The Smart School is a new structure in the national education system that was implemented in accordance to the advancement of technology, and social and cultural aspects. The Smart School is one of the seven flagship applications of the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC). The national schools (primary and secondary) that are granted Smart School status are equipped with computers and multimedia laboratories as well as courseware supported by the Internet and local network (LAN / WAN) facilities to enhance the learning-teaching process.

This project is implemented only in primary schools. Under the Vision School concept, selected national schools and national-type primary schools (Chinese / Tamil) are placed in the same compound where pupils would share common facilities such as the playground, hall and canteen. The individual school's administrative power, characteristics and identity remain unchanged.

The aim of this school concept is to inculcate and foster unity among multi-racial students. There are six Vision Schools in operation.

Sport Schools are implemented only at secondary school level. The main objective of Sport Schools is to nurture and develop potential athletes among the school students, and to ultimately groom them into world champions in their respective type of sports. Currently, there are two such schools which offer board and lodging; they are Bukit Jalil Sport School, Kuala Lumpur and Bandar Penawar Sport School, Kota Tinggi, Johor.

Other than having intensive sports training sessions daily, the students follow the same academic programme as other schools. However, the school's academic schedule is more flexible, as sport schools emphasize on sport programmes. Further, the school's athletes are allowed to defer their PMR, SPM or pre-university examination if they are required to compete or train either domestically or internationally.

The intake of students is carried out scientifically through Talent Identification, Talent Search and Talent Scouting along with proposals from the national sports association and also through the programmes "Gemilang Majlis Sukan Negara".

Fully-residential schools are schools that accommodate the entire student population of the school in hostels. This type of schools is primarily for Bumiputra students. Besides the distance of the students7 home from the school and the financial standing of their parents, scholastic achievement is the main determinant for placement. Bumiputra students from urban areas who excel academically and in co-curricular activities are also eligible. In fully-residential science schools, non-Bumiputra students who excel academically are also enrolled in its hostels.

Special Model Schools (Sekolah Model Khas)

The Special Model School is a new concept implemented by the Ministry of Education in the national education. Special Model Schools will be equipped with physical facilities that are conducive for improving the quality of education and reducing the number of neglected students especially in the rural area.

This type of school congregates the Stage II (Year 4, 5 and 6) students from primary school with secondary school students (Form 1 to Form 5). Other than providing physical facilities and KBSR / KBSM education, this programme also provides a hostel, teachers' accommodation and a recreation centre. The Ministry also provides financial help, text books, food and care for students who are sitting for their UPSR and PMR. Nursing care is provided especially for students in primary Stage II who are still incapable of taking care of themselves.

Priority for entry into this type of school is given to students from less fortunate families studying in nearby schools. Up to 2003, there are eight Special Model Schools.

These schools are specially tailored for students of primary and secondary levels with special needs such as students with disabilities, students with visual or hearing impairment as well as those with learning disabilities. Such students are given an extended time frame to complete their education.

Special Education Programmes by the Ministry of Education are provided through the following arrangements:

Special Education Schools - These schools accommodate pupils with severe visual or hearing impairment, or learning disabilities and provide academic and vocational education.

Special Education Inclusive Programme / Special Integration Education Programmes - This programme integrates students with visual or hearing impairment, or learning disabilities into regular academic primary and secondary schools as well as secondary vocational / technical schools. The programme uses teaching and learning methods that adopt a full or partial inclusive approach.

The Malaysian Cluster schools concept was introduced under the National Education Blueprint (2006-2010) with the aim of accelerating the excellence at educational institutions. These cluster schools are the centers of excellence (within each school group) focusing on niche areas such as music, sports, ICT, science, language and special education.