2026 Rankings
Best Private Schools in Singapore 2026
Our independent ranking of Singapore’s leading schools, based on academic results, university destinations, pastoral care and the breadth each school provides.
Singapore has one of the strongest concentrations of international education in the world, with British, International Baccalaureate and American schools all represented at a high level. The schools below are among the most respected in the city. As with any ranking, the order reflects our overall view across academics, university outcomes, pastoral care and breadth. The right school for your child may not be the one at the top of the list, which is exactly the conversation we help families with.
Each school has its own character and ethos. While results matter, the best school for your child is the one where they will thrive. We encourage families to visit several schools and weigh fit alongside any ranking.
How much do international schools in Singapore cost?
Fees at the leading schools are among the higher end for international education and rise as a child moves up the school. They are set by each school and change from year to year, and usually exclude extras such as registration and transport, so the only reliable figure is the current one confirmed with the school itself.
When should we apply?
Places at the most sought-after schools are in high demand and can carry waiting lists, and applications often open a year or more before the intended start date. Applying early is important, particularly for families relocating to the city.
Do these schools lead to UK universities?
Yes. A-Levels and the IB Diploma are recognised by universities in the United Kingdom and worldwide, and a British curriculum school in Singapore also keeps open the natural option of moving on to a UK boarding school. Our guide to British schools in Singapore explains that pathway.
With that in mind, here are our top schools in Singapore for 2026, ranked across academics, university outcomes, pastoral care and breadth.
Tanglin Trust School
Portsdown Road, Singapore
The oldest British international school in Singapore and one of the most respected. Tanglin follows the English National Curriculum and is unusual in offering both A-Levels and the IB Diploma in the sixth form, giving families a genuine choice of pathway. Known for strong results across the board and a warm, well-established community.
United World College of South East Asia
Dover & East campuses, Singapore
One of the largest and most academically successful international schools in the region. UWCSEA follows the International Baccalaureate across two campuses, with Diploma results that consistently sit well above the global average, and a strong emphasis on service, sustainability and an international outlook.
Singapore American School
Woodlands, Singapore
One of the largest international schools in the world and a long-established name, offering a US curriculum with Advanced Placement alongside the IB Diploma. Known for exceptional facilities, the breadth of its programme and strong university outcomes, particularly to North America.
Dulwich College Singapore
Bukit Batok, Singapore
Part of the international Dulwich family, on a purpose-built campus, following the English National Curriculum through IGCSE and the IB Diploma. Known for strong programmes in music, drama and sport alongside solid academics, and for a notable commitment to sustainability.
Nexus International School
Aljunied, Singapore
A well-regarded international school offering the International Baccalaureate on a modern, purpose-built campus, known for a personalised and forward-looking approach and strong pastoral care.
Stamford American International School
Woodleigh, Singapore
A large, modern international school offering both an American curriculum with Advanced Placement and the IB Diploma from the early years upwards, known for its facilities and the breadth of its academic offering.
Dover Court International School
Dover, Singapore
Part of the Nord Anglia group and following the English National Curriculum, known for an inclusive ethos and strong support for a wide range of learners across the primary and secondary years.
Canadian International School
Lakeside & Tanjong Katong, Singapore
A well-established IB school across two campuses, known for its bilingual programmes and a strong, genuinely international community.
Our ranking methodology
Academic performance
Results at IGCSE, GCSE, A-Level and the IB Diploma, weighed over recent years.
University destinations
Where a school’s leavers actually go, in the UK and around the world.
Pastoral care
How well a school looks after a child, which matters most when home is far away.
Co-curricular breadth
Sport, music, drama and the wider life beyond the classroom.
We weigh four things. Academic performance looks at results at IGCSE, A-Level and the IB Diploma. University outcomes considers where leavers actually go, in the United Kingdom and worldwide. Pastoral care assesses how well a school looks after its pupils, which matters enormously for a child living far from extended family. Breadth covers sport, music, drama and the wider life of the school. No ranking can capture the fit between a particular child and a particular school, so we treat these lists as a starting point for a more personal conversation rather than the final word. Singapore’s international schools are private and are not given a single government rating, so we also weigh published results, accreditation and reputation, and we always recommend confirming current fees and details with each school directly.
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Hero photograph by Swapnil Bapat on Unsplash. School tiles are branded Elite British Admissions graphics.