Alice Smith School

Focus

Courage, curiosity and compassion

Day fees 2024/25

$11,500–$25,200

Pupils 

1,600

Ages

3–18

Spear’s Review

The first British international school in Malaysia was founded as a practical solution to a practical problem: in 1946 Alice Smith couldn’t find a school for her own daughter so she started one.

Alice Smith School has expanded from its humble beginnings: it now has 53 different nationalities among its nearly 1,600 pupils, and offers curricula across early years, primary, secondary and Sixth Form. Academic results are strong, with 86 per cent of students achieving A* to B grades at A-Level. (There are 25 A-Level subjects offered). The school is a member of the Council of British International Schools and a founding member of the Federation of British International Schools in Asia. 

Academics

77 per cent of (I)GCSE results are 7–9 grades.

86 per cent of results at A-Level are A*–B.

University and college destinations

For the graduating class of 2024, 94 per cent of students secured places at universities. More than 60 per cent of graduates planned to pursue further studies in the UK, including at the University of Oxford, Imperial College London, University of Cambridge and University College London. Other popular destinations include the United States, Australia and Ireland.

Head teacher

Head of school Sian May describes herself as an ‘experienced, strategic, values-driven and student-centred leader of international education’. Prior to joining Alice Smith School in 2022, she was director of a senior school in Singapore for four years. She has also served as head and principal at schools in Hong Kong and Switzerland.

Admissions

According to the school, Alice Smith School is not selective; however, the school seeks out students who ‘have the capacity and capability to benefit from the curriculum’. All applicants are required to complete an assessment (which varies according to a student’s age) prior to the offer of a place or placement onto a waiting list. Candidates are assessed on an ongoing basis, within one month of the application being received, and assessments are valid for 12 months from the date of completion, though follow-up assessments may be required.

Accessibility

Kuala Lumpur International Airport: 45 minutes

Location

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