We break down everything you need to know about the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme, what the IB results mean and where to find top IB schools in Singapore

You’ve probably heard your fellow mum friends drop the term “IB” in conversations, but if you’re confused about what it means, then we’ve got you covered. The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an educational programme that fosters creativity and imagination and is one of the most in-demand educational programmes around the world. But what does IB really mean in for your child’s education? We discuss all the reasons that set the IB programme apart from others, its unique benefits, how to know if IB is a good fit for your child and even round up reputable IB schools in Singapore for you.

Keep scrolling for everything there is to know about the IB programme in Singapore!

Jump to:
What is the IB Programme?
What sets IB apart?
What are IB’s unique benefits?
Understanding IB Results
IB Schools in Singapore

       Read more: How my son transitioned from the American school system to the IB MYP

What is the IB Programme?

Founded in 1968, the International Baccalaureate (IB) offers high quality, challenging educational programmes at three different levels in Singapore: the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), for students aged 16 to 19; the IB Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) for students aged 11 to 16; and the IB Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) for students aged 3 to 12. IB is renowned for its high academic standards and for helping to develop truly global, 21st-century citizens. The curriculum places great emphasis on creativity and imagination. Students are encouraged to take a truly global view in every sense: learning is about considering the nature of human thought and developing the skills not just to remember facts, but to analyse one’s own thinking and effort.

---

What sets IB apart?

At the heart of the curriculum are the principles of inquiry, action and reflection. All the while, students develop core skills for thinking, working with others, communicating, self-management and research. So basically, the skills you need not just to succeed in school, but in life!

To that end, the culminating IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) is academically challenging and balanced, with final exams that prepare students for success at university and beyond. Many schools in Singapore pride themselves on their outstanding IB results. Of course, it all starts with the PYP, which focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, not just in the classroom, but in the outside world as well. We all know kiddos ask lots of questions; the IB PYP plays to that strength with its powerful emphasis on inquiry.

Meanwhile, it’s in the Middle Years Programme (MYP) that the IB framework encourages students to become creative, critical and reflective thinkers, with a real emphasis on intellectual challenge. Kids at this stage start making really powerful connections between their studies and real-world subjects, all the while boosting their communication skills, intercultural understanding, and global engagement. In short, IB is a perfect fit for students in a globalist, multi-cultural environment like Singapore! It’s also very transferable if you make an international move, given its truly global reach.

---

What are IB’s unique benefits?

• IB encourages both personal and academic achievement
• In IB programmes, students learn how to learn (hint: it’s not with lots of memorisation!)
• IB programmes encourage students of all ages to consider both local and global contexts
• IB programmes develop multilingual students
• IB programmes are developed independently of government and national systems and incorporate best practices from research across a global community of schools

Finally, IB schools are particularly known for producing inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people. That’s not to say kids in other curricula can’t fit that bill, but there’s real care and emphasis placed on this outcome, to which we say, Bravo!

---

Understanding IB Results

The IB programme involves taking six subjects (three at a higher level and three at a standard level) over two years. Assessment is based on a combination of final examinations and coursework. Each subject is scored from 1-7, and up to 3 additional points may be awarded for TOK (Theory of Knowledge) essays and the Extended Essay. A minimum of 24 points is required to obtain the IB diploma while 45 points is the maximum. The world average IB pass rate is approximately 86.11% and the world average points as of May 2022 is 32. Click here to read more about this year’s IB stats!

---

IB Schools in Singapore

We round up the various international IB schools in Singapore at the early years, primary and secondary levels across Singapore. On the local school front, Anglo Chinese School (ACS) International Singapore, Hwa Chong International School and SJI International all offer the IB Diploma at the secondary level.

Overseas Family School

IB programmes on offer: IB Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) from Grades 6 to 10 + IBDP from Grades 11 to 12.
One of the first schools in Singapore to offer the International Baccalaureate programme, Overseas Family School’s (OFS) highly acclaimed IB programmes are well-established and supported by an experienced faculty. Teachers at this IB school in Singapore are skilled in guiding students through the IB’s unique challenges. Students experience a wide range of stimulating course offerings that help them make practical connections between their education and the outside world. OFS’ IBDP is unique because it’s inclusive, giving each student a chance to succeed. OFS does not preselect candidates into its IB Programmes; instead, the school allows every student to take the full IB Diploma and choose the subjects they wish, even at Higher Level. Remarkably, the school’s inclusive policies have led to increased student achievement and success.

2022 IB results: In the May 2022 IB exam session, OFS achieved a phenomenal 98% pass rate, with results well surpassing world averages despite having a larger cohort of candidates than many international schools. An impressive 37% of successful candidates were awarded prestigious IB Bilingual Diplomas and scored 40 points or more. OFS also produced six of the approximately 651 students globally who were awarded a perfect 45 points – the maximum possible number of points achievable. This is the school’s eighth consecutive year of producing IB perfect scorers.

Overseas Family School, 81 Pasir Ris Heights, Singapore 519292, Tel: (+65) 6738 0211, www.ofs.edu.sg

---

Global Indian International School (GIIS)

IB programmes on offer: IB Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme, IGCSE + IBDP and more.
An IB school in Singapore that caters to students aged between 2.5 and 18 years, your child’s IB journey at Global Indian International School (GIIS) begins with a strong foundational framework of the IB PYP – this sparks curiosity and spurs them to be more inquiry-driven. For secondary school students, GIIS offers the Cambridge curriculum with a wide range of subjects that develops students’ critical thinking and analytical skills and prepares them for the challenges of the IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12. The school employs a unique performance-measuring system called 7S, which tracks and monitors each student’s academic and all-around progress. This enables teachers to roll out a systematic improvement plan for each student. At GIIS, students have access to digital classrooms, collaborative learning spaces, video conferencing, data analytics in sports and more than 40 skill-based studios to help them explore their interests, develop various skills and be better prepared for the challenges of the future. Almost 250 students graduate each year from GIIS and are placed at prestigious universities including the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, Cornell University, Imperial College London, the National University of Singapore and more. GIIS also has moderately-priced school fees – almost 40% lower than some international schools!

2022 IB results: GIIS had a school average of 38.6 – surpassing the global average of 32 by a significant margin. Furthermore, 52% of GIIS’ IBDP cohort obtained scores above 40, with 10 students scoring a perfect 45/45, and an additional 16 students scoring a near-perfect 44/45.

Global Indian International School, Tel: (+65) 6914 7100, singapore.globalindianschool.org
SMART campus: 27 Punggol Field Walk, Singapore 828649
GIIS East Coast campus: 82 Cheviot Hill, Singapore 459663

---

Chatsworth International School

IB programmes on offer: IB Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), IB Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) + IBDP
A diverse and internationally-minded IB school in Singapore, Chatsworth International School caters to students from kindergarten up to Year 13 (Grade 12). Established in 1995, Chatsworth’s community of 50 nationalities is an integral part of the school’s identity; service learning is a big part of holistic education, and the school places a great deal of emphasis on service action through all year levels. The team believes that every child should have an opportunity and encouragement to shine. The learning environment is diverse and nurturing as educators strive to provide an individualised approach that recognises and celebrates every individual. Chatsworth is a non-selective school and its graduates receive a wide range of university offers from all over the world. The school also offers a broad range of languages in its Mother Tongue Language programme.

2022 IB results: The Class of 2022 achieved excellent IB results with an average score of 39 points. The school average is 36 points for 3 consecutive years, from 2019 to 2021 and its pass rate has been 100% through the years.

Chatsworth International School, 72 Bukit Tinggi Road, Singapore 289760, Tel: (+65) 64633201, www.chatsworth.com.sg

---

Canadian International School

IB programmes on offer: IB Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), IB Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) + IBDP
Home to students aged 2 to 18, Canadian International School (CIS) uses a concept-based curriculum that’s drawn from the best global curricula. It promotes in-depth thinking, understanding, and the application of knowledge, and through an inquiry-based approach, students develop essential 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity and communication. In addition to Chinese-English and French-English bilingual programmes that are fully aligned with the IB Primary Years Programme, as well as daily language acquisition classes in French or Chinese (and Spanish in secondary), CIS also uses a STEAM-based approach that integrates science, technology, environmental studies, arts and math, allowing students to make real-world connections between disciplines. This IB school in Singapore also provides students with a wide range of sporting, artistic, leadership and service opportunities – all of which encourage them to find academic balance as they explore new endeavours. Facilities and programmes like Open Minds and the new kindergarten wing’s Outdoor Discovery Centre give students opportunities to investigate topics in real-world contexts.

2022 IB results: With a 99.2% IB pass rate, an average score of 37 and two students attaining a perfect score of 45, CIS graduates go on to leading universities around the world to study various disciplines.

Canadian International School, Tel: (+65) 6734 8088, www.cis.edu.sg
Lakeside campus: 7 Jurong West Street 41, Singapore 649414
Tanjong Katong campus: 371 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 437128

---

Dover Court International School

IB programmes on offer: IBDP
This IB World School in Singapore has established a reputation for outstanding teaching and a nurturing environment that champions inclusivity. Catering to students aged 3 to 18 from more than 60 nationalities, the school offers diverse academic pathways built upon the National Curriculum for England framework – curricula on offer at Dover Court International School include the International Primary Curriculum, IGCSE, International Baccalaureate, ASDAN and the careers-focused BTEC. The IB Diploma Programme offered in Years 12 and 13 supports student learning, exploration and personal development through small class sizes and a healthy student-teacher ratio. The DCIS academic experience is further enriched through curriculum collaborations with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for world-leading STEAM instruction and The Juilliard School for integrated expressive arts that foster creativity and build confidence. Students have access to one-of-a-kind learning activities and experiences with their peers across the other 80 Nord Anglia Education (NAE) schools around the world through its virtual Global Campus and international expeditions.

2022 IB Results: The 2022 cohort earned an average score of 39 and a high score of 44 with a 100% pass rate. DCIS graduates received the highest IB scores across the NAE group.

Dover Court International School, 301 Dover Road, Singapore 139644, Tel: (+65) 6775 7664, www.dovercourt.edu.sg

---

Dulwich College (Singapore)

IB programmes on offer: IBDP for students in Year 12 and 13 + IB Career Related Programme (IBCP)
This fully authorised IB Diploma school in Singapore is known for its academic excellence and is committed to delivering the International Baccalaureate programme as its pre-university qualification. All students at the College develop a personalised pathway that reflects individual choice, ability, and personality. In Senior School, these pathways are enriched by more than 300 CCAs, industry partnerships, leadership opportunities, mentoring programmes and more. The College also offers the IB Career Related Programme (IBCP). Designed for pre-university students aged 16 to 19, this unique programme addresses the needs of students who wish to follow a targeted career pathway and develop professional skills in an academic context. Students have a choice of six career pathways –business and sustainability, engineering, digital technology, performance and production arts, creative practice: art, design and communication, and sports. In 2023, Dulwich will also open a brand new state-of-the-art, seven-storey building to support the unique learning requirements of its IB students.

2022 IB Results: A total of 86 students sat for the full IBDP exams. The College’s IB Diploma students averaged an impressive 38.9, with 48% scoring 40 points or higher and a 100% pass rate. Most importantly, 98% of their graduating students secured their first choice offer for university.

Dulwich College (Singapore), 71 Bukit Batok West Ave 8, Singapore 658966, Tel: (+65) 6890 1000, singapore.dulwich.org

---

GESS – International School

IB programmes on offer: IB Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) + IBDP
Catering to students aged 2 to 18, this not-for-profit IB school in Singapore offers students a choice between the International Baccalaureate and German curricula. Additionally, GESS provides children with a safe environment to grow in, one where teachers and students build trusting relationships from the start. The world-class campus includes impressive facilities such as laboratories, design and technology studios, an Olympic-sized pool and more, alongside more than 90 after-school programmes – these include music, language enrichment, sports, natural sciences and an upcoming new swimming programme. GESS also offers older students access to the BeyondClassrooms programme, where it partners with international and local organisations and companies to provide internships, career counselling, industry talks and more so students can explore a wider spectrum of opportunities.

2022 IB results: Students secured a pass rate of 100% for the second year in a row, with more than 30% of the cohort scoring 40 points or more. The cohort average score was 35.3.

GESS – International School, 2 Dairy Farm Lane, Singapore 677621, Tel: (+65) 6461 0881, www.gess.sg/en

---

Nexus International School (Singapore)

IB Programmes on offer: IB Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) + IBDP
Innovation, open-mindedness and caring for the world and each other are just some of the core components that shape this IB school’s educational approach. Learners receive authentic, technology-rich and transformative learning experiences that connect to and reflect the world around them. Nexus also champions inclusivity, which gives learners from all backgrounds access to international education. Nexus prioritises the holistic well-being of learners as they believe that they achieve their personal bests when they feel safe and supported. This is why Nexus places learners in small tutor groups that prioritise cultivating close relationships and knowing each learner’s individual skills so they receive the right support needed to achieve their goals and develop resilience.

2022 IB Results: Graduates received an average score of 36 points and a top score of 44. 49% of grades achieved were one grade above standardised predictions. Additionally, IBDP graduates also achieved a 100% pass rate, with 56% of grades at 6 or 7 points.

Nexus International School (Singapore), 1 Aljunied Walk, Singapore 387293, Tel: (+65) 6536 6566, www.nexus.edu.sg

---

One World International School (OWIS)

IB programmes on offer: IB Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) for students between 3 to 12 years old + IBDP for pre-university students in Grades 11 and 12.
At the OWIS Nanyang campus, the transdisciplinary nature of the IB PYP Units of Inquiry encourages students to explore various topics across subjects and make connections, versus rote learning. At this IB school in Singapore, the experienced teachers create ample opportunities for collaboration, agency, experiential learning and developing international mindedness and kindness, which are in line with OWIS’ values. The IBDP for Grades 11 and 12 promotes independent inquiry, open-mindedness, self-management skills and a global outlook, all of which serve students well as they prepare for university life. Under the guidance of excellent, IB-trained educators, IBDP students flourish at OWIS, both in terms of academics and their socio-emotional well-being. The expansive spaces at the international school include dedicated outdoor areas for sports, well-equipped science labs, and spacious music and art rooms, which make the environment conducive for meaningful learning.

2022 IB results: The second IBDP cohort of the school had a 90% pass rate and secured an average score of 34 points. Students were offered places in universities of their choice across the world.

One World International School, Nanyang Campus, 21 Jurong West Street 81, Singapore 649075, Tel: (+65) 6914 6700, www.owis.org

---

Stamford American International School Singapore

IB programmes on offer: IB Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), IB Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) + IBDP
As an IB World School, Stamford American International Singapore offers holistic education for students from 2 months to 18 years of age. It is the first and only school in Singapore to offer Advanced Placement (AP), IBDP and Business and Technical Education Council (BTEC) Diploma curricula, together with a US-accredited High School Diploma. Home to more than 75 nationalities, this uniquely inclusive IB school in Singapore offers multiple, personalised graduation pathways. Every student is guided towards a successful academic outcome, which is individually right for them. The Class of 2022 scores proved that Stamford American students are considerably outpacing their global counterparts. This is a powerful testament to their belief in the ability of each student – and the support provided by Stamford American helped ensure that each achieved success.

2022 IB results: 98 percent of the school’s 63 students passed the exam, with an average total score of 35.2. 12 students scored a 40 or above and two students scored a 44. The maximum score on the test is 45. The average subject area score was 5.6 – well above the global average – and more than half of Stamford American students scored 6 or higher on a scale of 1 to 7.

Stamford American International School, 1 Woodleigh Lane (Off Upper Serangoon Road), Singapore 357684, Tel: (+65) 6653 2949, www.sais.edu.sg

---

St. Joseph’s Institution International

IB programmes on offer: IBDP for Grades 11 and 12
St. Joseph’s Institution International aims to develop internationally minded, independent and curious lifelong learners. That’s why this IB school in Singapore emphasises active learning – engaging students through discussions, problem-solving, case studies, presentations, role-play activities and more. These activities immerse students in deep rather than surface learning, enabling students to apply and transfer their knowledge better. Values and character education are achieved through a holistic approach to learning, including sports, outdoor learning, creativity and ‘service’ activities. By providing opportunities for students to engage meaningfully with the community, they deepen their understanding of local issues, connect to global issues, and develop the skills needed to make positive contributions to society. The school also has a scholarship programme in place to provide opportunities for suitable students to join its IB Diploma programme.

2022 IB Results: The cohort of 198 students scored an impressive average of 39.3 points. 54.8% of students achieved 40 points or more, while 36% achieved an outstanding 42 to 45 points.

St. Joseph’s Institution International, 490 Thomson Road, Singapore, Singapore 298191, www.sji-international.com.sg

---

Tanglin Trust School

IB programmes on offer: IBDP
A vibrant not-for-profit school with a 2,800-strong student body, Tanglin Trust School offers a unique learning environment for children from Nursery to Sixth Form. It’s the only school that offers a dual learning pathway with the A-Levels and IB Diploma in Sixth Form, and all students in this year study a programme that is tailored to them. Tanglin Trust School has also been featured in the Spear’s School Index 2022 – the index discusses the top 100 best private schools in the world – as one of the top 100 schools globally and as one of the top 15 international schools in China and Southeast Asia. Additionally, seven Tanglin students from the Class of 2022 have been accepted into Oxford University and Cambridge University, two of the world’s top universities.

2022 IB results: This year’s IB Diploma cohort achieved the school’s highest-ever average diploma score of 41.4 points – more than 9.4 points above the world average and 3.9 points higher than the Singapore average this year. 100% achieved 35 points or more, while three students achieved 45 points and 11 students achieved 44 points.

Tanglin Trust School, 95 Portsdown Road, Singapore 139299, Tel: (+65) 6778 0771, www.tts.edu.sg

---

Westbourne College Singapore

Westbourne College Singapore is an IB-Only, co-educational senior school (sixth form) founded by one of the top ranking UK/AUS IB school groups in the world. The school is currently running an IB DP preparatory course starting in April 2023, with the first intake of IB students joining in August 2023. UK and AUS have a top 1% global IB results record and a 90% entry to Russell Group universities. Westbourne College Sydney is the first in Australia for IB results, and they’re known for a future-focused STEM and business-centric curriculum. The college has close ties with UK and AUS schools and universities and INSEAD global business school. Westbourne College Singapore’s IB course is designed to prepare students for life beyond education with tangible and practical skills.
Westbourne College Singapore, 491 River Valley Road, #16/03 Singapore 248371, www.westbournecollege.com.sg

---

XCL World Academy

IB Programmes on offer: IB Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), IB Middle Years Programme (IB MYP), IBDP + IB career-related programme
Offering a rigorous yet balanced education to students aged 2 to 18 from more than 50 different nationalities, XCL World Academy believes in future-proofing your child by equipping them with the right skills to handle the requirements of the future. Students embark on a self-directed learning journey through XWA’s world-class curriculum and with the guidance of highly experienced teachers who are focused on shaping students to become leaders, changemakers and innovators. At this IB school in Singapore, students are given personalised learning plans and are exposed to a continuum of IB programmes. The teaching staff comprises more than 20 nationalities, and each educator brings their global expertise to the table, successfully empowering students so they can reach their goals.

2022 IB results: XWA’s IB Diploma scores and results place students comfortably above the international benchmark. For the second year running, students at this IB school in Singapore have achieved an admirable 100% IB Diploma pass rate and a perfect score of 45.

XCL World Academy, 2 Yishun Street 42, Singapore 768039, Tel: (+65) 6230 4230, www.xwa.edu.sg

---

Other schools in Singapore that offer the International Baccalaureate curriculum include:

– Anglo Chinese School (ACS) International Singapore
– Australian International School
– EtonHouse International School
– Hillside World Academy
– Hwa Chong International School
– ISS International School Singapore
– North London Collegiate School (Singapore)
– Odyssey Wilkinson
– UWCSEA

For more info, you can also visit the International Baccalaureate Office in Singapore; check out their website for lots of handy resources!

---

Swipe for more Singapore international school news & guides!