Singapore’s International Schools / 新加坡国际学校

Singapore’s international school landscape is vast, and there are plenty of great options to choose from. Although many families will be drawn to a school that offers the same language and/or curriculum as schools in their home country, the multicultural, multi-national atmosphere here means many international schools in Singapore offer programmes with a more global context that’s not restricted to a single nationality (while some offer bilingual programmes too). Read on to find out what makes each international school special – we focus on curriculum, nationality breakdown and more. Here’s our list of international schools in Singapore!

Tanglin Trust School

As the oldest British international school in Southeast Asia, the not-for-profit Tanglin Trust School caters to international students between the ages of 3 and 18. Consistently graded as “Outstanding” by BSO (British Schools Overseas) inspectors, this award-winning international school in Singapore has a unique 3-14 curriculum framework that begins at Nursery. At a later stage, students have the option to sit for their (I)GCSE exams from multiple exam boards such as Edexcel, Cambridge, AQA and CCEA. It is also the only international school in Singapore to offer both the A-Levels or the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme in Sixth Form. Both programmes have yielded outstanding academic results, and 97% of Tanglin’s graduates are accepted into their first or second choice of university. In August 2021, Tanglin launched the Tanglin Forest School Programme, for learners from as young as nursery. This connects effectively with the Curiosity Approach, where Tanglin was the first school in Asia to receive this accreditation. This approach encourages children to use authentic materials, appreciate the natural environment and use learning spaces as the “third teacher”. These two long-term approaches for early childhood will complement each other to support play, exploration, awe and wonder in play and learning.

Tanglin Trust School, 95 Portsdown Road, Singapore 139299, admissions@tts.edu.sg, Tel: (+65) 6770 3583, http://www.tts.edu.sg

Stamford American International School (SAIS)

SAIS offers a holistic education for students from 2 months to 18 years of age. It’s the first and only international school in Singapore to offer Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and Business and Technical Education Council (BTEC) Diploma curricula, together with a US-accredited High School Diploma. An inclusive international school, it’s home to more than 75 nationalities, and students are taught by top-tier teaching professionals. Through its World Language Program, SAIS also provides daily instruction in Mandarin, Spanish and English, and has an immersive English/Mandarin bilingual program. At this big school with the heart of a small school, they have a deep focus on belonging and students and staff uphold and exhibit four core values – courage, integrity, ingenuity and compassion.

Stamford American International School, Woodleigh Campus: 1 Woodleigh Lane, Singapore 357684 | Early Learning Village: 3 Chuan Lane, Gate 4, Singapore 554350, admissions@sais.edu.sg, Tel: (+65) 6653 2949, http://www.sais.edu.sg

Overseas Family School (OFS)

Established in 1991, this international school in Singapore serves a vibrant community of 70 nationalities on a modern campus. The school’s thoughtfully designed, best-in-industry programmes focus on the unique needs of international students. Students who find the English language to be challenging have access to OFS’ successful Study Preparation Programme, where a dedicated team of specialist educators support students for rapid English language acquisition. Going home in a few years? The school’s extensive 14-language Mother Tongue Programme helps students maintain native-level language proficiency for seamless re-integration. Students in OFS’ acclaimed IGCSE and IB Diploma Programmes consistently achieve results well above world averages. In 2021, OFS produced 5 of the approximately 1,300 students globally who scored a perfect 45 points on their IB Diploma exams. 33% of the diplomas awarded were prestigious IB Bilingual Diplomas, reflecting the exceptional language resources and support available at OFS. Because it believes every student can succeed, OFS does not preselect students for the IB Diploma Programme. There are more than 100 extracurricular activities available, too, ranging from recreational and competitive sports to performing arts and computer clubs.

Overseas Family School, 81 Pasir Ris Heights, Singapore 519292, enquiry@ofs.edu.sg, Tel: (+65) 6738 0211, http://www.ofs.edu.sg

Australian International School Singapore (AIS)

At the Australian International Schoo (AIS), every child is special and important. This international school offers an Australian curriculum-based global education for students from 2 months to 18 years. Its truly international education begins with the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IB PYP) from Preschool to Year 5, Australian Curriculum for Years 6 to 8, Cambridge IGCSE in Years 9 and 10, and the Higher School Certificate (HSC) or International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB DP) for Years 11 and 12. AIS aims to be known internationally as an institution that represents educational excellence in all aspects. Its school philosophy commits fully to the notion of a holistic, rounded education, which cherishes the arts and sports as well as academics as essential dimensions of each student’s education. AIS is equally committed to teaching students to have a moral commitment to making the world a better place as reflective, caring, knowledgeable and principled people.

Australian International School Singapore, 1 Lorong Chuan, Singapore 556818, admissions@ais.com.sg, Tel: (+65) 6517 0247, http://www.ais.com.sg

Chatsworth International School

Since its establishment in 1995, Chatsworth International School has offered an exceptional, international education while maintaining affordable fees. This school has won various awards, and, as a non-selective and community-focussed school, provides a challenging and balanced academic experience across three core IB programmes – PYP, MYP and DP. The learning environment here is diverse and nurturing and educators strive to provide an individualised approach that recognises and celebrates every individual. This international school in Singapore offers a broad range of languages in its Mother Tongue Language Programme, enabling students to develop proficiency in their mother tongue or an additional language. For the last three years, Chatsworth graduates achieved a 100% pass rate and an average score of 36 points, which well exceeds the world average scores. Additionally, graduates receive a wide range of university offers from all over the world.

Chatsworth International School, 72 Bukit Tinggi Road, Singapore 289760, admissions.bt@chatsworth.com.sg, Tel: (+65) 6463 3201, http://www.chatsworth.com.sg

Canadian International School (CIS) Singapore

CIS offers three IB programmes – Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma – for students aged 2 to 18 from more than 70 nations. This international school in Singapore’s concept-based curriculum promotes in-depth thinking, understanding and the application of knowledge. A wide range of sporting, artistic and service opportunities support students as they develop new skills or follow their passion. In addition to daily language acquisition classes and French-English or Chinese-English bilingual programmes, CIS’s STEAM approach integrates science, technology, environmental studies, arts and math, helping students connect and relate each discipline to the real world. Furthermore, facilities like the Outdoor Discovery Centre or programmes like Open Minds teach students to investigate topics in real-world contexts. CIS’s new junior wing, opening in January 2023, will see nursery, kindergarten and Grade 1 students learning in spacious classrooms spread across a 2,600-sqm outdoor discovery centre.

Canadian International School, Lakeside campus: 7 Jurong West Street 41, Singapore 649414 | Tanjong Katong campus: 371 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 437128, admissions@cis.edu.sg, Tel: (+65) 6734 8088, http://www.cis.edu.sg

Dover Court International School

This international school in Singapore prides itself on values of community, belonging, inclusivity and diversity. Their curriculum provides unique and fully integrated pathways across all year levels and abilities. In Sixth Form, the IB Diploma Programme and the International BTEC Business Diploma, Levels 2 and 3 are offered. Dover Court’s foremost priority is to enable its students to thrive happily and successfully. Therefore, beyond its focus on inclusivity, this international school provides a world-renowned international curriculum. With language acquisition classes, global programmes like Global Campus, and collaborations with The Juilliard School, UNICEF and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, students think creatively, apply, innovate, adopt a multi-disciplinary approach, and have different perspectives on problem-solving. Involvement in group work builds communication, collaboration, leadership, an understanding of diverse cultures, and an appreciation that they are capable of giving back to the world. The school’s high-quality teachers make all the difference – they make it their priority to know each individual so students can experience exceptional achievements. In fact, Dover Court’s IBDP results are a testament to the school’s winning approach. Not only have students achieved a 100% pass rate, but Dover Court also has an average score of 39 points – significantly above the global average of 31.9 points. Furthermore, three students achieved 44 out of 45 possible points, placing in the top 2% globally; 56% of Dover Court’s 25 IBDP students also achieved more than 40 points.

Dover Court International School, 301 Dover Road, Singapore, 139644, admissions@dovercourt.edu.sg, Tel: (+65) 6775 7664, http://www.dovercourt.edu.sg

Dulwich College (Singapore)

This international school in Singapore offers holistic education in areas such as STEAM, sports, performing arts and music and Mandarin. These programmes offer great depth of learning, helping students push their personal boundaries and fully develop their talents. Dulwich’s IB Diploma students have achieved a phenomenal average point score of 38.9, with 48% of our students achieving a score of 40 or above. Other than achieving a 100% pass rate, the majority secured their first-choice university, with many going to prestigious universities and colleges around the world. Dulwich’s I/GCSE cohort also achieved outstanding results – 80.4% percent of students achieved A/A grades and 45 students obtained A/A grades or equivalent in all their subjects. Students are given plenty of opportunities to develop leadership skills through service and academic ambassador roles, build their own voices, and propose new initiatives that will improve student life at Dulwich. In addition to its award-winning DUCKS (Dulwich College Kindergarten School) Programme, Dulwich also offers more than 300 co-curricular activities, which include a full range of sports, performing arts and academic enrichment activities.

Dulwich College (Singapore), 71 Bukit Batok West Avenue 8, Singapore, 658966, admissions.singapore@dulwich.org, Tel: +65 6890 1003, singapore.dulwich.org

EtonHouse International School

An IB World School that caters to children aged 18 months to 18 years, EtonHouse offers the IBPYP, IGCSE, and the IB Diploma programme and is known for providing an outstanding bilingual education through a personalised approach in a close-knit family-oriented environment. An academically inclusive international school in Singapore, EtonHouse believes that when children are engaged, learning happens naturally and spontaneously and that open-mindedness, critical thinking skills, plus a lifelong love for learning are just as essential as acquiring knowledge. It also partners with the US-based Contentment Foundation to deliver a scientific, evidence-based well-being programme in its schools. Bilingual education has always been a key focus and strength of EtonHouse. It has nurtured cohorts of fluent bilingual speakers, of which many are non-native Mandarin speakers. Those who want to develop strong language proficiency can opt for the ZhongHua Mandarin Immersion Programme in preschool and the award-winning Bilingual Immersion Programme in primary school. With 14 campuses around the country, you can choose from a preschool or primary school near you, before transitioning into the K12 campus along Orchard Road.

EtonHouse International School, multiple locations, admissions@etonhouse.edu.sg, Tel: (+65) 6746 3333, http://www.etonhouse.edu.sg

German European School Singapore (GESS)

GESS is a not-for-profit international school in Singapore where every child gets the freedom to grow through tailored academic and talent support within a caring community. GESS offers two main curricula: the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme and the German curriculum. The school caters to students of all ages, starting at age 2 all the way to graduation at age 18. In August 2018, GESS moved to a new purpose-built campus with brand new facilities at Dairy Farm Lane, and in 2021, the international school celebrated its 50th anniversary.

German European School Singapore, 2 Dairy Farm Lane, Singapore 677621, Tel: (+65) 6461 0881, http://www.gess.sg/en

GIIS (Global Indian International School)

With 20 years of existence, this international school in Singapore offers a premium education to more than 3,000 students across two campuses. An attractive feature is its choice of multiple curricula, including the IB PYP (Primary Years Programme), Cambridge Lower Secondary and IGCSE, the IB Diploma Programme, along with the CBSE (Indian Central Board) for students from Grades 1 to 12. GIIS also offers a Bilingual IB Diploma Programme in French and Spanish. Parents love the moderate school fees (40% lower than most international schools in Singapore). With a state-of-the-art campus featuring more than 40 skill-based studios, high-end performing arts and sports infrastructure, GIIS students are well-rounded, confident individuals who are ready to face the challenges of the real world, while performing well academically. In fact, the school’s IBDP results in 2022 with a school average of 38.6 is well above the world (31.9) and Singapore’s international school averages (37.4). With well-qualified and dedicated teachers to support them, it’s no surprise that GIIS’ IBDP students have done exceptionally well, with 26 of the 2022 cohort emerging as world toppers or near-perfect scorers (with scores of 45/45 and 44/45 respectively). More than 80% of the cohort have scored places at leading international universities.

GIIS, GIIS SMART Campus: (K-12), 27 Punggol Field Walk, Singapore 828649 | GIIS East Coast Campus: (K-10), 82 Cheviot Hill, Singapore 459663, admissions.sg@globalindianschool.org, Tel: (+65) 6914 7100, singapore.globalindianschool.org

Nexus International School (Singapore)

Established in 2011, Nexus International School (Singapore) is home to students from more than 50 countries. This international school in Singapore offers the IB curriculum and helps students succeed in a rigorous program that focuses on transdisciplinary, inquiry-based and student-centred education that they can use for university applications. Experimental and experiential learning that’s self-directed by learners is encouraged with a focus on helping each learner discover their own personal excellence. Students will learn about things they’re interested in through material resources and guidance from their educators. Students are also taught critical thinking skills that they can apply in any environment, and are encouraged to look at the bigger picture so they can weigh the kind of impact they want to make in the world. At the stunning new Aljunied campus, students have the flexibility to move around freely and the flow of ideas and conversations become natural. Access to state-of-the-art facilities together with a well-rounded educational programme ensures Nexus learners can discover their own unlimited potential.

Nexus International School (Singapore), 1 Aljunied Walk Singapore 387293, enquiry@nexus.edu.sg, Tel: +65 6536 6566, http://www.nexus.edu.sg

North London Collegiate School (Singapore)

Drawing on the rich history and tradition of its founding school in the UK, North London Collegiate School (Singapore) provides students with an academically ambitious education that is both life-changing and inspirational. What does an “academically ambitious education” actually mean? The school’s education programme is designed to nurture students into successful, well-rounded and compassionate human beings – qualities that will stay with them long after they’ve left the school benches. The focus lies in developing each student’s knowledge through constant academic and intellectual challenge that goes beyond just the syllabus.

In order to ensure a solid educational foundation, NLCS (Singapore) employs professional teachers who are experts in their subjects. Teachers aren’t just expected to deliver the curriculum; instead, the school empowers them to inspire students with a love of the subject, delivering a broad and flexible curriculum that moves beyond what is required in examinations. Their teachers also participate in NLCS (Singapore)’s vibrant extra-curricular activities and this further drives curiosity and enthusiasm outside the classroom.

A student’s well-being lies at the heart of all the NLCS programme. Students are provided with a safe and supportive environment that lets them be heard and feel valued. The pastoral care system in the Senior School is built around a house system: Each house comprises students from Grades 6 to 12 and belongs to a tutor group that is led by two form tutors. This makes space for students across different age groups to interact, socialise and grow together, ultimately forming a sense of unity and community. They also receive additional support from the school nurse and emotional guidance counsellor.

North London Collegiate School (Singapore), 130 Depot Road, Singapore, 109708, enquiries@nlcssingapore.sg, Tel: (+65) 6989 3000, nlcssingapore.sg

One World International School

Key to what sets the IB Diploma Programme and the Cambridge IGCSE apart at OWIS, is the strong pastoral care programme at the school. Student well-being is given due attention, and form tutors always keep an open door for students so they can speak about their concerns and be guided to find solutions. Students are able to work on their socio-emotional development in a Secondary School environment that is inclusive, kind and accepting of diversity and different perspectives.

The school recently honoured their graduating IB DP batch of 2022 with a school-wide celebration, where the entire community of learners, parents and teachers all got together and applauded them for their hard work at the end of the exams. The graduation ceremony, held at the end of May, was a joyous, sentimental get-together, where the school community gave recognition to the learning journeys of the students and wished them well for the next level of their academic life.

Congratulating the students, Mark Renie, Head of School, said, “These events celebrating our IB DP students were opportunities for us to get together and let them know that we value their accomplishment. We are proud of their resilience, their determination, and their level of effort in the two-year programme. And that’s what we do here – we guide students and we support them. We build a community around them and we lift them up, so that when they reach the culminating challenge of their academic life in school, they know that we are there to ensure they are successful and celebrate their journeys.”

One World International School (Nanyang Campus): 21 Jurong West Street 81, Singapore 649075, Tel: (+65) 6914 6700, http://www.owis.org

San Yu Adventist School

SYAS is opened to students from Primary 1 to Secondary 4 and follows the national curriculum. All Primary 6 students take the PSLE near the end of the school year. Students entering secondary school who speak English but not fluent enough to enter the mainstream classes will join the Preparatory Secondary 1 Foundation class to assimilate them into the Singapore education system. Most students enter the regular four-year Express stream leading up the O Levels. After completing their secondary education nearly all students go on to polytechnics or junior college. Students generally take a minimum of 5 O Level subjects. Bible Knowledge is required for all students.

San Yu Adventist School (SYAS) is a private Christian school in Singapore which caters to students from ages 7 (Primary 1) to 16/17 (Secondary 4, GCE ‘O’ Levels). It follows the local education system and is fully owned and operated by the Singapore Adventist Conference. The current school was a result of the merger of two Adventist schools: the English-medium Seventh-day Adventist School previously located in Upper Serangoon Road and the Chinese-medium San Yu High School.

It is a part of the Seventh-day Adventist education system, the world’s second largest Christian school system

San Yu Adventist School, 299 Thomson Rd, Singapore 307652, Tel: (+65) 6256 6840, http://www.syas.edu.sg/

Singapore American School (SAS)

SAS offers an exemplary American education with an international perspective for students from preschool to grade 12. The vision for SAS is to be a world leader in education, cultivating exceptional thinkers prepared for the future. In addition to having one of the largest college-level course programmes in the world, this international school in Singapore also offers students their choice of more than 100 after-school activities to encourage diverse interests. Students here are taught by 375 full-time faculty members – more than 80 per cent have earned Master’s degrees or PhDs. Currently, SAS offers Chinese language immersion at their Early Learning Centre and advanced language options up to Grade 12. Come Fall 2023, SAS will also have brand-new, world-class facilities on its 36-acre campus.

Singapore American School, 40 Woodlands Street 41 Singapore 738547, Tel: (+65) 6363 3403, http://www.sas.edu.sg

St. Joseph’s Institution International (SJII)

SJII is a non-profit co-educational international school in Singapore that welcomes students from all backgrounds and faiths whilst retaining the ethos, values and principles of its Lasallian Catholic foundations. SJII proudly offers a holistic, values-driven and authentic international education to a diverse cohort of students from more than 40 nationalities. The school celebrates a community of over 2,000 students across two schools on one campus. The High School admits both Singaporean and international students in Grades 7 to 12 (ages 12 to 18); while the Elementary School caters to expatriate children from pre-school Prep 1 to 2 (ages 4 turning 5 to 6) and Grade 1 to 6 (ages 7 to 12). You can expect a broad and balanced curriculum for your child, as SJII offers the International Primary Curriculum, MOE Singapore Maths syllabus, IGCSE and IB Diploma Programme. Students can benefit from multiple cocurricular activities, outdoor and service learning opportunities and more. SJII also seeks to offer students character education, which it accomplishes through religious, well-being and moral education and a venture called The Virtues Project, which is based on the beliefs and virtues valued by diverse cultures and world religions.

St. Joseph’s Institution International, 490 Thomson Road Singapore 298191, Tel: (+65) 6871 5202 (Elementary School) or (+65) 6353 9383 (High School), http://www.sji-international.com.sg

Sir Manasseh Meyer International School (SMMIS)

Established in 1996, SMMIS is a not-for-profit, child-centred international school in Singapore with an educational philosophy that teaches resilience, collaboration, independence and perseverance. Its small-by-design ethos allows for individualised learning. Expect state-of-the-art facilities such as a 450-seater auditorium, swimming pool, Astroturf sports pitch, a makerspace room and more. The international school has 290 students in total, aged between 2 and 16 years, and is imbued with Jewish values, tradition and culture. The intimate preschool is inspired by Reggio Emilia principles and follows the Australian Early Years Learning Framework; the Primary School follows the IPC, which is blended with the Singapore Maths Curriculum and the UK National Curriculum for Literacy. In Secondary School, students continue with the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC), which leads to the globally recognised IGCSE exams in Grade 10. Mandarin and Hebrew are taught as modern foreign languages, and learning is tailored to suit each child. SMMIS is a diverse community that welcomes students of all nationalities and faiths. Children are encouraged to see themselves as global citizens, with charity and volunteering a strong aspect of school life.

Sir Manasseh Meyer International School, 3 Jalan Ulu Sembawang, Singapore 758932, admissions@smm.edu.sg, Tel: (+65) 6331 4633, http://www.smmis.edu.sg

Swiss School in Singapore

A not-for-profit boutique international school in Singapore, Swiss School provides education according to Swiss standards and criteria. Due to its high level of pedagogical quality, the school is officially recognised by “Bundesamt für Kultur” (BAK) as a “Swiss Government Approved School”. With a near six-decade presence on the red dot, Swiss School in Singapore has a preschool and international primary school that caters to children aged 2 to 12, and children can choose between a French and German stream. Preschoolers are mostly taught in English with introductory lessons in German or French. From Kindergarten (Primary) at the age of 4/5, students will be taught in either German or French with English classes.

Swiss School in Singapore, 38 Swiss Club Road, 288140 Singapore, info@swiss-school.edu.sg, Tel: (+65) 6468 2117, http://www.swiss-school.edu.sg/en

UWCSEA: United World College South East Asia

UWCSEA is a united, welcoming community that embraces students and their families from almost 100 different nations. The second member of the UWC movement, the College was opened by Lee Kuan Yew as Singapore International School in 1971. SIS became the United World College of South East Asia in 1975 and gradually expanded to become the K–12 international school of over 5,500 students across two campuses that it is today.

The community, while large, celebrates and builds on the success of individuals, with an aim to create a wider impact through their mission. UWCSEA embodies everything the UWC movement stands for: concern and compassion for others, the willingness to accept responsibility, and tenacity in pursuit of the truth. What also distinguishes our students is how much they give service to others: their compassion and commitment are writ large in the many hundreds of hours of impactful service the College bears witness to every year, across a hugely diverse range of activities, and which they celebrate as much as their academic achievements.

Demographic: 91 nationalities. Top 10: India (20.08%); UK (17.28%); USA (8.85%); Australia (7.68%); Singapore (7.18%); Japan (3.84%); Korea (3.66%); Canada (2.71%); Malaysia (2.67%); France (2.39%); 81 other (23.66%). Other notes: Dutch (3.15% on Dover Campus). Full details by campus in the UWCSEA Annual Report.

UWCSEA Dover Campus, 1207 Dover Road, 139654 Singapore, http://www.uwcsea.edu.sg, Tel: 6775 5344, uwcseadover@uwcsea.edu.sg / UWCSEA East Campus, 1 Tampines Street 73, Singapore 528704, http://www.uwcsea.edu.sg, Tel: +65 6305 5344 uwcseaeast@uwcsea.edu.sg

XCL American Academy

This new American international school in Singapore is ready to welcome its first cohort of students in August 2022 and promises to deliver a unique American curriculum with world-class facilities. XCL American Academy provides a rigorous and high-quality American education at an affordable price. The enhanced curriculum is taught by experienced and caring faculty, and includes internationally recognised programs such as Everyday Math, and Inspired Science. The school takes a balanced approach to literacy with materials from Scholastic, and focuses on character development with its unique Pioneer Spirit programme that’s based on the Second Step programme. Students will also get to enjoy a wide range of purpose-built facilities.

XCL American Academy, 2 Yishun Street 42, Singapore 768039, admissions@xaa.edu.sg, Tel: (+65) 6230 4222, http://www.xaa.edu.sg

XCL World Academy

Experience personalised learning and diversity at XCL World Academy, an international school in Singapore that offers a rigorous and balanced education for students aged 2 to 18. Education here begins with the Nursery programme and continues through the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum of studies. This international school believes in future-proofing your child by providing relevant skills and experiences, equipping them with the skills required for the jobs of tomorrow. Through their world-class curriculum and with the guidance of highly experienced teachers, your child will embark on a self-directed journey to become a skilled and empathetic young individual. The school also boasts outstanding IBDP results, and is home to a diverse student body from various nationalities around the world.

XCL World Academy, 2 Yishun Street 42, Singapore 768039, admissions@xwa.edu.sg, Tel: (+65) 6230 4230, http://www.xwa.edu.sg