The Cluster School of Excellence is a merit system implemented in Malaysia, granted to high-achieving schools. Launched in 2007 by the Ministry of Education as part of the Malaysian National Education Blueprint (NEB) for the years 2006–2010, the cluster school initiative gives wider autonomy in administration and additional allocation for the advancement of specific fields such as academics, sports, and extra-curricular activities for schools selected and placed under certain "clusters of excellence."[1]