International Schools in Singapore

[jwspill]

Hi I'm moving to Singapore this summer, and I know there are a lot of schools that offer IB Diploma. I know that UWC has an incredibly long waiting list so it'll be difficult to get in, especially applying so late. I would like to know which schools have a good reputation for IB Diploma, that also holds a largely British population in the school.

I've heard the Overseas Family School is quite popular so any details on that, but I'm also keen to hear what Chatsworth International School is like, and International School Singapore; as well as any other highly recommended schools.

[Matney]

You say you want to stick with your fellow Brits, Tanglin is the only one that comes to mind. If you are in fact a British citizen, you'll get in over other nationalities. Our Ozzie friend waited almost 2 years before both of his children were admitted.

[Thaiclan]

Eton House Broadrick Rd offers the IB curriculum. I know a couple of the teachers there and they are extremely passionate about what they do.
Our daughter was on the waiting list for Tanglin and we were told it made no difference that she had a British passport - unlike the American school where US passports are served first.

[ScoobyDoes]

Our daughter was on the waiting list for Tanglin and we were told it made no difference that she had a British passport - unlike the American school where US passports are served first.

Personally that's plain wrong...... i mean the attitude of the school, not your information. Brits applying for a Brit school should be higher up the waitlist.

[skye]

Eton is a primary school, so no use for the IB diploma. Tanglin is majority british, but does A levels, not IB, although they are looking at IB for some time in the future. Best known is probably UWC, which is somewhat selective, then you've got OFS, ISS, Chatsworth who are established IB diploma schools. New to offer IB from this coming year are German European School and Emaar International School, so no track record yet but they all had to start somewhere. I doubt any of them will have a majority of Brits as they are all very international. Have I missed any? Oh, Canadian International also offers IB diploma. Again, won't have majority brits. But don't let that put you off - it's one of the advantages of moving overseas for our children to mix around with children from all over. Contact the schools direct and ask about places and their track record on results, both for IB diploma and IB certificate - not all children do the full diploma. Also check if all kids on the course sat for the exams, not just those expected to do well. Some in the IB schools will graduate with an american style High School Diploma rather than sitting IB, even though they follow a similar course. If you want a more british style education it will have to be Tanglin and A levels.

[Matney]

Our daughter was on the waiting list for Tanglin and we were told it made no difference that she had a British passport - unlike the American school where US passports are served first.

None of my business but you say your "daughter was on the waiting list". So she is attending Tanglin or you chose a different school?

I guess, I'd get that in writing about it making no difference, unless they have very recently changed their tactic.

[sillingw]

Canadian International School runs IB Diploma,

http://www.cis.edu.sg/home/home.htm

My son just got accepted and starts in August. I also know that they have a buy in scheme (You can buy a place at the top of the list) so if you are on an expat package and can get the company to pay, there is a route in - personally, I hate this, but am starting to accept it as a fact of life.

[Thaiclan]

Yes my daughter WAS on the list at Tanglin and also the Australian school. Australian school came up with a place first so we shifted her there. Even though she is a Brit our next move will be to Australia so entering the curriculum now is probably beneficial.
As for getting the remark in writing it wasnt enough of an issue for me to do so, I accepted their reasoning at the time and still do. Maybe it is different for older kids already following the British curriculum but my daughter was Year 1 at the time.

[Matney]

Yes my daughter WAS on the list at Tanglin and also the Australian school. Australian school came up with a place first so we shifted her there. Even though she is a Brit our next move will be to Australia so entering the curriculum now is probably beneficial.

ASS follows New South Wales curriculum, so your thinking will work, providing you'll be moving to Sydney or country NSW. It varies from Queensland and Victoria and she could be placed with a different age group.