The name Cambridge immediately brings to mind prestige, tradition, and academic excellence. But what makes this world-renowned university so special, and what is a ‘Cambridge School’? How can Malaysian students increase their chances of becoming part of the Cambridge world of high quality education? Here are five fascinating insights into why Cambridge remains the gold standard in global education and how Sunway International Schools brings that legacy closer to home.
1. What gives Cambridge its enduring allure?
When people hear the word Cambridge, they often think of ivy-covered colleges and brilliant minds at work, and for good reason. Founded more than 800 years ago, the University of Cambridge has been home to some of history’s greatest thinkers: Isaac Newton discovering the laws of gravity, Charles Darwin shaping our understanding of evolution, and Stephen Hawking unlocking the mysteries of the universe. Founded in 1209, the University of Cambridge is the world’s third-oldest university in continuous operation! But Cambridge’s legacy isn’t just about famous names or ancient buildings, it’s about a way of learning that values curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Today, that same spirit lives on in the Cambridge International curriculum, which brings the university’s educational philosophy into classrooms around the world – including right here in Malaysia.
2. Are Cambridge Schools part of Cambridge University?
A Cambridge School does not mean it is part of the University of Cambridge. It means the school offers the respected Cambridge International curriculum, developed by the University’s education arm and trusted by schools in over 160 countries to prepare students for success at top universities worldwide. The Cambridge Assessment International Education (CIE) is part of the University of Cambridge, and a Cambridge School offers its world-class curriculum and may provide a wide range of qualifications for students aged 3 to 19. There are over 10,000 Cambridge schools worldwide, each guided by a curriculum and framework shaped by centuries of proven educational excellence.
3. Can any school become a Cambridge School?
Gaining recognition as a Cambridge School is no small achievement. First, a school must formally apply and show that it shares Cambridge’s commitment to high-quality education. Then, a dedicated Cambridge representative visits the school to check that the facilities, resources, staff qualifications and educational ethos meet quite exacting standards. Only once the school is found ready will it be approved to join the global Cambridge community. In short: when you see the “Cambridge School” label, you know the school has stepped up to a recognised benchmark of excellence and continues to work with Cambridge to maintain it. We are lucky in Malaysia to have many good schools offering Cambridge qualifications, and parents can find their nearest Cambridge school here.
However, not all offer the full Cambridge Pathway. The Cambridge Pathway is a framework with stages for ages 5-19, and individual schools must register with CIE to offer specific parts of the curriculum. Some schools may only offer certain stages, like IGCSEs or A-Levels, while others might offer a more comprehensive programme. The Sunway International Schools (SIS) and Magdalen College School (MCS) Oxford partnership, for example, offers the Cambridge Pathway from Primary School (Years 1 – 6), Secondary (Years 7-11), and right up to its Sixth Form (A-Level) programme.
4. Are all Cambridge Schools the same?
Not all Cambridge Schools are equal as they may deliver the Cambridge curriculum differently, depending on their history or expertise. Take the Sunway International Schools (SIS) and Magdalen College School (MCS) Oxford partnership, where SIS offers the academic expertise of a prestigious UK institution with 500 years heritage. Magdalen College School in Oxford consistently ranks among the top independent secondary schools in the UK, and the partnership provides an elite British A-Level programme in Malaysia. The one-of-a-kind collaboration – marking MCS’s first partnership in Asia – means students have access to MCS’s academic rigour, the Waynflete Programme for research and university preparation, and potential student immersion experiences at MCS in Oxford itself.
5. What are the chances of my child going to Cambridge University?
It is very hard to enter a prestigious university like Cambridge due to high competition, and according to the university’s admissions statistics, the overall success rate for applicants has been approximately 16 – 18 per cent in recent years. Students who wish to enter Oxbridge or other high-ranking universities often have to have high academic grades and excellent English Language skills, but also perform well in challenging admissions tests and interviews. The MCS-led A-Level Programme at SIS not only has the Waynflete Studies Programme which prepares students for the challenges of university-level research, but also MCS’s proven strategies to assist students in navigating application process to leading universities including Oxford and Cambridge, enhancing their application to top-tier universities.
Over 25 per cent of MCS Sixth Form students achieve places at Oxford and Cambridge, with an overwhelming majority of the remainder going to the Russell Group universities. MCS is one of UK’s top schools for securing places at UK’s elite universities. Based on 2024 results, 95 per cent of grades were awarded at A* -B, with 81% at A* -A and 42% at A. In addition, 47 pupils – more than a quarter of the year group – gained 3 As or more while 19 pupils achieved 4 A *s or more.
This post is sponsored by Sunway International Schools. As the only Cambridge, Canadian & International Baccalaureate School in Malaysia, it is a place where students work on different skills at different paces through a highly personalised learning journey.
Cambridge Info Day
If you are a parent or child interested in the Cambridge International Programme or the Magdalen College School, Oxford (MCS), come to the Cambridge Info Day on Saturday, 22nd November 2025 at the Sunway City Kuala Lumpur campus. Parents can learn about the finest British school experience in Malaysia, and can even enjoy an exclusive early enrolment privilege and save up to RM9,000 in registration fees.
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Date: 22nd November 2025
Time: 1.00pm – 3.30pm
Venue: Sunway City Kuala Lumpur (PT 1379, Jalan Subang 1, USJ 1, 47600, Selangor)
Key Highlights:
- Primary (Years 1-6) | Secondary (Years 7-11) | Magdalen College School, Oxford-led Sixth Form (A- Level)
- Parents can learn about the finest British school experience in Malaysia
- Enjoy Exclusive Early Enrolment Privilege and registration fee benefits of up to RM9,000 (T&Cs apply)*
*Valid for new student enrolment for 2026 intakes by 1st December 2025.
