Discovering IB Schools in Singapore: A Guide to the IB Programme
Summary
With a range of IB schools in Singapore to choose from, we aim to give you an insight into what each school has to offer, so you can find the perfect fit for you or your child.
Singapore is home to many IB schools that offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme. The IB Programme is a rigorous and globally recognised educational programme that began in Geneva, Switzerland in 1968. It aims to develop well-rounded individuals who are equipped with the essential knowledge, skills and traits for success in higher education and life in an ever-evolving world.
Crimson Education understands that choosing the right school is a significant decision, and we are here to assist you every step of the way. With a range of IB schools in Singapore to choose from, we aim to give you an insight into what each school has to offer, so you can find the perfect fit for you or your child.
IB vs A Levels in Singapore: Which One Should You Choose?
If you are deciding between the two, let’s compare the IB programme and GCE A-levels in Singapore.
IB vs A Levels
| IB Programme vs A Levels in Singapore | ||
|---|---|---|
| International Baccalaureate (IB) programme | GCE A-levels | |
| Approach to Education | Holistic | Specialised |
| Curriculum | Broad-based, including academic subjects, community service, sports and the arts | Mastery of specific subjects in depth, typically related to the intended area of study in university |
| Assessment | Combination of coursework and exams | Primarily exam-based, requiring a high level of memorisation and application of knowledge |
| Duration | Two years (DP), Three years (PYP & MYP) | Two years |
Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on the student's goals and learning style. Some students may prefer the more holistic approach of the IB programme, while others may thrive in the more focused and exam-oriented environment of the A-levels.
Top 13 IB schools in Singapore
1. Anglo-Chinese School Independent (ACSI)
Anglo-Chinese School Independent (ACSI) provides the Integrated Programme (IP) which spans six years, and students enrolled in the IP are exempted from taking the Singapore-Cambridge GCE 'O' Level Examination, with the exception of the Mother Tongue subject. Students may join the IP in either Year 1 or Year 3, and upon completion, proceed to undertake the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) during their fifth and sixth years.
This strong academic foundation is reflected in the Class of 2025’s outstanding IB results, where the cohort attained an average score of 41.6 points compared to the worldwide average of 30.58 points.
In addition to its academic focus, the school’s curriculum focuses on holistic development that nurtures students beyond the classroom. Through diverse co-curricular activities, leadership opportunities, and Values in Action initiatives, it aims to spark curiosity and encourage exploration so as to foster a sustained passion for learning.
2. Canadian International School (CIS)
Canadian International School (CIS) is an acclaimed IB school in Singapore, offering a comprehensive IB education from pre-kindergarden to grade 12, including the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and IB Diploma Programme (IB DP). The Class of 2025 achieved a commendable top score of 44 points, with 22 students attaining 40+ points
CIS differentiates itself through its inclusive academic model which means that all of its students have the opportunity to pursue the IB Diploma. Furthermore, the school has an experienced team of dedicated teachers who provide a supportive and engaging learning environment for students. Besides academic excellence, it has a wide range of co-curricular activities including sports, music, drama and community service projects to provide children with opportunities to explore their interests, develop their leadership skills and foster a sense of teamwork and collaboration.
3. Chatsworth International School
Established in 1995, Chatsworth International School supports students through every stage of their IB journey, offering the IB Primary Years Programme (IBPYP), IB Middle Years Programme (IBMYP), and IB Diploma Programme (IBDP). The Class of 2025 delivered exceptional results in their IB Diploma examinations with a 100% pass rate, a top score of 40 points and school average of 34.3 points.
The school offers personalised education by maintaining small class sizes that vary by grade level. For K1 and K2, the ratio is 2:22, for Y1-Y2 it's 2:24, and for Y3-13, it's 1:24, providing more individual attention and support for students. It also has a team of highly qualified and experienced educators who integrate practical, unique, and innovative teaching approaches. Beyond academics, it offers a myriad of exciting co-curricular and extracurricular activities such as arts, music, physical and fitness, debate, swimming, drumming and more. These experiences support not only academic achievement but also personal growth.
4. Dulwich College (Singapore)
Founded in 1619, Dulwich College brings over 400 years of heritage and a longstanding history of academic excellence. Building on this legacy, the school offers the IB Diploma Programme to students aged 16 to 19, designed to equip learners with the knowledge to shape their future. The Class of 2025 has earned an impressive average of 37 points and a 100% pass rate across 149 students.
Beyond the IB Diploma, it also offers the IB Career-Related Programme (IBCP) to senior school students — blending academic study with practical, career-related learning. Students have various career pathways to choose from, such as Business and Sustainability, Performance and Production Arts, and Sports. As part of IBCP, students will undertake two Diploma Programme (DP) courses alongside a core consisting of four components, and a career-related study. This unique programme prepares them for higher education, apprenticeships and employment — by equipping them with the essential skills to excel in their chosen career paths.
5. Global Indian International School
Global Indian International School (GIIS) offers the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students in Grades 1 to 5 and the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) for students in Grades 11 to 12. The school has once again demonstrated strong academic performance, with its IBDP Class of 2025 achieving an impressive average score of 37.2 points.
The quality of the IBDP teachers at the school is widely recognized, with a reputation for having some of the best educators in Singapore. These teachers are known for their high teaching standards, in-depth subject knowledge and a strong commitment to their profession. The school also encourages students to explore their interests and cultivate passions outside the classroom through a diverse range of co-curricular and extracurricular activities, enabling them to develop a well-rounded profile.
6. North London Collegiate School
North London Collegiate School is one of the highest-achieving IB World Schools globally and was recently awarded The Sunday Times Schools Guide 2026 Independent International Baccalaureate School of the Year. It has offered the IB Diploma Programme for students in the sixth form as an alternative to A levels since 2004. The 2025 cohort has achieved 100% pass rate and an average score of 36.7 points.
In addition to its commitment to offering a rigorous academic curriculum that maximises the potential of each student's intellect and skills, the school boasts some impressive facilities. These include a state-of-the-art 6-lane 50m swimming pool, a fully-equipped gym and extensive libraries with over 18,000 books. With these exciting features, students can not only expand their minds but also indulge in healthy activities to foster a well-rounded lifestyle.
7. One World International School
With the goal of providing high-quality and affordable education to diverse student communities worldwide, One World International School (OWIS) provides the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Early Childhood 1 to 3 and Primary Grades 1 to 5, as well as the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) for secondary students in Grades 11 and 12. The school achieved 100% pass rate, with the 2025 cohort attaining an average score of 32 points.
OWIS aims to foster the holistic development of its students through the PYP and DP programmes. The IB PYP encourages students' academic, social, and emotional growth, while the IBDP promotes their intellectual, physical, emotional, and social development. The courses offered are tailored to enhance and facilitate the overall growth and development of students.
8. Tanglin Trust School
Tanglin Trust School, which has been around since 1925, is the oldest British International School in South East Asia. Distinctively, it is the only school in Singapore where students can study the A Level or the IB Diploma in Sixth Form, allowing for a more personalised academic pathway tailored to each student’s strengths and aspirations. Tanglin Trust School celebrates its remarkable 2025 IB results, achieving an impressive average score of 39.6 points.
Apart from its academic rigour, the school places significant emphasis on holistic development. Students can choose from an extensive range of 504 extracurricular activities spanning sports, music, drama, film studies, visual arts and more. This breadth of opportunities enables students to explore their interests and develop a well-rounded profile.
9. St. Joseph's Institution International
St. Joseph's Institution International offers students a Grade 10 Foundation Course followed by the two-year IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Grades 11 and 12. The Foundation Course is a one-year programme designed to provide students with the necessary fundamentals to excel in the IBDP. The Class of 2025 delivered strong results, with an average score of 38 points.
The school also offers a scholarship program to help deserving students join its IB Diploma pathway, reinforcing its commitment to high-quality education. In addition to its academic focus, it also places strong emphasis on values and character development, fostering a holistic approach to learning, which includes sports, outdoor activities, creativity and service projects. By getting involved in the community and helping others, students learn more about the world around them and develop important skills like empathy, leadership, and teamwork.
10. Stamford American International School
Stamford American International School (SAIS) offers the full International Baccalaureate Programme (PYP, MYP and DP), integrated with US Standards, along with the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) courses and Business and Technical Education Council (BTEC) Diploma. This means that students have access to a comprehensive and diverse range of academic programs that help them develop a broad understanding of the world. The school’s academic outcomes are reflected in the Class of 2025, which achieved an average score of 34.4 points.
In addition to academic excellence, Stamford also emphasises the importance of holistic education. Students are encouraged to explore their interests and passions through a variety of co-curricular activities, including sports, music, drama and community service. This helps students acquire important life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and time management and develop a well-rounded personality.
11. United World College
UWCSEA Dover was the trailblazer for IB Diploma programmes in Asia, having offered it since 1977, with UWCSEA East following suit in 2012. As an IB World School, they offer the IB Diploma to students in Grades 11 and 12. In 2025, the IB cohort of 605 students scored an average of 36.4 points.
With a diverse and inclusive community of learners, UWCSEA provides an unparalleled opportunity for personal and academic growth. Whether students aspire to be an entrepreneur, scientist, artist or politician, studying the IB Diploma at UWCSEA can help them reach their full potential and make a positive impact in the world.
12. XCL World Academy
XCL World Academy's (XWA) IB programmes are designed to help students develop into well-rounded individuals who possess the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in life. The school offers the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students aged 3 to 11, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students aged 11 to 16, and the Diploma Programme (DP) for students aged 16 to 18. In 2025, the IB Diploma cohort achieved an average score of 33.2 points.
The school's approach to education is centred around personalised learning, which allows students to learn at their own pace and in a way that suits their individual learning style. One of the driving forces behind XWA's success is its exceptional team of educators, representing over 20 different nationalities. With a wealth of teaching experience and expertise from around the world, XWA's teachers bring their best to the classroom, making it their mission to bring out the best in students and empower them to reach their goals.
13. Dover Court International School
Over the past 5 years, Dover Court International School has offered both the IB Diploma Programme and IB Courses to its sixth form students. With its award-winning personalised approach to education, the Class of 2025 marked a significant milestone, achieving an outstanding average score of 36 points.
Beyond academic excellence, the school also places great emphasis on holistic education. Students can choose from over 500 co-curricular activities across each academic year, spanning sports, arts and expression, STEAM and entrepreneurship, leadership & social impact, as well as academic enrichment and support. This allows students to explore their passions, develop new interests, and cultivate essential life skills. With a strong focus on personalised learning, it ensures that every student is supported in reaching their full potential.
Admission process and requirements for IB schools in Singapore
The admission process and requirements for IB schools in Singapore may vary slightly from school to school. However, here is a general overview of what to expect:
- Application: Interested students and parents need to submit an application to the school they are interested in attending. This typically involves filling out an online form or submitting a physical application package.
- Entrance exam: Many IB schools in Singapore require students to take an entrance exam, which may include subjects such as English, maths, and science. The exam is designed to assess the student's academic ability and readiness for the rigorous IB programme.
- Interviews: Students may also be required to attend an interview with the school's admissions team. The interview is a chance for the school to get to know the student better and assess their interest in the IB programme.
- Academic requirements: IB schools in Singapore typically require students to have a strong academic record, with good grades in their previous school. Some schools may have specific requirements for subjects such as maths, science, or languages.
- English language proficiency: Many IB schools in Singapore require students to demonstrate proficiency in English, especially for students whose first language is not English. This may involve taking an English language proficiency test, such as the TOEFL or IELTS.
- Application deadlines: Each IB school in Singapore may have different application deadlines, so it is important to check with the school to find out when the deadline is. It is recommended to submit the application as early as possible to ensure a better chance of acceptance.
