Cover Sunway International Schools and Magdalen College School Oxford collaborate to bring the finest British school experience (Photo: Sunway International Schools)
Sunway International Schools and Magdalen College School Oxford collaborate to bring the finest British school experience (Photo: Sunway International Schools)
1 / 1
Inside Sunway International School's collaboration with Magdelan College that's bringing the finest British school experience to Malaysia
What happens when one of Malaysia’s most progressive education groups joins forces with a centuries-old British institution ranked among the top 1% of UK independent schools? A game-changing partnership is born. Sunway International Schools (SIS) has teamed up with Oxford’s Magdalen College School (MCS) to launch an elite A-Level programme that’s more than just rigorous academics—it’s a portal to global opportunities, cultural exchange and a new era of excellence in international education.
Read more: Paragon Wardah and Al Mujadilah Qatar Foundation mark a monumental partnership
This collaboration marks a major milestone in the country’s pursuit of world-class education, bringing Cambridge International Programmes to local students, delivered to the highest British academic standards.
A landmark in international education
Established over 500 years ago, Magdalen College School has consistently ranked among the top 1 per cent of more than 2,400 independent schools in the United Kingdom. Known for its academic rigour, cultural richness and holistic student development, MCS is a pathway to some of the world’s top universities—including Oxford, Cambridge, and the Ivy League.
Through this partnership, Malaysian students will now have direct access to the kind of education traditionally only available at elite schools abroad. The collaboration introduces a fully endorsed and academically led A-Level programme at Sunway International Schools, scheduled to welcome its first cohort in August 2025.
See also: Asia’s most exclusive boarding schools: where extraordinary campuses meet elite education
“It fills us with immense pride to collaborate with an esteemed UK school, heralding a transformative chapter in our pursuit of providing world-class education,” said Prof Dato’ Elizabeth Lee, Group CEO of Sunway Education. “This significant milestone not only enhances our educational offerings but also paves the way for innovative approaches that will benefit students in both nations.”
Raising the academic bar
Magdalen College School’s academic track record speaks for itself. In 2024, 95 per cent of A-Level grades at MCS were awarded A*-B, with 81 per cent at A*-A and 42 per cent at A*. Nearly half of the cohort achieved three or more A* grades, with 19 students earning four A*s or more—figures that underscore the school’s extraordinary academic standards.
By embedding these same principles of excellence at SIS, the programme is designed not just to challenge students intellectually but to prepare them comprehensively for the demands of top-tier global universities. At the heart of this preparation lies the Waynflete Programme, a unique research-based initiative pioneered by MCS that cultivates advanced thinking, independent inquiry and university readiness.
A cultural and educational exchange
This collaboration goes beyond academics. It represents a dynamic cultural exchange, one that encourages Malaysian students to experience British academic traditions without leaving home. Purpose-built spaces within the SIS campus will be designed to reflect the traditions, structure, and atmosphere of a premier British school.
To complement this, SIS students will also have the opportunity to attend summer camps at MCS in Oxford, offering immersive exposure to the UK education system, student life, and wider cultural experiences. This will enrich their worldview, build confidence, and inspire global perspectives from an early stage.
“It is imperative that we collaborate with a counterpart that shares our unwavering commitment to academic excellence and innovation,” said Helen Pike, Master of MCS. “Sunway International School’s values align perfectly with ours, making this partnership—our first in Malaysia—a pivotal opportunity to broaden our educational horizons and nurture creativity and leadership among students.”
A new chapter in UK–Malaysia education ties
The significance of this collaboration goes beyond the classroom. It is a reflection of the growing strength in transnational education partnerships between Malaysia and the United Kingdom. As David Wallace, Deputy Head of Mission at the British High Commission, noted, “This dynamic partnership between Sunway International School and Oxford’s Magdalen College School marks an exciting chapter in the UK-Malaysia transnational education journey. It reflects our shared commitment to fostering excellence, innovation and cultural exchange—enriching the learning journey and nurturing our next generation of leaders."
It also builds on the visionary efforts of Tan Sri Sir Dr Jeffrey Cheah, founder of Sunway Education Group and the first Malaysian to be awarded the title of Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE). As the driving force behind the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation (JCF)—Malaysia’s largest education-focused social enterprise—he has long championed the belief that quality education should be accessible, innovative and transformative.
The future begins now
As SIS prepares to launch this new A-Level programme in 2025, students and parents in Malaysia can look forward to an education that not only meets global standards but redefines them. Through rigorous academics, enriching cultural exchange, and an emphasis on creativity and leadership, the partnership between Sunway and Magdalen College School Oxford is set to shape a new generation of globally competitive, thoughtful and future-ready graduates.
In bridging Oxford with Malaysia, Sunway International Schools isn’t just offering a new curriculum—it’s opening the door to a world of opportunity.
NOW READ
Hung Vo: “Marketing, if done right, can make society better”
Global Gender Gap 2025 report: it will take 123 years to close the gender gap. In Asia, even longer'
As Senior Lifestyle Writer, Aina writes across the lifestyle vertical, covering wellness, travel, arts and entertainment. Based in Kuala Lumpur, she previously worked at CLEO Malaysia, where she headed the lifestyle, culture and entertainment sections.
