Tanglin Trust School vs Canadian International School

Tanglin Trust School is located in the One-North region of Singapore. Conveniently positioned near Buona Vista MRT station, it offers easy access to public transport links, making commuting straightforward for families living in different parts of the city. The school is in close vicinity to the expat-friendly neighbourhoods of Holland Village and Bukit Timah, known for their diverse dining options and amenities.

Tanglin Trust School in Singapore is structured into three main schools: the Infant School (Nursery to Year 2), the Junior School ( Year 3 to Year 6), then Senior School which encompasses Middle School (Year 7 to 9), and Upper School (Year 10 to 11). Finally, Sixth Form for Year 12 and Year 13.

Tanglin Trust School is a co-educational day school. It does not provide boarding facilities.

Tanglin Trust School offers supportive services for students with Additional Learning Needs through its dedicated Learning Support department. The school provides individualized support plans, access to specialist staff, and tailored resources to meet each student’s specific requirements. Facilities and programs are designed to ensure that all students can thrive academically and socially.

Tanglin Trust School is affiliated with the British educational system.

Tanglin Trust School in Singapore is a non-denominational institution with no affiliation to any particular religion, welcoming students from various cultural and religious backgrounds.

The Infant and Junior School day starts at 8:10 AM and ends at 2:50 PM.

The Senior School starts at 8:15 AM and ends at 4:00 PM.

The schedule includes a morning break and a lunch break.

Tanglin Trust School offers a bus service to facilitate transportation for students across various parts of Singapore. The service is provided by KAL Transport Pte Ltd. Buses are air-conditioned and equipped with seat belts, ensuring a comfortable and secure commute for students. Additionally, the school collaborates closely with the provider to accommodate different routes and pick-up/drop-off points to suit the needs of families.

All students from Nursery to Sixth Form wear a school uniform. The School Shop stocks the full range of school clothing including swimwear, bags, hats, sportswear and House shirts. School shoes are not sold in the shop, and a limited number of second-hand uniforms are also sold at the School Shop.

The school's caterer designs balanced and nutritious menus with a range of Western and Asian food available. There is a main central Dining Room on Level 2 of the Nixon Building that serves lunches and snacks, with Junior lunches pre-ordered online. Senior students can use a prepaid card to access hot food, sandwiches, a salad bar, healthy snacks and fruits. There is also the Banyan Café for parents on floor 7 of the Centenary Building.

The Tanglin House system is unified across the Infant, Junior and Senior Schools. There are eight Houses: Claymore, Cameron, Raeburn, Alexandra, Weyhill, Wessex, Winchester and Portsdown. House members participate in school activities and House Fridays.

The school is governed by a Board of Governors. Tanglin Trust School Ltd governs the school; it is registered as Tanglin Trust School Ltd, Registration number 196100114C, with a registration period from 7 June 2023 to 6 June 2029. The Board appoints the CEO and the Leadership Team and operates through committees including Education, Pastoral and Safeguarding, Talent, Finance and Risk, Real Estate and Campus Development, and Development and Alumni. The Group Corporate Secretary is Chen Mee King.

In the Infant and Junior Schools (ages 3-11), the curriculum follows the English National Curriculum. In the Senior School (ages 11-16), students work towards the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations. For the Sixth Form (ages 16-18), students have the option to pursue either A Levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), providing pathways to universities worldwide.

​Tanglin Trust School places a strong emphasis on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) to support student well-being and development. The school implements a comprehensive Lifeskills curriculum across all year groups, addressing topics such as positive relationships, health, and well-being. To further support SEL, Tanglin has established safe spaces within each school division, providing students with designated areas to manage stress and emotions. Additionally, the school's Coordinated Wellbeing Services team, comprising nurses, counsellors, an educational psychologist, and a school social worker, collaborates to offer both proactive and reactive support, contributing to a nurturing environment.

Tanglin Trust School accommodates mild to moderate learning needs through a pastoral support system and collaboration with external experts. Dedicated staff members, including learning support specialists, work closely with classroom teachers to offer tailored strategies and adjustments. The school’s provision typically benefits students with difficulties such as dyslexia, mild autism spectrum conditions, or attention-related disorders.

Tanglin does not provide any special programmes to teach students for whom English is an additional language and who are at an early stage of acquiring English. Students wishing to enrol in the school must have an age appropriate fluency in English, and one parent is required to be fluent in English to ensure effective communication between school and home.

The school has a dedicated team of counselors who work alongside teachers to provide individualized support and guidance. Specific programs are designed to equip students with essential life skills and resilience. The school also promotes a supportive environment through initiatives like peer mentoring and mindfulness activities. Regular workshops and sessions are available for both students and parents, fostering open communication and awareness of mental health.

The school maintains a dedicated safeguarding team trained to handle concerns and implement protective measures. All staff undergo regular training in child protection and are committed to maintaining a secure environment. The school has a clear reporting system for any issues, ensuring swift and appropriate responses. Additionally, Tanglin Trust School involves parents in creating a safe community through workshops and open communication.

Tanglin Trust School was established in 1925, initially serving the educational needs of the British expatriate community in Singapore. Throughout its history, the school has maintained its non-profit status, ensuring that investment is channelled back into student development and facilities.

Tanglin Trust School in Singapore offers a vibrant, inclusive community with a rich mix of international families, fostering a supportive environment for newcomers. The school regularly hosts community and cultural events, such as International Day, which celebrates the diverse backgrounds of its students and staff through food, performances, and traditional attire.

Tanglin Trust School's Friends of Tanglin plays an integral role in fostering a strong sense of community among families, staff, and the wider school network. The group organizes various events throughout the academic year, such as the International Evening, which celebrates the school's diverse cultural makeup, and the highly anticipated Summer Fair. Additionally, they support a range of interest groups and workshops that focus on topics like parenting and cultural awareness.

The Tanglin Trust School serves students from age 3 to 18, organized into four main divisions: Infant School (age 3–7), Junior School (age 7–11), Middle School (age 11–14) leading into Upper School (age 14–16) and Sixth Form (age 16–18). The main address is 95 Portsdown Road, Singapore 139299. The school is not-for-profit and has a long tradition of British-based learning with an international perspective. The Infant School is accredited for Curiosity Approach pedagogy. The school also operates a Highlands Programme, a residential learning initiative for Year 9 students based at the Gippsland campus in Australia.

The Tanglin site supports a broad co-curricular life, including sport and arts offerings across the Infant, Junior, Middle, and Upper/Sixth Form sections, with dedicated sport and arts facilities integrated into the campus.

Upper School provides a broad academic experience with a wide array of (I)GCSE subjects from multiple exam boards. The Sixth Form offers a dual pathway: students can pursue either A-levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma.

The school emphasizes a rich co-curricular programme across all sections, including sports, arts, outdoor education, service learning, and Duke of Edinburgh opportunities, aligned with Tanglin's holistic approach to education.

Tanglin Trust School follows a British-based curriculum and offers three senior pathways: IGCSE, A Levels, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. In the Upper School, IGCSE subjects are offered across multiple exam boards. The Sixth Form provides a choice between A-levels and the IB Diploma. The school is a not-for-profit institution established in 1925; 2025 marks its centenary.

Tanglin supports a substantial arts program, including a central music department. The Junior Arts Centre opened in 2025, providing dedicated space for creative learning. The co-curricular programme includes arts and music opportunities with ensembles and performances throughout the year.

Mother Tongue language provision is offered for languages such as Chinese, French, Spanish, Japanese, Dutch and Hindi. Some students pursue these languages within IGCSE, A-level, or IB Diploma programs, including the IB Bilingual Diploma. English is the working language; an age-appropriate English fluency is required for entry, and there is no provision to teach children for whom English is an additional language.

The school runs a broad co-curricular programme (CCA) spanning arts, sport and service. The CCA programme supports student interests through a wide range of activities coordinated by a dedicated Co-Curriculum department. Tanglin also fosters community engagement through events and charitable activities such as Ch@t (Charity @ Tanglin).

Community engagement is a feature of school life, including events like International Day and charitable initiatives. The Ch@t (Charity @ Tanglin) program supports students' involvement in service projects and community activities.

Senior School offers Careers & University Counselling to support student pathways. The school's co-curricular programme provides leadership and collaboration opportunities across departments and activities.

British Schools Overseas inspection in 2025 rated Tanglin Outstanding, including welfare and leadership aspects. Pastoral care and safeguarding arrangements are in place to support student wellbeing. Co-curricular life emphasizes sport and physical activity, contributing to students' wellbeing and community spirit.

The working language is English and students must have age-appropriate fluency in English. There is no provision to teach children for whom English is an additional language or who are at an early stage of acquiring English language skills. The school supports heritage language development through a Mother Tongue program offering Chinese, French, Spanish, Japanese, Dutch and Hindi. Some students take examinations in these languages and some obtain the IB Bilingual Diploma.

The school provides a Mother Tongue language program supported by dedicated teachers. Languages offered include Chinese, French, Spanish, Japanese, Dutch and Hindi. Some students take public examinations in these languages and some obtain the IB Bilingual Diploma.

2024 Talk Education Awards: The school received the "Thinking Beyond the Curriculum" award, recognizing the impact of The Institute at Tanglin in supporting student scholarship and learning. ​

Singapore Education Awards 2024: Tanglin Trust School secured three Gold awards, including "Singapore International School of the Year," "International School with the Most Future-Ready Students," and "Best New Campus" for its state-of-the-art Centenary Building. ​

WhichSchoolAdvisor (Singapore) Best Schools Awards 2024: The school was honored with the "Best Post-16 Education" award, highlighting its dual-pathway offering of A Levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). ​The school also won "Best UK Pathway" and "Best Early Years Programme in an International School"

International School of the Year 2023: Tanglin Trust School was named "International School of the Year 2023" by ISC Research, also winning the "Ethical Values Education Award" and being shortlisted for the "Strategic Leadership Award."

Council of International Schools (CIS)
- The CIS accredits schools that are committed to continuous improvement and the development of global citizens. It assesses international schools for quality and rigor in all aspects of education and operations.

Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
- WASC is an American-based accrediting agency. Accreditation by WASC signifies that the school meets international standards, making it easier for students to transition to other education systems globally, particularly in the United States.

Independent Association of Preparatory Schools (IAPS)
- IAPS accredits preparatory schools with a commitment to high standards in education and pastoral care, ensuring that young students receive a quality foundation for future learning.

Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA)
- FOBISIA membership indicates that the school follows the British curriculum framework, ensuring consistency and familiarity for students transitioning from or to schools with similar curricula.

British Schools Overseas (BSO)
- This accreditation ensures that the school meets the standards expected of British education abroad. BSO accreditation is recognized by the UK government and facilitates a smooth transition for students entering the UK education system.

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.

Attend an Open House or Schedule a School Tour.
Once the admissions team has responded, consider attending an open house or arranging a personal school tour. This is an excellent opportunity for you to experience the school environment, explore the facilities, and ask any specific questions about the curriculum, extracurricular activities, and the school community.

Submit the Application Form and Required Documents.
After gathering all necessary information, proceed to complete and submit the application form available on the school’s website. Ensure that you prepare all required documents, such as your child’s birth certificate, school reports from the previous two years, and any relevant examination results.

Assessment and Interview Process.
Depending on the grade level of entry, your child may need to undergo an assessment or interview. The admissions team will provide details about this process, including the format and content of the assessment. This step is designed to understand your child’s academic abilities and ensure that the school can meet their educational needs.

Offer of a Place and Acceptance.
If your child meets the school’s entry criteria, you will receive an offer of a place. Review the offer carefully, including any conditions and the enrollment terms. To secure the spot, respond by the specified deadline and provide any necessary confirmation, such as the enrollment deposit or additional documentation.

Prepare for Enrollment and School Start.
Once you have accepted the offer, the school will guide you through the enrollment process. This includes finalizing administrative details, such as uniform purchase, bus arrangements, and orientation schedules.

Tanglin Centenary Music Scholarships:
These scholarships are open to current and prospective Senior School students who demonstrate outstanding musical proficiency, a genuine passion for music, and a commitment to perform regularly.

Tanglin Trust School employs an applicant pool system rather than a traditional waitlist. The process includes:​

Application Submission: Families can submit applications up to three years before the desired entry year. ​

Annual Review: Each year, the relevant Head of School and Head of Admissions review and assess applicants in the pool. ​
tts.edu.sg

Possible Outcomes: After the annual review, applicants may receive:​
-An offer of a place at the school.
-Placement into the waitpool for consideration if spots become available during the applied academic year.​
-Notification that the application was unsuccessful. ​

This system allows the school to evaluate applicants annually, ensuring that each student is considered fairly based on the current availability and suitability for the school's programs.

The Canadian International School (CIS) is located in Jurong West. The school is well-connected by public transport, located near Lakeside MRT station. The area offers a welcoming environment for families, with a range of amenities and residential options nearby.

The Canadian International School in Singapore is structured into three main sections: the Primary School (Kindergarten to Grade 6), the Middle School (Grades 7 to 8), and the High School (Grades 9 to 12).

Canadian International School in Singapore is a co-educational day school. The school does not offer boarding facilities.

The Canadian International School (CIS) is Canadian at heart but global in outlook with nearly 3000 students from 70 nations. Working together with people from other backgrounds and cultures is an integral part of life at CIS.

The Canadian International School in Singapore offers support for students with Additional Learning Needs through its Learning Support Team. This includes tailored interventions and individualized support plans to help students succeed. The school also provides access to facilities equipped for specialized learning and resources for students requiring extra assistance.

Canadian International School in Singapore is affiliated with Canada, offering a curriculum that incorporates elements of the Canadian educational system.

Canadian International School in Singapore is not affiliated with any particular religion, offering a secular education environment for students from diverse backgrounds.

At the Canadian International School in Singapore, the school day typically begins at 8:30 AM and concludes at 3:30 PM. Students have a morning break, lunch around midday, and a short afternoon break.

The Canadian International School (CIS) in Singapore offers a comprehensive school bus service for its students, accommodating families across the island. This service is managed by Yeap Transport Pte Ltd, a reputable provider known for safety and reliability. The buses are equipped with seat belts and a GPS tracking system, ensuring convenience and peace of mind for parents. Various pick-up and drop-off points are strategically located, making it easier for families residing in different parts of Singapore.

CIS has an arrangement with ACS Oldham Hall in Singapore for boarding. Oldham Hall provides accommodation for students aged 12 years and up with a staff-to-boarder ratio of 1:12 and offers a door-to-door CIS bus service. Pastoral care is provided by residential house masters and mistresses, and on-site facilities include a gym, swimming pool, study rooms and wireless internet.

All students wear a uniform. Uniforms can be purchased at Lim Meng Keng Department Store in Holland Village. The uniform includes polo shirts, Bermuda shorts or skirts and PE shirts, with additional house league shirts as required.

Sodexo operates the CIS canteen; the Red Dot Café serves meals, hot and cold drinks, and breakfast on school days. Two large canteens operate on school days from 11:30am to 1:40pm, and a level-5 café runs for extended hours; the menu includes Asian dishes, curries, pasta, pizza, plant-based meals, and halal-certified meat with no pork or lard. Lunch for Nursery to Senior Kindergarten is included in school fees; Grades 4–12 pay for meals using stored-value cards.

The school uses a house system to build a sense of belonging and pride among students from Grades 1 to 12. House events are regularly held, and house captains lead activities to foster teamwork and leadership.

The school is incorporated as Canadian International School Pte. Ltd., a private limited company in Singapore.

The Canadian International School (CIS) in Singapore offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum across all educational stages. For students aged 3 to 12 years, the Primary Years Programme (PYP) encourages inquiry-based learning. The Middle Years Programme (MYP) follows for ages 11 to 16, focusing on developing interdisciplinary skills and critical thinking. For ages 16 to 18, the Diploma Programme (DP) offers a wide range of subjects, preparing students for university education globally. Additionally, CIS offers language acquisition programs, including French, Mandarin, and English, enhancing language skills from an early age.

All classes are staffed to ensure an optimal learning environment. As in all international school settings, the number of students in a class will fluctuate throughout the academic year - in line with demand and peak periods for admission and withdrawal.

In the kindergarten years, teachers are supported by two full-time instructional assistants in nursery and one full-time instructional assistant in pre-kindergarten, junior and senior kindergarten, allowing teachers to focus on each child’s emotional and social well-being.

Our bilingual classes (pre-kindergarten to grade 6) have two teachers per class. Students will learn in Chinese one day, and in English the next. In addition to the teacher, each class is supported by an instructional assistant.

The Canadian International School (CIS) is a leading world IB school. with IB results consistently above the global average. in 2025 the CIS IB average score was 35 compared to a global average of 30.6. This score is 38.7 for their 60th percentile. 22 students achieved 40+ points in 2025.

At Canadian International School (CIS), recent IB Diploma results are consistently strong and above global averages: the Class of 2025 achieved an average score of 35 (global average 30.58), with 22 students scoring 40+ points, 35 Bilingual Diplomas, and a selective-intake equivalent average of 38.7 for the top 60% of students; the Class of 2024 also averaged 35 (global 30.32) with a 99% pass rate, 2 students scoring a perfect 45, 25 scoring 40+, 38 scoring 38+, and about 35% earning the Bilingual Diploma; earlier results such as the Class of 2020 showed an average of 37.9 (global 33) with a 100% pass rate, 5 perfect 45s, 9 scores of 44, 37% scoring 40+, and a notably high 74.4% Bilingual Diploma rate compared with about 24% globally, highlighting CIS’s strong academic performance and emphasis on multilingual achievement.

Students from grades 7 to 10 who participated in the 2024 Singapore and Asian Schools Math Olympiad (SASMO) brought home 48 medals: 12 gold, 16 silver and 20 bronze. They also won nine medals in the Singapore Math Olympiad (SMO), a commendable performance in a challenging environment.

In addition, the Class of 2024 achieved two perfect scores of 45 and a school average of 35 for their IB exam. They surpassed the global average by an astounding 4.8 points. 33% of their graduating cohort received the prestigious Bilingual Diploma. Many of them are heading to top universities around the world including Cambridge University, Stanford and Imperial College London.

A testament to continued academic excellence, 50 of their students also participated in the prestigious 3rd Global Chinese Writing Competition and won awards across the global and regional categories. Some of whom won championship titles as well.

CIS places a strong emphasis on students' social and emotional well-being. In primary school, homeroom teachers provide pastoral and emotional support, while in secondary school, advisory teachers deliver a dedicated pastoral care programme. The student support and well-being team, comprising a school psychologist, counsellors, learning support teachers, university advisors, and nurses, offers programmes throughout the year to help students develop skills to manage their well-being. Initiatives include "Sunshine visits" for new students, weekly meetings to monitor individual progress, and educational seminars for students and parents.

CIS supports students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) through its tiered learning support model. The school is not a specialist SEN institution but provides support for various learning needs, including those requiring occupational and speech therapy. The dedicated student support and well-being team collaborates with teachers to ensure that students with SEN receive appropriate interventions and assistance to achieve their academic goals.

At the CIS, students who are non-native English speakers receive tailored support through various programs. The English Language Learner (ELL) program assists students from Senior Kindergarten to Grade 10 in developing their English proficiency. Additionally, the CIS Foundation Programme is designed for students in Grades 3 to 8 who are beginners in English, aiming to equip them with the necessary language skills to integrate into mainstream classes.

The student support and well-being team, which includes counsellors and a school psychologist, offers programs throughout the year to help students develop skills to manage their well-being. Initiatives such as "Sunshine visits" for new students and weekly meetings to monitor individual progress are part of this support system.

CIS is committed to safeguarding and child protection, adhering to strict policies and procedures to ensure a safe environment for all students. The school collects and manages personal data, including health and well-being information, in compliance with applicable laws and regulations

Canadian International School (CIS) in Singapore was established in 1990, initially to serve the expatriate Canadian community. Originally starting as a small school, it has grown significantly and now operates under the ownership of the prestigious Nord Anglia Education group.

Canadian International School in Singapore offers a vibrant and diverse community, welcoming families from over 70 countries. The school hosts various community events like the International Fair, which celebrates cultural diversity with food, performances, and activities from around the globe. Students and families can also engage in cultural events such as Lunar New Year and Deepavali celebrations. These events provide excellent opportunities for families new to Singapore to connect and engage with others.

The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) at the Canadian International School in Singapore plays an active role in fostering a supportive community. It organizes events such as International Day, where families celebrate their diverse cultures through food stalls and performances, and seasonal celebrations like the Winter Fair. In addition to these events, the PTA manages various interest groups and workshops, such as coffee mornings and parenting seminars, which provide valuable networking opportunities for parents. They also facilitate teacher appreciation initiatives, acknowledging the hard work of the school's educators. Volunteering with the PTA can be a great way for new families to connect and engage with the school community.

The Lakeside Campus serves students aged 2 to 18 years and uses a schools-within-a-school design with distinct age-appropriate learning communities. The campus is described as having state-of-the-art facilities to support teaching and learning. CIS is an IB World School offering the IB Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme. In 2025, the Class of 2025 IB Diploma results were published, showing strong university destinations and bilingual diploma achievements. The school teaches in English and offers two bilingual language pathways (Chinese-English and French-English), along with an English language learner programme.

Outdoor learning is integrated into the CIS programme, with Open Minds in Primary, field trips, Secondary DP field investigations and Excursion Week for Grades 4–11. These activities promote independence, collaboration, resilience and real-world connections as part of the school's approach to experiential learning.

CIS follows a three-programme IB structure: IB Primary Years Programme (Pre-K to Grade 6), IB Middle Years Programme (Grades 7–10) and IB Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12). Language of instruction is English. Bilingual programmes are available: Chinese-English (Pre-K to Grade 6) and French-English (Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6), with two teachers per bilingual class. English Language Learner support is provided for non-native speakers, and after-school language activities are offered.

The Arts programme includes music, dance, drama and visual arts, with curricular and co-curricular offerings and performance opportunities. The Academy of Music provides instrumental and vocal lessons, ensembles and performance spaces such as the David Foster Theatre and Black Box Theatre. CIS also runs STEAM education with interdisciplinary maker spaces and project work, and promotes outdoor learning, field trips and service/leadership activities.

CIS offers extra curricular activities (ECAs), co-curricular activities (CCAs) and competitive sports across three terms for students from Pre-K to Grade 12. After-school language classes, including mother tongue and other language acquisition, are offered as paid services and run by independent providers. Media and design activities use film and recording studios and STEAM facilities, and dramatic or musical productions are staged in the David Foster Theatre. Students participate in arts ensembles and choirs, including Symphonic, Concert and rock bands, as well as junior and senior choirs.

Arts opportunities include a range of musical ensembles and bands, choirs, drama productions and visual art exhibits. Performances and showcases occur across divisions and may be conducted in languages other than English. Dramatic or musical productions are staged in the David Foster Theatre.

Mother tongue language classes and other language acquisition courses run after school as paid services. The school runs two bilingual programmes: Chinese-English for Pre-K to Grade 6, and French-English for Grade 1 to 5. Some performances are conducted in languages other than English, such as Chinese or French.

CIS offers a broad range of after-school clubs and activities. There are 38 secondary student clubs, including sustainability groups and Model United Nations. Clubs operate across three terms each school year, with registrations via My.CIS. Recreational and hobby groups provide opportunities for social interaction and personal interest development.

CIS offers community service programs and volunteering opportunities through service-oriented clubs. The Memory Project is an example of a service-focused club. Some clubs provide opportunities for MYP and Diploma Programme students to meet CAS or Service as Action requirements.

CIS provides leadership opportunities through student government and leadership programs. The school includes clubs and activities such as Model United Nations to develop leadership and global awareness. Other clubs focus on entrepreneurship, career development and professional skills.

Sports and fitness are offered in recreational and competitive formats across three terms. Each campus has representative ACSIS teams that compete with other international schools. Swimming is year-round at Lakeside with two annual trials. Outdoor learning and experiential programs such as Excursion Week and Open Minds support wellbeing.

Languages taught include English, Chinese, and French, with additional languages highlighted as part of CIS's programme. Chinese-English bilingual programme provides Chinese language instruction and literacy development through five weekly classes and a 36-level reading programme. French-English bilingual programme runs from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6 and is IB PYP-aligned. The IB programmes include PYP (Pre-K–6), MYP (7–10), and DP (Diploma Programme).

Chinese-English bilingual programme is available to pre-kindergarten to grade 6 with two teachers per class: one native English speaker and one native Chinese speaker; classes alternate between English and Chinese for equal exposure. Chinese literacy development is supported by a 36-level guided reading programme, and Chinese language classes are taught five times per week by native-speaking teachers. A bilingual pathway continues into Secondary School and the Middle Years Programme, with Senior Kindergarten entry requiring language-specific criteria. French-English bilingual programme runs Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6 and is IB PYP-aligned, with entry requiring language requirements from Junior Kindergarten onward.

The immersion programmes at CIS are a distinctive part of its Primary School, offering students the option to learn through full bilingual pathways rather than traditional language classes. In addition to an English-immersion track, CIS provides Chinese–English and French–English bilingual programmes in which students receive roughly 50% of instruction in each language from native-speaking teachers, learning core subjects such as maths, science, and social studies in both languages. Based on the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), the approach is inquiry-driven and designed to develop fluency, literacy, and cultural understanding simultaneously, aiming to produce confident bilingual learners rather than students with basic conversational skills.

HoneyKids Education Awards CIS has been awarded Gold for Best in Bilingual Education at the HoneyKids Singapore Education Awards 2025! This achievement is a testament to our School’s dedication, our families continued trust, and the remarkable growth and success of every child in our bilingual programme.

International Baccalaureate (IB) World School Accreditation: CIS is authorized to offer the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the Diploma Programme (DP). .

Council of International Schools (CIS) Accreditation: This accreditation recognizes schools that maintain high international education standards and demonstrate a commitment to continually improving the educational experience.

Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Accreditation: CIS holds accreditation from WASC, a regional accrediting agency in the United States. This accreditation confirms that the school meets rigorous standards of educational quality, ongoing improvement, and organizational health.

Edutrust Certification: Awarded by the Singapore Committee for Private Education (CPE), this certification ensures that CIS adheres to statutory requirements aimed at improving the quality and accountability of education providers.

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 an Open House
After you've received a response from the admissions team, consider booking an open house visit. This is a valuable opportunity to explore the school's campus, facilities, and learning environment firsthand. During the visit, you will also get a chance to meet some of the faculty and ask any additional questions you may have about curriculum, extra-curricular offerings, or the school's philosophy and values.

Submit Your Application
With a sense of familiarity with the school, proceed to submit a formal application. Ensure you have all necessary documentation ready, which typically includes previous school records, a copy of your child’s passport, and any relevant assessment reports.

Attend an Interview or Assessment
If your application moves forward, your child may be invited for an interview or assessment. This step aims to understand your child’s academic capabilities, interests, and social readiness. The school will inform you about the format and what to expect during the session, ensuring both you and your child are well-prepared.

Receive an Admissions Decision
Following the evaluation, you will receive an admissions decision. The school commits to communicating the outcome promptly. If your application is successful, you'll be given details about the enrollment process. If not, the admissions team is usually available to discuss any next steps or alternative options.

Complete Enrollment Requirements
Once your child is offered a place, you’ll need to complete the enrollment process by signing the acceptance documents and paying the necessary fees by the given deadline. The admissions team will provide assistance with logistical details like visa applications, uniform purchasing, and start dates, ensuring a seamless transition for your family.

Read more about our secondary school scholarship programme here:
www.cis.edu.sg/admissions/scholarships

Waitpool System: Unlike a traditional waitlist where students are lined up on a first-come, first-served basis, a waitpool approach allows the school to consider each applicant's unique profile and the balance and diversity of the existing student body. When a place becomes available, the admissions team evaluates all candidates in the pool to select the student who best fits the school’s current needs and objectives.

Evaluation Criteria: Several factors are taken into account when assessing students in the waitpool. These can include the student's academic background, English language proficiency, citizenship to maintain a diverse international environment, and any particular skills or talents that might contribute to school life.

Notification Process: Families in the waitpool are kept informed about their application status and are notified once a decision has been made. As soon as a suitable place becomes available that matches a student’s profile, the admissions team promptly contacts the family to discuss placement.

Flexibility and Timing: While it’s challenging to predict the availability of places due to various factors such as student turnover and the dynamic nature of school populations, the admission team at CIS makes every effort to accommodate families and maintain transparent communication.