Epsom College in Malaysia vs Nexus International School 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.

Nexus is located in Putrajaya, about 30 km south of central Kuala Lumpur. The area is known for its green spaces, planned infrastructure, and proximity to government offices. The school is easily accessible via major highways and is within reasonable distance from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

The school is structured into Early Years (ages 3–5), Primary School (Years 1–6), Secondary School (Years 7–11), and Pre-University (Years 12–13).

Nexus is a co-educational day and boarding school. Boarding is offered for students aged 10 and above, with options for weekday or full boarding.

Nexus provides in-class support through specialist teachers who collaborate with classroom educators to assist students with language and learning needs. In Primary School, Personal Learning Assistants (PLAs) help integrate students with autism spectrum disorders and other complex learning needs into the classroom environment.

The school does not have a formal affiliation with any particular country.

The school has no religious affiliation and operates as a secular institution.

In the Primary School, the day begins at 8:20 AM and ends at 3:25 PM, with a slightly earlier finish at 2:25 PM on Fridays.

Secondary School starts at 8:40 AM and finishes at 3:10 PM, with a morning break from 10:00 AM to 10:20 AM and lunch from 1:00 PM to 1:50 PM.

The school offers a bus transportation service managed by an external transport company. The service covers various areas within Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, with routes established based on parental demand and requiring a minimum of 10 students per area. Pick-up and drop-off occur at designated points and buses are equipped with GPS tracking systems.

The Nexus Boarding House is on campus for learners aged 10 to 18, offering Full Boarding, Weekly Boarding and Occasional Boarding. The boarding house provides 24-hour care, dedicated study spaces, meals, on-site laundry, and a programme of after-school and weekend activities. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is available in Boarding. Boarders come from over 15 nationalities.

The school uses a uniform for all learners from Early Years to Pre-University, with a tailored uniform for each stage. Uniforms can be purchased online or via the on-campus vending machine.

The cafeteria serves breakfast, morning break, lunch and after-school snacks. Café Connexions provides pastries, sushi, frozen yogurt, light meals and coffee.

Boarders live in the Nexus Boarding House on campus with floors that include common lounges; the Senior Floor offers single rooms while younger boarders share rooms. A Boarding Council coordinates activities, feedback and leadership within the boarding community.

Nexus International School Malaysia is governed by a Board of Governors and is part of Taylor's School Group. The leadership structure includes a Director of Boarding and a Head of Boarding, reflecting the school's governance framework within the Taylor's Schools network.

Early Years learners (ages 3–5) follow the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC), focusing on play-based learning. Primary students (Years 1–6) engage with the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), integrating thematic units with core subjects. In Secondary School, Years 7–9 follow a modified UK National Curriculum designed to prepare students for the IGCSE examinations in Years 10–11. The Pre-University level (Years 12–13) offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), recognized by universities worldwide.

The school emphasizes the development of positive relationships between students and teachers to create a supportive learning environment.

In the Early Years program, the curriculum focuses on helping children acquire skills to interact appropriately with others, control emotions, and communicate effectively.

Nexus supports students with mild to moderate learning difficulties through its Alternative Pathway program, which offers a personalized curriculum tailored to individual learning styles and needs. The school employs ELL teachers trained in English as an Additional Language (EAL) and special needs to co-plan and deliver differentiated learning experiences. Inclusion teachers work with class teachers to provide practical advice and support, including in-class assistance and specific interventions. The school is not a specialist SEN institution but offers integrated support within the mainstream curriculum.

Nexus offers a structured English language support programme tailored to students' proficiency levels. The Intensive English Programme (IEP) is designed for learners at CEFR A2 level, providing specialized English instruction in small groups for approximately 35% of the week, alongside mainstream classes. Students at CEFR B1 level can join the English as an Additional Language (EAL) support programme, which includes targeted sessions to develop academic English skills, particularly in preparation for examinations. For students requiring minimal assistance, in-class support is available to further enhance their academic English. Additional fees apply for the IEP and EAL programmes.

Nexus places a strong emphasis on student mental wellbeing through dedicated staff and structured programs. The school employs counsellors who offer individual support, promote resilience, and assist teachers in supporting emotional wellbeing in the classroom.

Nexus was awarded the Wellbeing Award for Schools (WAS), recognizing its high standards in emotional wellbeing and mental health provision for learners, staff, and parents. Pastoral care is a core component, with form tutors as key contacts and a restorative approach to fostering positive relationships.

Nexus International School Malaysia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

1. Schedule a visit or virtual consultation.
Prospective families are encouraged to book a campus tour or arrange a virtual consultation to learn more about the school's facilities and programs.

2. Submit the application form.
Complete the "Application for Admission" form and provide necessary documents, including health records, photographs, and academic transcripts. An application fee is payable upon submission.

3. Assessment and interview.
Applicants may be required to undergo an assessment and interview to determine suitability for the school's programs.

4. Offer and acceptance.
If the application is successful, an offer letter will be issued. Parents must confirm acceptance and pay the enrollment fee to secure the place.

The school offers scholarships for both the IGCSE and IB Diploma Programme. IGCSE scholarships provide 30% or 50% tuition fee waivers for entry into Years 10 and 11. IB Diploma scholarships are available for Years 12 and 13, with both full and partial awards. Scholarships are awarded based on academic performance, co-curricular involvement, leadership qualities, and English proficiency. Applicants must submit an application form, personal essay, academic records, and recommendation letters.

Nexus operates a wait pool system when classes reach capacity. Applicants are placed in the wait pool upon submission of the application and payment of the application fee. Placement from the wait pool is subject to availability and the school's admission criteria.