Boarding Schools in Malaysia

Published on 20 Oct 2023

General Article

Boarding Schools

Private boarding schools offering international curricula provide students with accommodation, meals and access to school facilities throughout the year. Accommodation at boarding schools is usually provided in dormitories or residence halls.

Historically, during the era of the British colonial expansion, British families posted abroad would put their children in boarding schools to ensure continuity in their education and to keep them within the British cultural setting.

Types of Boarding

There are three main boarding options: full boarding, weekly boarding and flexible boarding. Full-time boarding means that the child stays in school seven days a week. Weekly boarding is where the child goes home every weekend. The third option is flexi-boarding, which allows the child to board one or several nights a week, depending on the child’s preference and needs.

Considerations Before Sending Your Child for Boarding

Deciding to send your child to boarding school can be a difficult choice to make. There are many factors that need to be taken into account before a decision is made. Boarding schools have many advantages, but there are also some negative aspects. Before making a decision, it is critical to weigh the pros and cons. If you are considering a boarding school for your child, do consider the following:

1. Cost

Parents should be aware that boarding comes with an additional cost besides school fees. Boarding fees can range from an additional RM10,000 to RM80,000 per year, depending on the school. In addition to boarding fees, some schools require a deposit for boarding. In Malaysia, there are boarding schools in all states except Melaka, Perlis, Kedah and Terengganu.

2. Location

There are many boarding schools across the country. Parents need to decide where to place their children. Hence research is required to identify a school in the location of your choice.

3. The School’s Reputation

A school’s reputation is crucial when choosing a boarding school for your child. Ask around and research to find out what other parents have to say about a particular school and the boarding experience.

4. The School’s Discipline Policies

Each boarding school has a set of discipline policies. Ensure you are comfortable with the school’s policies before sending your child there. Search for schools that resonate with you.

5. The School’s Social Life

Boarding schools have a variety of activities to ensure that students can engage in academic pursuits as well as extracurricular and social activities. Ensure that the boarding school chosen has a range of programmes that your child will enjoy.

6. The Size of The Campus

Boarding schools, like campuses, come in different sizes. Some boarding schools have small campuses whilst others have large ones. Consider the size of the school that would be best for your child.

Benefits of Boarding

Boarding schools in general train students to be independent by instilling in them the ideals and principles needed for caring for themselves and others. Many parents considering an international education for their children have opted for boarding schools to reap the many benefits of boarding. Here are some benefits of attending a boarding school.

1. A Convenient and Conducive Learning Environment

As students live on the school grounds, getting to class is convenient and hassle-free. Boarding schools are equipped with conducive living spaces, various amenities and transport options - allowing students to utilise the facilities around them to enhance their education, personal development and quality of life.

2. Strong Focus on Academic Excellence

Boarding schools have strict rules on punctuality as well as designated periods for studying and completing homework after school hours. Therefore, students do not have excuses for coming late to class or forgetting their homework. Furthermore, boarding schools design schedules for students, ensuring they are always on top of their work.in terms of time management and accomplishing tasks within the time frames established.

3. Variety of Activities, Traditions and Events

Most boarding schools offer first-class facilities that support a variety of sports and performing arts activities. From football fields, and tennis courts to spacious auditoriums, boarding schools provide a nurturing and well-equipped environment for students to carry out their extracurricular activities. In addition, students get to experience traditions and events such as school dances and competitions.

4. Constant Care and Support

Parents will not have to be concerned about their children’s needs as the management and staff of the school are usually very attentive to the physical and emotional welfare of boarders at all times.

5. Building Life Skills

At a boarding school, students learn to be more independent and responsible. They will also learn to manage their time wisely, balancing schoolwork, extracurricular activities and spending time with their friends. Moreover, boarders have the opportunity build good study habits and cultivate discipline due to their strict study schedules.

Apart from that, students will learn how to live alone in a supportive environment. Students will have a taste of what living alone will be like and this will prepare them for life after school. When a student dithers, the school is there to help correct their behaviour and help him move forward with the ability to better decisions in the future.

6. Opportunities to Create Lifelong Friendships

A boarding school is a student’s second home and helps him build lifelong friendships with roommates, dormitory mates and classmates. House parents and dormitory supervisors are parental figures to students as they exercise supervision, discipline and general oversight over them. Students will also be exposed to different languages and cultures in a boarding school and have numerous opportunities for interacting with peers from various backgrounds.

7. Diverse Community

Students will get a taste of world cultures at boarding schools from international students. This includes learning how to speak a second or foreign language, understanding cultural differences, and getting new perspectives on global issues.

In conclusion, there are many benefits to boarding. The boarding school experience also provides students with the confidence and skills needed for university life.

Schools that offer Boarding

There are many international schools in Malaysia which have boarding facilities. Here is a list of schools in Malaysia that offer boarding facilities.

Kuala Lumpur

Selangor