British schools in Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor
A guide to British international schools in Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor, value for money, admissions and how Malaysian families use international schools.
Malaysia has one of the largest and most varied international school sectors in Southeast Asia. British-curriculum schools are a major part of it, including campuses of well-known UK independent schools.
Where the schools are
- Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley: the widest choice, in areas such as Mont Kiara, Bangsar, Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Subang and Cyberjaya.
- Penang: a long-established international community with British and international schools.
- Johor (Iskandar Puteri): several UK school campuses, popular with families who work in Singapore across the causeway.
- East Malaysia: smaller options in Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.
Who attends
International schools were once restricted mainly to foreign students. The cap on Malaysian enrolment was removed in 2012, and today many British schools have a majority of Malaysian students. Ask about the nationality mix if that matters to you.
The British school scene
British schools in Malaysia typically follow the English National Curriculum to IGCSE, then A-Levels or the IB Diploma. Many are members of FOBISIA and hold UK-linked accreditation. Some offer boarding, which attracts students from across Asia. The COBISEC-era directory listed Mutiara International Grammar School among its Malaysian affiliates.
Fees and value
Fees vary from moderate to high. Many families see Malaysia as offering good value compared with Singapore or Hong Kong. Check the full fee schedule, including enrolment and development fees.
Choosing a school
Look at accreditation and inspection reports, IGCSE and A-Level results with candidate numbers, teacher qualifications and turnover, and the practicalities of traffic and transport. See our school checklist and Singapore.
Directory: British schools in Malaysia
Our school-by-school directory for Malaysia is being researched. We only list a school once its details have been checked against its own published information.
Frequently asked questions
Can Malaysian children attend international schools?
Yes. The limit on the share of Malaysian pupils in international schools was removed in 2012, and many British schools now have a large proportion of Malaysian students alongside expatriates.
Why do families from other countries choose schools in Malaysia?
Malaysia offers British-curriculum schools, including UK school brands with campuses in the country, at fees that are often lower than in Singapore or Hong Kong. Some schools also offer boarding.