secure the place, parents must confirm acceptance and pay the required deposit.

The school offers various scholarships to recognize and support students with exceptional abilities:

Academic, Music, Drama, and Sports Scholarships: Available to students who demonstrate outstanding talent in these areas.

ECM Libra ASEAN Scholarships: Full and partial scholarships for students from Year 7 onwards, aimed at academically and culturally gifted students in ASEAN countries.

ASEAN Bright Sparks Scholarship: Full scholarships covering tuition and boarding for high-achieving SPM leavers enrolling in the Fast Track A-Level programme. Applicants must be Malaysian citizens or permanent residents aged 16–19, with excellent academic records.

ASEAN Partial Academic and Leadership Scholarships: Partial scholarships (up to 50% of fees) for students in Years 10–13, recognizing academic excellence and leadership potential in areas such as sports, music, or entrepreneurship.

The school operates a waitlist system when year groups reach capacity. Applications are processed on a rolling basis, and early submission is recommended to secure a place.

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.

The Secondary Campus is structured into Secondary and Sixth Form levels.

The school is a co-educational institution and does not offer boarding facilities.

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.

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.

The school does not have an affiliation with a particular religion.

The school day starts at 7:55 AM and finishes at 2:40 PM.

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.

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.

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.

The school uses a four‑house system: Fairfield (Blue), Muir (Yellow), Fleming (Red), and Scott (Green).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

doris recommends that you start by speaking to admissions. This connects you directly to the school's admissions team who can respond with answers, more information, and next steps.

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.

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.

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.