Get up to speed with what’s happening at SG’s top international schools with our school news updates!

Sustainability initiatives that raise awareness about green living, stellar examination results and an in-campus co-working space just for parents with busy schedules are just some of the new developments you’ll find in our October school news update. Several schools are also hosting Open House events (with special discounts when you sign up) if you’d like a closer look! Keep scrolling for all the deets.

Read more: Guide to International Schools in Singapore

Overseas Family School (OFS)

News: Celebrating its 30th anniversary + top-tier IB results
Overseas Family School’s (OFS) forward-thinking founders sought to create an inclusive international school that welcomed students of all nationalities, cultures, strengths and talents when it first opened three decades ago. The respectful, nurturing environment here always puts a child’s sense of happiness first, while guiding students’ self-discipline, resilience and independence. Passionate about giving children the chance to succeed, the school’s commitment to providing a learning environment in which students can achieve their potential can most obviously be seen in its open-entry admissions and exam policies. Unlike other schools, OFS does not preselect students for the IB Diploma programme; every student can take the full IB Diploma and choose any subject they wish, even at Higher Level. In fact, in the May 2022 IB exam session, OFS achieved a phenomenal 98% pass rate! An impressive 38% of successful candidates were awarded prestigious IB Bilingual Diplomas. OFS produced six of the approximately 650 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. OFS offers one of the most extensive mother tongue programmes, with 14 different languages on offer – Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German and Hebrew, to Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Norwegian, Russian and Swedish. Since OFS moved to its modern Pasir Ris campus in 2015, it has also built a welcoming sports programme catering to elite athletes and recreational players alike.
Overseas Family School, 81 Pasir Ris Heights, Singapore 519292, Tel: (+65) 6738 0211, www.ofs.edu.sg

Integrated International School (IIS)

News: Free Trial + IEYC, IPC and IMYC supplementary curriculum
Integrated International School is offering a free trial for prospective students prior to enrolment so you and your child can experience their unique learning environment. This inclusive school teaches students the importance of self-belief, confidence, individuality and happiness in success – a practice based on founder Dr. Vanessa von Auer’s trademarked approach, The Von Auer Collaborative Teaching Approach. IIS has also introduced the IEYC, IPC, and IMYC as a supplementary curriculum that complements their existing programme, which is specialised and tailored for students. You can expect both mainstream and supported learning here, supported by on-campus services such as experienced behavioural therapists, counsellors, psychologists, occupational therapists as well as speech and language pathologists. The team at IIS works closely with parents to create an Individualised Education Plan (IEP) for students, and children are taught and guided by highly trained teachers who know how to identify when your child may need additional support. IIS has an array of purpose-built facilities such as a multi-sensory Ocean Snoezelen Room, occupational therapy jungle gym as well as private suites for counselling, speech and naturalistic applied behavioural analysis (NABA) therapy sessions.
Integrated International School, 41 Sunset Way, #01-01, Singapore 597071, Tel: (+65) 6466 4475, www.iis.edu.sg

The Grange Institution (TGI)

News: Eco-garden with urban farming + Open House on 14 October 2022, 3 – 4pm
Conceptualised as a unique, family-oriented school, The Grange Institution (TGI) provides a dynamic, creative environment that develops respectful, responsible and innovative members of society. TGI’s curriculum offerings include the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and the Cambridge International Curriculum – complemented by specialist subjects such as Personal, Social & Physical Education (PSPE), Music, Art and Technology, to achieve their Cre8tors-in-Action© learning outcomes. Being one of the few affordably-priced schools that have all specialist programmes included within the curriculum, the school also provides specially curated enrichment activities that cover a range of physical activities, nature-inspired programmes, performance classes and immersive experiences. Additionally, students can also participate in the Green Granger initiative, which gives them opportunities to work in various parts of the eco-garden and farm. At the school’s eco-garden, teachers conduct outdoor Science lessons and students take part in urban farming, which helps hone a strong awareness of sustainability and global issues. TGI has also embarked on a phased design and development of its 1.5-acre backfield into a ‘Learning Forest’ that will eventually include structures such as learning pods and rope bridges. It will also further extend its environmental efforts alongside NPark’s OneMillionTrees movement. Experience TGI for yourself at its upcoming Open House on 14 October 2022 from 3pm to 4pm – you’ll get to explore the campus and speak to educators about their unique teaching approach.
The Grange Institution, 449 Yio Chu Kang, Singapore 805946, Tel: (+65) 6817 3630, www.thegrange.edu.sg

Astor International School

News: Razum International School rebrands as Astor International School
Formerly known as Razum International School, this institute is now known as Astor International School and provides a hands-on, inquiry-based approach to learning for children aged 5 to 12 years old. Astor aims to provide quality, affordable education in a nurturing environment that develops life-long learners with a passion for knowledge. Astor offers a curriculum that’s based on the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), British English and Singapore Math, and concentrates its core curriculum into a four-hour period, so you can customise the rest of the day to suit your family’s needs. This single-stream primary school has a maximum of 18 students per class – this low student-teacher ratio allows your child to receive personalised education and for lessons to be adjusted to suit each child’s needs. There are two fee options: Flexi fees ($14,900 a year) allow families to make their own timetable and choose extracurricular activities on certain days or not at all, while the fixed fees option ($18,500 a year) allows students to stay until 3pm daily. A wide choice of daily extracurricular activities in areas like art, music, drama, sports, foreign languages and many more are included in the fee too.

When booking a school tour, use promo code Sassymama to get a full admission fee waiver (savings of $1700) when you sign up for the 2022/23 academic year. Valid until 30 November 2022.

Astor International School, 1 Kay Siang Road, #05-01/02, Singapore 248922, Tel: (+65) 6974 5700, www.astor.edu.sg

Brighton College (Singapore)

News: Expansion of course offerings to include Years 7 and 8
Brighton College (Singapore) has received approval from Singapore’s Committee for Private Education (CPE) to extend its curriculum and course offerings to pupils aged up to 13 years (Years 7 and 8). This allows Brighton to bring its British National curriculum to pupils for longer in their critical growth years, comfortably setting them up for future success.
Brighton College (Singapore), 1 Chuan Lane, Singapore 554299, Tel: (+65) 6505 9790, www.brightoncollege.edu.sg

Canadian International School (CIS)

News: New kindergarten wing opens January 2023
Get excited, because Canadian International School’s (CIS) brand-new, state-of-the-art kindergarten wing is opening its doors in January 2023! This new wing will house a 2,600-sqm Outdoor Discovery Centre (ODC), where children aged 2 to 6 will have plenty of opportunities to engage in hands-on learning beyond the confines of the traditional classroom. Through expertly guided purposeful play, children will learn math concepts in the mud kitchen, examine habitats in an eco-pond, and develop motor skills on fort and bike tracks. There will also be sandpits, art and music gardens, and even a treehouse to stimulate their creativity and curiosity. Designed to support CIS’s inquiry-based approach, other facilities include spacious well-lit learning pods, an instructional kitchen, a junior library, two new swimming pools, a junior competition-sized gymnasium, and much more for all students to enjoy. Want to check out the Lakeside campus for yourself? Sign up for CIS’s upcoming Open House, where you’ll hear from the Head of School and see classes in action!
Canadian International School, Lakeside Campus: 7 Jurong West Street 41, Singapore 649414, Tel: (+65) 6467 1732, www.cis.edu.sg

Dover Court International School (DCIS)

News: 50th-anniversary celebrations, campus expansion + exceptional IB results
Dover Court International School (DCIS) turns 50 this year, and is marking its tenure on the red dot with a series of events that supports its local community! DCIS kicked off its 50th-anniversary celebrations with a parents’ social on 8 October 2022. Other internal celebratory events for staff and students include the creation of a Dover Court Heritage Trail and a Golden Gala fundraiser in March 2023 for one of DCIS’ designated charities. The school will also host an official ribbon-cutting ceremony for its recent campus expansion with guest of honour, Andrew Fitzmaurice, CEO of Nord Anglia Education, on 1 November 2022. The expansion includes a brand new air-conditioned multi-purpose sports hall; an Expressive Arts building devoted to the new music, drama, visual arts, and design technology studios; a dedicated Supportive Education facility; and two new STEAM labs for Primary students. In addition to being nominated for the British Chamber of Commerce UK Impact in Singapore award for its inclusive education programme, DCIS’ IB Diploma students also scored a 100% pass rate. In fact, they received the highest marks across all 81 Nord Anglia Education schools with an average of 39 and three students scoring 44. Learn more about DCIS’ outstanding teaching, comprehensive learning experience and inclusive community for yourself during one of its biweekly group briefings – e-mail [email protected] for details.
Dover Court International School, 301 Dover Road, Singapore 139644, Tel: (+65) 6775 7664, www.dovercourt.edu.sg

GESS – International School

News: BeyondClassrooms internships + new swimming programme
Fancy your child securing an internship at a leading car manufacturer in Singapore? GESS – International School can make that happen with its new BeyondClassrooms programme. Launched at the end of 2021, the programme extends each student’s learning possibilities by bringing about internships, career counselling, industry talks, site visits and more. GESS’ partners include BMW Group Asia, aircraft manufacturer Volocopter, global sustainable technology expert Danfoss, AI-driven fish farming specialist BluCurrent, leading speciality chemicals company Evonik technology and engineering firm TÜV SÜD – more are slated to come onboard. In other exciting news, GESS’ Head of Swimming, Ivan Bunakov, will be launching a new programme for the school’s swim talents. Ivan’s career in Singapore has seen him coaching swimmers to compete and win medals internationally, and the school looks forward to creating new experiences for and bringing the GESS swim team to greater heights. Follow the school on social media for updates, and make a date to visit the school here!
GESS – International School, 2 Dairy Farm Lane, Singapore 677621, Tel: (+65) 6461 0881, www.gess.sg

Global Indian International School (GIIS)

News: Celebrating 20th Anniversary and Excellent Results + Global expansion
As GIIS celebrates the completion of 20 years since its inception in Singapore, it appreciates the hard work and dedication of its students and staff that has resulted in outstanding performances in the 2022 IB Diploma and CBSE Grade 12 exams. With an IBDP school average of 38.6 – surpassing the global average of 31.9 by a significant margin – 10 students scored a perfect 45/45, and an additional 16 students scored a near-perfect 44/45, GIIS is proud to have nurtured its students in the IB Diploma Programme for over a decade. Its CBSE students have also done exceptionally well, with a school average of 85.8% and top scores of 99% and 98.6% in the Commerce and Science streams respectively. GIIS is part of the Global Schools Foundation, a not-for-profit institution with a network of schools across 10 countries, in 35 campuses globally. Students at GIIS get opportunities to collaborate with their peers across various campuses and extend their learning beyond the confines of the classroom. They also participate in international competitions and events like MUN, TED-Ed, coding and robotics workshops, hackathons and sporting tournaments that foster intercultural awareness and global-mindedness.
Global Indian International School,
SMART campus: 27 Punggol Field Walk, Singapore 828649, Tel: (+65) 6914  7100
GIIS East Coast campus: 82 Cheviot Hill, Singapore 459663, Tel: (+65) 6914 7000
singapore.globalindianschool.org

HFSE International School

News: Open House events in October 2022
HFSE (Happy Family School of Excellence), an International School for All (ISA), believes in giving students quality, independent education through a self-developed curriculum that combines Singapore English and Mathematics with syllabi from selected expatriate families’ home countries. Modules on Mother Tongue Languages, Social Studies, Arts, Values Education and Christian Living are integrated into the Primary 1 to 6 and Secondary 1 to 4 courses; supported by a nurturing community of happy teachers, staff and families. Explore HFSE at its upcoming Open Houses, taking place every Saturday throughout October 2022 to get to know its teachers, curriculum and educational approach! Email [email protected] to register.

Use promo code SassyMama to get $50 off enrolment fees until 25 November 2022.

HFSE International School, 231 Mountbatten Road, Level 1 Building C & Level 2 Building D, Mountbatten Center, Singapore 397999, Tel: (+65) 6451 0080, www.hfse.edu.sg

House on the Hill

News: New full-immersion Mandarin programme + Open House events
A family-run infant care and preschool, House on the Hill has launched a new afternoon, elective, full-immersion Mandarin programme for parents who want more dedicated and inclusive Mandarin exposure for their children. The programme blends a range of games, storytelling, cultural immersion and learning materials, all focused on listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, allowing children to learn through solid exposure to historical Chinese culture. As such, children will grow to use the language comfortably and confidently, with a strong foundation to continue building on once they move to primary school. Want to explore House on the Hill for yourself? Book your spot for upcoming Open House events at the Hollandse Club, Mount Sophia and Pasir Panjang campuses to discover what learning with the Montessori method looks like! You’ll get to meet the principal and teachers, try your hand at crafts with your child, play in the school’s cedar wood playground and even enjoy a Mandarin storytelling session. Choose any of these three sessions: 15 October 2022 at Hollandse Club, 5 November 2022 at Mount Sophia or 12 November 2022 at Pasir Panjang.

Get a $535 registration fee waiver when you sign up for any of the Open House events! Terms and conditions apply.

House on the Hill, multiple locations, www.houseonthehill.com.sg/welcome

International Community School (Singapore) (ICS)

News: ICS Carnival + Virtual Open House
The ICS Carnival is finally back after two years and you’re invited! Expect a fun day filled with games, lucky draws, prizes and an international food fare featuring Asian, American and Latin favourites! $20 coupon booklets that include entrance tickets and coupons for food and games can be purchased at the front gate of the school. The ICS Carnival takes place on 15 October 2022 from 10am to 4pm. ICS is also hosting a Virtual Open House that discusses what it means to provide a holistic education for your child. The Open House webinar will explain how students’ formative years in school should be well-rounded experiences, and how choosing a school that balances academics with social-emotional needs, and provides a values-based education in a safe and caring environment is important. Happening on 18 November 2022 from 10:30am to 11:30am, you’ll watch ICS students, teachers, and the parent community in action through a live virtual tour from the comfort of your homes. Click here to register!

Those who join the virtual open house will receive a $500 discount on application fees when they apply to ICS within a month of the event.

International Community School, 27A Jubilee Road, Singapore 128575, Tel: (+65) 6776 7435, www.ics.edu.sg

International French School (IFS)

News: New French baccalaureate Physical Education & Sports programme from September 2022
Following the success and popularity of sports activities within the framework of the sports association, International French School (IFS) has enriched its educational offering by including the French baccalaureate’s Physical Education and Sports option. This new optional course will go beyond the strict field of sports education. In addition to physical education and sport, EPS will integrate other disciplines (sciences, humanities, etc.) by combining practical learning with theoretical content. Open to all students at the Lycée (Seconde, Première, Terminale) with prior knowledge, practice and interest in sports, the programme includes three hours of teaching and learning per week, per level, in addition to the sports hours provided in the core curriculum. It is not limited to sports practice, as the programme also includes sports theory – two hours of training and one hour of theory per week. The EPS option in high school allows students to develop critical thinking skills, a sense of commitment, and self-confidence through sport. Delve into IFS’s unique multilingual education, state-of-the-art facilities and hassle-free transferability options to 522 schools across 138 countries at its upcoming school tours. Click here to pick your preferred school tour option and sign up!
International French School, 3000 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, Singapore 569928, Tel: (+65) 6805 0000, www.ifs.edu.sg

Middleton International School

News: Cambridge A-Level programme at the Tampines campus
Come January 2023, Middleton International School will commence its Cambridge A-Level programme at its Tampines campus. At the end of this two-year programme in Grade 11 and 12, also traditionally called Sixth Form, learners will get a Cambridge A-Level qualification widely recognised and valued by top universities and employers worldwide. The first A-Level batch will sit for their exams in November 2023 and receive their results in January 2024. Students in the A-Level programme will focus on three or four academic subjects, which are studied in depth. For its first run, Middleton offers 10 subjects for learners to choose from. Acquiring good grades in your carefully chosen Cambridge International A Level subjects can result in up to one year of university course credit in countries like the US and Canada. Besides an academically rigorous curriculum, Middleton’s High School programme is also structured to develop wholesome individuals. Learners are expected to take up at least one community service project, which empowers them to use their knowledge and skills to make the world a better place and to develop compassion and social responsibility.
Middleton International School, 2 Tampines Street 92, Singapore 528889, Tel: (+65) 6636 1155, www.middleton.edu.sg

Nexus International School (Singapore)

News: New principal & teachers, first on-campus co-working space, alumni visits + Cardboard F1 Car Project 
Nexus will welcome a new Principal, Lachlan MacKinnon, who has been in education for the last 30 years in the private and public sectors in Australia, Abu Dhabi, the UK, Middle East, Africa and Singapore. He is known for guiding his team toward a shared vision, inspiring people one conversation at a time, and aims to take Nexus to the next level. The school also welcomes a diverse new batch of teachers, each with unique knowledge and best practices of their own. Parents will also find something to cheer about, as Nexus has launched its on-campus co-working space! The Nex2Us co-working space is designed as a one-stop destination that simplifies parents’ schedules, enriches their school experience and provides productivity, inspiration and convenience. In other news, to celebrate the F1 Singapore Grand Prix, Nexus students constructed a full-sized cardboard F1 car designed by butterNmilk (pictured). This crafty STEAM project allowed learners to exude their creativity as they designed liveries and collaborated to paint the full-sized vehicle. The learners used iPads to work on their own designs and learnt about aerodynamics by creating a wind tunnel in their classes. Nexus also recently received a visit from alumni students James and Lavena, high-school sweethearts who met at Nexus and married several years later. They visited the school with their baby boy – a truly meaningful visit, as they are one of Nexus’ first few alumni.
Nexus International School (Singapore), 1 Aljunied Walk, Singapore 387293, Tel: (+65) 6536 6566, www.nexus.edu.sg

One World International School (OWIS)

News: New OWIS Digital Campus* launching in 2023
The OWIS Digital Campus* will open its doors in Punggol come August 2023! The new, purpose-built campus will cater to Early Childhood learners right up to students in Grade 10 – there are plans to include students up to Grade 12 in the future. The OWIS Digital Campus* will follow the lead of other OWIS schools in Singapore, providing learners with kindness-led education and student-centric learning so each student can achieve their highest potential. Technology will shape the campus’ design, with enhanced learning experiences for children. The campus will comprise engaging skills studios for arts and STEM and stunning sports facilities that elevate the school’s focus on whole child development. A 30% nationality cap will also be in place so the campus can welcome a diverse mix of students and grow their awareness of the world’s different cultures. Interested families can register their interest or e-mail [email protected] for more details.
OWIS Digital Campus*, 27 Punggol Field Walk, Singapore 828649, Tel: (+65) 6914 7351, www.owis.org/punggol-digital-campus

*Proposed site for an international school that will open in August 2023 subject to approval from regulatory authorities.

Singapore American School (SAS)

News: Early Years virtual event on 1 December 2022 
When it comes to picking a preschool programme, Singapore’s certainly not short on choices, and it can be stressful to determine if a particular programme will fit your child’s personality and needs. Singapore American School can help shed a little light on the factors you should be considering at its upcoming Early Years virtual event. You’ll find out more about unique, curious, and capable learners, participate in an insightful panel discussion with its principals and teachers, and learn more about the application process for preschool, pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten. The virtual event will cover preschool (3 years); pre-kindergarten (4 years); kindergarten (5 years) and first grade (6 years). There are limited spots available so get started by signing up for SAS’s virtual events. The Early Years virtual event will take place on 1 December 2022 from 9am to 10am.
Singapore American School, 40 Woodlands Street 41, Singapore 738547, Tel: (+65) 6363 3403, www.sas.edu.sg

St. Joseph’s Institution International (SJII)

News: 15th-anniversary, SJI International-Lion City Sailors Elite Development Scholarship & new preschool
On 26 August 2022, the St. Joseph’s Institution International (SJII) community came together to celebrate the school’s 15th anniversary. Attendees included school founders, members of the Board of Governors and Board Committees, students, staff and parents from both the elementary and high school, De La Salle Brothers and Franciscan Missionaries of Mary Sisters, as well as friends and supporters of the school. The guest-of-honour was Mr Teo Chee Hean, Senior Minister of Singapore and Coordinating Minister for National Security. Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law and Member of Parliament of Singapore also graced the occasion as a Distinguished Guest. The programme featured a series of moving videos telling the 15-year story of SJI International, as well as impressive student solo and collaborative performances. Student artworks also proved popular in a silent auction, with proceeds going towards the school’s Scholarships and Bursaries Fund, or Building and Development Fund. The highlight of the evening was the Chairman’s Address by Mr Roy Quek [Chairman of the Board of Governors] announcing several new key initiatives for SJI International, including the launch of the SJI International-Lion City Sailors Elite Development Scholarship Programme, which commences in 2023, and the launch of a new preschool.
St. Joseph’s Institution International, 490 Thomson Road, Singapore 298191, www.sji-international.com.sg

Swiss School Singapore

News: New Primary 6 class for French Stream
This year, Swiss School Singapore completed its French stream with the introduction of a new Primary 6 class. Primary schoolgoers are taught with a Swiss curriculum, available in German and English or French and English. The school promotes Swiss values while embracing an Asian, family-oriented setting where children can play, learn and feel inspired to achieve their full potential. The holistic education here includes a variety of extracurricular activities too. Swiss School Singapore’s preschool offerings are available for tots aged 2 to 4, mostly in English with either German or French lessons. The kindergarten classes run for two years, and students aged 4 have the opportunity to enrol in either the English-speaking preschool class or German- or French-speaking kindergarten.
Swiss School Singapore, 38 Swiss Club Road, Singapore 288140, Tel: (+65) 6468 2117, www.swiss-school.edu.sg/en

Tanglin Trust School

News: Outstanding IB Diploma, (I)GCSE & A-Level results
It’s been another year of exceptional academic achievement at Tanglin Trust School, as students have achieved outstanding results in three examinations – the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, A-Levels and (I)GCSE. 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. For A-Level, Tanglin students achieved a 100% pass rate. 69% of all grades were an A* or A – compared to 36.4% in England and 58% in independent schools in England. In addition, 87% of all grades achieved were in the A* to B range. 50% of students who took the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) achieved an A* and 75% of students who took the EPQ achieved an A* or A. The school’s (I)GSCE results were also stellar, as 68% of Tanglin students achieved A* and 85% were A* to A, more than twice the percentage in England. Other notable (I)GSCE results include: 90% scored A* to B, 98% scored A* to C, 100% of students scored A* to C in English and in English Literature and 100% of students scored A* to C in Mathematics. 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. 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.
Tanglin Trust School, 95 Portsdown Road, Singapore 139299, Tel: (+65) 6778 0771, www.tts.edu.sg