Tanglin Trust School vs United World College of South East Asia - East Campus

	Tanglin Trust School Singapore	U United World College of South East Asia - East Campus Singapore
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year SGD 34,770 - 55,734	Fees / year SGD 37,494 - 48,237
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 2,824	Pupils 2,807
Typical class size	Typical class size 24	Typical class size 24
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1925	Opened 2008
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location 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.	Location UWCSEA East Campus is situated in Tampines, a developing northeastern hub near Changi Airport, Singapore. The campus is well-connected by public transportation, with the nearest MRT station being Tampines, providing convenient access for families.
Stages	Stages 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.	Stages The school caters to students from Kindergarten 1 (K1) through Grade 12, structured into distinct educational stages: -Infant School: K1 to Grade 1 -Junior School: Grades 2 to 5 -Middle School: Grades 6 to 8 -High School: Grades 9 to 12
School type	School type Tanglin Trust School is a co-educational day school. It does not provide boarding facilities.	School type UWCSEA is a co-educational day school offering boarding facilities for students in Grades 9 to 12.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support 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.	Additional learning support UWCSEA East Campus offers tailored Learning Support services to assist students with mild learning difficulties. The dedicated Learning Support team collaborates with classroom teachers and parents to identify and implement appropriate strategies, ensuring students can fully engage with the curriculum. For more information, please visit their Learning Support page.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Tanglin Trust School is affiliated with the British educational system.	Country affiliation As part of the United World Colleges (UWC) movement, UWCSEA East is affiliated with a global network of schools and is not affiliated with a country.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation 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.	Religious affiliation UWCSEA does not have a religious affiliation. The school welcomes students from all faiths and backgrounds, promoting a culture of understanding and respect within its diverse community.
School day structure	School day structure 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.	School day structure The school day typically begins at 8:00 AM and concludes at 3:00 PM, with specific timings varying by educational stage. Students have scheduled breaks, including a lunch period.
Bus service details	Bus service details 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.	Bus service details UWCSEA collaborates with Yellow Bus Transport to offer a school bus service, ensuring safe and convenient travel for students. The service covers various locations across Singapore, with fees for a two-way service ranging from approximately $530.26 to $1,711.97 per term, depending on the distance travelled.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application Fees A non-refundable application fee of SGD 1,000 is required per application. Enrolment & Capital Levy (Non-Refundable) Enrolment Fee: SGD 4,500, payable upon acceptance of a place. Capital Levy: SGD 4,500, payable before the start of the first school term. See Tanglin's admissions page for more details: https://www.tts.edu.sg/admissions/admissions-overview	Fee details Application Fees: Day Student Application (Kindergarten 1–Grade 11): - Single campus application: S$627 - Dual campus application: S$1,254 Boarding Application (Grade 8–11): - Dual campus application: S$841 The application fee is non-refundable and is payable per application cycle. Enrolment Fee: A one-off enrolment fee of S$4,992 is required to confirm acceptance of the place and is non-refundable. Acceptance Fees: Upon acceptance, the enrolment fee, plus the term and boarding fees (if applicable), must be paid by the deadline stated in the offer documentation. These fees are non-refundable. Tuition Fees (2025/2026): - K1–Grade 1: S$37,494 - Grades 2–5: S$39,102 - Grades 6–8: S$45,501 - Grades 8–10: S$45,711 - Grades 11–12: S$48,237 Development Levy: - First Year: S$9,537 - Subsequent Years: S$4,986 Boarding Fees (2024/2025): - Grades 8–12: S$43,131 - Amenities Fund: S$330 Other Costs: - Bus Service: Between S$530.26 to S$1,711.97 per term, depending on distance. - Canteen Costs: Approximately S$4–S$8 per day. - Instrumental Teaching Programme: Additional charges for music tuition and instrument hire. - Optional Language Programmes: Additional charges for certain language courses. - Weekend & Holiday Programmes: Fees apply for these optional programmes. Billing and Payment Terms: Fees are billed in three equal terms, with payments due at the start of each term. Payments can be made via bank transfer or credit card.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements NA	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement 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.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options 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.	Food options —
House system	House system 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 system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is not-for-profit and is governed by a Board of Governors.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details 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.	Curriculum details UWCSEA East Campus offers a bespoke curriculum from Kindergarten 1 through Grade 8 that integrates academics with activities, outdoor education, personal and social education, and service. In Grades 9 and 10, students engage in the UWCSEA Programme, a two-year academic course designed to prepare them for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12. At the end of Grade 12, students who meet the graduation criteria are granted a UWCSEA High School Diploma. The majority of students also undertake the IB Diploma and receive their IB Diploma results.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results https://www.tts.edu.sg/about-tanglin/academic-results	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression https://www.tts.edu.sg/sixth-form/careers-uni-guidance	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar View document	Academic calendar View document
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning 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.	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) At Tanglin, we are an inclusive learning environment and believe that each child is entitled to a curriculum that facilitates their individual development and support which allows them to achieve their full academic potential. Most of the time, the learning needs of our students can be met by class teachers. However, at certain stages along their learning journey some students may need curriculum modification or specific intervention.	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language 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.	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing 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.	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding 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.	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy View document	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview 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.	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities 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.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities 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.	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities 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.	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History 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.	History —
Community	Community 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.	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association 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.	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual 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.	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative 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.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language 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.	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies 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).	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service 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.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional 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.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing 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.	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision 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.	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching 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.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards 2026 Spear's School Index -Top 100 World's Leading Private School 2025 Tes Awards for International Schools Curriculum Initiative of the Year - Highlands Programme 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."	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations 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. Tanglin is the only international school in Singapore to undergo this UK government inspection and was graded 'Outstanding', the highest possible rating in its 2025 inspection. The quality of education, pupils’ development, welfare, and school leadership were all rated outstanding. Inspectors highlighted exceptional attainment and progress in English, Mathematics, Science, and across creative and practical subjects, with results at IGCSE, A level and IB Diploma significantly above UK and global averages. They also praised Tanglin’s highly cohesive community, where pupils, staff and parents celebrate achievement, prioritise wellbeing and provide outstanding care, enabling pupils to thrive and display exemplary behaviour.	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 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.	Admissions Attend an Open Day or Webinar: Participate in an Open Day or webinar to gain a deeper understanding of UWCSEA's ethos, learning environment, and community. These events offer insights into the school's culture and provide opportunities to ask questions. Application Review: The admissions team will evaluate your application, considering factors such as academic records, residency status, and alignment with the school's values. They may contact you for additional information or clarification during this stage. Assessments and Interviews: Depending on the grade level, applicants may be invited to participate in assessments or interviews. For instance, Middle School applicants might undergo English language proficiency assessments, while High School applicants may attend a Virtual Immersion Programme, which includes interviews and assessments. Offer Notification: Successful applicants will receive an offer of admission. It's important to note that offers are extended based on available spaces and the holistic review of each applicant's profile. Acceptance and Enrollment: Upon receiving an offer, families must confirm acceptance by the specified deadline, complete any remaining enrollment procedures, and prepare for the student's transition into the UWCSEA community.
Scholarships	Scholarships 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.	Scholarships UWCSEA offers both full and partial scholarships to students entering the IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12. These scholarships are awarded through national committees in over 130 countries, including Singapore. Interested applicants should contact the UWC national committee in their home country for information on available scholarships and the application process.
Waitlist	Waitlist 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.	Waitlist UWCSEA East Campus does not operate a traditional waitlist or pool system. Instead, the school follows an annual application cycle, with applications typically opening on 1 September of the preceding year. Offers are extended in rounds, with the first round occurring in December or January, and subsequent rounds in March. Applicants not offered a place in earlier rounds are welcome to reapply in the following academic year.
	View full profile →	View full profile →