
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.
Essential Information
Infant: 24
Junior and Senior: 24
IGCSE: 20
A Level: 15
7 years old: 07:50 - 14:50
11 years old: 07:55 - 14:50
4-5 years: 1:8 Reception
5-7 years: 1:12 Years 1-3
8-13 years: 1:24 Years 4-9
14-16 years: 1:20 Years 10-11
16-18 years: 1:15 Years 12-13
Term 1: 26/8/19 – 13/12/19
Term 2: 6/1/20 – 27/3/20
Term 3: 13/4/20 – 3/7/20
What Sets This School Apart
Experienced, committed and dynamic staff: The dedication and energy of our staff and their commitment to providing the most inspiring, exciting, memorable learning for our students, along with exceptional pastoral care that goes in to ensuring every child has the opportunity to achieve, whatever their strength or talent, sets Tanglin apart. Teachers are British or Commonwealth trained and experienced.
A broad and balanced curriculum: In the Infant and Junior Schools, the English National Curriculum provides the basis for the programmes of study, which are enhanced and enriched to reflect the school’s international setting. We are the only school in Singapore to offer both A Levels and the IB Diploma, allowing students to choose a pathway that is best suited to them and their individual strengths. We have a specialist team of teachers, school counsellors and careers and university guidance counsellors who support and guide students and their parents in making this important choice.
Achievements at all levels are celebrated: Tanglin students are bright, hard working and confident. They consistently achieve outstanding (I)GCSE, A Level and IB Diploma results, going on to top universities around the world. However, going to school is not only about formal learning in the classroom and passing exams, it is also about developing a community of productive global citizens whether it be through trips, sports teams, drama productions, music and the multitude of other opportunities our students embrace.
"The learning environment, the endless support from teachers and the incredible opportunities I have been given, through travel and service projects, have allowed me to grow from the shy girl I joined Tanglin as, into a confident young adult." Former Head Girl 2018
A wealth of experience: We have provided high quality education for over 90 years in Singapore. Tanglin is the oldest British
international school in South East Asia. Like our students, we have learnt and adapted along the way. What enables our students to fulfil their potential, whatever their starting point, is also about the community ethos we have built over the years. We believe in lifelong learning and we support each other to be the best we can be, in all that we do.
Excellent facilities and resources: As a not-for-profit school, all fees goes towards the provision of an outstanding education.
Our awards and accreditations: We are assessed within the British Schools Overseas (BSO) framework, recognised by Ofsted, UK. All three schools have been awarded Outstanding, the highest possible grade. Our Infant School is also the first school in Asia to be awarded the Early Years Quality Mark and the Primary (Infant) Quality Mark. Our Nursery is also the first in Asia to achieve Curiosity Approach Accreditation.
We have also been awarded the Historical Association Silver Quality Mark, the Geographical Association Gold Quality Mark and the Primary Science Gold Quality Mark, British Council International School Award with maximum points, and UNICEF’s Rights Respecting Schools Award (RRSA), in recognition of the excellent provision and exceptional standards we offer our students in the Junior School.
As our Infant and Junior Schools are members of the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS), an association for headteachers of leading prep schools throughout the world, we have received the prestigious kite mark of quality.
Exciting New Developments
Tanglin’s lease on its site at Portsdown Road has been extended to 2038. Having this confidence in our future, means that we can look to develop and improve our facilities further, in the knowledge that we will be on this site for many years to come.
The new building on campus will provide a wide range of facilities, including a 50-metre swimming pool, enhanced infant facilities, gymnastics centre, strength and conditioning, physiotherapy and more.
School Culture
Financial Information
Infant School - Reception: $33,945
Infant School - Year 1 to Year 2: $34,485
Junior School - Year 3 to Year 6: $36,294
Senior School - Year 7 to Year 9: $41,874
Senior School - Year 10 to Year 11: $43,827
Sixth Form - Year 12 to Year 13: $45,828
Programs Available
The extensive CCA programme includes but is not limited to:
Arts and Crafts,
Athletics
Badminton
Basketball
Building websites
Ceramics
Chamber Choir
Chess
Chinese
Chinese Chess
Choir
Coding
Construction
Cricket
Cross Country
Cross Stitch
Dance
Debating
Drama
First Aid
Football
Fun Fitness Training with Hula Hoops
Gamelan
Golf
Gymnastics
High Commissioner Award
Hip Hop & Breakdancing
History
Jewellery Making
Masterchef
Musical Theatre
Netball
Origami
Percussion
Photography
Poetry & Drama
Recorder
Rock Band
Rock Climbing
Rookie Lifesaving
Rugby
Science
Scrapbooking
Scratch Programming
Scuba Diving
Singing
Soft Toy Making
Softball
Strings
Swimming
T-ball
Tennis
Touch
Touch Typing
TTJS News
Violin
Water Polo
Wind Band
Enrichment Activities
Mother tongue provision, tuition services, swimming.
Pastoral Care