One of the most important decisions when moving to a new country is what school your children will attend. Singapore provides a large choice of schools in multicultural environments. International schools are the best option for mobile expats and allow both the transition in and out of the country to be made easily.
Local schools allow children to dive straight into culture and languages and may be an option for families intending to stay long term. The order of entrance priority is citizens, PRs and non-PR foreigners making it impossible to attend highly prestigious schools as a foreigner. Waiting lists are extensive anywhere, however, if you’re not bothered about the transferability of qualifications then this might suit you.
Singapore International School Options for Tax Expats
GEMS World Academy Singapore is a prestigious academic establishment providing a well-rounded education for children of 2-18 years. This high performing school is known for sending its students directly into Ivy League Universities and uses an academic, arts and sports concentrated approach. Staff represent over 50 nationalities; therefore, children are surrounded by a diversity of cultures. The school follows the IB program including the PYP (Primary Years Programme), MYP (Middle Years Programme), Diploma Program as well as the IB career programme. GEMS offer rolling admissions and acceptances are made throughout the year. The school provides student recruitment agents in order to help families complete the application process. Annual tuition fees range from $12,000 – $14,000 SGD. Scholarships are on offer for academic achievements and sports; however, these are highly prestigious and hard to come by.
ISS International School was founded to serve the expatriate community. With an aim to improve personal and social development ISS provides a small environment and personal experience. This school welcomes children between 3 and 18, over 50 nationalities and no dominant culture. An authorized IB world school, IB is offered at every appropriate level. Fees sit between $25,000 SGD – $38,000 SGD. With a wide range of sports provided, ISS has two extra-curricular campuses.
Singapore provides a range of different curriculums. A National curriculum school may suit your children best and will allow a transition to Singapore when returning home to be easier.
National curriculum schools
Singapore provides a range of different curriculums. A National curriculum school may suit your children best and will allow a transition to Singapore when returning home to be easier.
Tanglin Trust School is a British school in Singapore. Founded in 1925 over 2800 students attend the campus located on 5 hectares of land in the highly accessible One North area. This high achieving school follows the Cambridge IGCSE, IB and A-level curriculums and presented a 100% pass rate for both the IB diploma and A-levels in 2018. With four libraries, two performance halls and swimming facilities this school has a lot to offer. Tuition fees are $7,000 – $14,000 SGD and a rolling waiting list is available.
Singapore American School is located on one of the largest K-12 campuses in the world. Set on 36 acres, 4000 students attend the school. Teachers follow the IGCSE, IB and American Placement programmes and children can attend from the age of three. Fees are $30,000 -$55,000 SGD. Applications have a two-year life span allowing families more time to plan. Priority is given to American citizens, green card holders and non-US citizens working for American companies. Located in Woodlands this schools strives to provide an education beyond academics.
Hybrid schools
Hybrid curriculum schools allow a dual curriculum approach. Schools provide at least 2 international curriculums so parents can choose what will suit their child best.
The German European School Singapore provides a European foundation. Offering children from 2-18 years the opportunity to learn the IB or German National curriculum. Located near Bukit Timah reservoir it is one of the only international schools in Singapore to foster European languages and traditions including the Mother Tongue programme. New pupils may start on any Monday throughout the year, excluding years 11 – 12. Fees range from $12,000 – $34,000 and applications require three past reports.
Singapore American School is located on one of the largest K-12 campuses in the world. Set on 36 acres, 4000 students attend the school. Teachers follow the IGCSE, IB and American Placement programmes and children can attend from the age of three. Fees are $30,000 -$55,000 SGD. Applications have a two-year life span allowing families more time to plan. Priority is given to American citizens, green card holders and non-US citizens working for American companies. Located in Woodlands this school strives to provide an education beyond academics.
Schools following the Montessori approach are also available throughout the city.
If you are looking to find out more information before considering a move to Singapore, Kingpin has written a series of articles on moving to, living in, and working in Singapore for you to explore.