Singapore has more than 50 international schools with world class campuses and a broad range of curricula covering primary and secondary education. So how do you make the right choice?
- Education in Singapore
- Choosing a school in Singapore
- Special education needs in Singapore
- Pre-schools, kindergarten and nurseries in Singapore
- Best schools in Singapore
Education in Singapore
International families in Singapore are spoilt for choice when it comes to good schools with world class campuses. Many now deliver an all-through education offering a solid pathway to universities worldwide. No wonder more families are choosing to see out their child’s education in Singapore before relocating ‘home’.
Few international families send their children to local schools. Reasons vary but most dislike local teaching methods: rote learning is prevalent and pressure to do well academically can be enormous with considerable homework and plenty of extra tuition - even at the best local schools, there are few extracurricular activities. In any case, it can be hard to get into the top local schools as Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents have priority on waiting lists. But, as in all countries, local schools vary in quality and the few who choose them are often happy with their choice. They are certainly a bargain compared to the alternatives.
The vast majority of international families living in Singapore will instead be choosing one of the many international schools on offer. On face value, the top international schools can seem very similar when it comes to fees, academic standards and core values. Parent communities tend to be active and sociable across all Singapore schools and locations are generally good across the board, not least because Singapore is not a big city – and in any case, all schools offer good bus services, albeit at extra cost.
Choosing a school in Singapore
The main differences tend to exist in the curriculum and cultural mix, with IB World schools naturally attracting the most international of cohorts. Academic selection can also be tougher at some of the newer schools, although it remains to be seen if this tallies with stronger results.
Availability of places is another differentiating factor – waitlists at some schools, and especially at some key stages, can be lengthy. Then there’s facilities – all are good, some are fantastic, others world class. And while all international schools tend to teach in English, some offer a dual language stream and/or ESL (English as a second language) programme and strong mother tongue programmes.
There is little to differentiate between parents of children at the international schools. Parents tend to be high achieving professionals, working for big corporates and partnerships – bankers, lawyers, IT etc. Quite a lot of mothers or fathers have given up their own successful careers to follow their partners overseas – unflatteringly known as ‘trailing spouses’ but in fact they are anything but. With a bit more time on their hands, they often get very involved in their children’s schools and local organisations or find the time to set up their own successful businesses.
Children at the international schools are not too different from each other either – all are fairly typical offspring of affluent, middle-class parents. Some schools are a bit more laid back than others with regard to uniform and personal appearance. Discipline is not cited as a problem in any of the schools, nor are drugs – no surprise when you consider the strict drug laws in Singapore. Some schools randomly drug test senior pupils - a positive result can lead to expulsion from school and possible expulsion for the whole family from Singapore.
The big international schools are comparable in regard to fees. The difference in price between the top schools is certainly not significant enough to be a major factor in the decision-making process. All are expensive - and as well as hefty tuition fees, parents are often required to make contributions to building or development funds, and pay sizeable deposits, application and registration fees. The smaller, less flashy schools tend to be more moderately priced but are still not cheap.
Special education needs
Most of the schools offer learning support for children with mild learning difficulties, but only a few cater for more severe learning difficulties, eg Dover Court International School which has a three-tiered pathway for students from the mainstream through to those with significant learning or social needs or Stamford American International School which is seen as having a strong learning support department.
Alternatively, families might like to look at more specialist offerings at The Winstedt School, an inclusive and supportive school for all students aged 4 to 17, or the Melbourne Specialist International School (MSIS) and The Guild International College which together cater for a wide range of learning disorders and physical disabilities across all age groups.
Pre-schools, kindergartens and nurseries
Plenty of expats chose local pre-schools. These are numerous, seemingly located on every street corner. Though approaches vary, many offer Mandarin classes or bilingual immersion (instruction in English and Mandarin) as well as classes in maths, reading and writing.
Nurseries and pre-schools specifically aimed at the expat market are usually slightly more expensive and generally less scholastic. White Lodge (with its many centres) and Pibos Garden Playschool are popular and offer play-based programmes while Swallows & Amazons and the Blue House both offer high levels of outdoor play and sensory experiences linked to the environment and nature.
Best schools in Singapore
Brighton College (Singapore) 
Adapted National Curriculum for England; ages 18 months-11; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned
Opened in 2020 and describing itself as Singapore’s only prep school. An offshoot of the extremely, academically, successful Brighton College in the UK. They run a dual language programme from tiny tots to year 1 and then daily Mandarin lessons for the rest of the school.
Click here to read our full review of Brighton College (Singapore)
Canadian International School Singapore (CIS Singapore)
PYP/ MYP/ IB Diploma/ Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD); ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 3,000 students
Established in 1990, it has grown exponentially from the six original students to over three thousand today. Classes taught in English but also offering two bilingual programmes, Chinese-English from pre-kindergarten to grade 6 and French-English in grades 1 to 5. An International Baccalaureate World School and accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Click here to read our full review of the Canadian International School
Dover Court International School
EYFS/ adapted National Curriculum for England/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma/ BTEC; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 1,500 students
Founded in 1972, in a former British Officer’s Mess, as Dover Court Preparatory School. Part of the Nord Anglia Education group of schools since 2014. On a 12 acre campus, updated in 2014, in the Dover educational district. All primary pupils have daily Mandarin lessons but can change to French or Spanish in secondary. The performing arts and music programmes have been devised in collaboration with Julliard, New York and the STEM programme is run with input from MIT.
Click here to read our full review of Dover Court International School
Dulwich College (Singapore) (DCSG)
Adapted National Curriculum for England/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 2-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 2,250 students
Opened in 2014, one of seven Dulwich College offshoots in the Far East. This is a British leaning education, although classes are taught in both English and Chinese from age two to seven, plus daily Mandarin lessons in junior school. Super IGCSE results from the first cohort with just under 80 per cent of students gaining A*/A.
Click here to read our full review of Dulwich College Singapore
German European School Singapore (GESS)
German curriculum/ Abitur/ PYP/ MYP/ IB Diploma; ages 18 months-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,800 students
Two in one, with a German section accredited ‘Excellent German School Abroad’ and a European section, which is an International Baccalaureate World School and accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS). Originally on two separate (junior and senior) campuses, there is now just one new, modern campus at Dairy Farm Lane. Designed to be totally eco-friendly with vertical greenery and a rainwater-harvesting system.
Click here to read our full review of German European School Singapore
Nexus International School
PYP/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 1,000 students
Moved to a new campus in Aljunied, which has capacity for 2,000 students. Founded in 2011, the school is now attended by pupils from over 50 different nationalities with British, Australian and Chinese leading the way, followed by Australian, Japanese, Korean, American and New Zealanders. Accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Click here to read our full review of Nexus International School
North London Collegiate School (Singapore)
NLCS curriculum / IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned
Another famously academic UK school, which joined the fiercely competitive Singapore education market in 2020, having already set up schools in South Korea and Dubai. Growing fast across all year groups and offers a NLCS curriculum through to IB in the sixth form.
Click here to read our full review of North London Collegiate School (Singapore)
Overseas Family School (OFS)
International Early Years Curriculum/ International Primary Curriculum/ MYP/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 3,000 students
An enormous school, licensed for 4,800 students, run by Overseas Education Ltd. Moved in 2015 to a purpose-built campus at Pasir Ris over in the east of the island. Unusually, in middle School, pupils study three years of the IB MYP programme followed by two years of IGCSEs. Not, currently, amongst the top scoring International Baccalaureate schools in Singapore (spectacular competition)
Click here to read our full review of Overseas Family School
Singapore American School
American curriculum/ American High School Diploma/ AP; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 4,000 students
In the Woodlands area of Singapore, on a 36 acre eco campus, complete with 1,000 seat stadium and no less than five air-conditioned gyms and three swimming pools. Grown from 100 students in 1956 to over 4,000 students from 50 different nationalities with US citizens counting for over 50 per cent. Impressive SAT (mid 600s) and ACT (low 30’s) scores and graduates move on to top Ivies. Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Click here to read our full review of the Singapore American School
SJI International Elementary School
International Primary Curriculum; ages 4-12; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 770 students
An international elementary founded in the mid 2000’s (one of seven Lasallian Catholic schools), located centrally on Thompson Road. Runs to a January-December southern hemisphere academic calendar and has a strong values based programme underpinning its academics. Majority of students now moving seamlessly through to the High School for senior years.
Click here to read our full review of SJI International Elementary School
SJI International High School
International Primary Curriculum/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 4-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,700 students
An elementary and international school founded in the mid 2000’s (one of seven Lasallian Catholic schools), located centrally on Thompson Road. In a deeply competitive International Baccalaureate Diploma environment, a startling (nearly 42 per cent) of students scored over 40 points recently and although slightly lower in the following year, still very impressive, with an average of over 36 points.
Click here to read our full review of SJI International High School
Stamford American International School (SAIS)
PYP/ MYP/ IB Diploma/ American High School Diploma/ AP; ages 1-18; co-ed; day and boarding; independent; privately owned; 2,600 students
Opened in 2009 and owned by global schools group Cognita. The school consists of an Early Learning Village following the Reggio Emilia philosophy and a second campus for the elementary and secondary schools. The latter offers the options of the International Baccalaureate Diploma or the American High School Diploma and Advanced Placement route. Dually accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Click here to read our full review of Stamford American International School
Tanglin Trust School
EYFS/ National Curriculum for England/ IGCSE/ A level/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 2,800 students
The oldest British international school in South East Asia, established in 1925. British based curriculum and the only international school in Singapore offering a choice of A levels or International Baccalaureate Diploma in sixth form. Both A level and IB results are consistently very strong, even by Singapore standards and students leave to top flight UK and US universities.
Click here to read our full review of Tanglin Trust School
The GUILD International College
SEN; ASDAN; ages 12-25; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 30 students
The GUILD International College is an inclusive school for 12 – 25 year olds with dedicated education programmes for integrating both special needs and mainstream students with additional support.
Click here to read our full review of The GUILD International College
United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA) (Dover Campus)
Adapted curriculum/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 4-18; co-ed; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 5,400 students
Originally founded as St John’s School for the children of the British military and a member of the United World College movement since 1975. Scholarships are available through the UWCSEA Foundation. On two very separate and distinct campuses (Dover and East) with consistently impressive average International Baccalaureate Diploma scores around 36 – 37. Dually accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Click here to read our full review of the United World College of South East Asia
United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA) (East Campus)
Adapted curriculum/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 4-18; co-ed; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 2,500 students
The second of two UWCSEA campuses in Singapore, UWCSEA East was opened in 2008 in the east of Singapore offering a UWCSEA-designed curriculum through to the IB Diploma. Scholarships are available through the UWCSEA Foundation. Dually accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Click here to read our full review of the United World College of South East Asia (East Campus)
Just across the border in Malaysia
Marlborough College, Malaysia
Adapted National Curriculum for England/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day and boarding; independent; privately owned; 900 students
An offshoot of Marlborough College in England, based in Johar Bahru on the southern tip of the Malaysian peninsula, 20 kms from the Singapore border. Run on the same lines as its parent school with traditional boarding for students in year 5 upwards. Very impressive academic results at IGCSEs and an average score of over 35 points for International Baccalaureate Diploma candidates. Dialled up its EAL support during Covid years and increased the number of Malaysian students but still a strong choice for British families looking for a boarding experience without sending children ‘home’.
Click here to read our full review of Marlborough College, Malaysia
These schools have been brought to our attention, but until we have more reports from parents, we are unable to consider reviewing them.
Anglo-Chinese International School (ACS)
Adapted curriculum/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 12-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 990 students
A group of five schools, originally known as the Anglo-Chinese School, founded in 2005, and owned by the Methodist Church in Singapore. Seriously academic, with three ACS International students recently being awarded the Outstanding Cambridge Learner Award for coming Top in the World in Maths and there have been 20 other winners from the school, over the last decade. Mainly Singaporean but students from around 30 different nationalities. Accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS).
Australian International School (The)
Reggio Emilia/ Australian curriculum/ New South Wales HSC/ PYP/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 2 months-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 2,440 students
Comprising a junior, senior and a pre-school (now housed in the purpose-built Early Learning Village) which takes in very small babies as well as infants. A smorgasbord of options with the Australian curriculum and IGCSEs sandwiched between two International Baccalaureate programmes and the alternative of the HSC offered in addition to the IB Diploma. Around two thirds of students come from Australia and New Zealand with the remainder from over 50 other nationalities.
Chatsworth International School
PYP/ MYP/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 800 students
Established in 1995 but moved to a new all-through campus in Bukit Timah in 2018 (taking over the old site of the German European School). Caters for students from K1 through to year 13 (grade 12). Rigorous academics in the senior school resulting in an impressive International Baccalaureate diploma average score recently. An International Baccalaureate World School and accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
EtonHouse International School
PYP/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 3,000 students
Part of the global, franchised EtonHouse International Education Group. In Singapore, the group runs four Singapore pre-schools, two international pre-schools, one Chinese pre-school and two international junior and senior schools. All have a dual language foundation and some offer a third language. The newest international senior school campus smack bang in the centre of Orchard Road is moving to offer A levels.
Global Indian International School
Montessori/ IB PYP/ Cambridge international secondary 1 & 2 programmes/ IGCSE/ CBSE/ IB Diploma; ages 2-18; co-ed; day; independent: privately owned (individual/corporation)
Global Indian International School has two campuses (SMART Campus out in Punggol – including one of the most well used green screen and TV/radio recording rooms we’ve seen - and East Coast campus). Predominantly Indian passport holding students.
HWA International School
PYP/ MYP/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 400 students
On a former public school campus in Dunearn Road. Originally, the Chinese International School, now re-named and run by the Huija Private School in Beijing. Set up to cater for the children of Chinese expats in Singapore. Truly bilingual in the elementary school as the International Baccalaureate PYP programme is delivered 50/50 in English and Chinese. They offer students the opportunity of spending a few weeks in the sister school in Beijing, later on in their school career.
Integrated International School (IIS)
Adapted Reggio Emilia/ adapted New South Wales curriculum/ New South Wales HSC; ages 8 months-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 100 students
Founded in 2009, this is a rare bird in Singapore, offering a combination of an international mainstream section together with support for both minor and major educational needs, all in an inclusive setting. The campus is specially designed to include behavioural and occupational therapy suites and the class sizes are kept small (approximately ten students per class). They also offer a Psycho Educational Assessment Facility.
International Community School (Singapore)
Adapted American curriculum/ American High School Diploma/ AP; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 450 students
A small international school, by Singapore standards, teaching an American based curriculum and following a strong Biblical ethos, although they also accept pupils from families with different religious beliefs. One of the few Christian schools in the city with a curriculum delivered by predominantly US teachers, preparing students for SATs and US university entrance.
International French School of Singapore
French curriculum/ Brevet/ French Bac; ages 2-18; co-ed; day; independent; state; 2,800 students
A school which draws some interest from English-speaking expats not just the French. The French curriculum is taught in French but includes in depth learning of English and the school has gradually introduced bilingual French-English classes. Offers a core French stream and an international stream in which students work towards the DNBI and BFI (formerly OIB). Two thirds of the pupils are French nationals but students also come from over 60 other nationalities. Bilingual classes give French students a wider range of university choice on graduation.
International School of Singapore (ISS)
PYP/ MYP/ IB Diploma; ages 4-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 600 students
Smaller than most international schools in Singapore. ISS Paterson in River Valley houses the elementary and middle schools and International Baccalaureate Diploma students are taught at the nearby Preston Road campus. An IB World School with a strong EAL programme, founded in 1981 by government member Chan Shee Seng and now part of the larger ISS educational group.
Invictus International School
IPC/Adapted National Curriculum for England/ IGCSE/A levels; ages 5-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 800 students
Founded in 2015, this all-through school now has two campuses. The newer Centrium campus offers a primary bilingual (Chinese English) and secondary education, both following the Cambridge Curriculum but, unlike its sister Dempsey campus, teaching is in English and Mandarin with integrated Chinese lessons in music, art, PE (Wushu) and culture. The school now offers Cambridge (CAIE) Primary, Lower and Upper Secondary programmes, culminating in A levels.
Melbourne Specialist International School (MSIS)
SEN; Victorian (Australian) Curriculum Framework; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 60 students
Founded in 2014 to cater for a wide range of learning disorders and physical disabilities. Centrally located in Loewen Gardens with a teacher to student ration 1:4. Part of the White Lodge Education Group which owns seven pre-schools and kindergartens in Singapore.
One World International School Singapore (OWIS SG)
PYP/ National Curriculum for England/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 1,200 students
Owned and run by the Global Schools Foundation which was founded in 2002 and has 15 member schools. Previously, a tiny international school by Singapore standards, (where student numbers are often in four figures) but the new Nanyang campus (opened in January 2018) has allowed the school to grow to its current size. Has recently added the International Baccalaureate Diploma for grades 11 and 12 whilst keeping the fees well below the average for Singapore international schools.
The Perse School
International Primary Curriculum; ages 6-11; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned
Located in Upper Bikat Timah and one of two international schools to be opened or planned by The Perse School, founded in Cambridge, England in 1615. The curriculum also incorporates Singapore maths and Mandarin as a second language.
Sir Manasseh Meyer International School (SMMIS)
Adapted Reggio Emilia / IPC/ IMYC/ IGCSE; ages 2-16; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 290 students
A small school, founded in 1996, catering to 23 nationalities. Offering a rigorous international education imbued with strong Jewish values and affiliated to the ORT network and accredited by EduTrust.
Swiss School in Singapore (SSiS)
Adapted Swiss Canton Zug curriculum; ages 2-12; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 280 students
Founded in 1967, located in the vast Swiss Club campus in Bukat Timah and run by the Swiss School Association. An international school teaching in either German and English or French and English. Swiss nationals account for 60 per cent of the student body but they also come from 12 other nationalities. Grades 7, 8 and 9 are taught at UWCSEA where there is a Swiss teacher in place for German, French and Swiss history and geography classes.
The Grange Institution
International Primary Curriculum; ages 5-12; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; capacity for 160 students
Shiny, brand new stand-alone primary opened in 2018, still tiny but we are keeping our eye on it as it is both much more affordable and also offers a creative focus, compared to the rigorous academic approach of other international schools.
The Winstedt School
IPC/ IMYC/ IGCSE/ ASDAN; ages 4-17; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 170 students
A very well-regarded SEN school, founded in 2008. Offering a high teacher to student ratio, specialised teachers, therapists and psychologists and the opportunity to acquire ASDAN (vocational) qualifications.
XCL American Academy
American Elementary curriculum/ American middle school curriculum; ages 2-12; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned
A new American style offshoot from XCL World Academy. On adjoining campuses
XCL World Academy (Singapore)
PYP/ MYP/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma/ IB Careers; ages 2-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 995 students
Formerly GEMS World Academy, located on a $210 million dollar campus in Yishun includes an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a 750-seater auditorium. As yet, the only Singapore international school to offer the full International Baccalaureate programme including the Careers Related Programme. A truly global cohort of students with no dominant nationality or ethnic group.