Hundreds of children from across Asia will benefit from an Epsom College education when it opens a new £28m British-style boarding school in Malaysia.
The college, based in College Road, Epsom, aims to attract about 1,050 students, from three to 18-years-old, to its branch in the Kuala Lumpur Education City when it opens in September 2012.
The pupils will follow the British national curriculum and learn all subjects in English. The 50 acre campus will be based on the 150-year-old Surrey college, including a fully-equipped auditorium for 350 people, four squash courts, a dance studio, a 25 metre covered swimming pool, a recording studio and 20 music teaching and practice rooms.
It will also have six hard courts, two artificial pitches and two grass pitches for rugby or football, a 400 metre running track and a cricket square.
Stephen Borthwick, headmaster of Epsom College, said: “The establishment of Epsom College in Malaysia reflects the rising importance of quality education and we are very grateful for the support and recognition given by the Malaysian Government.
“Drawing on our rich heritage, the intention is for Epsom College in Malaysia to offer the same excellent all-round education as that provided by Epsom College in the UK.”
Paul Williams, principal of Epsom College in Malaysia, said: “Our plan is to recruit up to 75 per cent of our teaching staff from the UK. Prior teaching experience at boarding schools and a good track record are two prerequisites in order to maintain the Epsom College quality and what makes us distinct.”
He added: “We foresee a high demand for weekly and full boarding, especially for senior students, and feel this is an excellent feature for parents who want to give a quality British education to their children without being thousands of miles apart.“
Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Tan Sri Dato’ Hj Muhyiddin Bin Hj Mohd Yassin attended the college’s official launch ceremony on August 2.
Former Epsom College pupil Tony Fernandes, founder of AirAsia and owner of the Lotus Formula 1 racing team, was the driving force behind the project. He will be chairman of the board of governors at the Malaysian school.
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