The Guide
Mon, 15 June 2026

Cities / Kuala Lumpur / Peninsula International School Australia Kuala Lumpur

Peninsula International School Australia Kuala Lumpur

An Australian-curriculum school in Setia Alam, Shah Alam, founded 2018, running the Victorian Certificate of Education for ages 3–18. 2025 VCE median ATAR 69.8.

Peninsula International School Australia Kuala Lumpur campus
Peninsula International School Australia Kuala Lumpur, Shah Alam. Photograph · School

Curriculum
International
Fees, annual
MYR 5k–17k
Ages
3 to 18
Pupils
Est. 700
Founded
2018

Despite extensive research across parent forums and education websites, PISAKL maintains minimal presence in discussions about Kuala Lumpur's international school options. Unlike established institutions such as ISKL, Alice Smith School, or Garden International School that generate regular conversation among expatriate families, this school appears absent from typical channels where parents research educational choices. The few available reviews suggest significant administrative challenges, with mentions of frequent leadership turnover and management difficulties.

Teacher feedback indicates serious concerns about school operations, with reports of five principals within a two-year period suggesting institutional instability. Reviews describe poor management skills among teaching staff and communication problems that affect the school community. These operational challenges, combined with what reviewers describe as 'insanely high' fees relative to the educational experience provided, raise questions about value proposition in Kuala Lumpur's competitive international education market.

Strengths

  • Claims to offer Australian curriculum with Victoria Certificate of Education pathway
  • Located in Bandar Utama area of Kuala Lumpur

Considerations

  • Reports of five principals in two years indicating management instability
  • Teacher reviews mention poor management skills and communication issues
  • Described as having 'insanely high' fees relative to quality provided
  • Virtually no presence in expatriate parent discussions or education forums
  • Limited verifiable information about academic outcomes or university placements
  • Operates well outside mainstream international education networks in Kuala Lumpur

Academics

Peninsula International School Australia (PISA) Malaysia offers the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) rather than IB. - 2025 VCE Results: The median ATAR for the cohort was 69.8. The PISA Dux, Zhi Chian Ooi, achieved an ATAR of 96.5, placing her in the top 5% globally.

School life

  • Sports: Swimming, Football, Basketball, Netball, Cross Country, and athletics. (Tatler Asia, PISA Website) - Arts & Music: Music, Art, Drama, and performing arts programs. (PISA Website) - Clubs & Programmes: The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, Junior Award Scheme for Schools (JASS), Debating, and language-focused certifications like the HSK and Youth Chinese Test (YCT).
  • Campus Size: The Setia Alam campus occupies part of an 11-acre site. (Note: A separate Ipoh campus is mentioned as being on 60 acres). (HCK Group, School Advisor) - Sports Facilities: Swimming pool, indoor sports hall, 2 outdoor courts, and 1 football field.

Student body

  • Total Enrolment: Approximately 290 students (as of recent teacher recruitment data) up to 700 students reported in other databases. (Teacher Horizons, NamuWiki) - Number of Nationalities: Over 18 nationalities. (PISA Website) - Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 6:1 (based on 290 students and 50 teaching staff).

Annual fees

Year level Age Fee
Early Years (Foundation) 3 MYR 5,333
PreP 5 MYR 7,778
Year 1 6 MYR 8,267
Year 2 7 MYR 9,333
Year 3 8 MYR 10,356
Year 4 9 MYR 11,400
Year 5 10 MYR 12,444
Year 6 11 MYR 13,511
Year 7 12 MYR 14,556
Year 8 13 MYR 15,600
Year 9 14 MYR 16,667
Year 10 15 MYR 16,667
Year 11 16 MYR 16,667
Year 12 17 MYR 16,667

One-time fees

Item Age Fee
Application Fee MYR 222
Registration Fee MYR 1,111


  • Australian Victorian curriculum delivered through a tie-up with Peninsula Grammar in Melbourne is the school's defining proposition.
  • VCE in Years 11-12 is the senior route. Acceleration into Units 1-2 in Year 10 is allowed for some students.
  • Recent parent reviews flag senior management instability. One parent said five principals have rotated through in two years.
  • Several parents say the school is not worth the high price, citing weak management and inconsistent teacher quality.
  • More positive parents praise the holistic approach, supportive teachers and friendly campus atmosphere; the school is small and reviewers say staff know children individually.
  • Reddit signal is essentially absent. Parent reviews on Malaysia directories like Kiddy123 carry most of the load.

Positives

  • Australian curriculum and VCE pathway. Victorian Curriculum and VCE delivered in partnership with Peninsula Grammar; audited by VCAA.
  • Holistic approach and pastoral care. Smaller cohort lets staff know children well; supportive atmosphere praised.

Considerations

  • Principal turnover. Reviewers cite five principals in two years and below-par management stability.
  • Value for fees. Multiple parents say price is high relative to what is delivered.
  • Teacher consistency. Some parents praise staff; others say teaching and management quality vary.

Leadership

Gareth Allman

Gareth Allman is a seasoned educator with 33 years of experience, including 25 years as Principal or Head of School across four countries.

Accreditations

  • Council of International Schools 01

  • ATAR over 90 2 graduates
  • ATAR over 70 5 graduates
  • VCE High Achievers 9 graduates

Jalan Setia Murni U13/51, Setia Alam, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

School website