# Schools in Singapore, before looking abroad.

Source: https://www.eltschool.org/sg/en/boarding-schools/singapore

This guide is for Singapore families comparing schools at home with boarding schools abroad. It covers the international school curricula available in Singapore, the two school calendars, boarding options and how admissions work, with links to official sources.

## Two systems.

| Type | Curriculum | School year | Our lessons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local (MOE) schools | Singapore national curriculum: PSLE, O Level, H2 A-Level | January to November | Not taught |
| International schools | IB, British (IGCSE, International A-Level), American and others | Usually August to June | [Academic Tutoring](https://www.eltschool.org/sg/en/tutoring) |

We teach international and UK curricula only, not the MOE syllabus.

## Boarding at home.

Boarding in Singapore is offered by a small number of schools, and arrangements differ by school (to be confirmed). Many families who want a boarding education therefore compare Singapore schools with boarding schools abroad.

Examples of schools: (to be confirmed)

## How international schools admit.

- Each school sets its own assessments — often English and maths, sometimes reasoning tests such as CAT4 — and may interview.
- Some schools have waiting lists or priority rules (to be confirmed).
- Foreign students need the right pass to study in Singapore; see the [ICA](https://www.ica.gov.sg/).

## Staying, or moving.

Moving from an August-start international school to a UK school is usually straightforward in year-group terms. Moving from a January-start local school needs more planning — see the [application timeline](https://www.eltschool.org/sg/en/guides/admissions/application-timeline).

Students who stay in Singapore can continue weekly [Academic Tutoring](https://www.eltschool.org/sg/en/tutoring) in IB, IGCSE or International A-Level subjects.

## Guardians for students under 18.

- Rules on guardians for students under 18 in Singapore: (to be confirmed)
- ELT does not arrange guardians; we give you a list of providers to choose from (to be confirmed), and say if we receive a referral fee from any of them.

## Partner schools.

Where we list schools, partner schools are marked. ELT may receive a referral fee from partner schools; this does not change the order in which we suggest schools. See [school applications](https://www.eltschool.org/sg/en/courses/school-applications).

## Families ask.

**Do you help with admission to international schools in Singapore?**

Yes. We prepare your child for each school's assessments and interview, and help you choose and apply. Each school sets its own process. See [international school entry](https://www.eltschool.org/sg/en/courses/international-school-entry).

**Can you teach the MOE syllabus?**

No. Our lessons follow international and UK curricula.

- [Ministry of Education, Singapore](https://www.moe.gov.sg/)
- [Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) — Student's Pass](https://www.ica.gov.sg/)
- [International Baccalaureate (IBO)](https://www.ibo.org/)

## Related

- [Application timeline](https://www.eltschool.org/sg/en/guides/admissions/application-timeline)
- [International school entry](https://www.eltschool.org/sg/en/courses/international-school-entry)
- [Academic Tutoring](https://www.eltschool.org/sg/en/tutoring)
- [Countries compared](https://www.eltschool.org/sg/en/boarding-schools)

## Compare your options.

Tell us your child's school and year, and whether you are considering boarding abroad.

- [Book a consultation](https://www.eltschool.org/sg/en/trial)

Updated: 2026-10-28

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International education, supported one to one — from school subjects to the next school and university, with one coordinator throughout.

ELT School — one-to-one online lessons with native English-speaking specialists. Founded in London in 1984.

ELT School is operated by ELT Education Inc. (Tokyo, Japan) and ELT School of English Ltd. (London, United Kingdom). All lessons are contracted with ELT Education Inc.