Introduction
Singapore offers diverse schooling options to accommodate its multicultural population. In this newsletter, we explore the only three local international schools in Singapore—St. Joseph’s Institution International (SJII), Hwa Chong International School (HCIS), and Anglo-Chinese School (ACS) International—to aid parents in making informed educational choices for their children.
In 2005, the Ministry of Education (MOE) allowed the establishment of Privately Funded Schools, also known as local international schools. These schools do not receive government funding and are not governed by the MOE, allowing them to enrol Singaporean students without requiring an exemption from the MOE. These three local international schools must adhere to the Singapore Bilingual Policy, which mandates that all Singaporean and Permanent Resident students study a Mother Tongue Language. The official mother tongue languages are Chinese, Malay, and Tamil. Local international schools are required to have Singapore citizens as 50% to 65% of their student body. While school fees for local international schools (SGD $26,000 to $45,000) are significantly higher than local government schools (SGD $10,000 to $21,000), they are comparable to private international schools (SGD $25,000 to $52,000).
The three local international schools offers the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and International Baccalaureate (IB), ensuring a well-rounded and globally recognised education. The academic year for all three local international schools begins in January and concludes in November.
St. Joseph’s Institution International
St. Joseph’s Institution International (SJII) High School opened in 2007, followed by the establishment of SJII Elementary School in 2008, and SJII Preschool in February 2024. As a Catholic school, SJII is grounded in
the Lasallian tradition, emphasising faith, service, and community. The school is dedicated to nurturing young minds in a supportive and inclusive environment.
SJII stands out as the only local international school in Singapore offering a comprehensive education programme from preschool through high school. The elementary and high school campuses are located on Thomson Road, while the preschool operates from a different campus on Holland Road.
SJII provides a continuous educational journey from elementary through high school. Applicants have the option to apply for elementary school admissions up to two years in advance and high school admissions up to ten months in advance. Preschool application is a separate process. While admission to elementary school is not guaranteed for preschool students, they receive priority consideration. The elementary school accepts only Permanent Residents (PRs) and international students.
The admission process includes assessments in English, Mathematics, and logical reasoning, as well as an interview. With over 2000 students, the student body encompasses approximately 40 different nationalities. In elementary and high school, class sizes generally range from 22 to 23 students in Prep 1 through Grade 8. For Grades 9 and 10, the average class size is around 21, while in Grades 11 and 12, it is 13. SJII achieved an average score of 36.7 in the 2023 IB examinations. The majority of SJII graduates pursue higher education at universities in Singapore (33%), the UK (28%), and the US (11.5%). SJII offers off-campus boarding for students from Grade 9 onwards. Boarding students will reside at St Andrew’s Hall, a co-educational residence managed by St Andrew’s Junior College, which accommodates up to 600 students. Located a 15-minute drive from SJII, St Andrew’s Hall provides a convenient and supportive living environment for the students.
Anglo-Chinese School International
ACS International, a distinguished member of the ACS (Anglo-Chinese School) network, is a prestigious educational institution in Singapore offering a rigorous international curriculum for students from Grade 7 to Grade 12. Established in 2005, it continues the ACS network’s longstanding tradition of academic excellence and holistic education and is rooted in Christian beliefs and values. The school hosts a diverse student body of approximately 1100 individuals, including both Singaporeans and international students hailing from 30 different countries worldwide. With an average class size of 9 students, the school ensures that each student has the opportunity to discover and cultivate their individual strengths. ACS International offers off-campus boarding at ACS Oldham Hall, conveniently located just a 12-minute drive from the campus.
Prospective students may apply up to one year in advance. After reviewing the applicant’s academic records, the admissions team will schedule an assessment test and interview if the student is deemed suitable. The school evaluates students’ academic capabilities through various assessments, including its own entry examinations in English and Mathematics for all levels, Science (for mainstream Years 3 and 5), a Non-Verbal Reasoning test for all year levels, and an interview conducted by a senior staff member. For applicants based in China, the assessment must be completed before submitting the application. This assessment is typically conducted one to two times per year, usually in the latter half of the year, at a test centre in Beijing, China. The application deadline for the assessment is two weeks before the test date. ACS International achieved an average score of 35.4 in the 2023 IB examinations. The majority of graduates subsequently pursue higher education opportunities at universities in Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Hwa Chong International School
Hwa Chong International School (HCIS) was established in 2005 and is part of the Hwa Chong family of schools. The school is located at Bukit Timah Road in Singapore. The Hwa Chong family of schools in Singapore is a prestigious network of educational institutions known for their academic excellence and holistic education approach. HCIS offers rigorous academic programmes and holistic development for students from Grade 7 to Grade 12. The school enrols approximately 950 students, with an average class size of 20 students, including both Singaporeans and international students from over 20 countries. HCIS is the only international school in Singapore that provides on-campus boarding facilities for its students.
Prospective students may apply up to one year in advance and are required to undergo a comprehensive admission assessment, which typically includes tests in English, Mathematics, and Science, along with an interview. Approximately five to six assessments are conducted each year, with application deadlines set two weeks before the assessment dates. For students based in China, a separate assessment process is required before submitting their application, and this examination takes place at a test centre in Nanjing, China. HCIS achieved an average score of 38.8 in the 2023 IB examinations. Across the years, on average, half of its student population pursued higher education at universities in Singapore, with approximately 23% choosing to study at universities in the UK.
SMTP Consult’s Experience
SMTP Consult is a family office concierge service firm that caters to our client’s needs as they immigrate to Singapore. Our goal is to help our clients with their relocation needs as they settle in Singapore and provide bespoke services based on their specific requirements.
SMTP Consult has assisted numerous clients in developing comprehensive education plans for their children, facilitating successful enrolment in prestigious international schools in Singapore. Our team of education consultants and tutors plays a vital role in guiding students towards achieving their educational aspirations by offering personalised academic planning, school admissions guidance, subject-specific tutoring, and test preparation support. Additionally, SMTP Consult specialises in curating summer programmes for our clients. Our dedicated team collaborates closely with clients and private institutions, ensuring that the unique needs and objectives of each family are effectively addressed and met.
Should you require any assistance or advice, please feel free to contact us to schedule a consultation.