How to Apply to UK Universities with Your IB Score: A Guide for Students in Singapore
Read now
Chat with us
Discovering IB Schools in Singapore: A Guide to the IB Programme
04/05/2023•13 minute read
Singapore is home to many IB schools that offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme. The IB Programme is a rigorous and globally recognised educational programme that began in Geneva, Switzerland in 1968. It aims to develop well-rounded individuals who are equipped with the essential knowledge, skills and traits for success in higher education and life in an ever-evolving world.
Crimson Education understands that choosing the right school is a significant decision, and we are here to assist you every step of the way. With a range of IB schools in Singapore to choose from, we aim to give you an insight into what each school has to offer, so you can find the perfect fit for you or your child.
IB vs A Levels in Singapore: Which One Should You Choose?
If you are deciding between the two, let’s compare the IB programme and GCE A-levels in Singapore.
IB vs A Levels
| International Baccalaureate (IB) programme | GCE A-levels | |
|---|---|---|
| Approach to Education | Holistic | Specialised |
| Curriculum | Broad-based, including academic subjects, community service, sports and the arts | Mastery of specific subjects in depth, typically related to the intended area of study in university |
| Assessment | Combination of coursework and exams | Primarily exam-based, requiring a high level of memorisation and application of knowledge |
| Duration | Two years (DP), Three years (PYP & MYP) | Two years |
IB Programme vs A Levels in Singapore
Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on the student's goals and learning style. Some students may prefer the more holistic approach of the IB programme, while others may thrive in the more focused and exam-oriented environment of the A-levels.
Top 12 IB schools in Singapore
1. Anglo-Chinese School Independent (ACSI)
Anglo-Chinese School Independent (ACSI) provides the Integrated Programme (IP) which spans six years, and students enrolled in the IP are exempted from taking the Singapore-Cambridge GCE 'O' Level Examination, with the exception of the Mother Tongue subject. Students may join the IP in either Year 1 or Year 3, and upon completion, proceed to undertake the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) during their fifth and sixth years.
Students who are interested in pursuing the IBDP will have a wide range of subjects to choose from. The school offers six different subject groups, including language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics and the arts — apart from the core elements of the programme
2. Canadian International School (CIS)
Canadian International School (CIS) is an acclaimed IB school in Singapore that offers a comprehensive education programme from nursery to grade 12. It follows the IB programme, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP).
Its student body represents 70 different nationalities — like a melting pot of cultures, making it a truly exciting and inclusive place. Students will have the opportunity to meet people from all over the world and make lifelong friendships, while broadening their horizons and developing a global mindset.
Furthermore, CIS has an experienced team of dedicated teachers who provide a supportive and engaging learning environment for students. Besides academic excellence, CIS has a wide range of co-curricular activities, including sports, music, drama and community service projects to provide children with opportunities to explore their interests, develop their leadership skills and foster a sense of teamwork and collaboration.
3. Chatsworth International School
Established in 1995, Chatsworth International School offers the IB programme to students from kindergarten to grade 12 (PYP, the MYP, and the DP of the IB). The school maintains small class sizes with a maximum teacher-student ratio that varies by grade level. For K1 and K2, the ratio is 2:22, for Y1-Y2 it's 2:24, and for Y3-13, it's 1:24, providing more individual attention and support for students.
Chatsworth International School’s programmes at every stage of the student’s academic journey equip them for a well-rounded education with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive. From kindergarten right up to IB Diploma, the curriculum framework takes into account the needs of individual learners and encourages critical thinking, creativity and a lifelong love for learning.
This IB school in Singapore also offers a myriad of exciting co-curricular and extracurricular activities such as arts, music, physical and fitness, debate, swimming, drumming and more. What a fun way for students to explore their interests and passions outside the classroom!
4. Dulwich College (Singapore)
Students aged 16 to 19 can take advantage of the exciting and challenging International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) at Dulwich College. The curriculum is made up of six subject groups, along with some IBDP Core components like Creativity, Action, Service (CAS), Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the Extended Essay (EE). It aims to help students find their perfect balance by encouraging them to choose subjects they are passionate about and that will enable them to reach their full potential, setting them up for success in university and beyond.
What’s more, it also offers the International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) to senior school students — blending academic study with practical, career-related learning. Students have various career pathways to choose from, such as Business and Sustainability, Performance and Production Arts, Creative Practice including Art, Design and Communication, Sports, Engineering, and Digital Technology.
As part of IBCP, students will participate in two Diploma Programme (DP) courses, a core of four components, a service learning component and a vocational component. This unique programme prepares them for higher education, apprenticeships and employment — by equipping them with the essential skills to excel in their chosen career paths.
5. Global Indian International School
Global Indian International School (GIIS) offers the IB Primary Years Programme for students from Grades 1 to 5 and the IB diploma programme for students aged 16 to 18. The quality of the IBDP teachers at the school is widely recognized, with a reputation for having some of the best educators in Singapore. These teachers are known for their high teaching standards, in-depth subject knowledge and a strong commitment to their profession.
GIIS has a proven track record of producing top-performing students, with 96 IB World Toppers (students who scored a perfect 45/45) and Near-Perfect scorers (students who scored 44/45) among its alumni. This places GIIS among the top IB schools in the world.
6. North London Collegiate School
A new IB school in Singapore, North London Collegiate School offers the IB Diploma Programme for students in the sixth form. With a focus on comprehensive education, they will engage in six stimulating subjects; three of which are at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL). But that's not all! Students also get the opportunity to flex their intellectual muscles as they tackle an Extended Essay, explore Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and enhance their learning through the dynamic Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) — all vital core components of the curriculum.
In addition to its commitment to offering a rigorous academic curriculum that maximises the potential of each student's intellect and skills, the school boasts some impressive facilities. These include a state-of-the-art 6-lane 50m swimming pool, a fully-equipped gym and extensive libraries with over 18,000 books. With these exciting features, students can not only expand their minds but also indulge in healthy activities to foster a well-rounded lifestyle.
7. One World International School
One World International School (OWIS) has two well-known campuses located in Nanyang (Jurong West) and in the CBD, which cater to more than 1,500 students from over 70 different countries. The school provides the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students aged 3 to 11 and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) for secondary students in Grades 11 and 12.
OWIS aims to foster the holistic development of its students through the PYP and DP programmes. The IB PYP encourages students' academic, social, and emotional growth, while the IB DP promotes their intellectual, physical, emotional, and social development. The courses offered are tailored to enhance and facilitate the overall growth and development of students.
8. Tanglin Trust School
Tanglin Trust School, which has been around since 1925, is the oldest British International School in South East Asia. It's pretty unique because it's the only school in Singapore where students can study the A Level or the IB Diploma in Sixth Form. They make sure that everyone in Sixth Form gets a personalised program that suits them best.
Tanglin Trust School has a wide range of exciting co-curricular activities that students can get involved in. There are a whopping 504 different activities to choose from, which means there's something for everyone! This includes sports, music, drama, film studies, visual arts and so much more.
The students there usually do super well in their exams — they score higher than Singapore and global averages! Plus, almost all of them get into their top choice university after graduation, which are some of the best universities in the world.
9. St. Joseph's Institution International
St. Joseph's Institution International offers students the 2-year International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) from Grades 11 to 12. Apart from preparing students for the IBDP, values and character education are also really important there. They believe in a holistic approach to learning, which includes sports, outdoor activities, creativity and service projects. By getting involved in the community and helping others, students learn more about the world around them and develop important skills like empathy, leadership, and teamwork.
SJI International even has a scholarship program to help deserving students join its IB Diploma program. This way, more students can benefit from the school's unique approach to learning and become the best learners and people they can be!
10. Stamford American International School
Stamford American International School (SAIS) is an excellent choice for students seeking a well-rounded education in Singapore. SAIS offers the full International Baccalaureate Programme (PYP, MYP and DP), integrated with US Standards, along with the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) courses and Business and Technical Education Council (BTEC) Diploma curricula. This means that students have access to a comprehensive and diverse range of academic programs that help them develop a broad understanding of the world.
In addition to academic excellence, Stamford also emphasises the importance of holistic education. Students are encouraged to explore their interests and passions through a variety of co-curricular activities, including sports, music, drama and community service. This helps students acquire important life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and time management and develop a well-rounded personality.
Stamford's state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated team of teachers and staff provide a supportive and nurturing learning environment. The teachers are passionate and knowledgeable, and they strive to help each student reach their full potential.
11. United World College
UWCSEA Dover was the trailblazer for IB Diploma programmes in Asia, having offered it since 1977, with UWCSEA East following suit in 2012. As an IB World School, they offer the IB Diploma to students in Grades 11 and 12.
The programme emphasises critical thinking, problem-solving and global awareness, and prepares students for success in top universities around the world. With a diverse and inclusive community of learners, UWCSEA provides an unparalleled opportunity for personal and academic growth. Whether students aspire to be an entrepreneur, scientist, artist or politician, studying the IB Diploma at UWCSEA can help them reach their full potential and make a positive impact in the world.
12. XCL World Academy
XCL World Academy's (XWA) IB programmes are designed to help students develop into well-rounded individuals who possess the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in life. The school offers the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students aged 3 to 11, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students aged 11 to 16 and the Diploma Programme (DP) for students aged 16 to 19. The school's approach to education is centred around personalised learning, which allows students to learn at their own pace and in a way that suits their individual learning style.
XWA takes pride in producing outstanding results for its students in the DP. For the second consecutive year, XWA students have achieved an exceptional 100% pass rate in the IBDP, with a perfect score of 45 — a testament to the school's dedication to providing quality education.
One of the driving forces behind XWA's success is its exceptional team of educators, representing over 20 different nationalities. With a wealth of teaching experience and expertise from around the world, XWA's teachers bring their best to the classroom, making it their mission to bring out the best in students and empower them to reach their goals.
Admission process and requirements for IB schools in Singapore
The admission process and requirements for IB schools in Singapore may vary slightly from school to school. However, here is a general overview of what to expect:
- Application: Interested students and parents need to submit an application to the school they are interested in attending. This typically involves filling out an online form or submitting a physical application package.
- Entrance exam: Many IB schools in Singapore require students to take an entrance exam, which may include subjects such as English, maths, and science. The exam is designed to assess the student's academic ability and readiness for the rigorous IB programme.
- Interviews: Students may also be required to attend an interview with the school's admissions team. The interview is a chance for the school to get to know the student better and assess their interest in the IB programme.
- Academic requirements: IB schools in Singapore typically require students to have a strong academic record, with good grades in their previous school. Some schools may have specific requirements for subjects such as maths, science, or languages.
- English language proficiency: Many IB schools in Singapore require students to demonstrate proficiency in English, especially for students whose first language is not English. This may involve taking an English language proficiency test, such as the TOEFL or IELTS.
- Application deadlines: Each IB school in Singapore may have different application deadlines, so it is important to check with the school to find out when the deadline is. It is recommended to submit the application as early as possible to ensure a better chance of acceptance.
