In a class of their own

Marlborough College Malaysia is set on a lush 90-acre campus in Johor.

THE fifth annual edition of The Schools Index by Carfax Education has been released and once more features the top 150 private schools across the world. Curated by leading global education consultancy, Carfax Education, this year’s index — categorised by region — has been reviewed and selected by a panel of education consultants.

According to Fiona McKenzie, head of education at Carfax Education, The Schools Index has become a valuable resource for parents looking for the very best education for their children, wherever they are in the world.

Along with formal criteria, such as academic results and preparation for university entry, schools are selected for their unique ethos, local and international reputation, and how they prepare pupils for life beyond academia. Other considerations include areas such as technology and sustainability.

Additionally, the index provides a comprehensive overview of curriculum and fees, as well as practical information such as travel times to local airports.

Top schools listed for 2024 providing exceptional education for pupils include world-renowned British schools such as Eton College, Harrow, Wycombe Abbey, Rugby School and Brighton College, as well as those further afield, such as King’s College in New Zealand and Vienna International School.

New entries this year include Epsom College Malaysia and The British School of Bahrain.

McKenzie: More institutions are meeting the standards necessary to be recognised. – Carfax

A guide to education

The demand for excellent schools grows and remains fiercely competitive as parents strive to ensure their children receive the strongest foundation to set them up for a lifetime of success. Discussing more about this year’s index, McKenzie elaborates that the list has expanded to include 150 top schools, reflecting the growing calibre of schools worldwide.

“As education remains a top priority for families, we’re seeing more institutions meet the high standards necessary to be recognised globally,” she says.

McKenzie opines that the demand for private education today is increasing as working locations become more mobile.

“We are witnessing increased mobility among families, as work locations become less tied to specific places,” she adds. “This flexibility allows families to prioritise other factors, with education often being at the forefront of relocation decisions.”

No doubt each child is unique and some may thrive in different environments.

However, McKenzie opines that a defining criterion for parents when it comes to their offspring is the quality of education and academic achievement.

“Many families also look for globally transferable qualifications that open doors for their children to study at universities worldwide. Above all, schools should provide safe, engaging environments that spark curiosity and equip students with lifelong learning skills in a rapidly changing world.”

Regional highlights

It goes without saying that all families ultimately seek the best for their children—academically, socially, and in terms of well-being. However families in South-East Asia are particularly excited about holistic education.

According to McKenzie, they value a broad range of opportunities for their children, from sports to arts and debates to expeditions, aiming for development beyond just academics.

Ten South-East Asian schools made the list in The Schools Index and McKenzie is encouraged by both the academic excellence and breadth of opportunities offered by schools in this region. “Many provide multicultural and multilingual environments that prepare students to thrive globally. Additionally, these schools offer extensive extracurricular activities, setting students up for success beyond just academic achievements.”

Touching on the Malaysian entries to this year’s index — Epsom College Malaysia and Marlborough College Malaysia (MCM) — McKenzie elaborates that they both offer a rich British curriculum, complemented by the extended school day typical of boarding environments.

Simon Burbury, master of Marlborough College Malaysia, admits that it is an honour for the school to be recognised as one of the top 10 schools in South-East Asia. “This acknowledgement highlights the collective efforts of our dedicated staff, talented pupils and amazing MCM community,” he adds.

Burbury: MCM is Malaysia’s only school with BSO accreditation. – Photos: Marlborough College

Malaysia on the map

MCM offers co-educational, British education for pupils aged three to 18 and has been described as Asia’s only authentic British boarding school. “We are the only school in Malaysia catering to three- to 18-year-olds with British Schools Overseas (BSO)accreditation, meaning that we provide a similar quality of education to that offered by independent schools in the UK,” explains Burbury. “We were also thrilled this year to be named ‘International School of the Year’ in the first ever Tes Awards.”

Making its debut on this year’s index, Epsom College Malaysia’s headmaster Matthew Brown feels immense pride with the recognition. “To be one of only two schools in Malaysia included in this prestigious list is a testament to the dedication of our educators, the resilience and talent of our students, and the unwavering support of our community.”

Brown elaborates that Epsom strives to provide an enriching environment where students not only excel academically but also grow as individuals prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.

“This accolade reinforces our commitment to providing a world-class education that nurtures academic excellence, character development, and global citizenship, preparing our students to thrive in an ever-changing world.”