A British Boarding School in the Heart of Asia

The story of Epsom College Malaysia began over 10,000 kilometres away; with one former student and an education he never stopped believing in. Before becoming CEO of Capital A and co-founder of AirAsia, Tan Sri Dr Tony Fernandes was an Old Epsomian from Holman House at Epsom College in the UK.

Those lessons stayed with him and eventually became Epsom College Malaysia - the first international sister school of Epsom College in the UK founded in 1855. But when Epsom first opened its doors in 2014, its ambition reached far beyond delivering the British curriculum in Asia. It was to recreate the holistic educational experience that had already helped shape a generation of leaders, while allowing it to evolve through the perspectives, cultures and opportunities of Asia. Today, that vision connects Epsom’s three campuses across the UK, Malaysia and Japan.

Preparing students for life beyond school

Ask parents what worries them most about university, and they’ll spend longer speaking about independence than they will about grades. Can their child manage their own time? Build healthy relationships? Adapt to unfamiliar environments? Make good decisions without constant guidance?

Boarding at Epsom was designed around those questions. Independence, however, is never mistaken for isolation. Housemasters, Housemistresses, resident tutors, matrons, academic mentors and counsellors create an environment in which students are encouraged to stretch themselves, knowing support is always close at hand. At any one time, there are at least seven adults available.

Epsom definitely hits the sweet spot between challenge and care, and that is why it is one of only six schools to hold double COBIS Beacon Status for excellence in both Student Welfare and Student Leadership.

Fact: While Epsom welcomes students aged three to 19, the Boarding Programme is open to students in Years 7 to 13. In selected cases, students in Years 5 and 6 may also be considered for boarding.

Most students spend years preparing for the professional world, unless you’re an Epsom student, then the professional world comes to you. The school’s Epsom Live Talk series has welcomed former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Petronas President and Group CEO Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik, former Attorney General Tan Sri Tommy Thomas, Airbus executive David Dufrenois and, of course, Tan Sri Dr Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A and co-founder of AirAsia himself.

Each session opens the floor to discussion, giving students the opportunity to question leaders whose decisions have influenced business, government and public life. And conversations often continue beyond the stage. Epsom’s partnerships with leading Malaysian organisations open doors to internships that give students their first real taste of the working world.

The variety of opportunities at Leweston means every student has the chance to uncover new talents and passions. No matter where they begin, they’re backed by all-round support.

The variety of opportunities at Leweston means every student has the chance to uncover new talents and passions. No matter where they begin, they’re backed by all-round support.

Exploration has a timetable of its own at Epsom. Over 150 co-curricular activities run each term, spanning AI, entrepreneurship, filmmaking, chess, international debating and dozens of student-led interests.

Learning extends well beyond Malaysia, too. Through Epsom's camps, students can take part in a wide range of enriching experiences, including British Summer School, AI and Entrepreneurship, Future-Ready Leadership, the K-Pop Idol Experience, and many more.

Each opportunity adds another layer to a student’s education. By graduation, many have thrived in spaces, held conversations and overcome challenges that other young adults their age haven’t.