ISS International School vs XCL World Academy

	I ISS International School Singapore	XCL World Academy Singapore
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year SGD 25,000 - 54,430	Fees / year SGD 29,000 - 50,380
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 1½ - 19 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP), Reggio Emilia Approach
Pupils	Pupils 250	Pupils 1,000
Typical class size	Typical class size 19	Typical class size 22
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Mandarin
Opened	Opened 1981	Opened 2014
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location ISS International School is located at 21 Preston Road, Singapore. This central location offers easy access to public transport, including MRT and bus services, making it convenient for commuting throughout the city. Nearby landmarks include the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Singapore Botanic Gardens.	Location XCL World Academy is located in Yishun, a well-connected residential district in northern Singapore, just 20 minutes from the city centre by car. The campus is conveniently accessible via both Khatib and Yishun MRT stations on the North-South Line, with a complimentary shuttle service provided by the school to and from Yishun MRT. Surrounded by established neighbourhoods, shopping malls, parks, and recreational amenities, XWA offers families the convenience of city access while enjoying a spacious, community-focused environment. Take an immersive tour of XWA by visiting xwa.edu.sg/about-us/the-campus
Stages	Stages ISS International School in Singapore is structured into two sections: the Primary School for ages 4 to 10, and the High School for ages 11 to 18.	Stages XCL World Academy is organized into four divisions: Early Years (18 months – 5 years), Primary Years (ages 6–11), Middle Years (ages 11–16), and Senior High School (ages 16 and above).
School type	School type ISS International School is a co-educational institution offering a day school program.	School type XCL World Academy is a co-educational IB Continuum International School welcoming families from Singapore and other countries. The school offers rolling admissions throughout the year, providing flexibility for families relocating to Singapore. While XWA does not offer boarding facilities, it supports students through a strong sense of community, personalised care, and comprehensive pastoral support.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix XCL World Academy has a warm and welcoming community of over 50 nationalities consisting of students, teachers and parents.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support ISS International School provides tailored support for students with Additional Learning Needs through their Learning Support Program. The school offers individualised plans and specialised staff to assist students in accessing the full curriculum. Facilities are equipped to ensure an inclusive and supportive environment for diverse learning needs.	Additional learning support XCL World Academy provides a comprehensive, student-centred support system through its dedicated Learning Support, Counselling, and Pastoral Care teams. Working closely with teachers and families, specialists use detailed assessments and professional insight to identify individual learning needs and develop personalised support plans. Support may include in-class assistance, small group interventions, one-to-one sessions, differentiated learning strategies, and English language support, ensuring every student is able to access learning confidently and reach their full potential. XWA’s integrated approach also focuses on wellbeing, early intervention, and strong school-home partnerships, helping students thrive both academically and personally.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation ISS International School does not have an affiliation to any particular country.	Country affiliation XCL World Academy is a truly international school with no affiliation to any single country or national curriculum. Home to students from over 50 nationalities, the school fosters a globally minded community where diversity is celebrated and students gain perspectives from around the world. XWA is one of the few IB Continuum schools in Singapore, offering the International Baccalaureate pathway from the Primary Years Programme (PYP) through to the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP), alongside additional pathway options. This international approach helps students develop the knowledge, skills, and global outlook needed to thrive anywhere in the world.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation ISS International School does not have an affiliation to any particular religion, offering a diverse and inclusive environment for students from various cultural and religious backgrounds.	Religious affiliation XCL World Academy does not have a religious affiliation. It welcomes students from all backgrounds.
School day structure	School day structure ISS International School starts its school day at 8:00 AM and ends at 3:00 PM. Students have a morning break and a lunch period.	School day structure Classes typically begin at 8:30 a.m. and end around 3:30 p.m., depending on grade level. Students have a short morning break and a midday lunch break.
Bus service details	Bus service details ISS International School provides a convenient bus service for its students, facilitating easy commutes to and from the school. The service is managed internally by the school, focusing on safety and punctuality. The bus routes are designed to accommodate a broad range of residential areas, catering to families relocating from overseas and residing in different neighborhoods. For precise routes and scheduling, parents can contact the school transport department @ schoolbus@iss.edu.sg	Bus service details XCL World Academy offers a comprehensive school transport service across Singapore through its trusted transportation partner. Families can choose from convenient door-to-door or central pick-up and drop-off options, helping make daily commutes simple and stress-free. All buses are air-conditioned, equipped with seat belts, and supervised by trained bus attendants to ensure student safety and wellbeing. Parents can also track their child's journey in real time through a dedicated mobile app, providing added convenience and peace of mind.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Enrolment Fee: SGD 3,667 One-time fee payable upon acceptance of offer and non-refundable. Placement Test Fee: SGD 510 One-time fee payable where applicable; non-deductible and non-refundable. Student Support Review Fee: SGD 510 One-time fee payable where applicable; non-deductible and non-refundable. Tuition Fee: Kindergarten to Grade 5: SGD 25,000 annually Grade 6: SGD 43,472 annually Grade 7 - 8: SGD 47,700 annually Grade 9: SGD 49,107 annually Grade 10: SGD 50,516 annually Grade 11: SGD 51,925 annually Grade 12: SGD 54,430 annually Billing Schedule and Payment Terms: Tuition fees are billed in March and August. Payments can be made via bank transfer or credit card, with some bank fees applicable. Other Costs: Additional costs include a technology fee of SGD 108 annually. Uniforms, available through the school's designated vendor, and transportation options incur additional charges. Refund Information: In the case of withdrawal, a written notice is required, and fee refunds are subject to the school's refund policy, which may include a partial refund if notice is given before the start of the term. Fee Payment Options: Fees can be paid through bank transfer directly to the school’s account or via credit card. Ensure arrangements are made well before the due dates to avoid delays.	Fee details All updated fees are available at https://xwa.edu.sg/admissions/admissions-school-fees
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements XCL World Academy does not offer boarding facilities and is primarily a day school for local and international families living in Singapore. The school supports relocating families through rolling admissions, personalised onboarding, and dedicated pastoral care, helping students settle into the community at any point during the academic year. Located on a spacious 5-hectare campus in Yishun, just 20 minutes from Singapore’s city centre, XWA is easily accessible through comprehensive school transport services and public transport connections.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement XCL World Academy’s uniforms were uniquely designed in collaboration with students and renowned Singapore designer Kevin Seah, reflecting the school’s emphasis on student voice, comfort, and contemporary design. Uniforms can be conveniently purchased online, with options for home delivery or collection from the on-campus Uniform Store. Students are required to wear predominantly black shoes, either leather or sports styles, in line with the school’s uniform guidelines. The overall uniform programme is designed to promote a strong sense of belonging and school pride while remaining practical for everyday learning and activities.
Food options	Food options —	Food options XCL World Academy partners with Chartwells, a leading school catering provider and part of Compass Group Singapore, to offer nutritious and balanced meals across the campus. Students and families can choose from several dining spaces tailored to different age groups, including The Little Red Dot for Nursery to Grade 5 students, Global Bites for Grades 6–12, The Pit Stop for senior students and staff, and The Common Ground, a welcoming café space for parents and visitors. Menus are designed to cater to diverse tastes, cultural preferences, and dietary requirements, with meals available for convenient pre-order through the school's online ordering platform. Together, these dining options support XWA's commitment to student wellbeing, healthy lifestyles, and a strong sense of community.
House system	House system —	House system XCL World Academy has a four-house system launched in 2019. Houses have appointed House Leaders (one teacher leader and two student leaders) and participate in inter-house events such as sports day, swimming gala, spelling bees, trivia, language and culture week, and other challenges. Points are awarded and linked to IB learner proﬁle traits.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership XCL World Academy is part of the XCL Education family of schools. XCL World Academy joined XCL Education in late 2020, and XCL Education is a group of private and international schools headquartered in Singapore.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details As an authorised K-12 International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, ISS offers the complete IB curriculum, including the IB Certificate and an American-styled High School Diploma for G11 and G12 students. Our school's personalised learning programme, supported by a robust student achievement database, tailors education to diverse student needs and backgrounds.	Curriculum details XCL World Academy offers a comprehensive and flexible academic journey for students aged 18 months to 18 years, built around the internationally recognised International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum. In the Primary Years (Pre-K to Grade 5), students follow the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), developing strong foundations through inquiry-based, student-centred learning. In Grades 6 to 10, students progress to the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), where they build critical thinking, creativity, and real-world problem-solving skills through interdisciplinary learning and global perspectives. For Grades 11 and 12, students can choose from personalised academic pathways based on their strengths, interests, and university aspirations. Options include the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), the High School Diploma (HSD), Advanced Placement (AP) courses, or a customised combination of pathways. This flexibility allows students to tailor their learning experience while gaining internationally recognised qualifications that support entry into leading universities worldwide. Throughout every stage, XWA combines academic rigour with future-ready learning, integrating technology, innovation, and personalised guidance to help students thrive in an evolving global landscape.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio With a student-to-teacher ratio of 10:1 to 25:1, XWA combines the opportunities of a larger international school with the personalised attention of a close-knit learning community, ensuring every student is known, supported, and challenged to reach their full potential.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results The XWA Class of 2026, comprising 53 students, has received more than 635 offers from leading universities around the world, including UCL, King's College London, LSE, NYU, the University of Edinburgh, and many more. Collectively, they have also secured over USD 24 million in university scholarships. XWA students consistently achieve strong academic outcomes, with IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) results exceeding the global average year after year. Combined with personalised university guidance and a future-focused education, these results help students gain admission to some of the world's most respected institutions.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression At XCL World Academy, higher education progression begins long before university applications. Through a dedicated University Guidance and Counselling programme that starts in Grade 8, students receive personalised support with pathway planning, subject selection, career exploration, university applications, scholarships, and interview preparation. This ensures every student is equipped to pursue a pathway that aligns with their strengths, interests, and aspirations. The approach is reflected in strong outcomes. The Class of 2026 has received more than 635 university offers and over USD 24 million in scholarships from leading institutions worldwide, including UCL, King's College London, LSE, NYU, the University of Edinburgh, and many more. By combining rigorous academics with tailored guidance, XWA helps students gain admission to top universities while preparing them for success beyond higher education.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented XWA Aspire Academy is a specialised programme designed for students who demonstrate exceptional potential in sports, performing arts, academics, entrepreneurship, and other high-performance fields. The programme provides personalised support that enables students to pursue their passions at an elite level while continuing to thrive academically within XCL World Academy's flexible learning environment. Led by experienced mentors and industry professionals, Aspire Academy helps students develop the skills, mindset, and resilience needed to excel both in and beyond the classroom. Through tailored pathways, performance coaching, leadership development, and opportunities to showcase their talents, students are empowered to balance ambitious goals with academic success and personal wellbeing.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar View document	Academic calendar View document
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning At XCL World Academy, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is embedded into everyday school life rather than treated as a standalone programme. Through a structured approach that combines pastoral care, counselling, safeguarding, and wellbeing education, students develop key life skills such as self-awareness, emotional regulation, resilience, empathy, responsible decision-making, and positive relationship building. Wellbeing is intentionally woven into the curriculum, ensuring students are supported both academically and personally at every stage of their learning journey. XWA’s dedicated wellbeing ecosystem includes counsellors, Heads of Grade, Pastoral Leaders, safeguarding specialists, and learning support teams who work closely with teachers and families to provide proactive, personalised support. From classroom-based wellbeing learning and peer mentorship programmes to individual counselling and transition support, the school focuses on identifying and addressing concerns early while helping students build the confidence, emotional intelligence, and future-ready skills needed to thrive in school and beyond.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) XCL provides learning support for a wide range of learning needs within an inclusive setting. The school considers applications from students with special needs on a case-by-case basis to ensure they can provide the necessary support for each child's success. While XWA is not a specialist SEN institution, it is committed to fostering positive working relationships with students in a nurturing and inclusive learning environment.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language XCL World Academy provides comprehensive English language support through its English as an Additional Language (EAL) Programme, helping students develop the language skills and confidence needed to thrive in an international school environment. Rather than learning English in isolation, students receive targeted support through a combination of small-group instruction and in-class co-teaching, allowing them to build proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking while actively participating in their regular lessons and school community. For students in Grades 6–9 who require more intensive language development, XWA offers the Foundational English Programme (FEP). Designed specifically for learners with emerging English proficiency, the programme accelerates language acquisition through a dedicated curriculum aligned with the IB Middle Years Programme. By combining academic English development with inquiry-based learning and pastoral support, FEP helps students transition successfully into mainstream classes while building the confidence and communication skills needed for long-term academic success.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing Student wellbeing is a cornerstone of the XCL World Academy experience. The school takes a proactive, whole-child approach to wellbeing through a dedicated network of counsellors, pastoral leaders, safeguarding specialists, learning support professionals, and classroom teachers who work together to ensure every student feels safe, supported, and connected. Wellbeing education is embedded throughout school life, helping students develop resilience, emotional intelligence, positive relationships, self-awareness, and the confidence to navigate challenges both in and outside the classroom. Beyond individual support, XWA fosters a strong sense of belonging through homeroom programmes, student leadership opportunities, peer mentoring initiatives, and a vibrant international community representing more than 50 nationalities. The school also leverages wellbeing insights and data to identify students who may need additional support, enabling early intervention and personalised care. This holistic approach ensures students are not only academically successful but also emotionally healthy, socially connected, and prepared to thrive in an increasingly complex world.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in its care. The school has well-established and tested student safeguarding and wellbeing policies, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all students. Staff are vigilant in monitoring campus grounds to ensure that only authorized adults are permitted, reflecting the school's dedication to child protection.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview XCL World Academy's purpose-built 5-hectare campus is designed to support every aspect of student life, from academics and innovation to sports, arts, and wellbeing. Comprising five dedicated buildings, the campus provides students with access to world-class facilities in an environment designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and personal growth. The dedicated Early & Primary Years (EYPY) Building is designed specifically for younger learners and features age-appropriate classrooms, collaborative learning spaces, a dedicated library, gymnasium, outdoor play areas, and specialist learning environments that support inquiry-based learning and exploration. At the heart of the campus is the Innovation Hub, a cutting-edge facility that empowers students to develop future-ready skills through hands-on learning. The hub features robotics and fabrication labs, digital media studios, podcast studios, VR and immersive technology spaces, a green screen studio, collaborative project areas, and also Singapore's first dedicated esports arena within an international school. Students also benefit from extensive sports facilities, including an Olympic-sized 50m swimming pool, an indoor heated learner pool, a FIFA-grade football field, running track, tennis courts, a multi-purpose sports hall, professional-standard fitness gym, and indoor climbing wall. Together with dedicated arts facilities such as a 750-seat auditorium, black box theatre, music suites, and visual arts studios, the campus provides students with exceptional opportunities to discover and pursue their passions. Take an immersive tour of XWA's facilities by visiting xwa.edu.sg/about-us/the-campus
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities Sport is an integral part of student life at XCL World Academy, supported by a wide range of professional-grade facilities designed to help students develop skills, confidence, teamwork, and a lifelong love of physical activity. Whether students are participating recreationally, representing the school competitively, or pursuing high-performance pathways through Aspire Academy, they have access to facilities that enable them to train, compete, and excel. The 5-hectare campus features an Olympic-sized 50m swimming pool, an indoor heated learner pool, a FIFA-grade football field, running track, tennis courts, a multi-purpose sports hall for basketball, netball and other indoor sports, a professional-standard fitness gym, and an indoor climbing wall. These facilities support a comprehensive sports programme that caters to students of all ages and abilities, providing opportunities to develop athletic performance, leadership, resilience, and teamwork both within and beyond the classroom. Take an immersive tour of XWA's facilities by visiting xwa.edu.sg/about-us/the-campus
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities XCL World Academy's academic facilities are designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and innovation across every stage of learning. Students have access to two libraries housing more than 35,000 books, dedicated science laboratories, visual arts studios, music suites, collaborative learning spaces, and specialist classrooms that support inquiry-based learning and academic excellence. The school's Innovation Hub serves as a centre for future-focused learning, providing students with access to robotics and fabrication labs, digital media studios, podcast studios, VR and immersive technology spaces, green screen facilities, design thinking and entrepreneurship spaces, and collaborative project areas. The hub is also home to Singapore's first dedicated esports arena within an international school, creating opportunities for students to explore emerging technologies, digital creativity, and real-world problem-solving in a dynamic learning environment. Take an immersive tour of XWA's facilities by visiting xwa.edu.sg/about-us/the-campus
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities XCL World Academy offers a wide range of facilities that support its extensive extracurricular activities (ECA) programme, enabling students to explore interests beyond the classroom. A key part of this offering is the Innovation Hub, where students can participate in activities such as robotics, coding, filmmaking, digital content creation, podcasting, esports, entrepreneurship, design thinking, and engineering. The facility includes robotics and fabrication labs, digital media studios, podcast studios, VR and immersive technology spaces, green screen facilities, collaborative project areas, and The Garage - Singapore's first dedicated esports arena within an international school. Beyond technology-focused activities, students also have access to world-class sports, arts, and performance facilities including a 750-seat auditorium, black box theatre, music suites, visual arts studios, Olympic-sized swimming pool, FIFA-grade football field, tennis courts, climbing wall, fitness gym, and multi-purpose sports hall. These facilities support a diverse ECA programme that allows students to discover new passions, develop talents, and build skills in leadership, collaboration, creativity, and innovation. Take an immersive tour of XWA's facilities by visiting xwa.edu.sg/about-us/the-campus
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History XCL World Academy, formerly known as GEMS World Academy (Singapore), was established in 2014. In 2020, the school joined the XCL Education group, adopting its current name to reflect a commitment to excellence and global education. The name "XCL" is a gramogram of "excel," derived from the Latin word 'celsus,' meaning to rise and surpass.
Community	Community —	Community XCL World Academy fosters an inclusive and diverse community and emphasizes strong partnerships between families and educators to enhance student learning and well-being. Regular events such as Family Fun Day, Cultural Day Food Fair, and Parent Coffee Social Mornings provide opportunities for community engagement and cultural exchange.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association The Parent Action Committee (PAC) plays a central role in fostering the strong sense of community that defines life at XCL World Academy. Made up of engaged parent volunteers, PAC works closely with the school to create opportunities for families to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the wider XWA experience. Through its efforts, parents become active participants in school life while helping to strengthen the relationships that support student success and wellbeing. Throughout the year, PAC organises a vibrant calendar of events and initiatives that bring the community together, including cultural celebrations, social gatherings, fundraising activities, and family-focused events. It also provides opportunities for parents to engage with the school, share experiences, support new families, and build meaningful connections within XWA’s diverse international community. By encouraging collaboration between families and the school, PAC helps create a welcoming environment where every family feels connected and involved.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual XCL World Academy offers over 60 extra-curricular activities (ECAs) across sports, arts, academics, technology, leadership, and enrichment for students from Kindergarten through Grade 12. Most ECAs are included within tuition fees and are led by XWA’s own faculty, allowing students to explore interests while building confidence, teamwork, creativity, and leadership skills. Options range from Coding, Robotics, STEM, Debate, Chess, Model United Nations, Esports, and Maker Space to Football, Basketball, Swimming, Dance, Drama, Choir, Orchestra, and Rock Band. As students progress through the school, they are encouraged to take on leadership roles, mentor younger peers, and deepen their commitment to activities they are passionate about. Registration and activity management are conveniently handled through the SchoolsBuddy platform.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative XCL World Academy offers a vibrant range of arts-focused ECAs that allow students to explore their creativity, develop new talents, and showcase their abilities through performances and exhibitions. Opportunities span music, drama, dance, visual arts, and digital media, with activities such as Choir, Orchestra, Rock Band, Dance, Drama Productions, Musical Theatre, Art Club, and String Ensemble available across different age groups. Supported by XWA's specialist arts facilities, including dedicated music rooms, dance studios, recording spaces, black box theatre, and a 750-seat auditorium, students are encouraged to collaborate, perform, and express themselves creatively while building confidence and communication skills. Registration and activity management are handled through the SchoolsBuddy platform.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language XCL World Academy offers a range of language, cultural, and globally focused opportunities that reflect its diverse community of over 50 nationalities. Students can participate in activities such as Model United Nations (MUN), Debate, Public Speaking, Choir, Orchestra, Drama, and Dance, while native and heritage speakers can access programmes such as the Japanese Home Language Programme. Together with school-wide cultural celebrations and international-minded learning experiences, these opportunities help students build communication skills, cultural awareness, and a global outlook.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies XCL World Academy offers a wide variety of enrichment and interest-based ECAs that encourage students to build friendships, explore new passions, and develop skills beyond the classroom. Options include Chess, Robotics, Coding, Maker Space, Esports, Dance, Fitness, Board Games, STEM activities, and a range of creative and recreational clubs designed for different age groups. These activities complement academic learning while promoting collaboration, confidence, wellbeing, and personal growth. With opportunities available across Primary and Secondary years, students are encouraged to pursue their interests, try new experiences, and become active members of the school community. Registration and activity management are handled through the SchoolsBuddy platform.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Community Service provides opportunities for local and global impact, including projects in Singapore and abroad. Students travel to South Vietnam, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia to work with local communities, visit schools and support English teaching and activities, as well as engage in fundraising and food-bank initiatives. The Experiential Learning Programme (ELP) and Service as Action underpin learning beyond the classroom, while Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) is embedded in the Diploma Programme.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional The School operates a House System with four Houses and student House Leaders who lead house activities and inter-house competitions. From Grade 8, University & Career Guidance offers personalised planning, career exploration sessions and university admissions support, with additional mentorship networks connecting students with alumni, parents and professionals. The school maintains a Mentor Network to provide guidance and reduce anxiety about post-secondary options.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision English is the primary language of instruction at XCL World Academy, with dedicated English as an Additional Language (EAL) support available for students who require additional language development. XWA offers a multilingual learning environment with opportunities to study and strengthen a range of languages across different year levels, including Mandarin, French, Spanish, and Japanese. The school also offers an English-Chinese Bilingual Programme in the Early and Primary Years, where students learn through both languages in an immersive co-teaching environment led by native-speaking educators. Through its language pathways and internationally minded IB approach, XWA helps students develop strong communication skills, cultural awareness, and confidence in a global environment.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching XCL World Academy’s English-Chinese Bilingual Programme is led by experienced bilingual educators, including Angela Gao, Head of Bilingual, who has played a key role in developing the school’s bilingual learning approach and Chinese curriculum. Available from Pre-K to Grade 5, the programme is designed to help students develop fluency, biliteracy, and cross-cultural understanding through immersive, dual-language learning experiences. Native English and Chinese-speaking teachers co-plan and co-teach lessons, enabling students to learn naturally across both languages within everyday classroom experiences. Fully integrated with the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), the bilingual pathway supports strong academic development while nurturing confident, internationally minded communicators with a deep appreciation for multiple cultures and perspectives.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs The school offers an English–Mandarin bilingual track as part of the Bilingual Programme, with CLIL and transdisciplinary learning across core subjects in both languages.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards XCL World Academy has been recognised by both industry experts and parents for excellence across innovation, facilities, student wellbeing, and academic outcomes. In the 2025 HoneyKids International School Awards, XWA received the Silver Award for Digital Technology in Learning, recognising its leadership in AI, technology integration, and future-ready education. The school was also awarded Silver for Best New Campus for its purpose-built Early & Primary Years campus and received the Editor's Choice Award for Student Wellbeing, highlighting its strong commitment to pastoral care and holistic student development. In addition, XWA has been ranked among Singapore's leading international schools by parents on WhichSchoolAdvisor. The school is currently ranked #2 Best IB School in Singapore and #2 Best IBDP School in Singapore, reflecting high levels of parent satisfaction, strong academic outcomes, and a positive overall school experience.
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations XCL World Academy is recognised by leading global education organisations and industry bodies for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, student wellbeing, and future-focused learning. As one of the few IB Continuum World Schools in Singapore, XWA is authorised to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) pathway, providing students with globally recognised qualifications and a seamless educational journey from the Primary Years Programme (PYP) through to the Diploma Programme (DP). The school holds accreditation from the Council of International Schools (CIS), which independently verifies the quality of teaching, student wellbeing, safeguarding, and international education standards. XWA is also accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), a US-recognised accreditation body that supports university admissions and ensures continuous school improvement. In addition, XWA holds Singapore’s EduTrust Certification and Enhanced Registration Framework (ERF) status, reflecting strong governance, operational quality, and student support systems.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions We understand that starting or switching school can be a challenging and stressful time. We aim to make the application process a pleasant and straightforward experience. When considering applicants, we take into account factors which include personal and social development, educational history and milestones, academic profile and English language proficiency to determine if applicants will benefit from their learning experience at ISS. All applications are diligently processed, evaluated for acceptance and grade-level placement, and submitted to the respective Academic Director for approval. For detailed admission and application process please refer to the admissions overview page on our website: https://www.iss.edu.sg/admissions/overview/	Admissions 1. Explore the School Attend an Open House, book a personalised campus tour, or take a virtual tour of XCL World Academy's 5-hectare campus. This is a great opportunity to experience the learning environment, explore facilities, meet members of the admissions team, and learn more about the programmes, pathways, and support available for new students. 2. Prepare Your Documents Gather the required application documents, including school reports or transcripts, passport copies, immunisation records, and any relevant learning support or language assessment information. Having these ready will help ensure a smooth application process. 3. Submit Your Application Complete the online application form and provide details about your child's educational background, interests, achievements, and any learning or language support requirements. XWA offers rolling admissions throughout the year, providing flexibility for families relocating to Singapore. 4. Assessment and Review Depending on the student's age and year level, the admissions process may include an age-appropriate assessment, interview, or review of academic records. This helps the school determine the most suitable placement and identify any additional support that may help the student thrive from day one. 5. Receive an Offer and Join the Community Successful applicants will receive an offer of admission along with enrolment details and fee information. Once the enrolment process is completed, families will be supported through onboarding and orientation activities designed to help students settle confidently into the XWA community.
Scholarships	Scholarships ISS International School does offer scholarships occassionally.	Scholarships Visit https://xwa.edu.sg/admissions/scholarships to know more about the scholarships on offer at XCL World Academy.
Waitlist	Waitlist If a particular grade level reaches capacity, applicants may be placed on a waitlist. The admissions team closely monitors enrolment numbers and will notify families if a spot becomes availableAs places open up, the admissions team contacts families in the order applications were received. Once notified of an available spot, families need to confirm their acceptance promptly to secure enrolment.	Waitlist XCL World Academy offers rolling admissions throughout the year, allowing families to apply whenever they are ready to make the move to Singapore. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, subject to availability in the relevant year level. As places in some grade levels, particularly in the Secondary Years, can fill quickly, families are encouraged to apply as early as possible. When a year level reaches capacity, eligible applicants may be placed on a waitlist. The admissions team carefully manages this process and will contact families should a place become available. While placement cannot be guaranteed, XWA maintains regular communication with waitlisted families and strives to make the admissions process as transparent and supportive as possible. For the most up-to-date information on availability, families are encouraged to contact the Admissions Team directly at admissions@xwa.edu.sg or +65 6230 4230
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