Sunway International Schools Partners With MCS Oxford To Launch Cambridge A-Levels

KUALA LUMPUR, July 4 (Bernama) -- Sunway International Schools (SIS) has announced a strategic partnership with the prestigious Magdalen College School (MCS), Oxford, to introduce the Cambridge International A-Level programme in Malaysia starting this August.

The collaboration aims to bring British-standard academic excellence to Malaysian students, providing direct access to a globally respected education model.

Sunway Education Group's chief executive officer, Prof Datuk Elizabeth Lee, expressed pride in the partnership, calling it a transformative step in SIS’s mission to deliver world-class 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.

"We eagerly anticipate welcoming the first cohort of the A-Level programme at SIS, prestigiously endorsed and academically led by MCS in August 2025," she said in a statement.

With a heritage spanning over 500 years, MCS ranks among the top one percent of more than 2,400 independent schools in the United Kingdom, renowned for its exceptional academic performance and holistic approach to student development.

Its academic excellence is reflected in the school’s 2024 A-Level results, with 95 percent of students achieving grades A*–B, and 81 percent securing A*–A. Remarkably, 47 students earned at least three A* grades, while 19 attained four or more A*s.

MCS is also recognised for its strength in co-curricular fields, including sports, music, art and drama. In The Sunday Times' 2024 Parent Power rankings, the school was placed seventh among the UK’s best private schools.

In the same statement, MCS Master Helen Pike said the collaboration reflects both institutions’ shared values and mutual commitment to academic excellence.

"It is imperative that we collaborate with a counterpart that shares our unwavering commitment to academic excellence and innovation, while also embracing a holistic approach to nurturing creativity and leadership among students.

"SIS's values align perfectly with ours, making this partnership - our first in Malaysia - a pivotal opportunity to broaden our educational horizons. It will allow pupils to engage with diverse perspectives and experiences, opening doors to a rich tapestry of cultural exchange for an enriched educational experience," she added.

The partnership will introduce the Waynflete Programme, designed to prepare students for entry into top UK universities. It also offers SIS students the opportunity to attend a summer camp at MCS in Oxford and features specially designed spaces at SIS that reflect the style and traditions of leading British schools.

In the same statement, UK Deputy Head of Mission David Wallace described the collaboration between SIS and Oxford’s MCS as a dynamic and exciting new chapter in the UK-Malaysia transnational education journey.

"It reflects our shared commitment to fostering excellence, innovation and cultural exchange - enriching the learning journey on top of nurturing our next generation of leaders," he said.

The collaboration is part of ongoing efforts by Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah, founder of SIS and the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation (JCF), to deepen educational ties between Malaysia and the United Kingdom.

Cheah, who was conferred the title of Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE), leads JCF, Malaysia’s largest education-focused social enterprise, which oversees Sunway Education Group and 22 other institutions.

-- BERNAMA