Which schools are you looking at for your kids? Girls and boys from families in Hong Kong, the UK, Singapore and more than 40 other countries call Marlborough College Malaysia “home”. MCM is one of the best boarding schools in Malaysia that provides an international education (British curriculum}. Plus, it’s just across the water from Singapore.
An international education
Demand at Marlborough College Malaysia (MCM) is so high at the moment that two additional boarding houses are being opened in mid-2024. One likely factor in this is the College being named International School of the Year in the Tes Awards for International Schools 2024.
Located in Johor Bahru, on Malaysia’s southern coast, MCM is just 10 minutes from the Singapore border, with nearby Changi Airport providing easy access to Hong Kong. The campus sits on a lush 90-acre estate that includes a beautiful lake for water sports, an organic farm, rugby and football pitches and an Olympic sized swimming pool. All of these facilities are available for boarders to use.
Academic achievements at one of the best boarding schools in Malaysia
The College follows the UK curriculum and is based on British standards and content, enriched with a global perspective. It offers the IGCSE qualification for 16-year-olds and the International Baccalaureate for 18-year-olds. Results are excellent, too, with a 35 average point score over the past five years for the IB Diploma – equivalent to 4 A grades at A Level and well above the global benchmark. The College team say that these results open the doors for pupils to attend the most competitive universities worldwide.
Boarders at MCM benefit from academic support outside of regular lessons, too. A significant number of teaching staff and their families live on campus and teachers are readily available to offer assistance with homework, while visiting tutors offer subject specific help during evenings and weekends.
A British boarding experience
When pupils board at MCM they enjoy a British boarding school experience without having to make the long journey to the UK. Hong Kong and Malaysia also share the same time zone, so there’s no time difference, making communication with parents easy. The four-hour flight back home and cheap airfares allow pupils to visit their families more frequently than if they were attending a UK school.
The team also point out that Marlborough College Malaysia is the only sister school of Marlborough College UK. It’s not a franchise. This is something of a rarity among UK schools with overseas campuses. The two institutions are closely connected with regular exchanges and a shared history spanning over 175 years. And, just like its UK counterpart, the College’s not-for-profit status means that surplus funds are reinvested to enhance the educational experience for its pupils.
A word from the Master of MCM, Simon Burbury
“Those living on-site at Marlborough College Malaysia are part of a close knit community that creates a wonderful buzz. Children in a boarding community have near 24/7 access to pastoral and academic guidance. They enjoy a kind of guided or scaffolded route to independence, which really does offer the best possible preparation for life beyond school, whether that be at university or the world of work.”
A pupil’s perspective on this boarding school in Malaysia – Mayuka, Year 12
It’s a very international education and environment here. The students come from all over the world. The boarding community is also very supportive; everyone is friendly and you can ask anyone for help. What I enjoy most is talking to my friends in the boarding house every day. During the exam period, we all gathered in the common room and studied there. It was nice because we could support each other, asking each other questions and having some fun relaxing too.
Meet the team in Hong Kong!
Find out more about one of the best boarding schools in Malaysia by coming to the school’s admissions evening at the Grand Hyatt, Hong Kong. You can ask the Senior Management Team about the British curriculum, boarding experience and more. 6pm to 8pm, Sunday, 22 September. Sign up for the event here!
Looking at which schools will suit your child best? Find out more about MCM by calling +60 7 560 22o0 or visit their website marlboroughcollegemalaysia.org
Marlborough College Malaysia is at Jalan Marlborough, Puteri Harbour, Johor, Malaysia
This article about boarding schools in Malaysia offering an international education appeared in Expat Living’s Summer 2024 issue. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue!
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