Excelsior International School vs Marlborough College Malaysia

	E Excelsior International School Johor Bahru, Malaysia	Marlborough College Malaysia Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year MYR 25,800 - 64,000	Fees / year MYR 60,000 - 247,800
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE	Curriculum British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 1,000
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened 2012
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location —	Location 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.
Stages	Stages —	Stages 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.
School type	School type —	School type 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.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support 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.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation 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.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation 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.
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure 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.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details 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.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application & registration fees - Registration fee: RM 1,000 (payable to obtain the enrolment package). - Enrolment (acceptance) fee by year group (one‑off, non‑refundable): - Nursery – Kindergarten 2: RM 2,500. - Grade 1 – 3: RM 3,500. - Grade 4 – 5: RM 4,500. - Grade 6 – 8: RM 5,500. - Grade 9 – 10: RM 6,500. - Grade 11 – 12: RM 7,500. Tuition fees — annual (by year group) - Nursery / Kindergarten 1 / Kindergarten 2: RM 25,800 per year. - Grade 1 – Grade 3: RM 35,000 per year. - Grade 4 – Grade 5: RM 40,500 per year. - Grade 6 – Grade 8: RM 46,750 per year. - Grade 9 – Grade 10: RM 53,000 per year. - Grade 11 – Grade 12 (IB/Pre‑university years): RM 64,000 per year. Per‑term tuition (school operates two academic terms; per‑term amounts shown are the annual tuition divided by two) - Nursery / KG1 / KG2: RM 12,900 per term. - Grade 1 – 3: RM 17,500 per term. - Grade 4 – 5: RM 20,250 per term. - Grade 6 – 8: RM 23,375 per term. - Grade 9 – 10: RM 26,500 per term. - Grade 11 – 12: RM 32,000 per term. Billing schedule & payment terms - Tuition is set and published as an annual amount and is billed on the school's academic cycle; per‑term invoices follow the school's term structure (the school operates a two‑term academic year). - Registration fee is payable to obtain the enrolment package; the enrolment (acceptance) fee is payable on acceptance of the offer and is non‑refundable. - Security deposit: an amount equal to 20% of the annual tuition, payable as a deposit. The security deposit is refundable when the student leaves provided at least one term's written notice of withdrawal is given; refund is subject to deductions for damage or outstanding charges. - Resource / stationery / meal charges and other annual ancillary charges are invoiced separately from base tuition and are payable according to the school's billing schedule. Specific ancillary charges (examples listed below) are billed in addition to tuition. Boarding fees (where applicable) - Boarding is offered on campus. Indicative boarding charge quoted in local school listings: RM 26,000 per year (boarding charged in addition to tuition). Other costs and recurring charges - Meal fee (Early Years): RM 1,750 per year (applies to Nursery, KG1 and KG2 as an annual charge; older students use a pay‑as‑you‑consume system using a student ID card deposit). - Stationery & resource / resource fee (annual, by year group): - Nursery – KG2: RM 500 (stationery/resource) — (school listing). - Grade 1 – 5: from RM 600. - Grade 6 – 8: from RM 650. - Grade 9 – 10: from RM 700. - Grade 11 – 12: from RM 850. - Additional resource charges (listed on some school summaries) may include textbook rental, laboratory/ICT fees, examination fees (IGCSE/IB) and optional yearbook/graduation charges; these are additional to tuition and ancillary charges. Examination and external assessment fees (IGCSE, IB) are not included in tuition. Refund information - Registration and enrolment (acceptance) fees are stated as non‑refundable. - Security deposit is refundable subject to the condition that at least one term's written notice of withdrawal is given and after deductions (if any) for damage or outstanding charges. Fee payment options - Meal payments for Early Years and pay‑as‑you‑consume catering for older students are handled via funds deposited to the student ID card system. - The school issues invoices and manages fee collection through its finance office and the school's published billing cycle; parents should use the school's published payment channels when settling registration, enrolment, deposit and tuition invoices. Notes on extra / conditional charges - Additional charges may apply for special programmes, learning support/EAL, external examination entries (IGCSE/IB), optional co‑curricular activities, school transport and medical/insurance for international students. These charges are billed separately from base tuition.	Fee details Day: RM60,000–RM159,000 per annum Day Boarding: RM170,700–RM218,400 per annum Full Boarding: RM195,900–RM247,800 per annum
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements 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.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement 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.
Food options	Food options —	Food options 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.
House system	House system —	House system 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.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership 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.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details —	Curriculum details 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.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning 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.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) 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.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language 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.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing 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.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding 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.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy View document
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview 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	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities 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.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities 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.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities 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.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History 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.
Community	Community —	Community 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.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association 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.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual 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.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative 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.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language 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 & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies 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.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service 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.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional 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.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing 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.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision 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.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards 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.
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations 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)
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions —	Admissions 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.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships 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.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist 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.
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