Best British 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 that is inclined to send their children to British schools. British schools in Singapore cater to both expat 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 expat 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

Chatsworth International School

Chatsworth International School is a multicultural, globally focused institution serving students from Kindergarten through Year 13. Since 1995, its mission to inspire, educate, and enlighten has guided the school’s philosophy and curriculum. Offering all three IB programmes, Chatsworth provides an inclusive education that spans academics, arts, sports, and community service. The student body is large and diverse, with many students from British, American, Indian, Japanese, Australian, and French families.

Located near Bukit Timah and Singapore’s tropical rainforest, the campus combines a peaceful atmosphere with stunning views. Well-appointed with extensive facilities to support a wide range of learning interests, the school is conveniently located only a short 10-minute drive from the city centre. Read more

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

One World International School

One World International School (OWIS) focuses on creating a nurturing, multicultural environment to provide a high-quality international education at a moderate price point. Students of various nationalities are represented, underlining the school’s ambition to promote global awareness and an understanding of different perspectives and cultures.

With facilities spanning three state-of-the-art campuses in Nanyang, Punggol, and Newton, OWIS provides an exceptional quality of education and a modern learning environment to its more than 1,500 students. The school is one of Singapore’s fastest-growing international schools and offers a wide range of subjects and extracurricular activities. Read more

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

St Joseph’s Institution International

St Joseph’s Institution International has a strong Lasallian Catholic background and caters to all the needs of its 2,000 students from 40 different countries. Both children from Christian families and those of other faiths are welcomed by the school. St Joseph’s ranks among Singapore’s best international schools, thanks to its excellent curriculum and high-quality pastoral care. Read more

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

Tanglin Trust School

Tanglin, often rated as one of the best international schools in the world, has been in operation since 1925 and boasts a current student body of over 2,800. All three schools (Infant, Junior, and Senior) have been assessed by the British Schools Overseas (BSO) framework and awarded ‘outstanding’, the highest grade possible.

TTS offers both A-Levels and the IB Diploma in Sixth Form. Programmes are tailored to Sixth Formers individually, revolving around their preferred subjects and learning styles. Read more

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

The Perse School (Singapore)

The Perse School (Singapore) combines a 400-year-old history with the modern Cambridge IGCSE curriculum to achieve academic excellence. As a leading British school, it aims to create a love of learning and help grow its multicultural and vibrant students into kind and curious members of the global society.

The school relies on specialised teaching in language, entrepreneurship, robotics, and coding to establish a balance of breadth and depth, thereby enabling students to pursue tertiary education at high-quality universities in Singapore and beyond. Sports and visual and performing arts play an essential role, complementing the school’s exceptional academic programme to provide students with a curious and creative mindset and practical, real-world skills. Read more

Gender: Co-educational 
Curriculum: British (Cambridge International Curriculum, including IGCSE and A-Levels) 
Ages: 2 to 18 years

United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA)

UWCSEA has a stellar reputation, top academic, sporting, and community involvement standards, and excellent facilities, making it a favourite with expat parents. Students study the Cambridge IGCSE in Grades 9 and 10 and the IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12.

The school’s student population is spread over two campuses, with around 3,000 students at the Dover Campus and 2,500 at the East Campus. More than 300 boarders are well accommodated. Over 200 sporting teams represent the school, which has a broad extracurricular programme that includes various sports, arts, and cultural activities. Read more

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