Tanglin Trust School

Established in 1925, Tanglin Trust School is the oldest British international school in Southeast Asia. The school provides the English National Curriculum with an international perspective to children from three to 18 years in Singapore.

Tanglin is a vibrant co-educational school of 2,800 students representing over 50 nationalities and provides a unique learning environment for children from Nursery right through to Sixth Form. As a not-for-profit school, tuition fees are devoted to the provision of an outstanding education.

As the only school in Singapore to offer dual pathways of A Levels or the IB Diploma in Sixth Form, all of Tanglin’s Sixth Formers study a programme that is tailored both to the subjects they are passionate about and to the style of learning that most suits them, ensuring they thrive and flourish.

Tanglin has an excellent academic reputation. Students’ examination results consistently surpass Singapore and global averages, with around 99% of graduates typically receiving their first or second choice university, which are among the best in the world.

Tanglin is inspected every year within the British Schools Overseas (BSO) framework, recognised by Ofsted. All three schools have been awarded ‘Outstanding’, the highest possible grade in their latest inspections (2017, 2018, 2019 and 2022).

Drawing on professional and dynamic staff, the school strives to make every individual feel valued, happy and successful. Responsibility, enthusiasm and participation are actively encouraged, and integrity is prized. Working together in a safe, caring yet stimulating environment, the school sets high expectations whilst offering strong support, resulting in a community of lifelong learners who can contribute with confidence to the world.

Tanglin encourages both broad participation and the achievement of excellence in the arts, sport, outdoor education and co-curricular activities.

Over 160 teams compete in 17 different sports each year, both in Singapore and the wider region. Exceptional sporting facilities enable students to participate in a wide range of competitive and non- competitive events.

Tanglin has a thriving and energetic Arts programme which plays an important part in school life. Students develop their skills in art, design, drama, music, and film-making, facilitating creative, social and intellectual development. Throughout the year, there are many opportunities for students to participate in high-quality ensembles, recitals, performances and exhibitions.

Tanglin students are also encouraged to contribute actively to the local community, support service projects and participate in a wide variety of extra-curricular pursuits that stimulate and broaden student experience. These include 80 outdoor education trips, the International Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award, and the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) programme.

What the students and alumni say

“I am beyond thankful that Tanglin has encouraged me to develop as a person, gain a wealth of knowledge both inside and outside the classroom, nurtured me every step of the way and given me unforgettable memories I will treasure forever.” Meghan, Former Head Girl 2018-19

“Prior to Tanglin, I wasn’t the type to put my hand up to ask for help. This changed when I started school at Tanglin. Getting involved in class and asking for help was always encouraged by my teachers and this positive culture at Tanglin has increased my confidence greatly.” Maia, Former Head Girl 2021-22”

What the inspectors say

“Tanglin pupils talk with passion about their school because it is special. They say it makes them feel happy and valued, not just for what they can do, but for who they are.” Junior School Inspection 2019

“A rich and diverse curriculum provides outstanding learning across the school. Leaders are relentless in their ambition to offer pupils not only breadth but also depth in their learning. As a result, stimulating opportunities are built into everyday lessons for all pupils.” Infant School Inspection 2018

“The teachers’ enthusiasm for learning is often infectious, leading to students seeing learning as a highly worthwhile and enjoyable process; students are highly motivated to succeed.” Senior School Inspection 2017

“Children begin in early years with communication and language skills which are a little below those typical for their age. They make excellent progress in English as a result of creative and imaginative teaching, using a structured story-telling approach, to develop children’s speaking and listening skills. The school’s rigorous and systematic approach to teaching phonics has a demonstrable impact on the development of pupils’ reading, writing and spelling skills as they progress through the infant school. As a result, the vast majority meet or exceed the early learning goals for English by the end of the Reception Year and by the end of Year 2 over 50% of pupils exceed age-related expectations in standardised tests.” Infant School Inspection 2022

Location

Located on Portsdown Road, Tanglin Trust School is approximately 15-minute drive from the city centre. The School is positioned within Singapore’s ‘one-north’ high technology cluster of biomedical sciences, ICT and media industries and amongst the heritage and nature areas of Rochester Park and the Wessex Estate.

Book a Tour

If you would like to come along to one of Tanglin’s open house events or book a tour of the school, email [email protected] or click here.