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UWCSEA Dover Campus is situated at 1207 Dover Road, Singapore 139654. It is conveniently accessible via public transport, with Dover MRT station nearby and several bus routes.
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
UWCSEA Dover is a co-educational day school. It provides boarding facilities for students in Grades 8 to 12.
UWCSEA Dover Campus provides tailored support for students with specific learning differences to help them fully engage with the curriculum. A dedicated team of experienced learning support teachers collaborates with students across all age groups, implementing individualized strategies to foster academic success.
As part of the United World Colleges (UWC) movement, UWCSEA Dover is affiliated with a global network of schools and is not affiliated with a country.
UWCSEA Dover is a non-denominational institution, welcoming students from all religious backgrounds.
The school day at UWCSEA Dover Campus typically begins at 8:00 am and concludes at 3:00 pm. After-school activities are available until 4:30 pm.
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. Buses are equipped with GPS tracking and supervised by attendants to maintain a secure and comfortable ride for students .
Boarding is offered at the Dover Campus for Grades 8–12. The campus has three boarding houses named after Nelson Mandela, Kurt Hahn and Maya Angelou. Boarders share a room with peers from other countries in an ensuite arrangement, supported by a team of house staff and a 24‑hour clinic to support wellbeing and academics. From August 2027, Grade 8 boarding will no longer be offered; boarding will be available from Grade 9 onwards.
The Uniform Policy requires a sun hat for outdoor play (compulsory). For K1 to G2, 3 sets of main uniform, 1 PE kit, and a navy cardigan; for K2 to G8, 3 sets of main uniform, 2 PE kits, and a navy cardigan/hoodie; for G9 to G10, 3 sets of main uniform, 2 PE kits, and a black hoodie/jacket; for G11 to G12, 3 sets of main uniform, 2 PE kits, and a black hoodie/jacket. Pupils bring their own carrying bag or can buy a non‑woven bag for SGD 4.
Meals are provided in two campus canteens. Breakfast and dinner are buffet style in the Pavilion; on Saturday, breakfast is self‑service and lunch is served in the Pavilion. Asian, Indian and Western options are available at every meal, including vegetarian.
Dover Boarding comprises three houses named Mandela, Hahn and Maya Angelou. Boarders share a room with peers from different countries in an ensuite arrangement. At the start of the year, new boarders are assigned to a ‘house family'—a cross‑age group of boarders advised by a Houseparent; the Houseparent, along with Assistant Houseparents, Day Staff and a Boarding Counsellor, supports wellbeing and progress.
UWCSEA Dover Campus is governed by the College's Board of Governors and operates as a non‑profit charity under the UWCSEA Foundation. The Board oversees governance and regulatory compliance, with committees including Audit and Risk, Education and Talent, Engagement and Foundation, Finance and Infrastructure, and Governance.
UWCSEA Dover 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.
The school’s Personal and Social Education (PSE) programme is integral to student development, addressing personal and social challenges such as defining values, building friendships, and navigating digital environments. Through structured activities like morning meetings, advisory sessions, and PSE lessons, students enhance their self-awareness, empathy, and interpersonal skills.
UWCSEA Dover Campus is committed to supporting students with Special Educational Needs, including those with mild learning difficulties. The Learning Support department offers a range of instructional approaches and resources to ensure these students can access and benefit from the learning programme. It's important to note that while the school provides robust support, it is not a specialist SEN institution.
UWCSEA Dover Campus offers an EAL programme for students from Kindergarten 1 to Grade 12, focusing on developing academic English skills. For younger students, EAL support is integrated within the classroom, while older students receive dedicated EAL instruction to prepare for assessments like the (I)GCSE and IB Diploma Programme.
The Wellness and Counselling Centre at UWCSEA Dover provides professional services aimed at enhancing students' personal growth, resilience, and overall wellbeing. This initiative underscores the school's commitment to fostering a supportive environment for all community members.
UWCSEA is committed to safeguarding and protecting all members of its community. The school's safeguarding policies and procedures encompass various aspects, including student wellbeing, bullying prevention, harassment and discrimination policies, use of physical intervention, and meeting individual physical, psychological, or medical needs. The primary goal is to prevent and respond to children experiencing or at risk of abuse, neglect, violence, and exploitation. The school expects all individuals affiliated with the community to act with integrity and take responsibility for keeping students safe.
Established in 1971, UWCSEA Dover Campus began as Singapore International School, officially opened by Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. In 1975, it joined the United World College (UWC) movement, adopting its current name. Over the decades, the campus has expanded to serve over 3,000 students aged 4 to 18, with facilities featuring mature trees and open spaces.
The Dover Campus fosters a vibrant community where parents actively support the school's mission through the Parents' Association (PA). The PA organizes various events, including cultural showcases, workshops, and social gatherings, enhancing the experience for students and families. With over 200 volunteers, the PA also facilitates programs like the Parent Buddy Programme to help new families integrate.
The Parents' Association (PA) at Dover Campus is a volunteer organization dedicated to enriching parents' experiences within the UWCSEA community. Collaborating closely with the school's leadership, the PA organizes diverse activities such as social coffees, cultural events, and special interest group initiatives. All parents are encouraged to participate, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging.
The Dover Campus underwent a five-year campus rejuvenation, completed in 2016. The campus holds Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy certification. It features sustainable design elements including an AYE sports field with cork and coconut husk infill, solar panel fields, cooling roofs and green walls, and abundant natural daylight. Recycled water strategies irrigate landscaped areas and there are biodiversity initiatives including a tree nursery and rooftop gardens. The Dover Campus has Primary and Secondary libraries with spaces for study, collaboration, and events, including a Main Library with a Library Stage and Digital Literacy Coaches.
The Dover Campus has an AYE sports field with cork and coconut husk infill, first in Singapore to use organic infill. The campus features solar panel fields with thousands of panels generating substantial energy for the site. Cooling roofs and green walls reduce heat transmission and support energy efficiency on the campus.
The Dover Campus has Primary Library (K1–G5) and Secondary Library (G6–12) with spaces for study, collaboration, and events; the libraries include a stage for guest speakers and live broadcasts. The Dover Campus Main Library features flexible spaces such as T-Wall booths, Library Pods, and a Library Stage, and houses Digital Literacy Coaches. Library hours during term are Monday to Thursday 7.30am–6pm and Friday 7.30am–5pm (term break 8.30am–3.30pm); the David Watson Primary Library is open upon request. The Learning Environment notes that campuses provide state-of-the-art technology and tools in libraries and other learning spaces, including professionally equipped performance spaces.
Dover Campus offers extensive after-school, weekend, and holiday programmes that run on both campuses and give access to world-class facilities. Holiday camps are available during school holidays, including options in sports, science, drama and more. The Tent Plaza is a central community space on the Dover Campus. Dover activities and weekend programmes are listed and managed via campus portals and separate Dover and East activity pages.
The Dover Campus offers an extensive activities programme across four activity seasons for High School students. Mind Matters includes Chess, Board Games, Computer Programming, Competitive Maths Club and Rubik's Cube Club. Learn and Lead includes Debating Club, IfP, Law Society, Medical Society, Model United Nations, Student Council, Student Voices and TEDx. Create and Innovate includes Art Studio, Animation, Coding, Chinese Calligraphy, Drawing, STEM and Urban Gardening, and IB Diploma students may count some activity engagement toward CAS with prior agreement.
Arts and Performance activities promote visual, auditory and movement expression. Examples include Ballet, Choir, Creative Drama, Dance Productions, Drama Productions, Music Ensembles, Jazz Band, Hip Hop, Orchestra, and more. They are delivered within four activity seasons across the High School programme. Students showcase their work through performances and campus events.
The Home Languages Programme is offered at Dover Campus to support linguistic diversity. Examples of Home Languages offerings include Bahasa Indonesian, Bengali, Cantonese, Dutch, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Tamil, Thai and Urdu. Home Languages is taught in ability groups by qualified teachers who are native speakers. This supports multilingual development and linguistic inclusion on campus.
Social and hobbies activities provide opportunities for students to pursue personal interests and social engagement. The activity programme includes student-led initiatives such as Debating Club, Model United Nations, TEDx and other clubs and events across four activity seasons. Students participate in arts, sports, and community activities that support friendship and collaboration. The Dover Campus encourages participation beyond the classroom to foster well-rounded personal interests.
Service is a central component of the Dover Campus programme. The Service options include Service Learning Journey, College Service, Environmental Initiatives, Local Singapore Service, Global Service and Focus Groups. Students undertake service projects and contribute to community initiatives in Singapore and beyond. These activities align with the school's emphasis on service learning and global engagement.
Leadership and professional development are supported through Learn and Lead activities including Debating Club, IfP, Law Society, Medical Society, Model United Nations, Student Council, Student Voices and TEDx. These activities build communication, collaboration, research and event-planning skills. Some activities provide formal leadership roles within clubs and student groups. Participation also supports career development through engagement with civic and professional projects.
Representative Sports are offered on the Dover Campus, including Badminton, Basketball, Cross Country, Cricket, Football, Golf, Gymnastics, Netball, Rugby, Sailing, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Touch, and Volleyball, with Hockey offered at Dover in addition. Wellness for Life includes activities such as Aerial, Boot Camp, Boxing, Fencing, Karate, Multisport, Recreational Sports, Rock Climbing, Taekwondo, Ultimate Frisbee, Yoga and more. These options promote physical health, resilience and mental well-being as part of a balanced school experience.
The school offers English as the language of instruction and provides a comprehensive language programme that includes English as an Additional Language (EAL), a Home Languages Programme (HLP), and First Language courses (Advanced) along with Beginner and Continuation foreign language courses. On Dover Campus, Grades 9–10 may study First Language courses in Dutch, French, German, Korean, or Japanese; Dutch and Korean are offered as First Language only, while French, German and Japanese are available as both First and Second Language options with differentiated support. Beginner foreign language courses are offered (at least in Chinese, Spanish or French), and continuation courses differ by campus; a School Supported Language (SSL) programme supports High School students who intend to study the language in the IB Diploma as Language A. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is available from K1 to Grade 11 on the Dover and East campuses. The Home Languages Programme is available at additional cost.
Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy Campus: Recognizes UWCSEA's commitment to sustainability, making it the only international school in Singapore with this certification.
Healthier Dining Programme Accreditation: Awarded by Singapore's Health Promotion Board for promoting healthy dining options within the school community.
National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA): A Singaporean award encouraging youth development; UWCSEA offers Silver and Gold level programmes for Grades 9 to 12.
Council of International Schools (CIS): Recognizes schools committed to high-quality international education.
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): Ensures schools meet rigorous standards of excellence.
Singapore Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy Certification: Awarded for exceptional energy efficiency and sustainable building practices.
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 Day or Webinar: After initiating your application, register for an Open Day or webinar session. These events provide insights into the school's ethos, curriculum, and community life, helping you determine if UWCSEA aligns with your family's educational aspirations.
Review entry criteria and residency requirements: Familiarize yourself with UWCSEA's entry criteria, including age-grade placement guidelines and residency requirements for day students. Understanding these criteria ensures that your application meets all necessary prerequisites.
Submit the application by the specified deadline: Ensure that your application, along with all required documentation and the non-refundable application fee, is submitted by the designated deadline.
Participate in assessments and interviews: Depending on the grade level, applicants may be invited to participate in assessments and interviews.
Await the offer decision: After completing assessments and interviews, applications are reviewed. Offer decisions are typically communicated in January and March, with additional offers made on a rolling basis between May and July, depending on available spaces.
Confirm acceptance and complete necessary formalities: Upon receiving an offer, confirm your acceptance by the specified deadline. This step may involve completing residency verifications for day students and fulfilling any other necessary formalities before the academic year begins.
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.
UWCSEA Dover Campus does not operate a traditional waitlist or pooled system. Instead, the school follows an annual application cycle, with applications typically opening on 1 September of the preceding year. The first round of offers is generally made in December or January, with subsequent rounds in March and, if necessary, later in the year. This approach means that applicants may experience a waiting period between application submission and offer notification.
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.
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.
ISS International School is a co-educational institution offering a day school program.
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.
ISS International School does not have an affiliation to any particular country.
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.
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.
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
Each homeroom is a Kampong, fostering a sense of belonging and respect among students. The Kampong Spirit is central to school life.
ISS International School is registered as a Private Education Institution under the Private Education Act. Registration No. 201316975E. Registration period: 1 August 2023 to 31 July 2027.
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.
At ISS International School, our well-being programme is designed to nurture the holistic well-being of every student, from Primary to High School. We focus on physical, social, and emotional well-being, providing students the support they need to realise their potential. Through tailored learning experiences, we promote self-awareness, connectedness, and healthy balanced lifestyles that adapt with the students as they grow.
ISS International School provides tailored support for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) through an inclusive learning environment. The school collects and processes student learning data to ensure appropriate accommodations and personalised strategies. Dedicated learning support staff collaborate with teachers and parents to integrate individualised interventions into daily learning, fostering academic and social growth. While not a specialist SEN institution, ISS prioritises pastoral care and progress monitoring, ensuring students receive the necessary resources and support to thrive.
ISS takes pride in its robust English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme, consistently guiding students from low WIDA scores to success in IBDP and HSD exams. The success is attributed to individualised support, a dedicated team of educators, and a caring culture that cultivates English proficiency, laying the foundation for student success and future pathways.
At ISS, our Counselling Services are dedicated to fostering our school community’s personal growth, resilience, and overall well-being.
We provide a confidential and compassionate space where students are empowered to navigate challenges and thrive. Through both proactive and responsive approaches, we nurture social-emotional development and collaborate closely with families to address individual and community needs.
ISS International School fully recognises its responsibilities regarding child protection, and the welfare of all students is of paramount importance to our community. We aim to create a safe, secure, and supportive learning environment for all members of the community. We believe that all students have a right to be protected from neglect and physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.
Visit our Safeguarding page: https://www.iss.edu.sg/safeguarding-and-child-protection/ for more information on guidelines and procedures.
ISS International School was founded in 1981 by the late visionary politician, Mr Chan Chee Seng.
Central to ISS is "Our Kampong Spirit," embodying a commitment to community togetherness. With intentionally maintained small class sizes, academic excellence is not merely a goal but a journey facilitated by a personalised approach to learning and a nurturing environment.
ISS International School has a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) that facilitates communication and collaboration between parents, teachers, and students. The PTA organises various events and activities throughout the academic year to enhance the educational experience and foster community spirit. These initiatives include cultural festivals celebrating the school's diversity, family fun days that encourage parental involvement, workshops and informational sessions on topics relevant to children's education and well-being, regular coffee mornings providing a relaxed setting for parents to connect and discuss school-related matters, and fundraising activities supporting school initiatives and student-led projects.
The school sits on a heritage hilltop campus surrounded by nature at 21 Preston Road, Singapore 109355. The campus includes a school canteen for lunch with Asian, Western or sandwich options, and Primary School classrooms include fridges for refrigerated food. The school day runs from 8:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. for all grade levels. Students in Grades 6–12 are required to have their own MacBook for learning. Two-way bus transport is available for students.
All Primary School ECAs are held during school hours on Mondays and Fridays; High School ECAs are held either after school or during lunch.
ISS offers a diverse range of activities, including clubs and societies that cater to a variety of interests. Students can start their own ECAs, and new ECAs are introduced each semester to align with evolving passions. The ECA program provides opportunities for social interaction, teamwork, and pursuing personal hobbies within a holistic, student-centered framework. The program emphasizes leadership development and the social-emotional skills needed to contribute to the school community.
Service as Action and Service Learning are integral parts of ISS's curriculum across the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP). The annual Week Without Walls trips focus on service as action, enabling students to engage with regional social or environmental issues and with local projects in Singapore. In MYP, students maintain long-term relationships with international organizations to develop service learning and intercultural competence and global citizenship, including support for the Sok Sobay Orphanage in Cambodia. In DP, Creativity, Action and Service is a compulsory component guiding self-initiated projects that connect learning with real-world impact.
The school provides a platform for leadership development and the development of social-emotional skills. Students are encouraged to participate in student-led ECAs and school life activities, with new ECAs introduced each semester to empower student ownership of learning outside the classroom.
The ECA program fosters sports, the arts, and service learning to support a balanced lifestyle. Students participate in physical activities and artistic pursuits, while developing well-being through collaboration, teamwork, and reflection as part of a holistic education. The program emphasizes opportunities for personal growth, teamwork, and community contribution.
English is the language of literacy and instruction in most curriculum areas. Mandarin is taught as a language option in the Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme. In the Diploma Programme, languages include English A and Chinese A for Language and Literature, and English B and Chinese B for Language Acquisition. The High School Diploma includes Mother Tongue or a foreign language, with courses such as Chinese A/B, Japanese A, and other language options (including language A School Supported Self-Taught and ab initio options like Chinese/French/Spanish). EAL support is provided to assist learners developing English proficiency.
ISS offers a Bilingual Diploma pathway within the IB Diploma Programme. Language options include English and Mandarin across the MYP and DP, with English A and Chinese A available in the Diploma Programme and English B and Chinese B as language acquisition options. Mother Tongue language courses are available (Chinese A/B, Japanese A, and other languages) and EAL support helps learners access the curriculum.
Asia's Best Education Institute Award ISS was honoured with this award by the World Consulting and Research Corporation, ranking among the top 100 educational institutes in Asia.
International Baccalaureate (IB) World School
ISS International School is an authorised International Baccalaureate (IB) World School that offers a multicultural environment for students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. ISS provides a broad based education for students through the full IB Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes. The three programmes were authorised (and re-authorised) in stages: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP).
Council of International Schools (CIS) Accreditation
ISS was fully accredited by the Committee of International Schools (CIS) in 2011.
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
ISS International School has been fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) since 1986. This allows our students increased access to American schools and universities.
EduTrust Certification
ISS International School is pleased to receive the 4-year EduTrust Certificate, valid from 29 October 2023 to 28 October 2027. EduTrust is a quality certification scheme introduced by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) as part of the Private Education Act to strengthen the existing registration framework and enforcement provision to regulate the private education sector in Singapore. ISS International School is registered with SkillsFuture Singapore.
East Asian Region Council Overseas Schools (EARCOS)
ISS International School is an East Asian Region Council Overseas Schools (EARCOS) member since the 1980s. Our administrators attend annual conferences around Asia Pacific where the latest in leadership and educational research is explored. Teachers are also given the opportunity to attend as well as present at the annual Teachers’ Conference.
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. 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/
ISS International School does offer scholarships occassionally.
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.
