Epsom College in Malaysia vs Marlborough College Malaysia

The school is situated in Bandar Enstek, Negeri Sembilan, approximately 15 minutes from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and about 45 minutes south of Kuala Lumpur city centre. The campus spans 80 acres in a suburban setting, offering a tranquil environment for students.

The school caters to students aged 3 to 18 years, divided into two main sections: the Prep School for ages 3 to 11 and the Senior School for ages 11 to 18.

Epsom College in Malaysia is a co-educational institution offering both day and boarding options.

Epsom College in Malaysia provides tailored support for students with mild to moderate learning needs through its Learning Support Department. Support may include in-class accommodations, small group sessions, or individualised interventions, depending on the student's specific requirements. The school collaborates with parents and external specialists to ensure appropriate support is in place.

The school is affiliated with the United Kingdom, serving as the only international campus of Epsom College UK. It follows the British National Curriculum and maintains strong ties with its sister school in Surrey.

Epsom College in Malaysia is a non-denominational school. It offers a multi-faith chaplaincy to support the diverse religious backgrounds of its student body.

The school day begins at 8:00 am with registration, followed by assemblies or tutor time. Students attend four lessons before lunch, with the day concluding at 4:00 pm for Prep School pupils. Senior School students may have extended hours due to extracurricular activities.

Epsom College offers a free shuttle bus service for day students from selected areas, including Cyberjaya, Kota Warisan, Nilai, Bangsar, and Kenny Hills. This service facilitates daily commutes for students residing in these locations.

Boarding is central to student life at Epsom College in Malaysia. The school offers full boarding for Senior School pupils and prep school boarding for Year 5 and up. There are four boys' boarding houses (Carr, Granville, Holman, Propert) and three girls' boarding houses (Crawfurd, Rosebery, Wilson). A thorough induction programme for new boarders starts at the beginning of term, and each house is led by a Housemaster or Housemistress with a staff team to support pupils academically and pastorally. Boarders share meals in their houses and have access to kitchen facilities and communal spaces; a laundry service is provided and included in fees, with optional dry-cleaning available. Prep School pupils from Year 5 upwards may join as boarders and live in boarding houses alongside Senior pupils.

Boarders wear the College uniform until 17:30 each day, after which they may change into their own clothes. They should bring: black shoes and trainers, sports clothing, casual clothing, and more formal attire for end-of-term socials. The laundry is managed by the House Matron and an external company; bed linen is changed weekly, and there is an option for dry-cleaning at extra cost. Students' clothes should be labelled for laundry and storage is provided within the house.

Boarding students are served breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day, plus three snacks; day pupils receive lunch and two snacks. The dining menu is varied and nutritious, with vegetarian options, meat and fish dishes, a salad bar, and fresh fruit; dietary requirements are accommodated.

Senior School pupils are members of a House, forming a second home within the College. Boys' boarding houses are Carr, Granville, Holman and Propert; girls' boarding houses are Crawfurd, Rosebery and Wilson. Each House is led by a Housemaster/Housemistress (HMM) and supported by an Assistant HMM and staff, providing academic and pastoral guidance and coordinating inter-house activities and Prefect training. Prep School pupils from Year 1 onwards are linked to a House, and Prep School boarders join the Boarding House to live with Senior pupils in the evenings and at weekends. Over 90% of staff live on site, contributing to a family-like community.

The school is governed by a Board of Governors. Tan Sri Tony Fernandes serves as Chairman of the Board of Governors. Mark Lascelles has been Head of Epsom College Malaysia since September 2024. Gareth Lim is the CEO of Ormond Group, and other governors include Ashley Head, Francis Minah, Datuk Kamarudin Bin Meranun, and Datuk Seri Kalimullah Bin Masheerul Hassan.

Epsom College follows the English National Curriculum, enhanced with subjects like Mandarin and Singapore Mathematics. Students in the Senior School prepare for IGCSEs in Years 10 and 11, followed by A Levels in Years 12 and 13. The Sixth Form offers a dedicated centre and a fast-track A Level programme, allowing completion in 15 months.

The school emphasises the importance of social and emotional learning (SEL) through it's curriculum and school structure. The school integrates SEL into its curriculum and pastoral care, ensuring students develop skills such as empathy, resilience, and effective communication. Regular workshops and activities are organised to support students' emotional growth and wellbeing. The school fosters a sense of belonging through its house system, where students are grouped into houses that promote community, support, and healthy competition. Wellbeing Prefects lead initiatives aimed at creating a compassionate and supportive school environment.

The school supports students with mild to moderate special educational needs, including specific learning difficulties like dyslexia and ADHD. The Learning Support Department develops Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) for students requiring additional assistance, outlining tailored strategies and goals. Support is primarily delivered within mainstream classrooms, with additional sessions provided as needed. The school works closely with parents and external professionals to monitor progress and adjust support accordingly. It's important to note that Epsom College is not a specialist SEN institution and may not be equipped to support students with more complex needs.

The school offers support for students learning English as an Additional Language. Upon entry, students undergo baseline assessments to determine their English proficiency, guiding placement into appropriate pathways. These pathways range from intensive programmes with up to 15 English lessons per week to integrated support within mainstream classes. EAL is typically studied in place of a Modern Language, and students are prepared for qualifications such as the IGCSE English as a Second Language and IELTS. The school's approach emphasises both academic progress and full integration into the school community.

The school places significant emphasis on the mental wellbeing of its students. The school hosts annual Mental Health Awareness Weeks, featuring assemblies, tutor sessions, and support groups focusing on topics like stress, anxiety, and self-esteem. Students have access to confidential counselling services provided by qualified professionals. Initiatives like the Anxiety Support Group during co-curricular activities offer additional support. Furthermore, Sixth Form students are trained as national ambassadors for mental health platforms, promoting peer-to-peer support and fostering a compassionate school environment.

Epsom College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its students. The school has a comprehensive Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy, aligning with UK standards, which outlines procedures for identifying and addressing concerns. All staff members undergo regular training to remain vigilant and responsive to potential risks. The policy includes provisions for managing low-level concerns, ensuring a culture of openness and accountability. Designated Safeguarding Leads oversee the implementation of these policies, maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all students.

1. Arrange a visit or attend an open day.
Prospective families are encouraged to tour the campus and meet staff to gain a better understanding of the school's environment and offerings.

2. Submit an application.
Complete the application form and provide the necessary documents, including recent school reports and a reference from the current school.

3. Assessment and interview.
Applicants undergo age-appropriate assessments and interviews conducted by senior staff members. For Year 4 and below, this includes a short interview and tasks by the Head of Prep School; for Years 5 to 12, an entrance test and interview are required.

4. Offer and acceptance.
Successful candidates receive a written offer within seven days of assessment. To secure the place, parents must confirm acceptance and pay the required deposit.

The school offers various scholarships to recognize and support students with exceptional abilities:

Academic, Music, Drama, and Sports Scholarships: Available to students who demonstrate outstanding talent in these areas.

ECM Libra ASEAN Scholarships: Full and partial scholarships for students from Year 7 onwards, aimed at academically and culturally gifted students in ASEAN countries.

ASEAN Bright Sparks Scholarship: Full scholarships covering tuition and boarding for high-achieving SPM leavers enrolling in the Fast Track A-Level programme. Applicants must be Malaysian citizens or permanent residents aged 16–19, with excellent academic records.

ASEAN Partial Academic and Leadership Scholarships: Partial scholarships (up to 50% of fees) for students in Years 10–13, recognizing academic excellence and leadership potential in areas such as sports, music, or entrepreneurship.

The school operates a waitlist system when year groups reach capacity. Applications are processed on a rolling basis, and early submission is recommended to secure a place.

Marlborough College Malaysia is located in the southern state of Johor, just 15 minutes from Singapore, on a secure 92-acre campus in Iskandar Puteri. The College features extensive green space, including an organic farm and a lake, providing a unique setting for learning, boarding, and community life.

Marlborough College Malaysia provides a continuous education from Early Years through to Sixth Form, structured across three schools: Pre-Prep (Nursery to Year 3), Prep School (Years 4 to 8), and Senior School (Years 9 to 13). Pupils follow the British curriculum, including IGCSEs in Years 10 and 11, before progressing to the IB Diploma Programme in the final two years.

Established in 2012 as a natural extension of one of the world’s leading co-educational independent schools, Marlborough College Malaysia is a not-for-profit international school for boarding and day pupils aged 3 to 18.

We are able to support children with moderate learning needs, depending on their individual requirements. Support may include in-class assistance, small group sessions, or specialist input from our Speech and Language Therapist. Please note that additional Learning Enrichment lessons for pupils with specific learning or behavioural difficulties are provided at an extra cost and are not included in the school fees.

Marlborough College Malaysia is the sister school of Marlborough College in Wiltshire, UK, one of the UK’s leading independent co-educational boarding schools.

Established in 2012, Marlborough College Malaysia was founded as a natural extension of Marlborough College and shares its educational philosophy, values, and traditions. The schools maintain a close relationship through governance links, shared heritage, and an annual exchange programme offered in Year 9.

Marlborough College Malaysia is a Christian school with an Anglican foundation, reflecting the heritage of Marlborough College UK. While rooted in Christian values, the College welcomes pupils of all faiths and backgrounds, fostering a respectful and inclusive community.

The Prep School (Nursery to Year 8) runs from 8.00am to 4.15pm, with eight 45-minute lessons and regular breaks throughout the day. A wide range of co-curricular clubs is available before and after school.
The Senior School (Years 9 to 13) follows a two-week timetable from 8.30am to 4.15pm, including subject-specialist lessons, Games, Wellbeing, and Activities. Sixth Form pupils (Years 12 and 13) also have Saturday morning lessons.

A daily transport service is offered for day pupils living in both Malaysia and Singapore. The service features air-conditioned buses with onboard supervision and covers key areas in Johor Bahru and selected parts of Singapore. Available to eligible pupils from specific year groups, this service is offered at an additional cost and must be booked in advance.

Boarding options include full boarding, weekly boarding, and day boarding. Boarders live in six houses: Iskandar, Honan and Steel House for girls; Taylor, Wills and Munawir Hill for boys. The community emphasizes pastoral care, with Housemasters and Housemistresses supported by Resident House Tutors and a Personal Tutor for each pupil. Boarders may return home during Exeats, Privs, half-term and end-of-term holidays, and weekend stays can be requested during term-time.

The school requires all pupils to wear a standard uniform. The Uniform Shop stocks day uniform, sports kits, swimwear, hats and bags, and purchases are billed via the termly fee invoice.

The College employs full-time catering staff to provide breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for the College. Menus follow a four-week cycle using local produce and may include ingredients from Barton Farm; Western, Asian and Vegetarian options are available with provisions for gluten, dairy and egg intolerances. A dietician checks menus and weekly menus are published to parents; Food Committees include representatives from day pupils and boarders.

Boarders live in six boarding houses: Iskandar, Honan and Steel House for girls; Taylor, Wills and Munawir Hill for boys. Houses are staffed by Housemasters and Housemistresses, supported by Resident House Tutors, graduate and gap assistants, Dames and visiting Tutors. Each pupil meets regularly with a Personal Tutor.

Marlborough College Malaysia is not a franchise. The operating company, M East Sdn Bhd, is wholly owned by Marlborough College and is directed largely by former Marlborough pupils. The Council meets each term and includes a Chairman and several members; sub-committees include Education, Pastoral Welfare and Boarding Liaison, Development, Finance, Marketing and Admissions, and Nominations.

We offer a broad and rigorous academic programme that combines the best of the British curriculum with an international outlook. Pupils follow the National UK Curriculum, leading to IGCSE examinations in the Senior School, and progress to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in the final two years.

Throughout all stages—from Pre-Prep to Sixth Form—our academic approach emphasises critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine love of learning, supported by excellent teaching and a strong pastoral system.

Social and emotional learning is embedded across the curriculum and pastoral life of the College. Through dedicated Wellbeing lessons, PSHE, assemblies, and tutor time, pupils develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, positive relationships, and responsible decision-making. These life skills are essential to their success both in and beyond the classroom, and are delivered in a structured, age-appropriate way across all year groups.

We are able to support children with moderate learning needs, depending on their individual requirements. Support may include in-class assistance, small group sessions, or specialist input from our Speech and Language Therapist. Please note that additional Learning Enrichment lessons for pupils with specific learning or behavioural difficulties are provided at an extra cost and are not included in the school fees.

All prospective pupils are assessed for their level of English upon entry. Support is available through our EAL department, including the Accelerated English Programme (AEP), which offers tailored language instruction and in-class support to help pupils transition into the mainstream curriculum. 1:1 support is also available where needed. Please note that pupils must reach an appropriate level of English to access external examinations in Senior School and fully benefit from the curriculum. The AEP and EAL lessons are provided at an additional cost.

Alongside our Wellbeing curriculum, Marlborough College Malaysia is deeply committed to supporting the mental health of every pupil. We provide individualised pastoral care for those facing emotional challenges, including access to a qualified College Counsellor, trusted relationships with Form Tutors and House staff, and a safe, supportive environment where pupils feel heard. Staff receive ongoing training to help them recognise and respond to concerns, while peer support and wider mental health initiatives ensure that every member of our community knows where to turn when they need help.

We are committed to providing a safe, supportive environment where all pupils feel secure, valued, and respected. Our safeguarding policies and procedures are rigorous and regularly reviewed, and all staff receive ongoing training to ensure they understand their responsibilities. The College has designated safeguarding leads across each section of the school to oversee child protection and wellbeing matters.

Marlborough College Malaysia was established in 2012 as the first overseas campus of Marlborough College in the UK, a prestigious British independent school founded in 1843. Rooted in the values and traditions of its UK counterpart, Marlborough College Malaysia was created to bring an authentic British boarding and day school experience to Southeast Asia. Since its opening, the College has grown rapidly in both size and reputation, offering a rigorous and holistic education to pupils aged 3 to 18. As a not-for-profit institution, MCM is committed to academic excellence, character development, and preparing pupils for a global future—upholding the Marlburian ethos of compassion, companionship, and conversation.

The College fosters a warm, inclusive environment where pupils, parents, staff, and alumni feel a strong sense of belonging and shared purpose. Through regular events, service opportunities, and open communication, MCM builds strong partnerships between home and school. Parents are active members of the community, supported by the Friends of Marlborough College Malaysia (FoMCM), which organises social and fundraising initiatives that bring families together.
Boarding life further enriches our community spirit, creating a home-away-from-home environment where pupils develop lasting friendships across age groups and backgrounds.
Whether through shared values, traditions, or the everyday rhythm of College life, Marlborough College Malaysia is a community where every member is valued and encouraged to contribute.

Friends of Marlborough College Malaysia (FoMCM) is the College’s parent association, dedicated to fostering community spirit and enhancing the Marlborough experience for all families. FoMCM organises a wide range of events and activities throughout the year – from welcome mornings and coffee catch-ups to major College events like the Christmas Fair and Balls. These initiatives not only support charitable causes but also strengthen the bonds between parents, pupils, and staff.

The school is an independent British boarding and day school located in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Malaysia welcoming pupils aged 3 to 18. It sits on a purpose-built 90-acre campus near the Straits of Johor, close to the Singapore border. The campus features an on-site lake, an organic farm and a golf driving range. Specialist facilities such as labs, art studios and language spaces support learning. The Pre-Prep and Prep areas include spaces such as a dedicated sports hall, swimming pool, libraries, dining halls and play areas.

Sports facilities include a dedicated sports hall and a swimming pool in the Prep School, with additional outdoor spaces on campus. The campus also features a golf driving range.

The curriculum follows the English National Curriculum, with IGCSEs offered up to Year 11 and the International Baccalaureate Diploma to Year 13. The school provides labs, art studios and language spaces to support learning, and libraries are available in the Prep environment. Accelerated English & EAL support is available to eligible pupils.

Co-curricular life includes Forest School, Ballet, Swimming, Mandarin and Drama; there are societies, lectures, trips, debates and concerts. Outdoor Education provides challenging experiences and pupil-led charitable and service initiatives are encouraged.

The school runs an Educational Visits Programme for pupils from Reception to the Upper Sixth, providing opportunities such as conferences, concerts, farms, art galleries, museums, outdoor education venues, science centers, theatres, field trips, performances and fixtures. Pupils can participate in international trips and the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award. The Senior School Activities Programme offers a broad range of creative, active and service-based activities, with sessions on Friday afternoons and more than 40 options including cooking, fashion illustration, and health and human body; the active strand includes multi-sports, hockey, badminton and rock climbing, while the service strand features Outreach activities and Eco-committees.

Music provides a rich and varied co-curricular programme of musical ensembles and events and is inclusive of all ages and abilities. The Art programme offers opportunities to learn new skills and crafts such as fashion design, mindfulness exercises, collaborative murals and large-scale work, including designing and making stage sets and props for drama productions. Drama complements the academic curriculum with plays and drama clubs, developing communication, teamwork, and creativity while boosting confidence and resilience.

The school hosts Model United Nations conferences, including Marlborough-Raffles MUN, with delegates engaging in debate and diplomacy on global issues. A Debating Society provides regional competitive opportunities in philosophical, political and international topics. Outreach activities include English-language volunteering, such as teaching English online to local partner communities.

Social life includes House Lunches and brunches, theatre trips, movie nights, house events, holiday events, Christmas parties and Marlburian Sixth Form socials. On Fridays and across the week the Activities Programme offers varied options, and boarders participate in a Saturday Enrichment Programme on Saturdays (10am–12 noon) with a five-week cycle of active or creative activities.

Outreach projects are integral across the College, with pupils and staff leading fundraising for charity partners and hosting local community events. The school supports partner organisations such as SK Sungai Melayu School, Rotary Children's Home, St Christopher's Church, Noah's Ark Natural Animal Shelter and Kechara Soup Kitchen. These activities are designed to foster friendships and positive social impact across local and wider communities.

Year 7 Leadership Week develops leadership through team-building and planning for Year 8 roles, including applying for positions and interview practice. The school hosts MUN conferences that showcase student-led leadership and public speaking. Leadership opportunities exist across boarding and school life, including captaincy of sports teams, debating, public speaking, and roles as charity representatives and in running societies.

Wellbeing at Marlborough College Malaysia is based on a Positive Psychology framework and focuses on the four interconnected dimensions of body, mind, spirit, and community. The program aims to develop the whole person and to support ongoing growth, with the COBIS accreditation highlighting well-being as a strength of the pastoral programme. The model emphasizes well-being as a lifelong journey and a core part of helping pupils flourish inside and beyond school.

The school uses English as the language of instruction across the curriculum. English as an Additional Language (EAL) is provided by specialist teachers to support non-native speakers; EAL lessons run during the school day alongside Spanish and Malay language classes and incur additional charges. An Accelerated English Programme runs for one to three terms to help pupils access the British curriculum; Year 4 to Year 8 entrants may join, and Shell (Year 9) pupils with greater English needs join Additional English Support. Mandarin is taught in Pre-Prep with specialist Mandarin instruction and language spaces; Malay and Spanish are offered as language options within the curriculum.

Known for our commitment to academic excellence, character education, and exceptional pastoral care, we are respected by families across Malaysia, Singapore, and beyond. We are proud to be the recipient of the prestigious International School of the Year 2024 award from the UK’s Times Educational Supplement (TES), and more recently named International School of the Year by the Boarding Schools' Association (BSA). These accolades reflect our outstanding educational offering and dedication to pupil development. Our reputation is built on blending the rich traditions of our British heritage with a forward-thinking approach to learning. Marlborough pupils are known for their confidence, compassion, and integrity; qualities consistently praised by parents, alumni, and top universities worldwide.

Marlborough College Malaysia is proud to be recognised by and affiliated with the following leading educational organisations:
Council of British International Schools (COBIS) – Beacon School Status
Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA)
International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO)
Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI)
Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA)
Cambridge International Education (CIE)

doris recommends that you start by speaking to admissions. This connects you directly to the school's admissions team who can respond with answers, more information, and next steps.

Admissions to Marlborough College Malaysia are open year-round, subject to availability. The process typically involves the following steps:

1. Enquiry & Visit
We warmly invite families to contact our Admissions Office for more information, to attend an Admissions event, or to arrange a personal tour of the campus.

2. Registration
To be considered for a place, please complete the Registration Form via our Admissions portal, Open Apply. Required supporting documents include previous school reports and a copy of the applicant’s passport. A non-refundable registration fee of MYR 2,000 applies.

3. Assessment & Interview
Applicants will be invited to an age-appropriate assessment and interview, either in person or online.

4. Offer of Place
Offers are made throughout the year based on merit, availability of places, and subject to a satisfactory reference from the applicant’s current school. To confirm a place, families must pay an acceptance fee and a refundable deposit equal to one term’s fees (depending on the year group of entry). An invoice for the first term’s fees will follow, payable by the first day of term. If a candidate chooses not to accept the offer, we kindly request written notification as soon as possible so the place may be offered to another family.

5. Onboarding
Once enrolled, families receive onboarding information and support to ensure a smooth transition into the College community.

Pupils entering Year 9 (Shell) are invited to apply for scholarships in Academic, Sport, Drama, or Music, recognising both talent and potential. The assessment process is rigorous and designed to identify pupils who will contribute meaningfully to College life.
While scholarships at MCM are honorary and do not include fee remission, they offer selected pupils a rich programme of mentoring, development, and challenge. Scholars are expected to lead by example, inspire others, and fully engage in the life of the College as they continue a journey of personal growth and self-discovery.

Marlborough College Malaysia is a growing school, and some year groups are currently operating on a waitlist due to high demand. We encourage families to apply early to avoid disappointment and to ensure the best chance of securing a place. Our Admissions team will advise applicants on availability and guide them through the next steps should a waitlist apply.