In Singapore, there are two sorts of schools: international schools and local schools. Our current focus at SchoolViews has been on Singapore's International schools, advising, guiding, and emphasizing all of the specific difficulties that an expat in Singapore will need to be aware of when selecting and getting the most out of their child's school.
Local schools, on the other hand, cannot be overlooked, not least because of their appeal among non-Singaporean residents. According to the government, international students account for around 4% of students in the local system, while PRs account for 9%. (non-Singaporeans who hold Permanent Resident status). According to the government's 2017 education figures, this corresponds to a whopping 55,000 non-Singaporean primary and secondary students!
It's tempting to think that the cost of Singapore's international schools is the deciding factor: with annual tuition costs ranging from $10,000 to $37,000, these institutions are certainly pricey, and the once-profitable expat package is no longer an option for many (if not most) foreigners living here. Singapore's public schools, on the other hand, are substantially more inexpensive, with monthly fees ranging from $150 to $650 for foreigners (depending on whether they are PR or not) at primary level, to $260 to $1100 at secondary level. Furthermore, the local schools do not charge the high application, admission, or acceptance fees that are common in Singapore's international schools.
While the lower costs are probably likely a factor for many expats attending local schools, it is the schools' value — not their cost — that makes them so appealing.
Simply simply, the public schools in Singapore are consistently considered among the best in the world. This could be due to a focus on math and science from the start, or the fact that the schools use an English-based bilingual system. Perhaps it's the teachers' own high educational standards, or the large teacher-to-student ratio. Whatever the case may be, an increasing number of international families settling in the area are viewing local schools as the best option for their children.
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