The system of administration used in EC was similar to that was used in distinguished British schools. English College became the model for other English Medium schools in Johor Bahru. The school started with a small number of staff who comprised of wholly European but later began to absorb locally trained teachers. In 1918 after the end of the First World War, EC for the first time offered the Junior Cambridge examinations. This was later followed by the Senior Cambridge exams. However, due to several discouraging problems, the school failed to achieve its expected mark. This resulted in its temporary close down in 1928. EC was promptly reopened in May that same year, after several improvements in administration were appropriated. By the end of 1928, the enrolment had risen to 143 selected students who specialized in Science, Mathematics and English.

English College, 1930

In late 1930,the school was moved to its present site. The original building consisted only of the rambling white blocks that makeup the forefront of the school, today. The official opening of the new building was formalized in early 1931. The school then embarked on its record of academic excellence and in the ensuing years, produced many students of high calibre and intellect, many of whom went on to contribute greatly to the progress of the independent Malaya.

���� The original buildings of old English College

The Japanese occupation from 1941 to 1945, saw a bleak era for EC. The school was converted into afactory and later also served its role as a military hospital. The school was reopened after the war in January 1946. The appointment of Mr. H.L.Hill as the Principal of EC, brought new hope to the school. Under his expert guidance and mentorship, the school found itself once again on the road to excellence!

�� This was where our great military leaders began...

In early 1960, the name English College was officially changed to "Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar". This, in the honour of the Father of Johor, Sultan Abu Bakar, then ruler of Johor. This was also in line with the new independence of the nation. In 1961 the first uniform and the present school badge of EC were worn for the first time. This was followed by the school song, sung for the first time on the 21st of March, 1969. Lagu Maktab was composed by Mr.Lim Teck Siang and lyrics by En.Yusof bin Karto.

� The weekly assembly

The following three decades brought more progress and expansion to the school. A school fund set up in 1973 resulted in the construction of the Sports Complex and Library Block. The school celebrated its Diamond Jubliee Anniversary in August, 1974 and this proud event was graced by the third Prime Minister of Malaysia - Tun Hussein Onn who was also a former student of EC. The 1980's saw further progress in the infrastructure and facilities of the school. By the early 1990's, the school was well on its way to establishing its position as a premier school in the country. The construction of a Conference Room, an Audio-Visual Room, new KBSM classes and the unit for the 'Pendidikan Khas' classes served to act as a catalyst that propelled the school towards greater heights of academic and co-curricular excellence.