Founding and History:
Established in 1925, Tanglin Trust School stands as one of Southeast Asia's oldest international schools. Founded by Anne Griffith-Jones OBE, the school was created to provide British education for children unable to study in the UK. As a non-profit institution, Tanglin has maintained its commitment to educational excellence while evolving to serve a diverse international community.
Student Body:
Tanglin serves approximately 2,800 students aged 3-18 from over 55 nationalities. The student population comprises:
- 40% British
- Significant representation from Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, and China
- Diverse international community
Curriculum:
Infant School (3-5 years):
- Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
- Focus on communication, physical development, and creative exploration
Junior School (6-11 years):
- British National Curriculum
- Key Stage 1 and 2
- Core subjects plus enrichment activities
Senior School (11-16 years):
- IGCSE curriculum
- Core subjects plus extensive electives
- Foreign language options including Mandarin, French, Spanish
Sixth Form (16-18 years):
- Unique dual pathway: A-Levels and IB Diploma
- Only school in Singapore offering both options
Academic Performance:
A-Level Results (2024):
- 100% pass rate
- 58% A*/A grades (global average: 27.2%)
- 27% achieved A* grades
IB Results (2024):
- Average score: 38.8 (world average: 30.3)
- One perfect score (45 points)
- 16 students scored 42+ points
- All students achieved 29+ points
IGCSE Results (2024):
- 59% A* grades
- 81% A*-A grades
- 92% A*-B grades
- 99% A*-C grades
Facilities:
Tanglin Trust School's 4.6-hectare campus features purpose-built facilities divided into distinct age-appropriate zones. The Infant School provides 44 spacious classrooms averaging 62 square meters, equipped with interactive technology and flexible learning spaces. Specialised areas include cooking zones where young learners develop practical life skills and creative art studios designed for early years exploration.
The Junior School houses 45 modern classrooms alongside specialised learning spaces including a state-of-the-art Future Learning Hub that integrates digital technology with collaborative learning. The performing arts facilities feature a professional-grade recording studio, multiple music rooms, and dedicated drama spaces. A training kitchen supports the practical curriculum while promoting life skills development.
The Senior School's facilities emphasise advanced learning with 10 fully-equipped science laboratories, specialised computer suites, and design technology workshops. The shared sports complex includes a competition-standard 25-meter swimming pool, a separate learner pool for beginners, three extensive outdoor playing fields, and a multi-purpose indoor sports hall equipped for various activities.
Unique Features:
The House System forms a cornerstone of school life:
- Competitive point system for academic and extracurricular achievements
- Links to charitable organisations
- Leadership opportunities through House Leader positions
- Community service integration
- Similar to British boarding school traditions
Admission Requirements:
Age-specific requirements:
- Nursery-Year 2: Interview only
- Years 3-6: CAT4 tests and writing assessment
- Year 7+: Midyis or Yellis tests
Additional requirements:
- Age-appropriate English proficiency
- At least one parent must be fluent in English
- Non-native speakers in secondary levels need IELTS/TOEFL scores
- Previous school records
- References
- Family background information
Philosophy:
Tanglin Trust School emphasizes:
- British educational excellence
- Global perspective
- Character development
- Academic rigour
- Holistic education
Extra-curricular Activities:
Tanglin's extra-curricular program operates through its distinctive House System, which organises students into competitive groups that earn points through both academic achievement and activity participation. Sports teams compete at high levels in football, rugby, netball, swimming, and athletics, with regular participation in international school competitions across Asia.
The performing arts program flourishes through regular productions, concerts, and recitals. Students participate in orchestras, choirs, dance ensembles, and dramatic productions throughout the academic year. The school's recording studio enables music technology students to produce professional-quality recordings while learning industry-standard techniques.
The community service program connects each House with specific charitable organisations, creating meaningful long-term partnerships. Students develop leadership skills through the House Leader system, organising events, managing teams, and coordinating service projects. Academic clubs span various interests from robotics to debate, while cultural societies celebrate the school's international diversity through festivals and exchanges.
Conclusion:
Tanglin Trust School combines nearly a century of British educational tradition with modern international perspectives. Its unique offering of both A-Level and IB programs, outstanding academic results, and comprehensive facilities make it a leading choice for families seeking British-based education in Singapore.
CSI has supported many families with Tanglin Trust applications since 2017. Speak to us or contact us for a detailed discussion how we might help with the planning of your child's academic journey.
