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Sub Category : Miscellaneous

Moving to Singapore with your family also entails making adequate arrangements for your child’s education. You can choose between international, public, and private schools. However, bear in mind that locals value education and expect others to meet their high standards. 

Hence, an important piece of financial advice for British expats is to measure the advantages and disadvantages of each of these options to make the enrolment and education process easy and effective for the children and affordable for themselves. So, let’s explore what options are available for your child’s education and schooling in Singapore.  

Compulsory in three stages

In Singapore, education is compulsory and divided into three stages, which include: 
Primary school for ages 7 to 12
Secondary school for ages 12 to 17 
Post-secondary school lasts three or four years

In terms of their education, local students are diligent and competitive. Hence, some parents feel that rote learning is preferred over teaching critical thinking. Consequently, foreign children may find it challenging to assimilate. Additionally, British parents must bear in mind that caning is a form of legal corporal punishment used to discipline boys. 

International schools

In Singapore, there are many reputable international schools that serve the sizeable expat and foreign population. However, it is said that their curriculum is more complex than that of public and private schools. Hence, their students are held to higher standards. 

Some of these schools adhere to the IB or International Baccalaureate curriculum, while others follow the curriculum from their country of origin. Bear in mind that these reputable institutions have long waiting lists. So, for the time being, you may want to consider enrolling your child in a school with no waiting list.     

Any financial planner for British expats in Singapore will tell you that while these schools are expensive, your employer may supplement the school fee. Hence, you must consider negotiating such an allowance into your contract.  

Public and private schools

In Singapore’s surprisingly affordable public and private schools, English is the language of instruction. Hence, making them somewhat viable for British expat families. Unfortunately, these schools are oversubscribed, have long waiting lists, and prefer Singaporean citizens over permanent residents and foreigners. If you plan on living in Singapore for several years, you may choose these schools, as they provide better opportunities for assimilation. However, the curriculum will be highly nuanced when compared to international schools.     

Based on the aforementioned information, you should now be able to choose the education/schooling option that is best for your child and financially viable for you.