Epsom College in 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.

Epsom College in Malaysia was established in 2014 as the first international branch of Epsom College in the UK, which was founded in 1855. The initiative was led by Tony Fernandes, a Malaysian entrepreneur and alumnus of Epsom College UK, with support from the college's headmaster, Stephen Borthwick. Located on a 50-acre site in Bandar Enstek, the school aims to blend British educational traditions with an international perspective.

The school fosters a diverse and inclusive community, celebrating various cultural events throughout the year. Major festivals such as Lunar New Year, Eid Mubarak, Diwali, and Christmas are observed, providing students with opportunities to learn about different traditions. The annual Epsom Edge Performing Arts Festival showcases performances from students, visiting schools, and professionals over two days.

Epsom College in Malaysia has a Parent-Teacher Association called the "Friends of Epsom College" (FoE). This group, composed of parents, former parents, and other connected individuals, aims to strengthen the bond between parents, teachers, and the wider school community. The FoE supports school programs and extends its reach to those in need through fundraising.

The school sits on an 80-acre campus in Bandar Enstek, Negeri Sembilan. Pupils have access to world-class academic, theatre, music and sporting facilities. Facilities include two Astroturf football pitches (one FIFA-approved and the other FIH-approved), a 6-lane 25m swimming pool, a dance studio and professional squash courts. The campus supports extensive co-curricular opportunities, offering more than 80 CCAs as part of the Extra and Super Curricular Programme.

Two Astroturf football pitches (one FIFA-approved and the other FIH-approved) are available. The facilities include a 6-lane 25m swimming pool, a dance studio and professional squash courts. The school maintains world-class sport programme partnerships with Mouratoglou Tennis Programme, LaLiga Academy Malaysia and ECM Golf Academy. The competitive sporting calendar includes fixtures and tournaments across Southeast Asia.

The curriculum is rooted in the English National Curriculum and is enriched with Mandarin and Mathematics. A broad range of subjects is offered, including Art, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Design and Technology, Drama, Economics and Business Studies, English, Mandarin, Mathematics, Modern Languages, Music, Physical Education and Physics. The campus includes a library as part of the academic provision. The curriculum emphasizes a British-style education with Mandarin integration.

The co-curricular programme offers a wide range of activities beyond the classroom, including Academic Clubs and Societies, Creative Arts, Games and Activities, Service, Community & Leadership, and Sporting Activities. Pupils may train in swimming, basketball, football, hockey, volleyball, cricket, and athletics, as well as recreational options such as badminton, golf, squash, touch rugby, ultimate Frisbee, table tennis, netball, running and cycling. Afternoon sessions feature regular training and inter-house and inter-school fixtures. The programme supports over 80 CCAs.

Academic enrichment is provided through Co-Curricular sessions, including the Epsom Debate Society which holds a weekly debate. Pupils access a broad range of co-curricular activities designed to complement classroom learning and develop critical thinking, collaboration and independent study skills. The programme invites pupil input to ensure activities meet students' needs and aspirations.

The co-curricular programme includes Creative Arts and provides theatre and music facilities as part of the arts offering. The campus supports a wide suite of arts activities within the Co-Curricular framework and has dedicated theatre and music facilities to support performance work.

Mandarin is taught daily, with the curriculum designed to achieve fluency in English and Mandarin. Pupils prepare for HSK Examinations, with an aspiration for leavers to reach HSK Level 4 or higher. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is available for learners joining with limited English, and Modern Foreign Languages are offered as part of the curriculum. The EMIP-CN bilingual program provides integrated English and Mandarin language learning.

Co-Curricular includes Games and Activities as a category with a broad range of clubs and societies beyond academics. There are Academic Clubs and Societies, Creative Arts activities, and Sporting Activities to support a wide range of interests. The programme aims to broaden social engagement, teamwork and personal development through these activities.

Service, Community & Leadership is a co-curricular category that offers opportunities to engage in volunteering and leadership activities.

Leadership development and professional skills are addressed through co-curricular offerings and leadership programmes, providing avenues for pupils to practise responsibility, teamwork and communication.

Sport is central to school life, with competitive and recreational options. Participation sports include Ultimate Frisbee, Yoga, Table Tennis, Zumba, Climbing and Softball. The co-curricular sport programme also offers Badminton, Squash, Hockey, Tennis, Swimming and Volleyball to support fitness and wellbeing. The campus provides extensive sporting facilities to support these activities.

The curriculum is rooted in the English National Curriculum and enriched with Mandarin and Mathematics. Mandarin is a core part of the program and is taught daily in Prep and Senior School. English and Mandarin underpin the curriculum, with EMIP delivering bilingual delivery across Early Years.

EMIP offers bilingual education in English and Mandarin. The program uses equal-weighted, 50-50 delivery of the curriculum to develop proficiency in both languages. It is taught by bilingual and internationally accredited staff. EMIP is available to prep school students aged 3 to 6 (Early Years Foundation Stage 1 to Year 2).

English and Mandarin underpin the Epsom curriculum. EMIP provides full immersion in both languages with equal-weighted delivery. EMIP is designed so that all students can master Mandarin regardless of home language. Mandarin is taught daily in Prep and Senior School, with additional Mandarin opportunities through CCAs, and students are prepared for HSK examinations, with aspiration to attain HSK Level 4 or higher.

Double Beacon Status from COBIS (2024): This recognition for 'Student Welfare' and 'Leadership in the School' places Epsom among a select group of international schools demonstrating exceptional standards in these areas.

The school holds several notable accreditations:

Council of British International Schools (COBIS): Epsom has been awarded the prestigious double Beacon Status by COBIS, recognizing excellence in 'Student Welfare' and 'Leadership in the School'. This accolade is held by only six schools worldwide, highlighting Epsom's commitment to high standards in these areas.

Council of International Schools (CIS): Membership in CIS signifies adherence to rigorous international standards in education, governance, and student welfare.

Association of International Malaysian Schools (AIMS): This association promotes collaboration and quality among international schools in Malaysia.

Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA): Membership indicates compliance with best practices in boarding education and pastoral care.

Round Square: Affiliation with this global network reflects a commitment to holistic education based on internationalism, democracy, environmental stewardship, adventure, leadership, and service.

'Education is GREAT' Campaign (British High Commission):
Participation in this initiative underscores the school's alignment with UK educational excellence.

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.

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.