Garden International School Kuala Lumpur and The Alice Smith School - Secondary Campus are both in Kuala Lumpur, about 19 km apart. Both schools offer British, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels programmes. Published annual fees are MYR 81,510 - 118,560 at Garden International School Kuala Lumpur and MYR 108,360 - 117,360 at The Alice Smith School - Secondary Campus, which puts The Alice Smith School - Secondary Campus roughly 13% higher. Garden International School Kuala Lumpur takes pupils from 5 to 18, and The Alice Smith School - Secondary Campus from 11 to 18. Garden International School Kuala Lumpur is the larger school, with around 2,000 pupils to The Alice Smith School - Secondary Campus's 829. Typical class sizes are 22 at Garden International School Kuala Lumpur and 20 at The Alice Smith School - Secondary Campus.
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Garden International School Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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The Alice Smith School - Secondary Campus
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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| Snapshot | Snapshot | |
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Fees / year
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Fees / year MYR 81,510 - 118,560 | Fees / year MYR 108,360 - 117,360 |
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Age range
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Age range 5 - 18 years | Age range 11 - 18 years |
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Type
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Type Co-educational | Type Co-educational |
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Curriculum
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Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels | Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels |
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Pupils
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Pupils 2,000 | Pupils 829 |
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Typical class size
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Typical class size 22 | Typical class size 20 |
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Instruction language
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Instruction language English | Instruction language English |
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Opened
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Opened 1951 | Opened 1998 |
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Bus service
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Bus service Yes | Bus service Yes |
| Essentials | Essentials | |
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Location
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Location The school is located in Mont Kiara, a modern township with numerous high-rise residential condominiums, office complexes, and international schools. Mont Kiara is known for its international community, with a significant population of expatriates from various countries. The area is well-connected to the rest of Kuala Lumpur via major expressways and is considered a very desirable residential area for families, with many amenities such as shopping malls, restaurants, and recreational facilities. | 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. |
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Stages
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Stages The main campus is structured into three main sections to cater for different age groups. These are the Primary School for ages 5-11, the Secondary School for ages 11-16, and the Sixth Form for students aged 16-18. | Stages The Secondary Campus is structured into Secondary and Sixth Form levels. |
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School type
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School type GIS is a co-educational day school and does not offer any boarding facilities. | School type The school is a co-educational institution and does not offer boarding facilities. |
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Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix — | Pupil nationality mix — |
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Additional learning support
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Additional learning support The school has a dedicated Learning Support faculty that assists students with identified mild learning differences. Support is provided through in-class assistance, small group sessions, or individualised programmes, depending on the student's needs. The team works with teachers and parents to create and review individualised education plans (IEPs). | 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. |
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Country affiliation
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Country affiliation The school does not have a formal affiliation with any particular country. | 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. |
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Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation GIS is a non-denominational school and has no religious affiliation. | Religious affiliation The school does not have an affiliation with a particular religion. |
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School day structure
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School day structure The school day for primary and secondary students starts at 7:40 am and finishes at 2:10 pm for Years 1 to 3, and 2:20 pm for Years 4 to 13. The day includes a morning break and a lunch break. | School day structure The school day starts at 7:55 AM and finishes at 2:40 PM. |
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Bus service details
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Bus service details The school offers an extensive bus service that connects the main campus with major residential areas across Kuala Lumpur. The service is provided by external operators, and the cost is determined by the distance from the student's home to the school. | 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 | |
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Fee details
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Fee details One-Time Fees * Application Fee: RM 1,500 * Registration Fee: RM 20,000 (non-refundable, one-time payments) Tuition Fees Year 1 * Fee Per Term: RM 27,170 * Fee Per Year: RM 81,510 Year 2 * Fee Per Term: RM 27,990 * Fee Per Year: RM 83,970 Years 3 & 4 * Fee Per Term: RM 31,050 * Fee Per Year: RM 93,150 Years 5 & 6 * Fee Per Term: RM 32,470 * Fee Per Year: RM 97,410 Years 7 & 8 * Fee Per Term: RM 36,370 * Fee Per Year: RM 109,110 Year 9 * Fee Per Term: RM 38,100 * Fee Per Year: RM 114,300 Years 10 & 11 * Fee Per Term: RM 38,960 * Fee Per Year: RM 116,880 Years 12 & 13 * Fee Per Term: RM 39,520 * Fee Per Year: RM 118,560 Other Costs and Payment Information * Billing Schedule: Fees are billed three times a year, at the start of each academic term. * Payment Options: The school accepts payments via bank transfer, cheque, and credit card. * English as an Additional Language (EAL): For students in the EAL program in Years 7 to 9, an additional fee equivalent to 10% of the tuition fee is applied. | 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 | |
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Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements — | Boarding arrangements — |
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Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement The school has a uniform policy. There is a Second-Hand Uniform Shop to promote sustainability by recycling preloved uniforms. | 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. |
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Food options
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Food options The Main Campus cafeteria is run by Cezar's Kitchen and provides meals and snacks throughout the day. It offers ten food stations with International, Asian and Vegetarian options, plus Western dishes, pasta, Seoul food, Asian noodles, a salad bar, deli sandwiches, and a live station serving Rotisserie Chicken and Chicken Shawarma on alternating days. | 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. |
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House system
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House system GIS has a house system with four houses: Crest, Queen, Chancellor and Sultan. Every student from Early Years to Sixth Form belongs to a house and competes in a range of house events, with house colours celebrated. | House system The school uses a four‑house system: Fairfield (Blue), Muir (Yellow), Fleming (Red), and Scott (Green). |
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Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership GIS is part of Taylor's Schools, a network of six top-tier institutions in Singapore and Malaysia. Taylor's Education Group owns Taylor's Schools. | 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 | |
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Curriculum details
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Curriculum details The curriculum at Garden International School is based on the National Curriculum for England and Wales, adapted for an international student body. In Primary School (Years 1-6), students follow a broad curriculum that builds foundational knowledge across a range of subjects. In Secondary School (Years 7-11), students continue with a wide range of subjects, which narrows in Years 10 and 11 as they prepare for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations. For their final two years in Sixth Form (Years 12-13), students specialize in subjects of their choice to study for A-Level qualifications, which are recognized for university entrance worldwide. | 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. |
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Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio — | Student teacher ratio — |
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Exam results
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Exam results — | Exam results — |
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Higher education progression
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Higher education progression — | Higher education progression — |
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Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented — | Gifted and talented — |
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Academic calendar
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Academic calendar — | Academic calendar |
| Wellbeing & support | Wellbeing & support | |
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Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning The school has a dedicated pastoral care system to support students' well-being. Each student is part of a tutor group, and their form tutor is the primary point of contact for any concerns. The school also has an on-site counseling team that offers confidential support to students. Initiatives such as personal, social, health, and economic (PSHE) education are integrated into the curriculum to help students develop essential life skills. | 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. |
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN) The school provides support for students with mild learning needs through its Learning Support faculty. This is not a specialist SEN institution, but it has a team of specialist teachers who work with students who require additional support. Support is offered through in-class assistance, small group work, or one-to-one sessions, and the school develops Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) for students with identified needs. The school assesses each child's needs on a case-by-case basis to determine if they can provide the appropriate level of support. | 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. |
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English as an additional language
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English as an additional language The school has an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program for students who require support to access the curriculum. New students are assessed to determine their level of English proficiency. Based on this assessment, students may be offered a place in the EAL program, which can include intensive English classes and in-class support. There is an additional fee for the EAL program for students in Years 7 to 9. | 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. |
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Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing The school supports student mental wellbeing through its pastoral care structure and a dedicated on-site counseling team. Located within the school's Medical Centre, the counseling unit provides a confidential space for students to discuss their emotional and psychological health. Form tutors also play a role in monitoring student wellbeing and are the initial contact for any concerns. This is supplemented by a PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic) curriculum that addresses wellbeing topics. | 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. |
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding The school has a child protection policy in place to ensure student safety and welfare. The school is committed to maintaining a safe environment for all students, and all staff members receive safeguarding training. There are designated safeguarding leads who are responsible for handling any child protection concerns that may arise, following established procedures for reporting and support. | 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. |
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Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy — | Safeguarding policy |
| Facilities | Facilities | |
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Facilities overview
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Facilities overview The school operates on two campuses: the Main Campus at 16 Jalan Kiara 3, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, and the GIS Early Years Centre at 1 Jalan 41/70A, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur. GIS Campus Reimagined delivers a world-class sports complex and outdoor sports field, with a basement car park completed in Phase 1 and Phase 2 plans for an Alfresco Dining Space, a Multi-Purpose Play Area and a FIFA Youth Field Size. The Main Campus houses specialist learning spaces, a renovated Sixth Form Centre, extensive libraries, and dedicated spaces for art, drama and music, alongside Design & Technology labs. The school integrates technology across learning through an Apple Distinguished School status, Google Suite, and device programs including iPads and MacBooks. | 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. |
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Sports facilities
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Sports facilities The Sports Facilities & Fitness Centre include a Sports Hall, an all-weather Football Field and Tennis Courts, a 25m eight-lane Swimming Pool, covered hard courts and a Gymnasium with Weight Training Room. Phase 1a of GIS Campus Reimagined completed a basement car park and outdoor sports field, and introduced the new sports centre featuring an Olympic-size swimming pool, two indoor basketball courts, two outdoor tennis courts and a gym/fitness suite. Phase 2 will add an Alfresco Dining Space, a Multi-Purpose Play Area and the expansion of the sports field to a full-size football pitch, plus additional community 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. |
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Academic facilities
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Academic facilities The campus features thirteen science laboratories, Design & Technology laboratories, a STEM room in the Primary School, and a Perceptual Motor Programme (PMP) Room. The Sixth Form Centre provides a university-style study environment for senior students. Libraries across Early Years Centre, Primary and Secondary are well stocked with a broad range of physical and online resources. Digital learning spaces include a fully integrated Digital Environment; the school is an Apple Distinguished School, with Google Suite in use and a mix of iPads (Years 3–9) and MacBooks (Year 10 and above). Design & Technology labs are equipped with industry-standard tools and technologies, and the Performing Arts facilities include dedicated spaces for Art, Drama and Music with a fully equipped drama studio and music 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. |
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Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities The school offers over 200 after-school co-curricular programmes. The THRIVE Internship Programme provides pathways beyond the formal curriculum for student development. CCAs and a broad range of activities are available to explore interests in sports, arts and leadership beyond lessons. | 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 | |
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History
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History Founded in 1951 by Sally Watkins, Garden School, as it was then known, was one of the first international schools in what was then the Federation of Malaya. The school was established to cater for the children of expatriates and began in the Lake Gardens of Kuala Lumpur. Due to a growing student body, the school moved several times before settling at its current Mont Kiara location in 1996. The school is now part of the Taylor's Education Group. | 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. |
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Community
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Community The school has a diverse community with students from over 65 nationalities. It hosts a variety of events throughout the year to foster a sense of community. These include cultural celebrations, performances, and the annual "Garden Party," a major fundraising event that brings together students, parents, and staff to support charitable causes. The school also has an active alumni network that organises regular gatherings. | 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. |
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Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association The school has an active Parents, Teachers and Friends (PTF) committee run by parent volunteers. The PTF organises a wide range of activities and events to support the school community and welcome new families. These include cultural trips to explore Malaysia, weekly parent workshops on various topics, and community service initiatives. The PTF also runs a "buddy programme" to help new families settle into the school and a "Country Reps Network" to provide a point of contact for families of different nationalities. | 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 | |
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Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual The school offers over 200 co-curricular activities across seven areas, providing opportunities beyond the taught curriculum. Model United Nations is popular, and the school hosts the Kuala Lumpur Modern United Nations (KLMUN) bi-annually. Specialist CCAs support university preparation, including Med Soc and an Oxbridge CCA. From Coding to Public Speaking and language-related clubs, CCAs complement classroom learning for students from Early Years to Year 13. | 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. |
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Arts & creative
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Arts & creative Music, Drama and Arts are central to GIS life. The Instrumental Music Programme runs weekly with over 300 students, offering lessons on 12 instruments and a variety of groups and choirs; regular concerts and events accompany these activities. Annual school productions and exhibitions showcase student talent, and the Big Draw event brings the whole school together. The creative arts are showcased throughout the year through exhibitions and competitions. | Arts & creative — |
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Cultural & language
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Cultural & language Language Clubs extend the World Languages programme (Malay, Mandarin, French, Spanish) with after-school sessions and cultural classes. The school encourages development of language learning to become global citizens, with language clubs helping students develop understanding, fluency and intercultural appreciation. Language learning opportunities run from Year 1 to Year 13. | 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. |
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Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies Sports and performing arts provide recreational outlets for students. Dragons sports include Football, Basketball, Swimming, Rugby, Netball, Athletics, T-ball, Tennis, Golf and Badminton, with a GIS Sports Academy offering additional coaching. Public Speaking, Hip Hop Dance, Coding and other CCAs foster social engagement and personal growth. The Student Leadership Programme also supports peer collaboration and extracurricular involvement. | Social & hobbies — |
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Community & service
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Community & service Community & Service Learning emphasises global awareness and service. The programme supports five core charities and promotes student-led initiatives, including Reach Out refugee teaching, Street Store and Refugee's Christmas Party. It aims to develop conscious, skilled, confident global citizens through a range of service-learning activities. | Community & service — |
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Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional The Student Leadership Programme involves around 200 student leaders across Primary and Secondary. Leaders work in nine strands spanning environment, wellbeing, sport, digital technology and community service. Students plan and lead charity events, performances and campaigns, including Street Store and Refugee's Christmas Party. | Leadership & professional — |
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports form the foundation for a healthy life, with both team and individual activities. GIS Dragons teams regularly compete in inter-school and regional events and are part of AIMS, FOBISIA and SEASAC groups. The Sports Academy provides external coaching to broaden participation and support physical and social development. | Lifestyle & wellbeing — |
| Language provision | Language provision | |
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Language provision
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Language provision The school teaches in English. World Languages offered include Malay, Mandarin, French and Spanish, taught across Primary and Secondary programs. | 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. |
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Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching — | Bilingual teaching — |
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Immersion programs
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Immersion programs — | Immersion programs — |
| Reputation | Reputation | |
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Awards
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Awards Apple Distinguished School (2022-2025): This award, from Apple, recognizes the school's continuous commitment to using technology to create innovative learning experiences. | 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. |
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Accreditations
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Accreditations Council of International Schools (CIS): This accreditation confirms that the school meets high standards of professional performance in international education and is committed to continuous improvement. Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): This is a US-based accreditation body that assures the quality of education and encourages school improvement. Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE): This accreditation allows the school to offer Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level qualifications. Pearson Edexcel: The school is also a centre for Pearson Edexcel qualifications, offering another route for IGCSE and A-Levels. GL Centre of Excellence: This award recognises the school's effective use of GL Education's assessments to support student learning. | 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 | |
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Admissions
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Admissions Attend an Open Day or book a tour. The school holds regular open days for prospective families. This is a good opportunity to see the campus, meet teachers, and get a feel for the school environment. You can also arrange a personalised tour with the admissions team. Submit an application. You will need to complete the online application form and submit it along with all the required documents. These typically include previous school reports, a copy of your child's passport, and passport-sized photos. An application fee is payable at this stage. Admissions Assessment. Once the application is submitted, the school will arrange an age-appropriate assessment for your child. For primary and secondary students, this usually involves an online diagnostic assessment to understand their learning style and academic potential. For Sixth Form entry, students will also need to meet specific IGCSE (or equivalent) grade requirements. Offer of a place. If the assessment is successful and a place is available, the school will send you a formal letter of offer. To accept the place, you will need to pay the registration fee and a deposit within the timeframe specified in the offer letter. | 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. |
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Scholarships
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Scholarships GIS offers scholarships for students entering the Sixth Form (Year 12) to study for their A-Levels. These scholarships are open to both current students and external applicants and are awarded based on academic merit, as well as talent in areas such as music or sports. The scholarships typically cover a percentage of the tuition fees and may also include the waiver of the application and registration fees. The application process is separate from the standard admissions process and has specific deadlines. It usually requires a personal statement, references, and evidence of achievements. | 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. |
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Waitlist
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Waitlist The school does experience high demand for places in most year groups, and a "wait pool" system is in place when a year group is full. When an application is received for a full year group, the student's name is added to the pool. The school does not operate a simple first-come, first-served system. When a place becomes available, they consider various factors to select a student from the wait pool, including the student's academic profile, English language proficiency, and the overall balance of gender and nationality within the year group. | 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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