Dover Court International School vs North London Collegiate School Singapore

Dover Court International School

Early Years Students enjoying their weekly music class

Instructs in English

Ages 3 - 18 years

Fees SGD 30,198 - 47,982

Pupils 2000

Type Co-educational

With over 50 years of educational excellence in Singapore, Dover Court International School (DCIS) empowers students to achieve beyond expectations through its award-winning, personalised approach to teaching. At DCIS, success is not one-size-fits-all — it’s crafted around each student’s strengths, interests, and aspirations. Offering multiple curriculum options, including the IB Diploma Programme, IB Courses, and International BTEC diplomas Levels 2 and 3 in Business, DCIS ensures every student finds the right route to academic and personal achievement. Sixth Form students earn world-leading academic results and regularly progress to top universities worldwide, supported by a flexible and tailored learning experience. As part of the Nord Anglia Education family, DCIS students benefit from exclusive collaborations with MIT, The Juilliard School, UNICEF, and IMG Academy — enriching their education with cutting-edge innovation, world-class performing arts, global citizenship, and elite athletic development. DCIS is home to a vibrant and welcoming international community of over 65 nationalities, that celebrates kindness and fosters confidence. Here, inclusion isn’t just a value — it’s a proven foundation for student success.

Location

Dover Court International School is located at 301 Dover Road and is well-connected by public transport, including nearby Buona Vista and Dover MRT stations. Close to vibrant neighbourhoods like Holland Village and Dempsey Hill, popular with expatriate families.

Stages

Dover Court International School is structured into four main sections: Early Years (ages 3-5), Primary (ages 5-11), Secondary (ages 11-16), and Sixth Form (ages 16-18).

Type

Dover Court International School is a co-educational day school. The school does not offer boarding facilities.

Pupil Nationality Mix

With over 65 nationalities and no single group larger than 23%, our community is truly diverse and internationally balanced.

Additional learning support

DCIS provides strong English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for students who need help developing their English skills. Our EAL programme ensures students can access learning confidently while building the language skills needed to fully engage in school life.

We also support students with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) through a three‑pathway system tailored to different levels of support. This structured approach ensures every learner receives the right guidance to succeed both academically and socially.

Country affiliation

Dover Court International School does not have an affiliation to any particular country.

Religious affiliation

Dover Court International School does not have an affiliation to any particular religion, providing an inclusive environment for students of all backgrounds.

School day structure

The typical school day at DCIS starts at 8:30 AM and ends at 3:00 PM. Students have a morning break and a lunch break, with specific times varying by age group. After regular classes, from 3:05 PM to 4:05 PM, students can participate in co-curricular activities (CCAs).

Bus service

Our school buses run in the morning and again after classes at 3:15pm and 4:15pm. Routes are planned based on where current students live, making the service as convenient as possible for families.

Boarding Arrangements

The school does not offer boarding facilities.

Uniform Requirement

The uniform is a means of showing our identity and pride in our school to the wider community as well as being practical school wear. Our school uniform is designed to be both practical and smart. We encourage the children to wear their uniform with pride and to take care of it.

Food Options

The school provides school lunch daily, prepared by a local catering partner with Asian, Western, and vegetarian options. Snacks are available at the Blue Dot Bistro (primary) and Red Dot Restaurant (secondary).

House System

The school has a House system that provides opportunities for competition, fun, and friendship.

Governance and Ownership

The school is part of the Nord Anglia Education family.

Gallery

Dover Court International School — international school in Singapore, Singapore

Curriculum

Early Years (Ages 3–5)
In Nursery and Reception, DCIS follows a Reggio‑inspired, play‑based approach, where children learn through exploration, creativity, and purposeful play. This forms the foundation of the English National Curriculum, delivered in an environment designed to nurture curiosity, communication, and early literacy and numeracy skills.

Primary School – Key Stages 1 & 2 (Years 1–6)
Primary students follow the English National Curriculum, enriched by the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), which delivers learning through interdisciplinary, thematic units. This approach helps students make meaningful connections across subjects and builds strong skills in literacy, numeracy, science, and the humanities. Collaborative learning structures, including Kagan methods, support academic progress and social development.

Secondary School – Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9)
In Key Stage 3, students study a broad and balanced programme across subjects including English, maths, sciences, humanities, languages, arts, design technology, and PE. This stage provides strong academic preparation while allowing students to explore personal interests before choosing IGCSE subjects.

Key Stage 4 (Years 9–11)
Students work towards I/GCSE qualifications, recognised worldwide for their academic rigour. They study a mix of compulsory and elective subjects tailored to their strengths, alongside personalised support to help them achieve success. DCIS students consistently produce excellent IGCSE results, with 54% achieving A/A* grades.

Sixth Form – Key Stage 5 (Years 12–13)
In Sixth Form, DCIS offers multiple pathways:

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)
Individual IB Courses
International BTEC Diploma in Business

This flexible model allows students to tailor their education to their academic strengths, university ambitions, and career pathways. The IBDP is a rigorous two‑year programme combining six subjects with core components: Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and CAS. Students achieve strong outcomes, including average scores of 36 (2025) and 39 (2022).

Student Teacher Ratio

Dover Court International School maintains a supportive learning environment with student–teacher ratios ranging from 1:20 to 1:24, depending on the year group. With an average class size of around 22 students, teachers with support from teacher assistants can give students meaningful individual attention while still encouraging collaborative learning.

Exam Results

DCIS students consistently perform above the global average. Recent results include:

2025 IB Diploma Results:
- 100% Pass rate
- 36 Average score
- 44 Highest score

2025 IGCSE Results:
- 54% of all grades were 9-7 (A*-A)
- 95% of all grades were 9-4 (A*-C)
- 53% of grades exceeded targets
- 12% of candidates scored 100% in grades 9-7 (A*-A)
- 12 students received outstanding Pearson learner awards for highest GCSE scores in Singapore and the world

2025 BTEC Results:
- 100% Pass rate
- 67% Distinction & Merit in Level 1 Diploma
- 40% Merit in Level 2 & 3 Diplomas

Higher Education Progression

Our students go on to study at top universities around the world including Imperial College, London School of Economics, University College London, Berklee College of Music, University of California - Berkley, McGill University, University of Amsterdam, Waseda University, National University of Singapore, University of Syndey and more.

Academic calendar

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

DCIS integrates Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) into its early years curriculum and daily activities, emphasising the development of empathy, self-awareness, and relationship skills. A dedicated pastoral care team, including counsellors and trained staff, provides individualised support to students. The school also organises workshops and activities aimed at building resilience and fostering positive peer interactions, ensuring an inclusive and supportive environment.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Recognized for its inclusive approach, DCIS offers tailored support for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) through three distinct learning pathways:

Pathway 1: Mainstream curriculum with access to short-term support from learning support and therapy teams.

Pathway 2: Aligned with the mainstream curriculum but with adjusted outcomes, delivered in smaller classes (10 students) with a teacher and teaching assistant, allowing for more personalized support.

Pathway 3: Provides the highest level of support for students with significant learning and/or social needs, offering an individualized curriculum and intensive resources delivered by highly trained SEN staff.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

DCIS offers robust support for students for whom English is an additional language. The EAL program assesses students' proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing using the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Based on assessment results, specialized EAL teachers provide tailored support, including personalized lessons and small group sessions, to enhance English language skills and facilitate integration into the mainstream curriculum.

EAL support is provided from Year 1 to Year 8, extended in needed into Year 9.

Mental Wellbeing

The school places significant emphasis on the mental well-being of its students. A dedicated pastoral care team, including counsellors, is available to support students' emotional and psychological needs. DCIS offers well-being programs, such as mindfulness sessions and workshops, designed to help students develop resilience and manage stress.

Safeguarding

DCIS is committed to providing a secure environment for all students, adhering to the UK Department for Education's Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidelines. The school has a comprehensive Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, with all staff members undergoing regular training to recognize and respond to potential safeguarding issues effectively. Designated Safeguarding Leads oversee the implementation of these policies, ensuring any concerns are addressed promptly and appropriately.

Safeguarding Policy

History

Dover Court International School, established in 1972, was originally founded to cater to the needs of expatriate families. In 2014, the school became part of the Nord Anglia Education group, enhancing its global connectivity and access to international resources.

Community

Dover Court International School in Singapore is known for its inclusive and diverse community, welcoming students from a wide range of backgrounds and nationalities. The school frequently hosts community events such as Community and Culture Week, which celebrates the multicultural makeup of its student body with cultural performances and food from around the world. Additionally, the school emphasizes community involvement through events like the annual Winter Fair and various parent-teacher engagements, fostering a collaborative and welcoming environment for families relocating from overseas.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

DCIS has an active Parent-Teacher Association known as the Dover Court Association (DCA). The DCA is open to all parents and plays a vital role in welcoming new families, organizing social events, fundraising, and providing pastoral support. They host various activities, including family fun events, beach clean-ups, coffee mornings, and teacher appreciation weeks, all aimed at bringing the school community together.

Gallery

Secondary Infinity House Challenge (credit Dover Court International School)

New parent coffee morning

Facilities Overview

The 12-acre Dover Court International School campus combines heritage buildings with modern, purpose-built facilities in central Singapore. Large outdoor learning spaces, a bright garden, and shaded areas support wellbeing.
The Expressive Arts Centre opened in 2022 and includes a black box drama studio, design technology labs, music rooms, and instrumental practice suites.
Fresh, air-conditioned classrooms are equipped with the latest EdTech, and students benefit from a Global Campus platform, iPads, 3D printers, a green screen room, and other specialist resources.
In 2025, we opened the Sixth Form Centre, a dedicated two-storey space designed to support student wellbeing, independent learning, and university preparation.
In August 2025, we will open a brand-new playground for our youngest students in the NEST space.

Sports Facilities

Facilities include a swimming pool complex, a football pitch, multi-sport courts, and three indoor halls for a range of activities. There are air-conditioned sports halls to support basketball, badminton, volleyball, gymnastics, and more.

Academic Facilities

Academic facilities include design technology labs and science labs, with EdTech embedded in classrooms and labs. Students use technology such as iPads, 3D printers, a green screen room, and the Duplo Coding Express and Lego WeDo in lessons. The Global Campus platform connects learning across a wider network of students and resources.

Extra Curricular Facilities

More than 500 co-curricular activities are offered each academic year across sports, music, arts, technology, leadership, and community involvement. Most activities are included in our tuition fees, though some delivered by external coaches may incur additional costs. Competitive team sports are available through the DCIS Wolves and require tryouts.

Gallery

12 acres of green low rise campus (credit Dover Court International School)

NEST students enjoying new Discovery & Play Cove (credit Dover Court International School)

New 10,000sqft Discovery & Play Cove (credit Dover Court International School)

Secondary students training for next swim meet (credit Dover Court International School)

Secondary students on netball training (credit Dover Court International School)

Football game representing our Wolves Team (credit Dover Court International School)

Students exploring medway park

Academic & Intellectual

The school serves students aged 3–18 (Early Years 3–5, Primary 5–11, Secondary 11–16, Sixth Form 16–18) and is part of the Nord Anglia Education family. The curriculum emphasizes British and international pathways and uses a personalised approach to learning.

Arts & Creative

At Dover Court, the performing arts come alive through our collaboration with The Juilliard School, a world-leading performing arts conservatory in New York.

The school provides extensive arts facilities, including an Expressive Arts Centre opened in 2022 with a drama studio, music rooms, and instrument practice spaces, alongside design technology labs and a green screen room supporting creative learning.

Cultural & Language

The school supports diverse language and cultural learning as part of its inclusive, international community, with language support and various global collaborations integrated into the programme.

Social & Hobbies

At Dover Court International School, students can choose from more than 500 co-curricular activities across each academic year. From gymnastics and coding to musical theatre, each activity gives them space to explore interests and build confidence.

Community & Service

The inclusive education model focuses on meeting each child's needs through three distinct but fluid pathways, supported by a dedicated inclusion team that includes an educational psychologist, learning support specialists, and licensed therapists.

Leadership & Professional

Our House System encourages students to work together as a team and to strive to do their very best in school-based activities by charting success in sports, academics, social and creative challenges. House captaincy provides student with leadership opportunities.

The school prioritises leadership and professional development for staff, including partnerships with global institutions and access to Nord Anglia University opportunities for teachers.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

The campus supports student wellbeing with facilities for swimming, sports, and outdoor activities, and programmes such as the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, MUN, and various student leadership opportunities.

Gallery

Duke of Edinburgh Silver Journey in Thailand (credit Dover Court International School)

School of Rock musical (credit Dover Court International School)

Lord of the flies production (credit Dover Court International School)

Seussical Kids Musical Year 6 (credit Dover Court International School)

Yearly Residential Trips (credit Dover Court International School)

NAE games in Cambodia (credit Dover Court International School)

Awards

HoneyKids Singapore Education Awards 2025
- Gold Award for Diversity and Inclusive Community: This award acknowledges DCIS's dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.
- Silver Award for The Curriculum (British): This recognition reflects the school's excellence in delivering the British curriculum.
- Silver Award for School Where Everyone Knows Your Name: This award highlights DCIS' commitment to ensuring all students feel known, valued, and a sense of belonging.

HoneyKids Singapore Education Awards 2024:
- Gold Award for Diversity and Inclusive Community: This award acknowledges DCIS's dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.
- Gold Award for Student Wellbeing: This accolade highlights the school's commitment to supporting student wellbeing.
- Silver Award for The Curriculum (British): This recognition reflects the school's excellence in delivering the British curriculum.

HoneyKids Singapore Education Awards 2023:
- Gold Award for The Curriculum (British): This award recognizes DCIS's outstanding delivery of the British curriculum.
- Gold Award for Diversity and Inclusive Community: This accolade underscores the school's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community.
- Silver Award for Student Wellbeing: This award highlights the school's efforts in promoting student wellbeing.

BritCham Singapore's UK Impact in Singapore Award - 2022

Outstanding Senior Leadership Team of the Year - 2018: DCIS received this award at The British International School Awards, recognizing the exceptional leadership within the school.

Accreditations

Council of International Schools (CIS) Accreditation: The CIS accreditation recognizes the school’s commitment to high-quality international education and continuous improvement.

Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA): As a member of FOBISIA, DCIS collaborates with other British international schools in Asia to enhance educational opportunities.

Edexcel and AQA Registered Centre:
The school is a registered center for both Edexcel and AQA examinations, ensuring a broad range of assessment options for students.

International Baccalaureate (IB) World School: The school is authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).

Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) ACS WASC advances and validates quality ongoing school improvement by supporting its private and public elementary, secondary, and postsecondary member institutions to engage in a rigorous and relevant self-evaluation and peer review process that focuses on equity, inclusion, and access to high-level, rigorous learning opportunities for all students.

Admissions

doris recommends that you start by speaking to admissions. This connects you directly to the school's admissions team who can respond with answers, more information, and next steps.

Book a school tour
The best way to get to know Dover Court is to experience our campus in person. We welcome visits throughout the year and encourage families to visit during term time, when our school is alive with learning. You can join a personalised tour or one of our regular group tours, where our friendly Admissions team will show you around, answer your questions, and help you get a true feel for our community.

Apply Online
If you decide Dover Court International School is the right place for your child(ren), the next step is to submit an application. To submit an application, simply complete the DCIS online application form, upload the required documents for your child’s year group, and pay the one‑time application fee.

Review and assessment
As a non-selective school, we review and assess students where needed to ensure students are placed in the best provision to support their success. Once an application is received, all documents are reviewed by the academic staff to determine the required applicant-appropriate assessments.

Receive offer
Once we have received all application documents and completed the necessary assessments, and these have been approved by our Admissions Committee, we will send you written confirmation of an offer of placement.

Accept and Enrol
When accepting the offer to join Dover Court International School, please pay the one‑time registration fee before the deadline stated in your formal acceptance letter. If we do not receive payment by the deadline and the year group is oversubscribed, your child’s place may be offered to another applicant.

Scholarships

Dover Court International School offers partial scholarships for students entering their International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Years 12 and 13. These scholarships can reduce tuition fees by up to 50% for the duration of the two-year course.

Eligibility Criteria:

Academic Excellence: Applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance and proficiency in English.

Extracurricular Strengths: Candidates should exhibit talent in areas such as the arts, technology, humanities, mathematics, science, languages, or sports.

Community Engagement: A commitment to contributing to both the school and the local community is essential.

Parental Support: Families are expected to provide assurance of adequate support to ensure the student's success at DCIS.

Waitlist

Assessment and Prioritisation:
- Once an application is submitted, it is reviewed by the admissions team. Depending on availability and learning profile, children may be invited for assessments or interviews.

Offer of Placement:
- Offers of placement are extended based on availability in the desired year group. If a place becomes available, families are contacted promptly.

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North London Collegiate School Singapore

The front view of NCLS' expansive state of the art campus

A view from the rear of campus, showing the back of the building and the football pitch

The Senior School Drama department put on the hilarious and entertaining Twelfth Night.

Instructs in English

Ages 3 - 18 years

Fees SGD 35,581 - 52,792

Pupils 800

Type Co-educational

North London Collegiate School Singapore caters to students ages 3 to 18, offering the British curriculum during Primary School, followed by the IB Middle Years Programme and IB Diploma Programme. The campus features a purpose-built performing arts centre complete with professional backstage facilities, modern and extensive sports facilities, and large libraries. A standout program at the school is its commitment to the arts, with numerous music ensembles and drama productions taking place throughout the year. Another key feature of the school is the Academic Lectures series, during which members of the community will give academic lectures on a topic related to their subject. Students also benefit from opportunities to participate in competitions and international exchanges, with other NLCS schools internationally.