The Alice Smith School - Secondary Campus vs Marlborough College Malaysia

The Alice Smith School's Secondary Campus is located in Equine Park, on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, approximately a 20-minute drive from the city centre. Equine Park is a more recently developed, planned community. While further from the city center, its location allows for spacious facilities, including extensive green areas, and it is accessible via major roads, which makes it a practical choice for families residing in surrounding residential developments, often relying on car or the school's bus service for transport.

The Secondary Campus is structured into Secondary and Sixth Form levels.

The school is a co-educational institution and does not offer boarding facilities.

The school offers learning support at the Secondary Campus through its dedicated Learning Support Unit (LSU) and Personalised Learning Faculty (PLF). This team includes Special Educational Needs (SEN) teachers and Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) who collaborate with students, teachers, and parents to develop individual education support plans. The PLF assists students with a range of needs, including dyslexia and attention difficulties, providing in-class support and, at times, small group withdrawals. There is close liaison between the LSU and pastoral and subject staff to monitor student progress and adjust support as needed.

The Alice Smith School has a strong affiliation with the United Kingdom. It is recognised as the first British international school in Malaysia, established in 1946.

The school does not have an affiliation with a particular religion.

The school day starts at 7:55 AM and finishes at 2:40 PM.

The school offers a school bus service covering most major residential areas in Kuala Lumpur. This service is managed by a transport provider. Parents can utilise the Bus Buddy app to view their child's bus routes, timings, and track location, as well as manage schedules. While not a door-to-door service, common stop points are established. Morning pick-ups typically occur between 6:30 AM and 7:10 AM. Buses for normal dismissal depart around 3:00 PM, with later departures for optional after-school activities.

The Secondary Campus has on‑campus uniform shops where most uniform items can be purchased or ordered. Shoes, trainers and stationary equipment are not included in the uniform shop. Uniform lists by year group cover Pre‑school, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2; Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6; and the Secondary Campus Uniform and Equipment List.

The Secondary Campus has the KLASS Hub Canteen offering a range of food and beverages with Vircle as the payment method. The canteen is nut‑free, and the Parent Deli and Coffee Shop are nut‑free as well.

The school uses a four‑house system: Fairfield (Blue), Muir (Yellow), Fleming (Red), and Scott (Green).

The Alice Smith Schools Association, incorporated in 1950 as a company limited by guarantee, governs The Alice Smith School. It is a not‑for‑profit organisation with resources directed to student development and well‑being. All parents are members of the Association. The Council of Governors (15–18 governors) manages the School; seven governors are nominated by trustee organisations, up to ten are appointed following the AGM or by the Council, and the Chair of the PTA is a governor. The Association holds an AGM and files audited financial statements in accordance with the Malaysian Financial Reporting Standards and the International Financial Reporting Standards, as well as the Companies Act 2016 in Malaysia.

The Alice Smith School offers an enhanced British curriculum tailored to its international context. The Secondary curriculum (Years 7-13, ages 11-18) is structured into Middle(Years 7-9), Upper (Years 10-11), and Senior (Years 12-13). Students study a broad range of subjects, including English, Mathematics, Science, and two modern foreign languages, until they reach Upper Years 10-11 when students specialise in subjects reflecting their interests and prepare for (I)GCSE examinations. Seniors in Years 12 and 13 - the Sixth Form - can select from over 24 A Level subjects, with the option of completing the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), preparing students for university.

At the Secondary Campus, student wellbeing and pastoral care form a core part of the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) approach. Support is provided through daily tutor check-ins, student surveys, and proactive follow-up by experienced pastoral teams. The curriculum includes a dedicated Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) programme called ACHIEVE, designed to help students develop resilience, character, and essential life skills. A dedicated counselling service is available, offering confidential support and resources to students, with pastoral leaders also playing a vital role in addressing individual and family concerns.

The school supports students with Special Educational Needs at its Secondary Campus, though it is not a specialist SEN institution. The Personalised Learning Faculty (PLF) and Learning Support Unit (LSU) work to address a range of needs, such as dyslexia and attention difficulties. Support is integrated through in-class assistance and occasional small group withdrawals to ensure students can access the curriculum. Student needs are considered on a case-by-case basis upon application, with detailed records required to determine the school's capacity to provide appropriate support.

The Secondary school offers a dedicated English as an Additional Language (EAL) support programme. Students whose first language is not English undergo an assessment, which may involve an interview with an English language specialist from the Learning Support Unit, to determine their proficiency. Accepted students who require specialist English language support join an EAL programme, often on the condition that they achieve a sufficient level of fluency over time with this support. The EAL support includes additional English language teaching both within and beyond the academic curriculum, spanning Years 7 to 13, and is led by dedicated EAL teachers and a Head of Department for EAL. Additional fees are charged for EAL support.

At the Secondary Campus, mental wellbeing is a key priority, integrated through a structured pastoral care system. This includes regular daily tutor check-ins, student surveys to monitor wellbeing trends, and follow-up by experienced pastoral teams. A dedicated counselling service is available, offering confidential support and resources for students, staff, and parents for more complex concerns. The PSHE programme, ACHIEVE, is a timetabled lesson that teaches students essential life skills, including stress management and emotional resilience, actively engaging them in discussions and debates on relevant topics.

The Alice Smith School is deeply committed to safeguarding and child protection. Its policies and procedures are aligned with UK Government guidance and international standards, ensuring the welfare of all children is paramount. The school implements robust safeguarding practices, including rigorous safer recruitment processes for all staff and adults working on site, and conducts appropriate background checks. A Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and a Child Protection Team are in place with clear roles, ensuring all concerns are reported and addressed promptly. All school staff receive regular training on child protection, and students are educated on how to keep themselves safe. This commitment to safeguarding extends to all school-arranged activities, whether on or off campus.

The Alice Smith School was founded in 1946 by Alice Fairfield-Smith, an experienced teacher and biology graduate from Harvard University, who sought to provide a suitable education for her own daughter in Kuala Lumpur. Starting in her home, the school quickly grew, leading to the formation of The Alice Smith Schools Association (ASSA) in 1950. ASSA, a not-for-profit educational foundation registered in Malaysia, took over the administration, placing responsibility with a Council of Governors. This unique ownership structure ensures that all resources and any surpluses are reinvested directly into the school for the benefit of the students. The Secondary Campus was opened in 2017.

The Alice Smith School fosters a vibrant and inclusive community that celebrates diversity and unity. With students representing over 34 nationalities, the school regularly hosts cultural events such as the annual "International Day." This event provides an opportunity for students, parents, and staff to celebrate various cultures, languages, and traditions through colourful displays, traditional dishes, and activities. The strong community spirit is also evident through alumni engagement and various school-wide events listed on the school calendar, encouraging participation from all members of the Alice Smith family.

The Alice Smith School benefits from an active and diverse Parent Teacher Association (PTA), which plays an integral role in enhancing school life and fostering community. The PTA Committee, comprising parents and staff, meets regularly to support school initiatives and organise events. They manage Class Rep (for Primary) and Year Rep (for Secondary) WhatsApp groups to help new and existing parents connect. Common events organised by the PTA include the Back to School Social, Halloween events, Christmas Bazaars, Staff Appreciation days, Spring/Summer Fairs, Parent Coffee Mornings, and Quiz Nights. These events aim to strengthen community ties, create a welcoming atmosphere, and raise funds for school improvements and local charities.

The Secondary Campus sits on a purpose-built 25-acre site in Equine Park, Seri Kembangan, about 20 minutes south of Kuala Lumpur with easy access from the MEX highway. Opened in 1997, the facilities have evolved to incorporate the latest educational and technological developments to enhance the learning experience. Natural light, breakout collaborative areas, glass walls, multi-level seating and seamless access to technology create a spacious, modern learning environment. The campus supports both individual study and collaborative work.

Indoor facilities include a Sports Hall with three air-conditioned basketball courts that can be configured for volleyball, badminton or five-a-side football. A 50m, 10-lane swimming pool and a three-floor multi-gym provide a range of aquatic and strength-training options. Climbing and bouldering facilities are available under supervision. Outdoor facilities include a full-size football pitch, a rugby pitch, seven outdoor tennis courts that double as netball courts and an artificial surface for 5-a-side field hockey, plus a multi-purpose grass area for softball, T-ball, touch rugby and ultimate frisbee. An eight-lane synthetic running track is IAAF-certified, and the school was the first international school in Malaysia to achieve this standard.

Science is supported by ten purpose-built laboratories with gas, water and electricity, plus breakout spaces for collaboration and student displays; three full-time, fully qualified technicians support practical work. The Steve Warry Centre houses the Media Studies and Computing departments, with two classrooms, breakout spaces and a Mac editing suite for video and photo editing. The library is a two-storey resource hub with books, periodicals and study spaces, staffed by dedicated library personnel. The campus also features a Lecture Theatre that seats over 120, used for university lectures and student presentations.

The ACHIEVE Programme, bespoke to Alice Smith, runs for Years 7 to Sixth Form as distinct weekly lessons focused on wellbeing and essential life skills, including topics such as online safety, financial well-being, relationships, health, nutrition, stress management and study skills. Careers education and university applications support are provided through dedicated resources and programmes. Lunchtime lectures from universities around the world are part of the Sixth Form experience, and students have opportunities to present to peers. The school highlights a range of extracurricular activities and programmes beyond academic subjects to enrich learning and personal development.

The Secondary Campus is located at 3 Jalan Equine, Taman Equine, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia. The school has two campuses, Primary and Secondary, about 20 minutes apart. The school provides an English curriculum.

In Key Stage 3 the school offers 14 subjects including two languages. In Year 9 students select two elective subjects from options such as Exploring Media, The DT Experience, Extended Computing, School of Rock, Musical Theatre, STEM, Printmaking, Health & Fitness, Trinity Acting & Speaking Award, and more. Languages available as options in the curriculum include Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, French, and Spanish.

In Key Stage 3 (Year 7–9), students study 14 subjects, including English, mathematics and science, and two languages. Two languages are studied in Key Stage 3 from Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, French and Spanish. In Year 10–11, GCSE options include Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, French and Spanish.

COBIS Beacon Status Awards (June 2024): The school was awarded two prestigious Beacon Status Awards for "Ethos & Values" and "Student Leadership in the School." These awards recognise unparalleled excellence in adhering to COBIS standards and a commitment to sharing best practices with other schools worldwide.

Spear's Schools Index 2025 (March 2025): Alice Smith School earned a place among the "Top 100 Private Schools Globally" and was ranked "one of the best in Asia" in the Spear's Schools Index, recognising its world-class education and holistic student development.

International School Awards 2021 - Winner, Inclusion Category (August 2021): The school won for its "KLASS Student-Support Programme," which empowers students to lead on in-class support, demonstrating an outstanding initiative in fostering an inclusive learning environment.

Independent Schools of the Year - Finalist (British International School of the Year category - 2020, 2021, and shortlisted again for 2022): Alice Smith School has been consistently recognised as a finalist in this prestigious award, which celebrates the success stories of independent schools and British schools overseas in the UK.

International School Awards 2019 - Winner, Pastoral Initiative Category: This award recognised the school's excellence in pastoral care, highlighting its commitment to student wellbeing.

The PIEoneer Awards 2022 - Shortlisted for Secondary Learning International Impact Award: The school was shortlisted for demonstrating innovation in delivering learning and support, ensuring students are prepared for higher education or the world of work as global citizens.

British School Overseas (BSO) Status (Department for Education, London): Alice Smith School is accredited as a British School Overseas, indicating that it meets the standards required for schools in England. This provides assurance about the quality of the British education offered. They were graded as 'outstanding' in their 2019 report.

Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA) Founding Member: Being a founding member of FOBISIA indicates the school's long-standing commitment to high-quality British education and collaboration with other leading British international schools across Asia.

Council of International Schools (CIS) Member: Membership in CIS reflects the school's dedication to high-quality international education, promoting global citizenship and continuous improvement through a peer-driven accreditation process.

Independent Schools Council (ISC) Member: This membership connects Alice Smith School with a network of independent schools in the UK, often implying adherence to a set of educational and operational standards recognised within the independent school sector.

East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS) Member: EARCOS membership highlights the school's engagement with a community of international schools in East Asia, fostering professional development and collaboration among educators in the region.

Ministry of Education's 5-Star Quality Standards Award for Private Education Institutions (SKIPS): Both the Primary and Secondary Campuses received this prestigious award, which is the highest possible rating from the Ministry of Education in Malaysia, affirming the school's high quality standards.

International Award Centre (IAC) for The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award: The school is a fully registered centre for this international youth award programme, which encourages students to develop skills, engage in physical activity, volunteer, and undertake expeditions.

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.

Consider attending an open house or school tour. For a deeper understanding of the school's environment and facilities, parents are encouraged to arrange a visit. At the Secondary Campus, tours can be arranged with the Admissions team based on availability.

Complete the online application form. The first formal step involves submitting a comprehensive online application. This requires providing necessary documents such as your child's birth certificate, recent school reports, and passport copies for both the child and parents. After submission, you should receive an email acknowledgment.

Participate in an assessment. All applicants are required to complete an assessment, which varies depending on the child's age. This assessment helps the school determine if they can meet the student's needs within their age-appropriate class. Secondary applicants will also need to provide evidence of prior academic achievement. For non-English first language speakers, a short interview may be conducted to assess English proficiency.

Receive and accept an offer. If your child is successful and a place is available in the relevant year group, the school will issue a formal offer letter detailing the fees and terms. To secure the place, parents must accept the offer and pay the indicated fees by the stated deadline before the student begins school.

KLASS Honour Roll: This scholarship is specifically for existing Alice Smith students. From the 2024-2025 academic year, awards are made based on the academic accomplishments of the ten highest-attaining (I)GCSE students, who will be entered into the KLASS Honour Roll based on their final summer results. Recipients receive a 25% academic scholarship on their tuition fees for Years 12 and 13.

Arts Scholarship: One scholarship is awarded per academic year to a student demonstrating outstanding ability and talent in the Arts. Recipients of this award receive a 25% scholarship on their tuition fees for Years 12 and 13. Students are expected to be positive role models and committed to continued participation and support of the Arts within the school.

Sports Scholarship: Similar to the Arts Scholarship, one scholarship is awarded per academic year for a student who exhibits outstanding ability and talent in Sports. This scholarship also provides a 25% reduction on tuition fees for Years 12 and 13. Recipients are expected to be positive role models and committed to sustained involvement in school sports.

When an application is received and assessed, if a place is not immediately available in the child's age-appropriate year group, the applicant will be placed in this "waiting pool." The assessment process determines whether a child is suitable for an offer of a place or for placement in this pool. Offers from the waiting pool are made when a vacancy arises. It is important to note that placement in the waiting pool is not a guarantee of a place, but rather an indication that the child is deemed suitable should an opening occur. Assessments remain valid for twelve months, though follow-up assessments may be required if a place is not taken up within that timeframe.

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.