UWC or Tanglin - Some insight please

[hawkeyedoctor]

We are a family who have been in Singapore for few years now. We have a 6 years old kid who is currently in Dulwich. Somehow I am not entirely happy with the way how the school runs (a bit business orientated for us) and the school is now too packed. I am thinking to move the kid to one of the more established for non-profit school (e.g. UWC or Tanglin).

I have personally visited both schools and had good impression with both school with the space and CCAs offered.

Want some insights from those who might have come across the same path. What would be your point of consideration in choosing let say in between these two school. (p.s. We are not Brits, so A-level curriculum or not is not a concern). I just want to get a feel of the culture or ethos of both schools as they claimed.

[Lisafuller]

Would definitely recommend UWC over Tanglin. Kids are much nicer, teachers a lot more focused, and the school just has more resources (which you can from the campus).

[PNGMK]

Your main issue will be the waiting list at Tanglin I believe.

[Lisafuller]

Another good thing about UWC is that they have schools all over the world, which is great for continuity if you ever decided to pack up and leave to go overseas.

[PNGMK]

UWC is IB.

[omshastry]

Both are great schools. Go to Tanglin if you want to move to UK at some point of time and/or you want slightly greater emphasis on academics. Go to UWCSEA for more focus on social/emotional development, particularly in the early years.

I have a 5y going to UWC east for 1.5y now. We had applied to Tanglin and UWC both, and tbh were weighing both of them equally. Issue was UWC's shortlist came out in Dec, while Tanglin said they'd only tell us in April (later) if we got an admit. We didn't want to miss UWC's chance and risk not getting an admit from Tanglin. And are extremely happy with UWC (and so is our girl).

[Lisafuller]

Both are great schools. Go to Tanglin if you want to move to UK at some point of time and/or you want slightly greater emphasis on academics. Go to UWCSEA for more focus on social/emotional development, particularly in the early years.

I have a 5y going to UWC east for 1.5y now. We had applied to Tanglin and UWC both, and tbh were weighing both of them equally. Issue was UWC's shortlist came out in Dec, while Tanglin said they'd only tell us in April (later) if we got an admit. We didn't want to miss UWC's chance and risk not getting an admit from Tanglin. And are extremely happy with UWC (and so is our girl).

I believe UWC is fairly rigorous for an International School, arguably more so than Tanglin as it offers the IB.

[Lisafuller]

UWC is IB.

Tanglin offers IB as well.

[hawkeyedoctor]

Maybe a slightly differently question, should we stay with Dulwich or UWC. We are in Dulwich now, I am struggling to make a decision (whether it is a good decision) to move to UWC. We actually received the offer yesterday for August 2023 admission yesterday.

Any advice with the comparison of Dulwich and UWC?

[Lisafuller]

Personally I don't have a great impression of Dulwich. I'm partial to SAS, but UWC is a great alternative for the IB.

[newsingaporeuser]

As you will know from my other posts I have a kid going to Primary school soon. I make a mistake and actually my child will not be applying for P1 next year so I still have a bit of time.

However, I am also thinking about International Schools.

Has there been any further updates on views on UWC and Tanglin? I assume waitlists are going to be an issue.

[Sara.Haddah]

you're definitely not alone in feeling that way about Dulwich, it's a great school for some, but the for-profit model and recent growth in enrolment have made a few parents question if it still offers the close-knit experience they initially signed up for.

Between UWCSEA and Tanglin Trust, both are highly respected, non-profit schools with great reputations, but they do have notably different cultures and educational approaches, and choosing between them can come down to ethos and fit more than academics.

UWCSEA leans more toward a mission-driven, globally-minded education, there's a strong emphasis on service, sustainability, and developing students into changemakers. It's IB through and through, with a focus on inquiry, independence, and intercultural understanding. Many families find it inspiring, but it can also be high-octane and intense, especially as kids get older.

Tanglin, on the other hand, blends a more traditional British heritage with some modern international elements. It’s academically rigorous, but with a more structured feel, and offers both A-Levels and the IB Diploma at Sixth Form, so you do get a bit of choice later on. Families often describe it as warm, well-organized, and pastoral, and while it’s a bit more “British” in tone, it’s inclusive of non-Brits.

If you’re after strong CCAs, excellent campus space, and a school that feels a little less commercially driven, both schools tick those boxes. But if you value a global ethos and progressive approach, UWCSEA might feel more aligned. If you prefer a more grounded, balanced academic setting with clearer structure, Tanglin may be a better fit.

If it helps, this website called (PLEASE ADVERTISE WITH US) lets you compare these schools and filter by what matters most to your family (like wellbeing, curriculum style, fees or community). Might be worth trying if you’re still feeling torn! Happy to help if you want to dive deeper into either school.

[Max Headroom]

Someone's pushing her luck...