Kinabalu International School logo

Kinabalu International School

Secular, Founded 1973

Updated July 2026

3–18Ages
Co-edGender
DayType
Non-profitOwnership

Languages

English flagEnglishFrench flagFrenchJapanese flagJapaneseMandarin flagMandarin

Kinabalu International School is a British international school in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, providing a K-12 education for students aged 3 to 18. It is the only CIS-accredited international school in Sabah and a founding member of the Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA).

Term structure

Three terms

Teaching approach

Kinabalu International School is a not-for-profit, inclusive, and progressive school dedicated to providing an excellent education in a caring and respectful environment. It aims to nurture curious, caring, and confident global citizens by developing all aspects of a student’s intellectual, physical, creative, social, and moral character. The school is owned and operated by the Association of Parents, with a Board of Governors elected annually to oversee its management.

Programmes

The school offers an educational programme based on the English National Curriculum, tailored to individual learning needs. The academic structure spans Early Years (ages 3-5), Primary (ages 5-11), Secondary (ages 11-16), and Sixth Form (ages 16-18). The curriculum culminates in Cambridge International IGCSE and A-Level qualifications.

Outcomes

The school follows the English National Curriculum, leading to Cambridge International IGCSE and A-Level examinations. Graduates have secured places at prestigious global institutions, including Stanford, King’s College London, Oxford, and Cardiff University. The school maintains a strong record of academic achievement, with students consistently outperforming UK and global standards.

Student support

EAL support
Paid add-on
Learning support
Dedicated department

Learning support

The school provides dedicated support for students requiring English as an Additional Language (EAL) or Special Educational Needs (SEN) assistance. This support is compulsory for students assessed as needing it and is provided for an additional termly fee. The school also employs a dedicated school counsellor and school nurse.

Frequently asked questions(6)
What curriculum does Kinabalu International School offer?
Kinabalu International School offers National Curriculum (England), IGCSE and Cambridge A-Level.
What ages does Kinabalu International School teach?
Kinabalu International School enrolls students aged 3 to 18.
Is Kinabalu International School a day or boarding school?
Kinabalu International School is a day school.
What accreditations does Kinabalu International School hold?
Kinabalu International School holds accreditations including CIS.
Is Kinabalu International School co-educational?
Kinabalu International School is a co-ed school.
Where is Kinabalu International School located?
Kinabalu International School is an international school in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.

Tuition & fees

No published fee schedule was found for this school.

Admissions

Prospective families are invited to book a tour or appointment with the admissions team to see the school in action. The school provides a Fees & Admissions Booklet and offers a referral reward scheme for existing parents. Admissions are subject to the school's child protection policies and procedures.

Calendar

The academic year runs from late August to July and is divided into three terms: Term 1 (August to December), Term 2 (January to April), and Term 3 (April to July). Each term includes a mid-term holiday, and the school is closed on all public holidays. Families can integrate the school's events calendar with their personal digital calendars.

Facilities

LibraryScience labsArt roomMusic roomTheatre / auditoriumPlaygroundSports fieldGymnasium

About the campus

The campus features an onsite 'Colour Meal Canteen' providing hot lunches, and a school shop for uniforms and stationery. The school is a certified Eco-School and holds Green Flag status. Facilities include science laboratories, a library, and sports areas, with the school hall serving as the location for the physical uniform shop.

Co-curriculars

Students participate in a wide range of enrichments beyond the classroom, including extra-curricular activities, field trips, and residential experiences. As a member of the Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA), the school competes in regional events such as the FOBISIA Games, as well as literacy, mathematics, music, and drama festivals. The school also hosts holiday camps and a 'Pass Club'.

  • Mr Sam Gipson
    Mr Sam GipsonPrincipal

    Mr Sam Gipson is the Principal of Kinabalu International School, where he oversees the school's mission to provide an excellent education and nurture global citizens. He has been with the school as it celebrates 50 years of operation.

  • Mrs Charlotte BakerDeputy Principal / Head of Secondary

    Mrs Charlotte Baker serves as the Deputy Principal and Head of Secondary. She also holds responsibilities as the Assessment & Reporting Coordinator and is the Acting Head of Secondary Science & Technology.

  • Mrs Emma WheatleyHead of Primary

    Mrs Emma Wheatley is the Head of Primary and also serves as the CIS Coordinator.

  • Ms Elis HoHead of Operations

    Ms Elis Ho is the Head of Operations at Kinabalu International School.

  • Mr Matthew HaywardPrimary Assistant Head: Teaching & Learning

    Mr Matthew Hayward is the Primary Assistant Head for Teaching & Learning. He is also a Year 5S teacher and the Mathematics Coordinator.

  • Mrs Julie DobbsAssistant Head: Teaching & Learning

    Mrs Julie Dobbs is an Assistant Head for Teaching & Learning and a teacher of Mathematics.

  • Mr Antony GarlandAssistant Head: Wellbeing (Secondary)

    Mr Antony Garland is the Assistant Head for Wellbeing (Secondary) and a teacher of Mathematics.

  • Mr Mark WheatleyAssistant Head Whole School: Enrichment

    Mr Mark Wheatley is the Assistant Head Whole School for Enrichment and a teacher of History & Geography.

  • Ms Roberta Young
    Ms Roberta YoungHead of Secondary English

    Ms Roberta Young is the Head of Secondary English, a teacher of English, and the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

  • Mrs Nicola GarlandHead of Individual Needs

    Mrs Nicola Garland is the Head of Individual Needs and Head of Secondary Maths, as well as a teacher of Mathematics.

  • Ms Damein YuenHead of Secondary Creative & Performing Arts

    Ms Damein Yuen is the Head of Secondary Creative & Performing Arts and a teacher of Art.

  • Ms Pierrette Anuar-GhaniHead of Modern Foreign Languages

    Ms Pierrette Anuar-Ghani is the Head of Modern Foreign Languages, a teacher of French, and a GI Form Tutor.