How to choose an international school in Singapore for young students？
Renowned for its safety, Singapore, the "Asian educational hub," is famous for its unique bilingual education system and its outstanding performance in global education rankings in recent years. This has led to an increase in the number of young students from around the world flocking to Singapore for their studies. They can not only achieve significant academic success but also can connect with world-famous universities. As a result, Singapore has increasingly caught the attention of parents in China, who consider it as the preferred springboard for their children to enter "world-class universities".
After delving deeper into Singapore's education system, many parents realize that the competitive pressure of the elite streaming system in Singapore's public schools is no less intense than that in China, and the English language requirements are very strict (local schools only have English A, while international schools offer both English A and English B for non-native speakers). As a result, an increasing number of Chinese parents are opting for the high-performing international schools in Singapore (IB scores in Singapore have consistently exceeded the global average for 10 consecutive years).
Admittedly, choosing an international school means avoiding the intense competitive pressure of government high schools, but at the same time, it has a stricter management process than the average international school in China. While pursuing high scores, the international schools in Singapore also place great emphasis on the holistic development of students, enabling them to be more independent, innovative, and willing to serve and contribute to the larger society. However, many parents` understanding of the classification and characteristics of the various international schools is limited to the information found online, which could lack professional guidance. This mismatch of information leads to various issues such as inability to adapt well to the education system or slow progress for children when studying in Singapore. At this point, some parents choose to change schools, some choose to return home, and some continue to be confused.
ILC, which has more than 10 years of experience in helping Chinese students and their parents in planning their education roadmaps, sourcing for suitable international school in Singapore, and accompanying them to top-ranked schools, has researched and helped parents to have a better understanding of the suitability of the various international schools in Singapore for their children.
Top 5 International Schools
Just as there are key high schools and regular high schools in China, Singapore also has top-ranked international schools. In these international schools, the students perform at a higher academic level and also have more self-discipline. The learning environment is more conducive, and the average academic scores also have been relatively higher over the years. As a result, these schools have higher admission requirements and limited vacancies. Most schools require students to have a certain exposure to an English learning environment, relatively high English proficiency, and other comprehensive qualities.
1
Singapore St. Joseph's Institution International (SJII)
Established in 2007 by a team of alumni of St Joseph's Institution, a local Catholic boys school in Singapore, SJII promotes inclusion and welcomes foreign students of different faiths. The school has over 1,200 students from more than 40 countries, aged between 4 to 18 years old. It offers courses for kindergarten to Grade 12, including IGCSE courses for Grade 9 to 10, and IB Diploma courses for Grade 11 to 12.
The school adopts the Singapore academic year, starting in January and ending in December each year.
The first semester: From the beginning of January to mid-June
The second semester: From late July to the beginning of December
2
United World College of South East Asia （UWCSEA)
Founded in 1971, UWCSEA is one of the world's leading 16 United Colleges in Singapore. Having two campuses (Dover and Tampines) in Singapore, with more than 5,000 students from 101 countries, it offers courses from kindergarten to Grade 12, including IGCSE courses for Grades 9-10 and IB Diploma courses for Grades 11-12.
The school adopts a Northern Hemisphere academic year, starting in August and ending in June of the following year. Each academic year is divided into three semesters as follows:
The first semester: from Mid-August to Mid-December
The second semester: from Mid-January to Mid-March
The third semester: from Mid-April to Mid-June
3
Tanglin Trust School (TTS)
Founded in 1925, TTS provides a British education framework to Singapore's international community, with approximately 3,000 students from 54 countries, 60% of whom hold British passports. TTS offers the UK curriculum from Kindergarten to Year 13, including IGCSE and GCSE in 10-11th grade, and IB Diploma or A-level in 12-13th grade (also known as Sixth Form).
The school adopts a Northern Hemisphere academic year. Each academic year is divided into three semesters as follows:
First semester: from late August to Mid-December
The second semester: from Mid-January to Mid-March
Third semester: from Mid-April to early July
4
Dulwich College (Singapore)
Dulwich College is a prestigious private school in the UK with a long history. It has over 2,200 students from more than 70 countries, aged between 2 and 14 years old. Founded in 2014, Dulwich College (Singapore) is one of seven Dulwich International Schools. It offers education from pre-kindergarten to Grade 13, with students aged between 2 and 18 years old. It also provides IGCSE and GCSE courses for Grade 10 to 11, and the IB Diploma Program for Grade12 to 13.
The school follows the Northern Hemisphere academic year, starting in August and ending in June of the following year. Each academic year is divided into three semesters, with specific term dates as follows:
First semester: from late August to Mid-December
Second Semester: Early January to late March
Third Semester: Mid-April to late June
5
The Singapore American International School (SAS)
Founded in 1956, SAS has the largest international school campus in the world, with nearly 4,000 students from over 50 countries, 60% of whom hold American passports. SAS offers an American curriculum for students from kindergarten to Grade 12, including a middle school curriculum for students from Grades 7 to 9, and 28 Advanced Placement courses for students from Grades 10 to 12, preparing them for various American standardized exams (such as ACT or SAT) and facilitating a smooth transition to an American university education.
The school follows the Northern Hemisphere academic year, with each academic year divided into two semesters and four quarters as follows:
First Semester:
Quarter 1: August to October
Quarter 2: October to December
Second Semester:
Quarter 3: January to March
Quarter 4: March to June
English-assisted International School
ILC has always insisted that if students do not possess a certain level of English proficiency, the top five international schools and government public schools may not be the first or most appropriate choice for them. We believe that cultivating a child`s lifelong interest in learning is the mission of education. We usually recommend that children with a weak English foundation choose an international school with EAL-focused English courses when they first arrive in Singapore. These international schools are further divided into local international schools and non-local international schools.
1. Local international schools
These schools primarily enroll local students, with a proportion of over 50%, offering courses for junior and senior high school levels. They follow the Southern Hemisphere academic year, which runs from January to December (First Semester: early January to mid-June, Second Semester: late July to early December). A significant number of students come from Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, China, etc. These international schools are among the world's best in terms of classroom facilities and hardware, as well as the quality of teachers and the delivery of knowledge.
1
Singapore St. Joseph's Institution International (SJII)
Established in 2007 by a team of alumni of St Joseph's Institution, a local Catholic boys school in Singapore, SJII promotes inclusion and welcomes foreign students of different faiths. The school has over 1,200 students from more than 40 countries, aged between 4 to 18 years old. It offers courses for kindergarten to Grade 12, including IGCSE courses for Grade 9 to 10, and IB Diploma courses for Grade 11 to 12.
2
Singapore ACS International School (ACSI)
Founded in 2005, Singapore ACSI was owned by the Methodist Church of Singapore. It is also one of the six schools under ACSI with a long history. The first school was founded in 1886, with 1,000 students from more than 20 countries. ACSI offers courses for Year 1 to 6, IGCSE courses for Year 3 and 4 and IB Diploma courses for Year 5 to 6.
3
Hwa Chong International School (HCIS)
HCIS was established in 2005 and is associated with one of the best schools “Hwa Chong Institution”. HCIS has 600 students from over 20 countries, emphasizing the infusion of Asian values, focusing not only on academic education but also on cultivating students' character. It offers courses for Years 1 to 6 in middle school, Years 3 to 4 IGCSE courses, and Years 5-6 IB Diploma courses.
2. Non-local International Schools
Singaporeans are not allowed to attend these schools unless approved by the Ministry of Education.These schools all adopt the Northern Hemisphere academic year, which is from August to June each year.
1
ISS International School (ISS)
Established in 1981, ISS is an inclusive and internationally-aware school and also the oldest school in Singapore to offer IB programs (IBPYP,IBMYP, IBDP). ISS currently has around 600 students from over 50 countries. ISS offers education from kindergarten to Grade 12 and IB-Diploma programs for Grades 9 -12.
2
Canadian International School (CIS)
Founded in 1990, CIS is one of Singapore's most diverse school communities, and is a well-recognized IB school with nearly 3,000 students from 78 countries. CIS offers courses from pre-kindergarten to Grade 12, including PYP primary school courses for Grades 1 - 6, MYP courses for Grades 7 - 10, IB Diploma courses for Grades 11 - 12, and University Preparatory Courses.
3
Nexus International School (NEXUS)
Initially established in Malaysia, NEXUS opened a branch in Singapore in 2011, enrolling nearly 1,000 students from over 50 countries. Nexus offers courses from kindergarten to Year 13, including IGCSE courses for Years 10 - 11 and IB Diploma courses for Years 12 - 13.
4
Stamford American International School (Stamdford American)(SAIS)
Founded in 2009, SAIS belongs to the Cognita Education Group with first-class facilities. SAIS has more than 3000 students from over 50 countries. It offers educational programs from kindergarten to Grade 12, including IB secondary school program (MYP) for Grade 6 - 8, and students in Grade 9 -12 are allowed to choose to pursue a IB Diploma, American High School Diploma or both.
5
Overseas Family School (OFS)
Founded in 1991, OFS is one of the largest international schools in Singapore, with nearly 3,000 students from 73 countries. OFS offers courses from kindergarten to Grade 12, including the International Primary Curriculum for Grade 1 - 5, the IB Secondary Program (MYP) for Grade 6 -10, and and the IB Diploma program for Grade 11 - 12. Students can take the IGCSE examination in Grade 10.
6
Australian International School in Singapore (AIS)
Founded in 1993 and owned by Cognita Education Group, AIS has more than 3,000 students from 50 countries, 66% of whom are from Australia or New Zealand. AIS offers an education program for students from kindergarten to Year 12, with the IB Primary Curriculum (PYP) for elementary students, IGCSE courses for Grade 9 - 10 students to prepare for IGCSE examination. Students from Grade 11 and Grade 12 can choose to pursue a IB Diploma or Australian High School Diploma.
7
Dover Court International School (DCIS)
Founded in 1972, DCIS initially started out as an English as a Second Language (ESL) provider, and it is one of the international schools under Nord Anglia Education, the world`s largest international organization. DCIS has about 1,900 students from over 60 countries. DCIS only admits students with an independent pass, Singaporean citizens, or permanent residents of Singapore. It offers courses for students from kindergarten to Year 13, with English National Curriculum for kindergarten to Year 9, IGCSE for Years 9 - 11 and IB courses for Years 12 -13.
8
German European School Singapore (GESS)
Founded in 1971, GESS is a multilingual school with about 1,600 students from over 50 countries. The school's curriculum is suitable for students from 18 months to 18 years old. GESS offers a unique dual program running simultaneously: the German Program and the IB International Baccalaureate Program. Although the academic year begins in mid-August, students can join at any time during the year. Courses in GESS are taught in European languages, and limited Chinese courses are available.
9
North London Collegiate School (NLCS)
Opened in 2020, NLCS has established campuses in South Korea, Dubai, and Singapore. The school offers IB courses for all age groups from kindergarten to Grade 12, including the Primary Years Program (PYP), Middle Years Program (MYP), and the IB Diploma Program(IBDP).
10
XCL World Academy (XCL)
Formerly known as GEMS World Academy, XCL was established in 2014 as an international school in Singapore for students aged 2-18. Currently XCL has over 1,000 students from over 60 countries. It offers a full IB curriculum for students from grades 1-12, with international accreditations including IB, CIS, WASC, and College Board covering various educational systems from Europe, America, and Asia.
In Singapore, not many local children attend international schools. When choosing schools, foreign parents consider geographical location, school’s overall environment, tuition fees, elective courses, sports and sports specialization. Professional international education consultants will recommend selecting a school according to your child's situation and preferences. The one that suits your child is the best. As the world's leading international education center for quality education, Singapore possesses a better education environment compared to China. Teachers and students` performance are better compared to most domestic first-class international schools. That is why international schools in Singapore are becoming increasingly popular even during the Covid pandemic period.
