Bernie Tan Wai Ling’s Transformative Journey at Epsom College in Malaysia
Published by SchoolAdvisor | Apr 16, 2025
Bernie Tan Wai Ling’s Transformative Journey at Epsom College in Malaysia
How does it feel to move from a public school to an international school? For Bernie Tan Wai Ling, it was a big leap, but one that ultimately shaped her journey. Having completed her PT3 and SPM at SMK Kepong Baru, Bernie was a Closing The Gap (CTG) scholar, a programme designed to inspire bright but underprivileged students to pursue higher education. Through CTG, she learned about Epsom College in Malaysia and its Epsom Bright Sparks Scholarship.
The transition from a government school to an international education system wasn’t easy, especially moving from a daily school to a boarding school. There were plenty of firsts — her first time living away from home, adjusting to a new curriculum, and meeting students from various backgrounds. “While I was excited to embark on this new journey, I also worried about fitting in. However, the strong peer support and pastoral care at Epsom helped me adjust and ultimately enjoy my time there.”
Bernie completed her A-Levels programme at Epsom College in Malaysia
Bernie’s Unforgettable Time at Epsom College
Bernie’s time at Epsom College has been a transformative and unforgettable journey. The campus itself is vast, with multiple boarding houses, and Bernie was initially placed in Crawfurd before later transferring to Rosebery. Despite the size of the campus, the boarding houses were conveniently close to the academic buildings, making it easy for her to attend classes and participate in extracurricular activities.
One of the most notable differences between Epsom College and her previous experience in the government education system was the approach to learning. In public school, Bernie always studied for exams, focusing on memorisation and rote learning to regurgitate information on test papers. But at Epsom College, she discovered a new way of learning. Here, learning wasn’t just about passing exams — it was about developing a genuine curiosity and passion for knowledge. The educators at Epsom College played a crucial role in this shift. Their enthusiasm for teaching was contagious, and they dedicated themselves to sparking students’ curiosity and fostering a love for learning.
“Through this, I developed my critical thinking skills and, most importantly, learned not to fear exams. Instead, I now see them as a celebration of learning.”
In the labs, Bernie had the chance to take part in experiments from start to finish, which was a stark contrast to her experiences in government school. In her previous school, resources and equipment were limited, and students often had to share materials and divide tasks. At Epsom College, however, every student was given the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning, which deepened their understanding of the subjects.
Another standout feature of Epsom College was its incredibly diverse environment. The school celebrates cultural festivals from all over the world, providing students with the chance to appreciate different cultures and perspectives. For Bernie, this exposure to diversity broadened her worldview and enhanced her intercultural awareness, communication skills, and adaptability — traits vital in today’s globalised society.
Bernie’s transition from a government school to an international boarding school was challenging, but the strong peer support and pastoral care at Epsom College helped her adjust and thrive.
More importantly, Epsom College is deeply committed to helping every student realise their full potential. The school provides the necessary tools, resources, and support to ensure each student can achieve their goals. Bernie’s experience was a testament to this, as she could thrive in an environment that nurtured her academic and personal growth.
While at Epsom College, Bernie completed the A-Level programme, taking Biology, Mathematics, and Chemistry. Her dedication and hard work paid off, as she achieved impressive results: an A in Biology, an A in Mathematics, and an A in Chemistry, along with an A* in her Extended Project Qualification. These accomplishments were not just the result of her own efforts, but also due to the unwavering support from her teachers.
“The teachers at Epsom College are incredibly dedicated and passionate, which has greatly influenced and inspired my thirst for knowledge. Their commitment to education extends beyond the classroom, providing extra support after class whenever needed.”
The small class sizes and low teacher-to-student ratio meant that learning was highly personalised, and Bernie always felt comfortable reaching out to her teachers for help. The teachers at Epsom College went above and beyond, offering extra support outside of class and ensuring students had everything they needed to succeed. Despite the fast-paced nature of the A-Level programme, with its rigorous academic demands, the teachers’ guidance helped Bernie manage her workload effectively.
The environment at Epsom College encouraged Bernie to try new sports like frisbee and squash, which she chose as her CCA for a semester.
Growing Through Co-Curriculars at Epsom College
At Epsom College, Bernie was actively involved in various co-curricular activities (CCAs) that played a significant role in shaping who she is today. Epsom College's structured schedule encouraged all boarders to participate in extracurriculars, offering a wide range of activities to choose from each semester. Bernie, who was not initially interested in sports, was transformed during her time at Epsom College. She went from struggling with a shuttlecock to enjoying badminton regularly with friends.
"The environment also encouraged me to try sports I had never imagined playing, such as frisbee and squash, which I took up as my chosen sport CCA for a semester."
Bernie also took advantage of private music practice sessions, joining a beginner ukulele class despite having no prior experience with instruments. The supportive teachers at Epsom College played a key role in these experiences. When Bernie noticed the lack of casual wear merchandise, she proposed a fundraising project, selling Epsom-branded T-shirts to raise money for a local animal shelter, Meefah Animal Shelter, and successfully raised nearly RM5,000.
What’s more, Bernie co-founded the Medical Review Society, launching a podcast with Epsom College's advanced recording facilities. These experiences helped Bernie build a strong, well-rounded profile, gaining essential skills in leadership, problem-solving, and communication.
Bernie’s Smooth Transition from Epsom College to Nottingham
When it came to choosing where to study, Bernie carefully considered the financial and personal factors involved. Studying abroad was not a feasible option due to the high costs, especially after the recent passing of her father. Staying closer to home in Malaysia allowed her to remain with her family while pursuing her education. Bernie also saw the opportunity to gain international exposure through exchange programs, which provided a balance of global experience and financial practicality.
As such, she chose the University of Nottingham Malaysia. Her journey from Epsom College to the university was made easier by the strong support and guidance from Epsom College's Higher Education team. The school's well-structured system, particularly the tutor-tutee program, ensured that Bernie stayed on track with her university applications. This regular check-in system allowed her to receive the necessary guidance and feedback, helping her prepare for the application process with confidence.
Bernie is currently completing her bachelor's degree in Psychology at the University of Nottingham Malaysia
One of the most helpful resources provided by the Higher Education team was the series of monthly UCAS workshops. “These workshops covered various aspects of the application process, from personal statement guidance to mock interviews, admission test preparation, and optimising university choices on UCAS and Clearing.”
While Bernie didn't apply through UCAS, as she had planned to study locally, she still gained a lot from these workshops. The personal statement session and one-on-one guidance with Mrs. Brown gave her valuable insights into the application process. Mrs. Brown’s structured approach, setting clear deadlines and expectations, encouraged Bernie to prepare well in advance, ensuring she was ready for her local university application deadlines.
Securing recommendation letters was another crucial part of the application process, especially since Bernie was applying for scholarships. With the support of Mrs Brown and her teachers, including Mr Subash, she obtained the necessary references smoothly and without stress. This support made the application process much more manageable, allowing Bernie to focus on other aspects of her preparation.
Reflecting on her time at Epsom College, Bernie noted how much it helped her transition smoothly into life at the University of Nottingham Malaysia. “The diverse culture and international environment at Epsom College allowed me to develop strong interpersonal and adaptability skills, making it easier for me to connect with people from different backgrounds at Nottingham.”
Plus, the British education system at Epsom College also mirrored the one at Nottingham, which meant she was already familiar with the academic structure, making the adjustment even easier. "Moreover, taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) as my fourth A-Level subject at Epsom College significantly prepared me for university-level academic expectations. The EPQ required independent research, critical analysis, and structured writing, which have been highly beneficial in handling university assignments and research tasks."
Overall, Epsom College played a key role in preparing Bernie for her university experience, equipping her with the academic skills, confidence, and adaptability needed to thrive socially and academically at the University of Nottingham Malaysia.
