British schools in Singapore are a great choice for both local and expat families as they offer globally recognized curricula, outstanding academics plus a nurturing environment for children. Discover our selection of the best British schools in Singapore, including reviews, fees, and why families choose them.
Why families choose a British school in Singapore?
When it comes to selecting an educational path abroad, many expatriate families in Singapore find themselves drawn to British schools. The allure of such institutions isn't just in their prestigious reputations but in a multifaceted blend of academic excellence, holistic development, and the comfort of a familiar educational structure. This choice often stems from the desire to provide children with a seamless transition, especially for those who might return to the UK or move to other Western countries for further education or professional opportunities.
Academic Excellence and Rigorous Standards
British schools are renowned for their rigorous curriculum that challenges students to think critically and perform at high standards. The curriculum, often based on the GCSE and A-Level or the International Baccalaureate, is designed to provide students with a broad and balanced education that prepares them well for university and beyond. Parents appreciate the strong focus on core subjects such as English, Maths, and the Sciences, which are taught from a global perspective, enhancing their child's competitiveness in the international arena.
Continuity in Education
For British expatriates, in particular, choosing a British school in Singapore provides a sense of continuity from their children’s previous schooling experiences. This continuity extends beyond curriculum to encompass pedagogical styles and cultural norms, making the transition smoother for students and reducing the academic and social adjustment period. This is particularly valuable in minimizing educational disruption amid international relocations.
English as a Primary Medium of Instruction
As the universal language of business and diplomacy, English's dominance in global affairs cannot be understated. British schools in Singapore leverage this by offering English as the primary medium of instruction, thus ensuring that students achieve fluency in the language. This is a critical factor for parents who consider the future career prospects of their children in increasingly globalized markets.
Extracurricular Opportunities and Holistic Development
Beyond academics, British schools excel in providing a well-rounded education through diverse extracurricular activities. From sports to arts and various clubs, these schools offer more than just textbook knowledge. They aim to develop students’ physical, social, and emotional facets, ensuring that they emerge as well-rounded individuals ready to take on the world. Activities such as debates, drama, music, and sports foster teamwork, leadership, and other soft skills crucial in personal and professional life.
Network and Community
Attending a British school in Singapore also plugs families into a vibrant, supportive community of like-minded individuals and families. This network can be a tremendous support system for both parents and students navigating their new lives in Singapore. The community events and associations connected with these schools provide a platform for networking, friendship, and cultural exchange, enriching the expatriate experience.
In conclusion, the choice of a British school in Singapore represents a balanced decision influenced by academic standards, educational continuity, and the holistic development of children. These schools not only prepare students for global challenges but also embed them in a supportive and culturally rich community.
Top rated British schools in Singapore 2025
St. Joseph’s Institution International
Why parents choose this school
Dover Court International School
Why parents choose this school
Nexus International School, Malaysia
Why parents choose this school
British International School, Phuket
Why parents choose this school
St. Joseph’s Institution International
Why parents choose this school
Regents International School Pattaya
Why parents choose this school
Bromsgrove International School Thailand
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Prince of Wales Island International School
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Rugby School Thailand
Why parents choose this school
Epsom College in Malaysia
Why parents choose this school
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Wellington College International School Bangkok
Why parents choose this school
Dover Court International School
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Jerudong International School
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Why parents choose this school
UK Curriculum Online Schools in Singapore
How much do British schools in Singapore cost?
According to World Schools data, the yearly tuition fee for British schools in Singapore ranges between $17800 and $22000. However, the cost varies significantly depending on various factors such as the school curriculum, extracurricular activities, location, and facilities, and can go up to $40500.
The average yearly cost is $20600, around $2100 per month, and can go up to the maximum monthly cost of $4100.
Additionally, most schools will also charge a one-time registration fee, and you also need to count an extra budget during the year for extracurricular trips, holiday camps, etc.
If you would like to explore British schools in Singapore with yearly fee filters, please use our advanced search filters.
Understanding the UK Curriculum
Summary
The decision to enroll children in British schools in Singapore is driven by the desire for academic rigor, continuity in education, and holistic development in a culturally familiar environment. These schools offer a robust curriculum, focus on English proficiency, and provide myriad extracurricular activities, preparing students for global opportunities while supporting them through a vibrant expatriate community.
Parent and Student Reviews of British schools in Singapore
- Both children have been attending Dover Court since they started in Reception at the age of five. It’s a medium-sized international school and that size brings a lot of pluses. Our children are given a lot of individual attention, and encouraged to have self-belief and be ambitious in the classroom and on the sports field. We like the English National Curriculum with an international focus that the primary school offers. In secondary, the students study for the IGCSE, while the school’s Sixth Form teaches the IB Diploma.
Our children could end up living anywhere in the world, so a global element to the curriculum was important to us, including learning languages. As the school is part of the Nord Anglia group of schools, it has a teacher university programme ensuring teachers are up to date with teaching practices. Children also have access to the Global Campus where they can share ideas and experiences with children from other Nord Anglia schools around the world.
We heard about the school through word of mouth. During our visit, we liked the warm welcome from staff, the nurturing environment, and the emphasis on children as individuals. Both children are thriving and are active members of the swim, netball, football, rugby and athletic teams. The school offers an exceptional overseas excursion programme where the emphasis is on helping in the community, team building and environmental issues. The school also invests in new classrooms, great teacher-training programmes, upgraded facilities and an extensive after-school programme. The school has an active parent community that creates fantastic events for families.Written February 25, 2023 - We applied to DCIS over 8 years ago because we wanted a welcoming community atmosphere to suit our son. He was initially accepted into Pathway 3, and when our daughter joined a few years later it was great to have a school that suited both of them. Through the continued support of the excellent teachers our son has now transitioned into the mainstream. However, he benefits from the smaller class sizes at DCIS and from having access to all the specialist staff as and when he needs.
With much needed investment from Nord Anglia Education, the school is now over twice the size of when we first joined. It has however managed to maintain the small, friendly atmosphere that first attracted us, and continues to be a leading example of an inclusive school.Written February 25, 2023 - Our two children, who are in Secondary and Upper Primary, have been students at Dover Court International School for 7 years now. Both girls are extremely happy and they continue to develop through the relevant and inspirational teaching. Originally from the UK, we appreciate the smaller class sizes and the wonderful feeling of community within the school, something that adds to the children’s confidence and security. We have always been very impressed with the teachers, not only are they wonderful role models but they also show the children what it is to have fun whilst illustrating respect and integrity at all times.
The school has grown significantly during our years there, but manage to keep that small school feel that first attracted us. Being part of the Nord Anglia Education family of schools and having various accreditations brings some amazing opportunities. The school regularly receives visits from inspiring speakers, my girls have particularly enjoyed participating in workshops with both Juilliard alumni and world leading athletes. The school has an extensive trip programme, with opportunities spanning from STEAM festivals, music festivals, to debating, maths and big sports events. Both our girls have had the privilege to take part in the FOBISIA games, where they competed against students from other British schools in Asia, a fantastic experience for them.Written February 25, 2023 - Overall, we have been very happy with the school – the friends that our children have made, the parents that we know, the well-balanced and the well-thought-out curriculum, the excellent teaching and the emphasis placed on the character education.Written February 25, 2023
- The teachers are excellent, caring and committed individuals who have the best interests of the children at heart. Through discussions and parent workshop, it’s evident that they aim to foster to foster a love for learning.Written February 25, 2023
- The High School ethics of service to the community, academic excellence and respect for one another are very impressive- and the IB results obtained by the students are truly remarkable.Written February 25, 2023
- I’m glad that my children are going to class with and creating great friendships with Singaporeans, which is important for integration in this country.Written February 25, 2023
- The dedication and commitment of the staff alone are enough to recommend St. Joseph’s!Written February 25, 2023
- The school provides holistic education, focusing not only on academics but also on character education and cultural experience. It has provided our family with a supportive and friendly community.Written February 25, 2023
- Rupert has attended St. Joseph’s Institution International since Prep 1 in January 2016 whilst Harvey commenced Prep 1 in January 2018. We’ve loved the school ever since we joined, and the school has become a significant part of our lives in Singapore.Written February 25, 2023
- Both children have been attending Dover Court since they started in Reception at the age of five. It’s a medium-sized international school and that size brings a lot of pluses. Our children are given a lot of individual attention, and encouraged to have self-belief and be ambitious in the classroom and on the sports field. We like the English National Curriculum with an international focus that the primary school offers. In secondary, the students study for the IGCSE, while the school’s Sixth Form teaches the IB Diploma.
Our children could end up living anywhere in the world, so a global element to the curriculum was important to us, including learning languages. As the school is part of the Nord Anglia group of schools, it has a teacher university programme ensuring teachers are up to date with teaching practices. Children also have access to the Global Campus where they can share ideas and experiences with children from other Nord Anglia schools around the world.
We heard about the school through word of mouth. During our visit, we liked the warm welcome from staff, the nurturing environment, and the emphasis on children as individuals. Both children are thriving and are active members of the swim, netball, football, rugby and athletic teams. The school offers an exceptional overseas excursion programme where the emphasis is on helping in the community, team building and environmental issues. The school also invests in new classrooms, great teacher-training programmes, upgraded facilities and an extensive after-school programme. The school has an active parent community that creates fantastic events for families.Written February 25, 2023 - We applied to DCIS over 8 years ago because we wanted a welcoming community atmosphere to suit our son. He was initially accepted into Pathway 3, and when our daughter joined a few years later it was great to have a school that suited both of them. Through the continued support of the excellent teachers our son has now transitioned into the mainstream. However, he benefits from the smaller class sizes at DCIS and from having access to all the specialist staff as and when he needs.
With much needed investment from Nord Anglia Education, the school is now over twice the size of when we first joined. It has however managed to maintain the small, friendly atmosphere that first attracted us, and continues to be a leading example of an inclusive school.Written February 25, 2023 - Our two children, who are in Secondary and Upper Primary, have been students at Dover Court International School for 7 years now. Both girls are extremely happy and they continue to develop through the relevant and inspirational teaching. Originally from the UK, we appreciate the smaller class sizes and the wonderful feeling of community within the school, something that adds to the children’s confidence and security. We have always been very impressed with the teachers, not only are they wonderful role models but they also show the children what it is to have fun whilst illustrating respect and integrity at all times.
The school has grown significantly during our years there, but manage to keep that small school feel that first attracted us. Being part of the Nord Anglia Education family of schools and having various accreditations brings some amazing opportunities. The school regularly receives visits from inspiring speakers, my girls have particularly enjoyed participating in workshops with both Juilliard alumni and world leading athletes. The school has an extensive trip programme, with opportunities spanning from STEAM festivals, music festivals, to debating, maths and big sports events. Both our girls have had the privilege to take part in the FOBISIA games, where they competed against students from other British schools in Asia, a fantastic experience for them.Written February 25, 2023 - Overall, we have been very happy with the school – the friends that our children have made, the parents that we know, the well-balanced and the well-thought-out curriculum, the excellent teaching and the emphasis placed on the character education.Written February 25, 2023
- The teachers are excellent, caring and committed individuals who have the best interests of the children at heart. Through discussions and parent workshop, it’s evident that they aim to foster to foster a love for learning.Written February 25, 2023
- The High School ethics of service to the community, academic excellence and respect for one another are very impressive- and the IB results obtained by the students are truly remarkable.Written February 25, 2023
- I’m glad that my children are going to class with and creating great friendships with Singaporeans, which is important for integration in this country.Written February 25, 2023
- The dedication and commitment of the staff alone are enough to recommend St. Joseph’s!Written February 25, 2023
- The school provides holistic education, focusing not only on academics but also on character education and cultural experience. It has provided our family with a supportive and friendly community.Written February 25, 2023
- Rupert has attended St. Joseph’s Institution International since Prep 1 in January 2016 whilst Harvey commenced Prep 1 in January 2018. We’ve loved the school ever since we joined, and the school has become a significant part of our lives in Singapore.Written February 25, 2023