Tanglin Trust School

A Multi-Pathway Academic Model

Tanglin Trust School offers one of Singapore's most comprehensive British-based academic pathways. Students follow the UK National Curriculum in the early years before progressing through IGCSE (Years 10–11), and then choosing between A-Levels or the IB Diploma Programme in Sixth Form (Years 12–13). This dual-track Sixth Form model allows students to pursue the pathway that best suits their learning style and university ambitions.

Exceptional IGCSE Performance

At IGCSE level, Tanglin students consistently outperform global benchmarks. In 2023, 55% of all grades awarded were at the highest levels (grades 9–8, equivalent to A*/A), and 77% of grades were in the top three categories (grades 7–9). Many students sit 10 or more subjects, demonstrating both breadth and depth of academic achievement.

A-Level Excellence

At A-Level, Tanglin's 2023 results were outstanding: 31% of all grades were A*, 63% were A* or A, and 87% were A*, A or B. The overall pass rate was 99.6%. These figures compare exceptionally well with UK national averages and reflect the high quality of teaching and the motivated student body.

IB Diploma: Among Singapore's Best

Tanglin's IB Diploma results place it among the very best schools in Singapore and the world. In 2023, the school achieved an average score of 38.3 points — significantly above the Singapore average of 35.05 and the world average of 30.24. One student achieved the maximum 45 points, and 63% of candidates scored 38 or above. The 100% pass rate and multiple bilingual diploma recipients further underscore academic excellence.

University Destinations

Approximately 96% of Tanglin graduates gain places at their first or second choice universities. Destinations span the world's leading institutions: Oxford and Cambridge (five students in the Class of 2023), Imperial College London, LSE, University of St Andrews, UC Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon, NYU, University of Toronto, and University of British Columbia, among many others. The school's holistic approach ensures students are prepared not just academically but personally for the rigours of top university study.

Teaching Philosophy

Tanglin's approach is anchored in the British tradition of high expectations and rigorous assessment, complemented by a commitment to developing independent thinkers. The school's 'Digital Antidote' philosophy — balancing technology use with analogue learning experiences — reflects a thoughtful approach to modern education. Small class sizes (averaging approximately 24 students, with Sixth Form classes often around 15) enable personalised attention and strong teacher-student relationships.

The Competitive Landscape

Tanglin Trust School is consistently cited as one of Singapore's three most sought-after international schools, alongside Singapore American School and United World College of South East Asia. Demand for places significantly exceeds supply across most year groups, and the school operates without a traditional waiting list — places are allocated through a structured assessment and selection process.

Who Can Apply

Applications may be submitted up to three years in advance of the desired entry year. The school admits students from Nursery (age 3) through to Year 13 (age 18), with different entry criteria applying at different stages. Under Singapore's Ministry of Education regulations, the school primarily serves non-Singaporean families, and places for Singapore Citizens are extremely limited.

English Language Requirement

English proficiency is a non-negotiable prerequisite for admission to Tanglin. The school does not offer EAL (English as an Additional Language) classes or ESL preparation programmes. All applicants — from young children to Sixth Form entrants — must demonstrate strong, age-appropriate English language ability. This requirement is strictly applied at all entry points.

Assessment Process

For primary and secondary applicants, the admissions process typically involves submission of recent school reports, a student assessment (covering English and mathematics), and an interview with the student and parents. The interview assesses not just academic capability but also character, attitude, and the potential to contribute positively to the school community. Conditional offers may be made where borderline cases are identified.

Fees and Financial Commitments

Successful applicants must pay a non-refundable Application Fee of SGD 1,000 at the point of application. Upon acceptance, new students pay an Enrolment Fee of SGD 4,500 and a Capital Levy of SGD 4,500 — both non-refundable. Annual tuition fees range from SGD 34,770 (Nursery) to SGD 55,734 (Sixth Form), making Tanglin one of Singapore's most expensive international schools. The school does not offer a sibling discount, though the Centenary Music Scholarship programme provides partial fee relief for exceptional music students.

Practical Advice

Given the high demand, families relocating to Singapore are strongly advised to register their interest as early as possible. The school's admissions team handles enquiries through [email protected]. For academic year 2026/27, applications were being processed at the time of research, with the school advising early submission.

Origins and Early Years

Tanglin Trust School traces its roots to 1925, when Ann Griffith-Jones established a small school at the Tanglin Club in colonial Singapore with just five pupils. Her mission was clear: to provide high-quality British-style education for the children of expatriates living in Singapore. From these modest beginnings, the school would grow into one of Asia's most respected international institutions.

Wartime Closure and Rebirth

The school's history was interrupted by World War II. When Japanese forces took control of Singapore in 1942, Tanglin was forced to close. After liberation in 1945, the school reopened in 1946 and began the long process of rebuilding and expansion. This resilience in the face of adversity would become a defining characteristic of the institution.

Growth and Relocation

In 1976, a significant milestone was reached when the school relocated to its permanent campus at 95 Portsdown Road — a site it continues to occupy today. The spacious grounds allowed for the development of world-class facilities and the expansion of the school's academic and co-curricular programmes.

Becoming Tanglin Trust School

In 1996, the school adopted its current name — Tanglin Trust School — and simultaneously launched its Senior School section. This expansion made Tanglin one of the few international schools in Singapore offering a complete British education from early years (age 3) through to Sixth Form (age 18), encompassing IGCSE, A-Levels, and eventually the IB Diploma Programme.

The Centenary Era

Approaching its centenary in 2025, Tanglin embarked on ambitious campus renewal projects. The Centenary Building added new event and community spaces, while the Junior Arts Centre — opened in 2025 — provided state-of-the-art facilities for creative arts education. These investments reflect the school's commitment to remaining at the forefront of international education while honouring its century-long heritage in Singapore.

Legacy

Today, Tanglin Trust School enrols approximately 2,850 students from over 50 nationalities, employing hundreds of qualified British and international teachers. It has consistently earned 'Outstanding' ratings from the British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspection and was named 'International School of the Year' by ISC Research in 2023. From five pupils in a colonial club to a globally recognised institution, Tanglin's journey is a remarkable story of enduring educational vision.

A Campus Built for Excellence

Spread across approximately 4.6 hectares on Portsdown Road in the leafy Wessex Estate area of Singapore, Tanglin Trust School's campus is widely regarded as one of the finest among international schools in Southeast Asia. The campus houses Infant School, Junior School, and Senior School/Sixth Form buildings, along with a remarkable array of specialist facilities.

Sporting Facilities

Tanglin's sporting infrastructure is arguably the most impressive of any day school in Singapore. The centrepiece is a 50-metre Olympic-size indoor swimming pool, used for competitive swimming training and water polo. A separate 25-metre outdoor pool serves younger students. The campus also features a full-specification gymnastics centre with Olympic-grade apparatus, an athletic development gym with an on-site physiotherapy clinic, a 15-metre indoor climbing wall, multi-purpose sports fields for rugby, football, and athletics, and even a golf simulator for indoor practice. Over 150 sports teams compete at recreational, competitive, and elite levels, representing the school at SEASAC, FOBISIA, and international tournaments.

Arts and Creative Spaces

The 2025 opening of the Junior Arts Centre marked a new chapter in Tanglin's creative arts provision. This purpose-built facility houses dance studios, theatre performance spaces, and art workshops designed to inspire young learners. Senior students benefit from film and media production studios, music rooms, drama studios, and the large performance hall known as 'The Moot,' which can accommodate significant audiences for concerts and theatrical productions.

Academic and Community Spaces

Three separate libraries — dedicated to Infant, Junior, and Senior School students respectively — provide extensive resources tailored to each age group. Science laboratories, computer rooms, art and design studios, and specialist technology spaces support rigorous academic learning across all disciplines. The Nixon Building houses the main dining hall, while the Centenary Building provides a parent café (The Banyan Café) and additional community spaces. A Forest School area provides outdoor nature education for younger students.

Location and Access

The campus is conveniently located near the MRT Circle Line's One-North station (approximately 5 minutes' walk), with multiple bus stops at the school gates. A school bus network connects the campus to residential areas across Singapore, and an activities bus operates after co-curricular sessions. The combination of excellent facilities and accessible location makes Tanglin an attractive choice for Singapore's international community.

The Tanglin Co-Curricular Philosophy

At Tanglin Trust School, co-curricular activities are not an afterthought — they are central to the school's educational mission. The school believes that true development happens both inside and outside the classroom, and with over 400 clubs, teams, and activities available, virtually every student finds their passion. In fact, over 95% of students participate in at least one co-curricular activity.

Sport at Every Level

Tanglin fields over 150 sports teams across more than 20 disciplines, from rugby and football to gymnastics, swimming, badminton, volleyball, tennis, cricket, climbing, and golf. The school competes at local, regional (SEASAC, FOBISIA), and international levels, consistently achieving strong results. The school's 'Tanglin Lions' nickname reflects the fierce pride students take in representing their school. Importantly, the programme is explicitly designed to be 'fully inclusive,' welcoming students of all abilities alongside elite competitors.

Performing Arts and Music

The music programme is exceptional in breadth, with choral groups, string orchestras, concert bands, jazz ensembles, and chamber music groups all performing regularly. The school's Centenary Music Scholarship programme recognises the most talented young musicians with tuition fee reductions and instrument lesson support. Drama and theatre productions take place twice yearly, with Senior School productions particularly showcasing student talent in acting, technical production, and stage management.

Academic and STEM Enrichment

Model United Nations (MUN), debating, robotics, mathematics competitions, science clubs, coding/AI clubs, and creative writing groups provide stimulating intellectual challenges beyond the classroom. The school's robotics team 'Nebula' has achieved notable competition results, including second-place finishes at regional events.

Service Learning and Leadership

Tanglin takes its commitment to community seriously. IB Diploma students complete the mandatory CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) component, while younger students participate in Junior Achievement, Scouts/Girl Guides (British Scouting Overseas), and the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme. These experiences develop leadership, resilience, and a sense of global citizenship that complements the school's academic rigour.

Outdoor and Experiential Education

The school's residential programme — including the 'Tanglin Highlands' outdoor experience — gives students transformative experiences in nature, building teamwork and resilience. The Forest School area on campus provides daily outdoor learning for younger pupils, embedding a love of nature from the earliest years.