475 years of renowned education pedigree and Welsh spirit is now being emulated in Kuala Lumpur
One of Wales and the UK’s top independent day and boarding schools, Christ College, Brecon, has officially opened its first overseas sister school, as pupils in Malaysia were welcomed to King Henry VIII College for the new school year on Monday, 3rd September.
Founded in 1541 by Henry VIII, Christ College is located in the Brecon Beacons National Park. It is a school renowned in Wales, the UK and beyond, not only for its academic excellence but also for its unique atmosphere and proactive take on pastoral care.
Christ College Brecon will be drawing on the experience it has built over close to five centuries to evolve and meet the challenge of expansion developments through this new and exciting chapter in the college’s history.
Located in Cyberjaya, 30 minutes from Kuala Lumpur and its international airport, King Henry VIII College Malaysia emulates the longstanding Christ College Brecon model, with a mix of boarding and day school students, complemented by nursery and reception classes, as well as a small Sixth Form offering.
It replicates the Wales-based school’s structure, ethos and achievements but in a more modern setting within the Malaysian global tech hub – and with an initial student population exceeding 250 pupils, the immediate popularity of the new school is a promising indicator for its future.
Founding head, Old Breconian and former Christ College Brecon Deputy Head, Simon Spencer said: “It has been an extraordinary couple of years to get to where we are today.
“Less than two years ago the site of King Henry VIII College was jungle and we only cleared the site for the ground-breaking ceremony and construction on 1st March last year.
“There is still work to do, but we already have a vibrant school community, and have certainly confirmed the excellent reputation of Christ College in this part of South East Asia.
“We all look forward to maintaining excellent links between our two schools, in all aspects of school life, not least cultural exchanges and shared learning experiences.”
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