Compare Premium International Schools in Kuala lumpur, Malaysia

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.

Sri Hartamas is a vibrant urban district known for its upscale residential areas and a significant expatriate community. The school is adjacent to Hartamas Shopping Mall and near neighborhoods like Mont Kiara and Solaris, offering a cosmopolitan environment with various amenities.

The school has Scondary and Sixth Form levels (Year 9 to 13).

Charterhouse Malaysia is a co-educational day and boarding school. Boarding is available for students aged 13 and above, with on-site residential facilities.

The school provides support for students who need help with English through its English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme. The school assesses each student individually to determine the level of support required. There is currently no dedicated department for broader Special Educational Needs (SEN).

The school is affiliated with Charterhouse UK and follows a British academic framework.

The school has no religious affiliation.

The school day typically starts at 8:00 AM and ends at 4:00 PM. There is a mid-morning break and a lunch period around midday. Co-curricular activities often take place after regular lessons.

Charterhouse Malaysia offers a school transport service through an external provider. The service covers several key residential areas in Kuala Lumpur, including Mont Kiara and Bangsar. Routes and schedules are coordinated based on student demand and residential clusters. Parents can opt in to the service for both one-way and round-trip journeys.

A live-in House Parent provides mentorship and support to every boarder. Boarding facilities include en-suite dormitories (3 or 4 beds), a study space, a lounge, a dining room, and dry and wet kitchens. Amenities include a washing machine, ironing facilities, personal lockers, a garden with a covered patio, and a private swimming pool. Boarding options include weekly boarding (Monday–Friday) and full boarding (week-long), with a meal plan and weekend activities coordinated by Charterhouse Malaysia.

Uniforms are required and are not included in tuition; the cost of uniforms is charged separately.

Breakfast and dinner are provided seven days a week through a meal plan. Lunch during the school week is available either at the Brew Pod Café on campus or at Hartamas Shopping Mall outlets. Weekend lunches depend on activities and may be provided in the boarding house or off-site.

Charterhouse Malaysia is part of the Charterhouse Family of Schools.

Charterhouse Malaysia follows the British curriculum, beginning with a Foundation Year (Year 9) that prepares students for IGCSEs. Students in Years 10 and 11 take a full IGCSE programme, selecting from core and elective subjects. In Years 12 and 13, students follow the Cambridge A Level curriculum, with subject choices tailored to their university and career goals.

The school integrates social and emotional development through its Charterhouse Forum and Spectra Smarts programme, which encourage reflection, communication, and collaboration. Students are given opportunities to lead and participate in societies and service activities, helping build confidence and empathy. Pastoral care is embedded in the tutor system, with staff overseeing both academic progress and student wellbeing. The boarding environment is structured to support emotional development with supervision and community living. Charterhouse also offers counselling and mentoring as part of its wider student support approach.

Charterhouse is not a specialist SEN institution although it offers individualised support where possible, particularly for students with mild learning needs such as attention or processing difficulties. Formal support plans are developed based on student assessments, and parents are encouraged to share relevant documentation during the admissions process. The focus is on early identification and collaboration between staff, students, and families to manage learning needs effectively.

Charterhouse offers targeted support for students who require English as an Additional Language (EAL) assistance. EAL provision is designed to help students access the curriculum and participate fully in school life. The school conducts an English proficiency assessment during the admissions process to determine support needs. EAL support is typically delivered through small-group or individual sessions, depending on the student’s level. Teachers also integrate language development into classroom teaching, with additional attention given to vocabulary and comprehension. While the school can support students with moderate EAL needs, a minimum level of English is expected for enrolment.

Student wellbeing is supported through a combination of pastoral care, counselling, and structured activities. Each student is assigned a mentor or tutor who monitors both academic progress and emotional wellbeing. The school offers counselling services for students who need additional support, and boarding staff are trained to support emotional needs in the residential setting. Programmes such as the Charterhouse Forum and Spectra Smarts also promote wellbeing by encouraging collaboration, personal reflection, and leadership. The school environment emphasises respectful relationships and peer support, and students are encouraged to speak openly about concerns.

Safeguarding is guided by clear policies that align with international standards. All staff are trained in child protection and required to report any concerns through established procedures. The school has a designated safeguarding lead (DSL) who oversees implementation and ensures consistent practice. Safeguarding measures include secure campus access, visitor protocols, and monitoring of student welfare. Regular updates and briefings are provided to staff to reinforce expectations and awareness. Parents are also informed of safeguarding policies and practices as part of the school’s wider communication strategy.

Book a campus tour or attend an open day. Families are encouraged to visit the campus to view the facilities and speak with staff. Virtual options are available for families currently overseas.

Complete the application form. Parents will need to submit an application form along with supporting documents such as recent school reports, identification documents, and any relevant learning support reports.

Sit for an assessment. All applicants are required to complete an academic assessment and, where relevant, an English language proficiency test. These assessments help the school understand the student’s readiness for the curriculum.

Attend an interview. Shortlisted applicants and their families are invited for an interview with senior academic staff. This may be conducted in person or online.

Receive an offer. If successful, the school will issue an offer letter along with enrolment documents. A place is only confirmed once the signed acceptance forms and payment of the enrolment fee are received.

The school offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships, primarily for students entering the A Level programme. These are awarded based on academic performance, leadership potential, and contributions to school life. Applicants are required to complete additional scholarship assessments and interviews. Scholarship availability and terms may vary from year to year, and families are advised to inquire early in the admissions process.

The school does not currently operate a formal waitlist or pool system. If a year group is full, qualified applicants may be placed on a waiting list and contacted should a place become available. Priority may be given to siblings of current students or families relocating from overseas on short notice.

This area is approximately 3 kilometers from the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC). The school provides a bus service that covers various neighborhoods, including Ampang Hilir, KLCC, Mont Kiara, Bangsar, and Damansara, facilitating transport for students from different parts of the city. Ampang Hilir is known for hosting various embassies and is generally well-connected.

The school comprises an Early Childhood section, Elementary School, Middle School, and High School.

ISKL is a co-educational day school.

ISKL offers a "Supporting All Learners" approach, recognizing that every child learns differently. They use a Multi-Tiered System of Support to identify, assess, address, and monitor student needs. Support is tailored and can include academic, behavioral, and social-emotional assistance.

ISKL is recognized as an American school.

The school does not have any specific religious affiliation.

The school day at ISKL generally starts at 8:00 am across all divisions. For Early Childhood (Prep Reception and Prep Junior), the day concludes at 12:30 pm. Elementary School (Prep Senior - Grade 5) finishes at 2:45 pm, while Middle School (Grade 6-8) ends at 2:50 pm, and High School (Grade 9-12) concludes at 3:00 pm. Break times, including morning breaks and lunch, are scheduled throughout the day, varying slightly by division to accommodate student needs.

ISKL offers a dedicated school bus service to transport students to and from school. This service is provided by Pandu Jaya Sdn Bhd. The bus service covers various residential areas to accommodate families relocating from overseas. The company prioritizes safety and reliability, with provisions for bus monitors on Kindergarten buses to supervise younger children.

The school requires all students to wear the ISKL uniform, with division-specific colors. The Panther Hut stocks uniforms and related items on campus.

ISKL cafeterias provide a nutritious, well-balanced menu with local and international options; pork- and nut-free; vegetarian and vegan options are available with allergens displayed. Minum Cafe provides beverages and snacks on campus, and packed lunches are allowed with microwaves available.

ISKL is a non-profit school whose revenue from tuition is reinvested to recruit and retain international educators and enhance the school environment. The Board of Directors is the governing body; its role is strategic oversight and financial stewardship.

In the Elementary and Middle School, the curriculum is inquiry-based and student-centered, focusing on developing foundational skills and key competencies. For High School students (Grades 11 and 12), ISKL offers flexible academic pathways. Students can pursue the rigorous International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), a globally recognized pre-university qualification. Alternatively, they can choose ISKL's innovative Pursuits Program, which allows students to combine individual IB, Advanced Placement (AP), and High School Diploma courses to create a personalized study program, including opportunities for internships and real-world experiences. All students who meet graduation requirements receive an ISKL Diploma.

SEL is a strategic objective underpinning ISKL's vision and mission. It's embedded within their curriculum, starting in Early Childhood, developing age-appropriately. ISKL works with The Institute for Social and Emotional Learning (IFSEL) for faculty training and parent workshops (e.g., VOX ISKL series). Their specialist counselors are key in supporting students' emotional health and wellbeing, offering classroom lessons, advisory programs, one-to-one and small group counseling, and transition support.

ISKL supports students with Special Educational Needs through its Life-Centered Education (LCE) program. This program is an extension of the school's student support services, specifically designed for students from Prep Senior age who have more significant intellectual, learning, or developmental differences. Highly-trained special educators provide personalized academic programming, including life skills courses, social skills instruction, and modified academics. Instruction takes place in dedicated LCE learning spaces, multi-sensory rooms, and within general education classrooms to foster inclusion. Individual Student Success Plans (SSP) guide each student's learning and participation in mainstream and specialist classes, promoting independence. While ISKL is not a specialist SEN institution, it provides this comprehensive support within its inclusive environment.

ISKL strongly supports multilingual learners through its English as an Additional Language (EAL) program, recognizing the diverse linguistic backgrounds of its students. EAL teachers collaborate closely with classroom teachers to provide tailored resources and materials, making grade-level curriculum accessible. This team approach ensures students receive the necessary support to build English proficiency and thrive academically.

The school places a significant emphasis on student mental wellbeing, embedding Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) into its curriculum from Early Childhood through High School. ISKL's specialist counselors are central to supporting students' emotional health, offering classroom lessons, advisory programs, and individual or small group counseling sessions. They also provide transition support and organize workshops for students and parents. The school promotes an open environment for discussions on mental health and has been recognized for its well-being initiatives.

ISKL maintains a strong commitment to safeguarding and child protection, considering it a top priority for creating a safe learning and working environment. The school operates under clear guidelines and procedures outlined in its Board Policies and Administrative Regulations, ensuring all members of the community are aware of their roles in protecting children. This comprehensive approach includes on-campus security protocols, a student health management system, a curriculum that teaches wellness skills, and responsive systems to monitor stress and workloads. These practices are developed in conjunction with Malaysian and international guidelines and regulations.

Submit your online application and required documents. This involves completing the application via ISKL's OpenApply portal and paying the application fee. You will need to upload various documents, including official academic records from the past three years, any previous learning support reports (e.g., psychological testing, IEPs), a student health form, copies of passports for the applicant and parents, and proof of Malaysian work/residence permits or an employer's letter.

Complete assessments. After submitting your application and documents, the Admissions Department will determine if an assessment is required. These assessments, such as MAP® tests for reading comprehension and math, are generally given to applicants from Prep Senior (K4) to Grade 12. For younger students (K4-Grade 1), a short pattern and sequencing assessment is given. These assessments help ensure the school can meet the student's needs.

Receive an admission decision. Once all required documents are submitted and assessments are completed and reviewed, the Admissions Department will make a determination. If a place is available and the applicant meets the criteria, an offer of admission will be extended. The school aims to provide a decision within five business days after the MAP assessment, unless further review is needed.

ISKL offers the ISKL Pathways Scholarship specifically for high-achieving Malaysian students. This scholarship is merit and need-based and is open to Malaysian students who have completed their Form 3 school assessment. It provides a fully funded four-year study in the High School program, covering Grades 9 to 12, including tuition and external exam fees. The school has also previously offered an ISKL IBDP Scholarship for Malaysian Form 5 students, a two-year scholarship for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Selection for scholarships is based on academic excellence, leadership in social responsibility, and commitment to the school community.

ISKL operates a waiting pool system for year groups where places are not immediately available. If an applicant meets the admission criteria but there is no current vacancy in their grade level, they will be placed into this waiting pool. Places are offered from the waiting pool as vacancies arise, and the school will send an offer letter when a spot becomes available. The position in the waiting pool is determined by the school's admission criteria, not solely by the application date.

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.

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.

GIS is a co-educational day school and does not offer any boarding facilities.

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).

The school does not have a formal affiliation with any particular country.

GIS is a non-denominational school and has no religious affiliation.

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.

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.

The school has a uniform policy. There is a Second-Hand Uniform Shop to promote sustainability by recycling preloved uniforms.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.