How to Find a School in Singapore
📚 Types of Schools in Singapore
1. Government and Government-Aided Schools
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Run by the Ministry of Education (MOE)
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Follow the national curriculum
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Affordable fees (S$13–S$800/month depending on citizenship status)
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Admission via Primary 1 Registration Exercise or Secondary School Posting Exercise
2. Autonomous & Independent Schools
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More flexibility in curriculum or school-based programs (e.g., sports, arts, innovation)
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Still under MOE but may have higher fees and niche admission paths (e.g., DSA)
3. International Schools
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Cater to expats and offer global curricula (e.g., IB, British, American, Australian, French)
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Examples: United World College, Tanglin Trust, Dover Court, Dulwich College
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Fees typically range from S$20,000 to S$45,000/year
4. Private Schools
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Includes international curriculum providers, private local institutions, or special education needs schools
🧭 Steps to Find the Right School
✅ Step 1: Understand Your Child’s Needs
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Age, learning style, language proficiency
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Curriculum preference: local vs. international
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Extra-curricular interests or special education needs
✅ Step 2: Research Shortlisted Schools
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Visit official websites or compare schools at MOE SchoolFinder
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Read reviews on expat forums (e.g., ExpatLiving, KiasuParents)
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Consider distance from your home (school bus services add costs)
✅ Step 3: Check Admission Criteria
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For local schools: Primary 1 Registration or DSA-Sec
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For international schools: Application forms, interviews, placement tests
✅ Step 4: Plan School Visits
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Attend open houses
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Tour the campus, speak to teachers and observe the environment
✅ Step 5: Submit Application Early
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Popular international schools have long waitlists
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For MOE schools, expat children will need a Student Pass (if not PR)
📆 Key Admission Timelines
| Level | Local School Intake | International School Intake |
|---|---|---|
| Primary 1 | Jul–Aug (MOE P1 Registration) | Varies by school (Rolling or Term-based) |
| Secondary | DSA-Sec (May–Jun), Posting (Nov–Dec) | Year-round or Term-based |
| Pre-school | Anytime (open enrollment) | Anytime (open enrollment) |
💡 Tips for Success
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Start Early: Begin school search 6–12 months before moving.
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Be Flexible: Some schools may not have immediate availability.
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Consider MOE-Foreign System School (FSS): A blend of local and global education.
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Get Help: Consider relocation agents or school placement services for guidance.
🧾 Summary Table
| Type of School | Curriculum | Monthly Fees | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOE Schools | Singapore National | S$13–S$800 | PRs and locals |
| Autonomous | MOE + programs | S$300–S$1,000 | Local with enrichment |
| International | IB, UK, US, AU | S$1,800–S$4,500 | Expats |
| Private | Mixed | Varies | Special needs, niche programs |
Final Thoughts
Finding the right school in Singapore requires time, research, and clarity about your child’s needs. Whether you go local or international, Singapore offers a wide variety of high-quality educational paths. Prioritize your child’s long-term academic and personal development, and you'll likely find a school that fits just right.