Founded in Kuala Lumpur by Alice Fairfield-Smith with a clear purpose to deliver high-quality British education, The Alice Smith School began as a small teaching community and has since grown into one of the most respected not-for-profit international schools in the region. Over the decades, the school has developed its curriculum, facilities, and teaching methods in step with global education standards, while staying true to its original mission. The focus remains on fostering a love for learning, shaping character, and helping every student reach their potential. That founding vision continues to guide daily life on campus today.
As the oldest British international school in Malaysia and among the oldest in Southeast Asia, The Alice Smith School holds a strong place in the country’s education landscape. Operating as a not-for-profit foundation means every resource is directed back into teaching and learning. The school offers a British-based curriculum from Early Years to Sixth Form, supported by experienced and well-qualified educators. Families are drawn to its strong pastoral care, wide range of co-curricular activities, and a close-knit community built on inclusion and student wellbeing. Its long-standing reputation and personalised learning approach continue to set it apart.
The school’s global alumni network remains an active part of this journey. Former students stay connected through mentoring, university guidance, internships, career talks, and networking support for current learners. Many also give back through events, outreach, and philanthropic initiatives. Their ongoing engagement shows a deep sense of belonging and pride that extends well beyond their years at the school.
Learning with Purpose and Direction
The curriculum at The Alice Smith School is based on the English National Curriculum. At the same time, the school’s independent and not-for-profit status allows it to adapt and enrich learning to suit its diverse international community and the local Malaysian context. This balance between structure and flexibility helps students learn with confidence and relevance from the early years through to graduation.
Learning begins with an inquiry-based approach in Early Years and Primary. As students progress, they move into focused subject learning that leads to (I)GCSEs and A Levels. Teaching is shaped around the needs of each learner. Support is provided through differentiated instruction, language development, pastoral guidance, and a wide range of enrichment opportunities. Every student is guided in a way that supports steady progress and strong academic outcomes.
Teachers play a central role in this environment. All are highly qualified and bring strong subject knowledge along with international classroom experience. Professional learning is part of daily life at the school. Staff take part in regular training, coaching, and accredited programmes that keep teaching practices current and well informed. Collaboration and reflection are encouraged across teams. Many educators also contribute beyond the school as examiners, trainers, and educational leaders in the region. This shared commitment helps maintain high standards in every classroom.
The Sixth Form follows the same focus on preparation and care. Students choose from a wide range of A Level subjects and receive individual guidance for university applications. Advisors support them at every stage, from course selection to final placements. Beyond academics, students build leadership, research, and communication skills through service learning, Model United Nations, Prefect programmes and the Duke of Edinburgh International Award. With strong results and a well-rounded profile, graduates move on to leading universities around the world and continue their journeys with confidence and purpose.
A Community Built on Trust and Wellbeing
At The Alice Smith School, the relationship between home and school is seen as a shared responsibility. Parents are active partners in each child’s learning journey, and their involvement plays a key role in building a positive and respectful community. To strengthen this shared commitment, the school has introduced a Community Promise. It sets out clear expectations for behaviour and conduct for parents, carers, staff, and students. These shared values guide daily interaction and help create a learning space that feels safe, welcoming, and supportive for all.
Student wellbeing is treated with the same importance as academic success. The school has a strong pastoral structure supported by counselling services, safeguarding systems, and a wellbeing curriculum. Personal mentoring and leadership opportunities help students grow in confidence. Sports, creative arts, and service-learning programmes give them space to explore interests and build resilience. Wellbeing is also integrated into classroom practice so that progress remains steady, healthy, and balanced.
Diversity is a defining part of life at the school. It is evident in the curriculum, in community gatherings, and in student-led initiatives. Cultural celebrations and intercultural learning help students understand different perspectives from an early age. Language support and peer mentoring ease transitions and strengthen connections. Every student is encouraged to feel seen, safe, and respected. Through daily practice, the school nurtures empathy, curiosity, and mutual respect, helping students grow into thoughtful global citizens.
Standards That Build Trust
Having earned notable recognition from COBIS, The Alice Smith School is pursuing additional accreditation through NEASC. The school is also a member of FOBISIA, ISC, EARCOS and CIS. These demonstrate the school’s long-standing commitment to quality, safety, and strong governance. They also place the school within a trusted global network of British and international institutions.
Accreditation at the school is treated as an active and ongoing process. Regular reviews help ensure that teaching standards, safeguarding practices, and school operations remain closely aligned with recognised international benchmarks. For students, this external validation supports smooth academic transitions across borders and strengthens university applications worldwide. For parents, it offers reassurance that their children are learning in a well-regulated and carefully monitored environment.
Learning Across Two Purpose-Built Campuses
As a not-for-profit institution, The Alice Smith School reinvests all financial surpluses directly into the school. Resources are focused on improving teaching, strengthening student support systems, and enhancing learning environments. Investment also supports technology, specialist staffing, sports and arts facilities, and the continued development of physical infrastructure. This consistent focus on educational value over financial gain guides the school’s steady growth and long-term planning.
The impact of this reinvestment is most visible across the school’s two purpose-built campuses. Each campus is designed to support students at different stages of their learning journey. The Primary Campus, located in the city centre, welcomes children from Preschool to Year 6. The Secondary Campus, set on 25 acres in Equine Park, serves students from Year 7 to Year 13 and offers both (I)GCSEs and A Levels.
The Primary Campus is shaped around the needs of young learners. It features dedicated Early Years spaces, open learning areas, and outdoor environments that support active learning and early independence. These settings allow children to explore, build confidence, and develop foundational skills in a safe and structured environment.
The Secondary Campus is designed to support advanced learning and personal growth. It offers science laboratories, design and technology studios, performance venues, sports complexes, and a Sixth Form learning centre that supports independent study. Together, both campuses support wellbeing, student engagement, and a strong sense of community at every stage of school life.
Looking ahead, the school continues to invest in teaching practice, student wellbeing, and personal development. Sustainability, digital literacy, global awareness, and future-ready skills remain key priorities. The long-term focus is to nurture a learning community where every student is equipped to grow with confidence, care, and purpose.
For More Info: https://www.alice-smith.edu.my/