A Guide to International Schools in Singpore

Expatriate parents who are looking for high-quality international education for their children in Singapore will be pleased with the available choices. There is a growing list of international schools registered with the Ministry of Education (MOE) Singapore, and they follow guidelines and curriculum identical to those in their home country or impart an international curriculum fostering adaptable global talents. Some schools focus on a bi-cultural education and environment while others simulate the home country’s environment. This article attempts to throw light on the popular international schools in Singapore.

Popular International Schools in Singapore

The international schools below are listed roughly in the order of their popularity among expatriate population in Singapore.

The United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA) presently offers both primary and secondary education to expatriates in Singapore and students from the region. The students’ body comprises of students of diverse nationalities and represents over 60 countries. The UWCSEA international school prepares students for both GCSE and IB diploma and commands a very high academic reputation with consistently high pass rates. Apart from its current campus at Dover Road (West Coast of Singapore), a second campus at Tampines (East Coast of Singapore) will be ready by 2010. UWCSEA is renowned for its overseas expeditions, which are aimed at developing a social concern and community perspective among the students at an early age. The school has a wide range of sports facilities such as an Olympic sized swimming pool and training pool, tennis courts, basketball/volleyball courts, fitness center and a gymnasium. It maintains teams in many sports including tennis, netball, rugby union, badminton, basketball and cricket. UWCSEA is an independent international school with approximately 3000-4000 students. The school is a part of the United World College (UWC) movement founded with a mission of uniting students from all parts of the world and developing them as global citizens through holistic education. UWCSEA international school is considered strongest academically. However the school is very big and could be overwhelming for some students.

Tanglin Trust School, teaching British-based curriculum is geared towards the British Expatriate Community in Singapore and the region. It has nearly 2,000 students enrolled, a majority being UK nationals. Founded in 1925, this international school in Singapore offers primary and secondary school programme, for students aged 3 to 18, and prepares the students for GCSE and A Level Examinations. In 2006, the school was ranked as one of the best UK curriculum schools in the world by The Guardian newspaper. One important criterion for admission into the school is fluency in English language and like all other top caliber international schools expects its prospective students to display the intellectual capacity to cope and benefit from the school’s curriculum. Being a popular international school, there is a long waiting list for admissions hence parents are encouraged to apply early for seats in the school. There is no boarding facility in the school. Due emphasis is given to sports and ECA activities. The sporting facilities in the campus are good including an eight-lane 25 meter swimming pool, a learner pool, large outdoor playgrounds, tennis courts, playing fields, a fitness center and an outdoor chess corner. Tanglin Trust School features impressive facilities such as multi-purpose assembly and sporting halls, music rooms, suites for the study of Information and Communications Technology, drama studios, science laboratories, libraries, health centers staffed by professional nurses and food service areas. The school is located close to the city centre of Singapore.

The Singapore American School (SAS) established in 1956 is a private international school that offers an American-based curriculum from preschool through Grade 12. Most of its 3500 over students are from US. The school is located at Woodlands area (Singapore North) which is quite a distance from the city-centre. Many of the parents who send their kids to SAS international school end up renting accommodations in Woodlands area. The school is in a sprawling campus of over 35 acre, replete with outstanding facilities such as 1000-seat stadium, an 800-seat auditorium, two theatrettes, three cafeterias, five gymnasiums, three swimming pools, six tennis courts, a rock climbing wall, and several sports fields. SAS is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) in the United States and offers American High School Diploma. The school is a fervent contender in the regional academic and sports competitions.

Canadian International School in Singapore is an independent international school offering International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programmes of Education. The school also offers English as a Second Language (ESL) programme and maintains an Academic Resource department which provides students with enrichment and remedial activities. Students pursuing the Ontario-based university preparatory curriculum, receive Ontario secondary Diploma which is well received among many universities in the world. As an associate member in the Council of International Schools (CIS), the school holds a strong position among the education leaders in the world. The school consists of three campuses in Singapore and has over 1500 students. Due to high demand, Canadian International School acquired a new site at Tanjong Katong with a capacity to serve 1000 additional students.

Overseas Family School (OFS), a private International school owned and operated by New Zealanders. The school provides English education from Preschool to Secondary and was started in 1991. The school has over 3000 students. It offers International Baccalaureate education at all levels from primary through secondary. The Overseas Family School campus is situated on 11 acres, with good educational and sporting facilities comprising of 117 classrooms, 8 science labs, 5 libraries, 9 computer labs, art studios, music rooms, a drama theater, and an auditorium. The school also boasts of a campus-wide wireless computer network and an extensive sports programme. The school has good location (off Orchard) but could have a weak students problem due to its open entry policy.

Chatsworth International School in Singapore is recognized by Cambridge IGCSE Center and has International Baccalaureate diploma authorization. It offers an international curriculum of both British and American models. High School students can follow a programme leading to the British external examinations (IGCSE), the American High School diploma or the International Baccalaureatte diploma. This international school has three campuses: the campus on Jalan Kayu Road offers a Kindergarten Programme, East Coast campus on Jalan Tembusu Road offers an International Baccalaureatte Program while the orchard Road Campus being a full campus offers programmes from Kindergarten to High School. The Chatsworth Kindergarten is registered as a local kindergarten. According to the school's website, it provides the 'best of both worlds' as a modern, locally registered kindergarten with an international foundation and an international perspective.

The Australian International School Singapore (AISS) - a co-educational international school teaching the New South Wales curriculum was opened in 1993. The school offers Preschool, Primary and Secondary education. AISS international school has over 1750 students with majority of them from Australia and New Zealand. The staff body comprises of 140 members. Intensive Language courses are provided for students coming from a non English speaking background. The Australian International School Singapore is a candidate school in the International Baccalaureate Organisation's Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme supported by the New South Wales (Australian) curriculum. While applying for a seat in AISS, the past two years of school reports and any additional specialist documentation should be submitted in order to assess the needs of the student. The school welcomes students from all nationalities and has instituted a strict disciplinary system, according to the school's website.

DPS International School (DPSIS) commenced its operations in Singapore in 2004 and has gained a strong foot hold among the Indian expatriates in spite of its short history. This is attributed to the reputation of the DPS group (based in India) to which it belongs. The group has been rendering very reputable service over 55 years and has been delivering well rounded students over these years, from its 158 schools around the world. The school has classes from Pre-Nursery to grade 12. Though it welcomes students of all nationalities, it is predominantly Indian. DPS International School aims at an integrated education encompassing intellectual, cultural, physical and moral education. The school is affiliated to CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education, an eminent education board in India) and prepares its secondary students to sit for the CBSE secondary school leaving certificate which is widely recognized by universities around the world. The school is located in the Little India neighborhood of Singapore.

Global Indian International School Singapore (GIIS) was established in 2002 and underwent a few name changes before adapting the present name conveying its vision to preparing adaptive and enterprising individuals to suit the modern economy. It has three campuses - Queenstown, East Coast and Balestier. It is immensely popular among the Indian community. It offers CBSE curriculum of India, Cambridge IGCSE and IB diploma programme. This international school also has branches in New Zealand, Malaysia and Japan. Newsweek, International Edition, ranked GIIS as one of the Best Singapore Schools consecutively for two years in 2004 and 2005. The school focuses on all round development of students and has an extensive CCA and sports programme integrated with its academic programme. It has well developed infrastructure and facilities to support its mission.

Dover Court Preparatory School is another international school in Singapore that offers a British based curriculum for students aged 3 to 13 years. The school offers education from kindergarten through Grade 9 only. The special education programme designed to enable children with learning challenges cope with the mainstream students is a commendable feature of the school. Currently, there are approximately 900 students on roll encompassing some 57 different nationalities. It prides itself on its ability to provide individual attention to students owing it to the viable class size and an effective staff-students ratio. According to the school's website, the school provides a world class environment and facilities along with a multitude of opportunities and diverse events focused on the wholesome development.

The German European School Singapore (GESS) has two sections – German and European, offers K-12 program, and has boarding facilities. The German section offers a German national curriculum while the European section renders English based IB programme at all levels. Every child who is registered for the European Section must learn German language. This applies from grades 1 to 12. The GESS international school places a great deal of value on individual advancement of students and has special programmes instituted for children with special educational needs. The school was established in 1971 and the European section is a recent addition in 2005. The German section is recognized by the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of German States and offers all current German final examination programmes. Information Technology is deployed and integrated in the students’ and Parents’ educational experience, through the school’s intranet, where all the assignments, announcements and updates can be accessed. The students have wireless internet access in the campus. Other standard sporting and recreational facilities are available at the school.

ISS International School - located close to the city centre, the school has students from approximately 40 different countries, and no dominant culture in the school. The school has two campuses: an elementary and middle school campus and a high school campus, both located in close proximity to each other. ISS International School offers three choices of curriculum: IB program, American high school diploma, and the British IGCSE programme. Students that are unable to cope with rigorous curriculum of top tier international schools such as UWCSEA or Tanglin Trust would prefer a school like ISS International School.

International Community School (ICS) was founded in 1993 is the only Christian international school in Singapore. It has nearly 350 students enrolled through its Preschool to Pre-university programmes. Majority of the students and staff are from the US. Teachers are involved actively in the students’ well-being through varied after school activities including Bible study programs. The school offers an American based curriculum. Each ICS high school student is required to complete community service hours as a part of the regular curriculum. Several clubs and sports as well as drama opportunities are available for ICS students. ICS is fully accredited by both the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). The school aims to imbibe in its students a passion to excel with a biblical worldview and love, respect and tolerance towards all communities and cultures.

Other international school in Singapore include Singapore Japanese School, Swiss School, Chinese International School, French School of Singapore, Hollandse School and INS world School.

Recent Developments - Local Schools Providing International Education

Three of the top local schools in Singapore, namely Anglo Chinese School (ACS), Hwa Chong Institution and St. Joseph’s Institution, recently established private international arms to serve the expatriate community in Singapore as well the local Singaporeans.

Unlike the other International scools in Singapore these three local international schools admits Singaporean students without the MOE’s approval as they follow several of the Ministry's policies such as the MOE's bilingual policy and observe practices like offering national education and singing the National Anthem , while the schools enjoy the privilege to run its own programme.

ACS International (ACSI) offers the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). This school commenced its international education operations from 2005 and currently has approximately 800 students on its roll and provides boarding facilities.

Hwa Chong International offers a secondary and pre-university programme culminating in the Cambridge GCE A Levels certificate. Hwa Chong International offers an international curriculum leading to the International Baccalaureate Diploma for students aged 12 – 18 years. Majority of its students are Singaporeans.

Other Related Topics

Singapore Immigration | EntrePass | Employment Pass