Best British Curriculum schools in Singapore

British schools in Singapore offer a unique blend of educational excellence, cultural diversity and global perspectives. As a former British colony, Singapore has maintained strong ties with the United Kingdom, and has a sizeable British expat community who are inclined to send their children to British schools. British schools in Singapore cater to both expatriate and local families seeking a high-quality international education that follows the British curriculum.

British curriculum in Singapore

One of the most prominent features of British schools in Singapore is their commitment to academic rigour. They typically follow the English National Curriculum, including the Cambridge IGCSE and A-Levels. The curriculum provides a structured framework for learning across various subjects and is renowned for its depth and breadth. This ensures that students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for further studies or careers anywhere in the world. 

From Early Years through to A-Levels, students are challenged to think critically, solve problems, and develop essential skills for success in the 21st century.

Beyond academics at British schools in Singapore

In addition to academic excellence, British schools in Singapore emphasise holistic development. They recognise the importance of nurturing students' talents, interests and character alongside their academic pursuits. Extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, music and community service are integral parts of the school experience. Students have ample opportunities to explore their passions, build leadership skills and cultivate lifelong friendships through these activities.

British schools in Singapore also prioritise cultural diversity and global awareness. With students from various nationalities and backgrounds, these schools create multicultural learning environments that celebrate differences and promote intercultural understanding. Through international-mindedness initiatives, students learn to appreciate diverse perspectives, develop empathy and become responsible global citizens. This multiculturalism enriches the educational experience and prepares students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

Another hallmark of British schools in Singapore is their focus on individualised learning and support. Class sizes are typically smaller, allowing teachers to provide personalised attention and tailor instruction to meet students' needs. Whether a student requires additional academic support or seeks opportunities for advanced study, the school is equipped to cater to diverse learning styles and abilities. This personalised approach fosters student growth, confidence, and academic achievement.

Accreditation of British schools in Singapore

British schools in Singapore maintain high standards of teaching and learning through rigorous accreditation and quality assurance processes. Many of these schools are accredited by reputable organisations such as the Council of International Schools (CIS) or the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). These accreditations ensure that schools adhere to international benchmarks of excellence in education, undergo regular evaluations, and continuously strive for improvement.

Why do parents choose British schools in Singapore?

Parents who choose British schools in Singapore for their children often cite the excellent academic reputation, diverse community, and global outlook as compelling reasons for their decision. They value the emphasis on holistic development, individualised attention, and preparation for an increasingly globalised world. Additionally, the strong sense of community within these schools fosters collaboration, mutual respect, and a supportive learning environment for students to thrive.

Whether for expatriate families or local residents seeking an international education, British schools in Singapore provide a rich and rewarding educational experience that prepares students for success in the global arena.

Here is a list of recommended British Schools in Singapore.

British schools in Singapore

Integrated International School

Nestled in the west of Singapore, Integrated International School (IIS) provides its students with the personalised attention and support they need while challenging them academically with an Australian-based curriculum. The school offers both a Mainstream and Support approach in an inclusive setting from Early Years to Grade 13, following the British curriculum.

IIS has tiny class sizes (around 10 students per class) and an enviable teacher-to-student ratio, putting IIS among the top international schools in Singapore. Students are encouraged to think outside the box, believe in themselves, take risks and enjoy themselves. Read more

Gender: Co-educational   
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-Levels)   
Ages: 1.5 to 17

Chatsworth International School

Chatsworth International School is a diverse and internationally-minded school that caters to students from Kindergarten through Year 13 (Grade 12). Established in 1995, the Chatsworth mission to inspire, educate and enlighten forms the core pillars and education philosophy. From academics to arts to sports to service learning, the school offers a truly international education in Singapore across all three IB programmes. The school boasts large student numbers from various nationalities, including British, American, Indian, Japanese, Australian and French.

Sitting atop Singapore’s only tropical rainforest at Bukit Timah, the campus offers a serene yet vibrant environment with inspiring views. The campus, which is equipped with wide-ranging facilities that meet all students’ learning needs and interests, is just a 10-minute drive from the heart of the city. Read more

Gender: Co-educational   
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate   
Ages: 3 to 18

Nexus International School Singapore

Nexus International School Singapore opened its doors in 2007 and now has a capacity of 1,470 students. The excellent co-curricular programmes, field trips throughout the year, and the school’s international student exchange programme enhance the atmosphere of mutual cultural respect.

Students in Years 10 and 11 follow the University of Cambridge curriculum leading to the Cambridge IGCSE examinations. In Years 12 and 13, they prepare for the IB Diploma examinations. The school is in central Singapore, easily accessible from most areas. Read more

Gender: Co-educational   
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate and British (Cambridge IGCSE)   
Ages: 3 to 18

One World International School

One World International School (OWIS) offers high-quality international education in a nurturing multicultural environment in Singapore at a moderate fee point. There is a diverse range of nationalities represented in the school, which aims to promote an understanding of different perspectives, cultures and global awareness.

With modern and well-equipped campuses in Nanyang and Suntec, OWIS provides a stellar quality of education in a fantastic environment. The school is one of the fastest-growing international schools in Singapore; it now has more than 1,500 students, offering a wide range of subjects and extracurricular opportunities. Read more

Gender: Co-educational   
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate and British (Cambridge IGCSE)   
Ages: 3 to 18

St Joseph’s Institution International

A diverse school with more than 2,000 students of over 40 different nationalities, St Joseph’s Institution International has a strong Lasallian Catholic background. This international school welcomes children from Christian families and those of other faiths. Thanks to its exceptional academic programme and high-quality pastoral care, St Joseph’s is among Singapore’s best international schools. Read more

Gender: Co-educational   
Curriculum: International Primary Curriculum, British (Cambridge IGCSE) and International Baccalaureate   
Ages: 5 to 18

Tanglin Trust School

Considered one of the best international schools in the world, Tanglin opened in 1925 and has a student body of over 2,800. Assessed by the British Schools Overseas (BSO) framework, all three schools (Infant, Junior and Senior) have been awarded ‘outstanding’, the highest grade possible.

TTS is the only school in Singapore to offer both A-Levels and IB in Sixth Form. All the school’s Sixth Formers study a programme tailored to the subjects they are passionate about and the learning style that most suits them, ensuring they thrive and flourish. Read more

Gender: Co-educational   
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate and British (English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels)   
Ages: 3 to 18

United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA)

UWCSEA is a favourite with expat parents for its stellar reputation, top academic, sporting and community involvement standards and excellent facilities. Students study the IGCSE syllabus in Grades 9 and 10 and the IB Diploma in Grades 11 and 12.

The school has two campuses, with around 3,000 students at the Dover Campus and 2,500 at the East Campus. There are more than 300 boarders. The school is represented by over 200 sporting teams and has an extensive extracurricular programme including a variety of sports, arts and cultural activities. Read more

Gender: Co-educational   
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate and British (Cambridge IGCSE)   
Ages: 4 to 18