Table Of Contents
- Introduction to International Schools in Singapore
- Understanding Different Curriculums
- Top International Schools in Singapore
- How to Choose the Right International School
- Understanding the Admission Process
- Financial Considerations
- Conclusion
Finding the perfect international school for your child in Singapore can feel overwhelming. With over 80 international schools offering diverse curriculums, teaching philosophies, and fee structures, parents face a complex decision that significantly impacts their child’s educational journey.
Singapore has firmly established itself as an educational hub in Asia, with international schools known for their academic excellence, modern facilities, and culturally diverse environments. Whether you’re relocating to Singapore or already living here and considering a switch, understanding your options is crucial.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about international schools in Singapore—from different curriculum types and top schools to practical considerations like location, fees, and admission processes. We’ll provide expert insights and practical advice to help you make this important decision with confidence.
Understanding Different Curriculums
One of the most significant decisions you’ll make when choosing an international school is the curriculum. The curriculum not only shapes your child’s learning experience but can also impact their transition to higher education or schools in other countries if your family relocates.
British Curriculum
The British curriculum follows the English National Curriculum with GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) examinations taken at age 16 and A-Levels at age 18. Many schools in Singapore offer an enhanced version with international elements.
This curriculum emphasizes analytical thinking, problem-solving, and subject specialization in later years. It’s well-recognized by universities globally, particularly in the UK, Commonwealth countries, and the US.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
The IB is known for its holistic approach to education. It’s offered at three levels: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the Diploma Programme (DP). The IB emphasizes inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and global citizenship.
The IB Diploma is highly respected by universities worldwide and provides a balanced education across six subject groups. It also includes Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service components.
American Curriculum
American-based curriculums follow U.S. education standards, often culminating in a U.S. High School Diploma. Many schools also offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses that can earn college credits. This curriculum typically features a broad range of subjects with flexibility for students to choose electives in high school.
Country-Specific Curriculums
Singapore hosts several schools offering national curriculums from countries like France, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, and India. These schools often cater to expatriate families from these nations who may eventually return to their home countries.
Hybrid Approaches
Some international schools in Singapore have developed hybrid curriculums that combine elements from different educational systems. For example, a school might offer the IB PYP at primary level and transition to IGCSE followed by IB Diploma or A-Levels for secondary education.
Top International Schools in Singapore
Singapore boasts some of Asia’s most prestigious international schools. Here’s a breakdown of notable schools by curriculum type:
British Curriculum Schools
Tanglin Trust School
Founded: 1925
Ages: 3 to 18 years
Curriculum: Enhanced English National curriculum, IGCSE, A-Levels, IBDP
Notable features: Singapore’s oldest British international school with a century-long heritage. Offers both A-Levels and IB Diploma options for Sixth Form. Strong focus on academic excellence balanced with extracurricular development. Excellent university placement record, particularly to UK institutions.
Dulwich College (Singapore)
Founded: 2014
Ages: 2 to 18 years
Curriculum: Enhanced English National Curriculum, IGCSE, IB (DP, CP)
Notable features: Part of the international Dulwich College network. Strong emphasis on academics alongside sports and performing arts. Mandarin is taught as a second language from early years. Features state-of-the-art facilities including a performing arts center and sports facilities.
Brighton College (Singapore)
Founded: 2020
Ages: 18 months to 15 years (expanding to 18)
Curriculum: Early Years Foundation Stage, English National Curriculum, IGCSE and A-Levels
Notable features: One of Singapore’s newer British curriculum schools. Affiliated with Brighton College UK. Focuses on academic rigor while nurturing children’s curiosity and creativity. Strong pastoral care system.
Dover Court International School
Founded: 1972
Ages: 3 to 18 years
Curriculum: Enhanced English National Curriculum, IGCSE, IBDP, BTEC in Business, ASDAN
Notable features: Part of the Nord Anglia Education family. Inclusive approach with integrated learning support. Offers both IB Diploma and BTEC qualifications. Has a strong global campus program connecting students with peers worldwide.
North London Collegiate School (Singapore)
Founded: 2020
Ages: 3 to 18 years
Curriculum: NLCS (UK), IB
Notable features: Part of the prestigious NLCS network. Academically selective with focus on excellence. Impressive performing arts and music programs. Offers Mandarin from early years. Strong emphasis on developing leadership skills.
IB Curriculum Schools
UWC South East Asia
Founded: 1971 (Dover), 2008 (East)
Ages: 4 to 18 years
Curriculum: UWCSEA concept-based curriculum, IBDP
Notable features: One of Singapore’s largest international schools with two campuses. Strong focus on global citizenship, sustainability, and service. Committed to diversity with students from over 90 nationalities. Extensive outdoor education program including expeditions across Asia.
Canadian International School
Founded: 1990
Ages: 18 months to 18 years
Curriculum: IB (PYP, MYP, DP)
Notable features: Full IB continuum school across two campuses. Strong STEAM focus with innovation labs. Bilingual Chinese-English program option. Outdoor learning facilities including a working farm at the Lakeside campus.
Overseas Family School
Founded: 1991
Ages: 2 to 18 years
Curriculum: IEYC, IPC, IGCSE, IB (MYP, DP)
Notable features: Offers a unique Model United Nations program. Study of Mother Tongue languages (15+ languages offered). Integrated use of technology in learning. Multi-sports complex and performing arts facilities.
XCL World Academy
Founded: 2014
Ages: 18 months to 18 years
Curriculum: IB continuum (PYP, MYP, IBDP), Advanced Placement Courses & High School Diploma
Notable features: Full IB continuum with option for AP courses. Innovation Hub with cutting-edge technology. Entrepreneurship programs. Olympic-sized swimming pool and sports facilities. Offers Forest School program for younger students.
Nexus International School
Founded: 2011
Ages: 3 to 18 years
Curriculum: IB, IGCSE
Notable features: Focus on personalized learning and innovation. Emphasis on technology integration in education. Purpose-built campus with state-of-the-art facilities. Strong aquatics program with dedicated swimming academy.
American Curriculum Schools
Singapore American School
Founded: 1956
Ages: 3 to 18 years
Curriculum: American curriculum with AP and Advanced Topic courses
Notable features: Largest single-campus international school in Singapore. Offers Advanced Placement and advanced topic courses. Strong focus on personalized learning. Extensive athletics program with competitive teams. Impressive facilities including a rainforest playground and maker spaces.
Stamford American International School
Founded: 2009
Ages: 2 months to 18 years
Curriculum: American standards blended with IB framework, AP, BTEC Diploma options
Notable features: Unique hybrid curriculum offering both AP and IB Diploma options. On-campus boarding facilities for high school students. Strong performing arts program in partnership with Juilliard. Innovation Center with Bloomberg terminals. Extensive athletic facilities.
International Community School
Founded: 1993
Ages: 4 to 18 years
Curriculum: American
Notable features: Christian faith-based school with American curriculum. Small class sizes with personalized attention. Focus on character development alongside academics. Strong community feel with active parent involvement.
Country-Specific Curriculum Schools
German European School Singapore
Founded: 1971
Ages: 18 months to 18 years
Curriculum: German curriculum and IB
Notable features: Bilingual education in German and English. Two sections: German section following German curriculum and European section following IB. New purpose-built campus with modern facilities.
International French School
Founded: 1967
Ages: 3 to 18 years
Curriculum: French Curriculum taught in French and English, IGCSE
Notable features: Follows French national curriculum with bilingual options. Part of the AEFE network. Non-French speakers accepted until Grade 6. Modern campus with extensive sports facilities. Teaches multiple foreign languages including Mandarin.
Swiss School in Singapore
Founded: 1967
Ages: 2 to 12 years
Curriculum: Swiss Curricula – German Stream (Canton of Zug), French Stream (Canton of Valais)
Notable features: Bilingual education in German/French and English. Small community feel with close ties to Swiss values and culture. Lush campus in a jungle setting. Emphasis on outdoor learning and play-based education for younger children.
Global Indian International School
Founded: 2002
Ages: 3 to 18 years
Curriculum: IB (PYP, DP), Cambridge (11-16), CBSE (Indian curriculum), Montessori
Notable features: Multiple curriculum choices under one roof. Award-winning SMART campus with digital classrooms. Strong emphasis on Indian languages and cultural values alongside global education. Nine Gems teaching framework focusing on well-rounded development.
Australian International School
Founded: 1993
Ages: Infant care to 18 years
Curriculum: Australian Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, HSC or IBDP
Notable features: Southern hemisphere academic calendar (January-December). Seamless transition for families returning to Australia. Strong sports program with excellent facilities. Choice between HSC (Australian) and IB Diploma in final years.
Specialized Education Schools
The Winstedt School
Founded: 2008
Ages: 4 to 18 years
Curriculum: UK National Curriculum
Notable features: Specialized in supporting students with learning differences. Small class sizes with low student-teacher ratio (8:1). Integrated therapy services within the school day. Personalized learning plans for each student.
Integrated International School
Founded: 2009
Ages: 4 to 18+ years
Curriculum: British Pearson Edexcel Curriculum, IGCSE, AS/A-Levels
Notable features: Inclusive education model supporting mainstream and students with additional needs. Small class sizes with personalized attention. Supportive learning environment with holistic approach. Unique ‘beach-themed’ campus designed to reduce anxiety.
How to Choose the Right International School
Selecting the ideal school requires careful consideration of multiple factors. Here’s a structured approach to help you navigate this important decision:
Define Your Educational Priorities
Begin by clarifying what matters most to your family. Consider:
Educational philosophy: Do you prefer traditional academic rigor, inquiry-based learning, or creative approaches?
Curriculum continuity: If you might relocate in the future, which curriculum would offer the smoothest transition?
Language learning: Are specific language programs important for your child’s development?
Special needs or talents: Does your child require specialized support or programs to nurture particular abilities?
Practical Considerations
Location and transportation: Commuting time significantly affects daily life in Singapore. Consider schools near your home or with convenient bus routes. You can use Skoolopedia’s directory of schools near MRT stations to find options with good public transportation access.
Fees and financial planning: International school fees in Singapore range widely, from approximately $15,000 to over $50,000 annually. Beyond tuition, consider application fees, building funds, deposits, and extra costs for uniforms, meals, transportation, and extracurricular activities.
Availability of places: Popular schools often have waiting lists, especially for certain year groups. Starting your search early is advisable, particularly if you have specific schools in mind.
Research and Shortlisting
Create a shortlist of 3-5 schools that match your priorities. Useful research methods include:
School websites and virtual tours: Most international schools offer detailed information online, including virtual campus tours.
School directories and reviews: Use comprehensive resources like Skoolopedia to filter schools by curriculum, location, and facilities, and to read parent reviews.
Speak with current parents: Connect with families already at the schools you’re considering. Their firsthand experiences can provide valuable insights.
Educational consultants: If relocating to Singapore, your company might provide access to education consultants who can guide your search.
School Visits and Questions
Once you’ve shortlisted schools, arrange visits to get a feel for each environment. During these visits, consider asking:
About the curriculum:
How is the curriculum adapted to meet individual learning needs?
What languages are taught, and how is language learning structured?
How does the school support transitions between different curriculum stages?
About the teachers:
What are the teachers’ qualifications and experience?
What’s the typical teacher turnover rate?
How does the school support teacher professional development?
About student support:
What’s the approach to pastoral care and social-emotional development?
What support services exist for children with different learning needs?
How does the school handle transitions for new students?
About community and culture:
What’s the school’s approach to diversity and inclusion?
How does the school engage parents in the community?
What extracurricular and after-school options are available?
Understanding the Admission Process
The admission process for international schools in Singapore typically involves several steps:
Application Timeline
Most international schools in Singapore accept applications year-round and offer rolling admissions, but it’s advisable to apply 6-12 months before your desired start date, especially for popular schools or key entry points (such as Nursery, Kindergarten, Year 1, Year 7, or Year 12).
Some schools have specific application periods or deadlines, particularly for scholarship applications or specialized programs. Check each school’s website for their specific timeline.
Required Documents
While requirements vary by school, commonly requested documents include:
Completed application form
Application fee (non-refundable, typically ranging from $200-500)
Copies of passports or birth certificates
Previous school reports (usually the last 2-3 years)
Teacher recommendations or reference letters
Immunization records and medical information
Student’s personal statement (for older students)
Parents’ employment information and visa status
Assessment and Interviews
Most international schools conduct some form of assessment to understand a student’s academic level and learning needs:
For younger children (Pre-K to Year 1): This often involves observation sessions where teachers assess social skills, language development, and school readiness.
For primary students (Years 2-6): Assessments typically focus on age-appropriate literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills.
For secondary students (Years 7-13): More formal assessments in core subjects like English, Mathematics, and sometimes Science may be required. For IB Diploma or A-Level programs, there may be specific subject prerequisites or grade requirements.
Parent interviews are also common, giving the school insight into family expectations and allowing parents to ask questions.
English Language Requirements
For non-native English speakers, many schools assess English language proficiency. Some schools offer English as an Additional Language (EAL) support but may limit the number of EAL students per class or year group. Some schools require a certain level of English proficiency for admission, particularly in higher grades.
Waitlists and Confirmations
If accepted, you’ll typically receive an offer letter with a deadline to confirm the place by paying a deposit or enrollment fee. If the desired year group is full, qualified applicants may be placed on a waitlist, with priority often given based on siblings already in the school, corporate agreements, or specific admission policies.
Financial Considerations
International education in Singapore represents a significant investment. Understanding the full cost picture is essential for family planning:
Fee Structures
International school fees typically include several components:
Application fee: One-time non-refundable fee when submitting an application ($200-500).
Enrollment or registration fee: One-time payment upon accepting a place ($1,000-3,500).
Building fund/development levy: One-time or annual fee for campus maintenance and improvements ($1,500-7,000).
Tuition fees: The main annual fee, often payable in termly or semester installments ($15,000-50,000+ depending on the school and grade level).
Additional costs: Uniforms, learning resources, technology fees, field trips, examination fees, and extracurricular activities can add 10-15% to the annual cost.
Corporate Packages and Discounts
Some companies in Singapore provide education allowances as part of expatriate packages. Additionally, schools may offer:
Sibling discounts: Reduced fees for second, third, or subsequent children.
Corporate discounts: Preferential rates for employees of companies with formal agreements with the school.
Founding or early enrollment discounts: New schools sometimes offer reduced fees for early enrollees.
Advance payment discounts: Some schools offer small discounts for paying a full year’s tuition upfront.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
While not as widespread as in some countries, scholarship opportunities do exist:
Academic scholarships: Merit-based awards for exceptional students, often at the secondary level.
Talent-based scholarships: Awards for outstanding abilities in sports, arts, music, or other areas.
Financial aid: Need-based assistance offered by some schools, typically requiring detailed financial disclosure.
To stay informed about educational opportunities and get support in your school search journey, consider joining Skoolopedia’s membership program, which provides exclusive content, priority access to school events, and personalized guidance.
Conclusion
Choosing the right international school in Singapore is a significant decision that impacts not just your child’s academic future but their overall development and wellbeing. The good news is that Singapore offers an exceptional range of high-quality options to suit different educational philosophies, learning needs, and family priorities.
When evaluating schools, remember to look beyond rankings and reputation. Consider what environment will allow your child to thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally. Think about your family’s values and how they align with each school’s ethos. And don’t underestimate the importance of practical factors like location, fees, and community feel.
Take advantage of school visits, open houses, and conversations with current parents to get a true sense of each institution. Trust your instincts—the right school often feels right when you visit. Most importantly, involve your child in the decision-making process when appropriate, especially for older students.
Singapore’s international schools provide world-class education that prepares students for global futures. With careful research and consideration of the factors we’ve outlined, you can find the perfect educational home for your child in this dynamic city-state.
For comprehensive information on preschools, enrichment centers, and student-care facilities in Singapore, visit Skoolopedia.com. Our searchable directory allows you to filter by location, curriculum, and facilities to find the perfect educational fit for your child. Explore our resources on preschools near MRT stations, enrichment centers, and student-care facilities. Don’t forget to check out our Parents’ Choice Awards to see which educational institutions are most highly recommended by other families.
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