Top IB Schools in Singapore (2026 Guide): Rankings, Fees & Academic Culture

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Singapore is widely regarded as the “IB Capital of the World.” Year after year, students from Singaporean international and local schools account for a disproportionately high number of perfect 45-point scores globally.

But for parents, the choice is overwhelming. Do you choose the academic rigor of a local independent school like ACS (Independent) or the holistic, global environment of an international giant like UWCSEA?

As an Economics tutor who has taught students from every major school on this list, I have seen first-hand how these different environments impact student performance—especially in demanding subjects like HL Economics.

Here is your comprehensive guide to the best IB schools in Singapore for 2025.

The Basics: What is the IB Programme?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) programme was founded in Switzerland back in 1968. Its original purpose was to prioritise families who travelled worldwide and wanted their kids to study an international curriculum. 

As years went by, intentions shifted. The IB programme became an avenue for moulding students into knowledgeable, empathetic citizens.

No wonder why it has developed multilingual individuals that are fully equipped to traverse a culturally diverse world throughout the years. 

In Singapore, the IB curriculum is divided into three categories or levels, including:

• IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) – for aged 3 to 12 years old
• IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) – for aged 11 to 16 years old
• IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) – for aged 16 to 19 years old

Additionally, the IBDP is more academically rigorous because it offers a comprehensive educational style compared to the A Levels. It gives students a more holistic approach to education. However, they are both considered great qualifications by leading universities.

Make sure to find out about the differences between A Level and IB programmes!

Best IB Schools in Singapore You Should Know

Finding the best IB schools in Singapore is not a walk in the park. However, we picked out particular criteria to narrow it down for you. The best IB schools on this list have these common traits, such as:

• They offer the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP).
• They are one of the top IB schools in Singapore that gained high IB Diploma scores according to the Singapore IB League Table for 2025.
  To easily determine which ones are at the top of the ladder, we ranked them for you! Let’s learn more about them below:

#1: Anglo-Chinese School (ACS) Independent

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A part of the ACS family of Methodist schools, Anglo-Chinese School (ACS) Independent is the first local IB school in Singapore to offer the IBDP. For the past years, the institution has been a consistent top-performers in the IBDP results globally. Their students gain perfect scores, helping ACSI maintain a competitive edge over other IB schools.

Moreover, it offers both Integrated Programme (IP) and O Levels. The IP will culminate in the IBDP at the end of the 6th year, where students are not obliged to take the O Levels. 

What makes ACSI a lot more exciting is it contains eight houses in its system. It regularly hosts various events such as cross-country runs, track and field competitions, and swim meets. Outdoor learning activities are also implemented to help students build meaningful bonds and look after their communities. 

#2: St. Joseph’s Institution

Considered the third oldest secondary school in Singapore, St. Joseph Institution (SJI) has a dual-track academic system like ACSI. You may opt for the 6-year IP track leading to the IBDP in years 5 and 6, or take the 4-year O Level path. 

The school follows its three core principles in moulding students into persons of integrity: Faith, Service and Community. This is why their academic and student development programs highly focus on leadership development and character building. 

SJI has also proved their commitment to excellence with its IB examination results. Through their holistic education, it’s not surprising that they have produced distinguished leaders in both the public and private sectors. This includes Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam, the former 7th President of Singapore!

#3: School of the Arts Singapore

Founded in 2008, School of the Arts Singapore (SOTA) is a specialised art school. It welcomes remarkable students with a burning passion for the arts such as music, visual arts, theatre and film, among others. 

SOTA also offers a 6-year programme that allows students to choose between the IBDP or IB Career Programme.

It’s easy to assume that the school is not highly academic-centred because it mainly focuses on the art field. However, this is not entirely true. Its holistic approach to education provides every student with a combination of artistic development and academic rigour. 

According to their website, their vision revolves around helping the future generation of artists to fully realise their academic and creative potential. SOTA has also established a healthy artistic community where students collaborate through service learning activities.

#4: Tanglin Trust School

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Tanglin Trust School is an international school that runs as a non-profit organisation at the same time. So far, it’s the only institution that offers a dual-learning opportunity with the A-Levels and IB Diploma in the Sixth Form. 

It teaches the British National Curriculum, tailoring its subjects for students in Singapore while maintaining the excellence of British-oriented education.

Tanglin has a five-hectare school campus that houses cutting-edge sports facilities and classrooms. Its vision to become the ‘best school in the world’ also helped them achieve remarkable results in terms of academics and IB exams!

If you want the best IB school in Singapore that will help develop your innovative thinking, Tanglin Trust School has you covered. You can also sign up for the arts programme and different sports like golf and cricket.

#5: ACS International

Often described as offering “the best of both worlds,” ACS International balances the rich heritage and discipline of the local ACS family with the holistic freedom of an international curriculum. Unlike its “Independent” brother, the student body here is a diverse 50-50 mix of local Singaporeans and international students.

The school is distinct for its dual-track system. Students typically sit for the Cambridge IGCSEs in Years 3 and 4 before progressing to the IB Diploma in Years 5 and 6. This rigorous foundation in the IGCSE often gives students a strong technical base in Math and Sciences before they enter the IB.

Located in the vibrant Holland Village district, the campus fosters a tight-knit community feel, heavily anchored by a pastoral “House System” (named after ACS bishops and leaders) that ensures every student has a strong support network.

👨‍🏫 Tutor’s Insight: The IGCSE to IB Jump Many ACS International students transition from the IGCSE Economics syllabus directly into IB HL or SL Economics. This jump can be shocking.

While IGCSE focuses on basic content knowledge, the IB requires deep evaluation and real-world application. We see many students struggle in that first year. Our IB Economics Tuition is specifically structured to help former IGCSE students adjust to the demanding essay-writing standards of the IB Diploma. We understand this particularly well as we also offer IGCSE Economics Tuition.

#6: NPS International School

Pushing for a well-rounded education while still maintaining accessibility, NPS International School hosts over 15,000 students worldwide. The school aims to offer students a wide range of subjects, strengthen academic standards and uphold its strong sports culture.

NPS is known for its small class sizes, averaging 16 students per IBDP class. The parents also play a significant role in cultivating a safe, reliable school environment. 

In fact, if you become one of their students, your parents can be Class Mums and keep the parents updated with school happenings.

And to help students make the most of their IB education, they can visit different learning spaces within the campus. This includes the IB resource room, libraries, science laboratories, auditorium, art studios and a bookshop, to name a few.

#7: St Joseph’s Institution International

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St. Joseph’s Institution International is a co-educational, international school that opened its doors to students of all religions and nationalities in 2007. It is one of the seven Lasallian schools in the country that was established back in the 1850s. 

The school emphasises spirituality and Christian moral values while still being inclusive to everyone regardless of their background. Their students have also performed well on the IB examinations, gaining a total average of 39.3 for 2022. 

But the most interesting quality of SJI International is its unique clubs that do not revolve around typical CCAs or sports. You can join street art, scuba diving, anime clubs, darts and many more!

SJI International understands that learning beyond the four corners of the classroom can also be fulfilling. So, if you want to further discover who you are, this might be the best IB school for you.

#8: Hwa Chong International School

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Hwa Chong International School (HCIS) comes from the elite Hwa Chong family of schools. It is one of the top IB schools in Singapore that hosts more than 20 nationalities, offering sports, boarding and recreational facilities on its campus.

One of the key strengths that HCIS possesses is a strong international curriculum that also emphasises the importance of the Chinese language. 

Most importantly, it implements a 6-year curriculum along with a 4-year Integrated Programme followed by a two-year IBDP. Students in Years 3 to 4 will take the Pre-IB programme to help them prepare in facing the rigours of IBDP through a broad-based curriculum.

You can also enjoy several annual events like Innofest and the House of Olympics to bond with other students! Sabbatical weeks, annual camps and overseas experiences also happen all year round to make the learning experience more exciting.

#9: Global Indian International School (GIIS) SMART Campus

Another top-performing IB school in Singapore is the Global Indian International School (GIIS) SMART Campus. Also known as GIIS Punggol, it is one of the worldwide groups of international schools based in Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, India, UAE and Thailand.

Since its inception in 2002, the school has maintained a strong academic and sporting track. Its talented teachers have guided students to becoming technologically literate at a very young age, thanks to its advanced studios and facilities.

Their academic accomplishments are extremely noteworthy. About 90% of the students have remarkable scores in the IB examinations, earning the school an average of 38.9 this 2022. 

In fact, students who graduated from GIIS have studied at the world’s most prestigious universities like the University of Oxford, the National University of Singapore and Harvard University, among many others. 

The school also implements unique performance metrics called 7S. It helps teachers track and monitor every student’s academic progress to tailor a development plan that suits their needs. 

#10: Dulwich College Singapore

Dulwich College Singapore officially opened its doors and built a state-of-the-art campus in August 2014. Since then, the institution has focused on bringing the British independent school ethos with 400 years of innovation and excellence. 

In junior and senior school, students are required to take the English National Curriculum. This will eventually lead up to the IGCSEs in Years 8 to 11, and IBDP in the 12th and 13th years.

The school ensures students will make the most of their IB journeys by organising over 300 student activities. They primarily focus on helping children learn musical instruments and master speaking Mandarin. 

Dulwich also prides itself on offering a High Potential Learners Programme and subject banding. This is where students develop their talents by taking specific subjects.

#11: UWC South East Asia (Dover Campus)

Widely considered the giant of international education in Singapore, UWCSEA Dover is the first United World College in Asia. It is famous for its sheer scale and diversity, hosting students from over 100 nationalities.

Unlike schools that focus purely on academic drilling, UWCSEA prioritizes “Holistic Education” based on five pillars: Academics, Activities, Outdoor Education, Personal & Social Education, and Service. The campus vibe is bustling, global, and university-like.

Admission here is notoriously competitive, not just based on grades, but on a student’s alignment with the UWC ethos of using education as a force for peace and a sustainable future. Students here are expected to be self-starters who can balance a heavy academic load with significant community service commitments.

#12: North London Collegiate School (Singapore)

Although a relatively new player in the Singapore landscape (opened in 2020), NLCS has quickly established itself as a premium choice for academically driven families. It brings the prestige of its UK founding school—which consistently ranks as the #1 IB school in the UK—to Singapore.

The vibe here is distinctly scholarly. Unlike some international schools that prioritize a “relaxed” holistic approach, NLCS is unashamedly academic. Teachers are often subject specialists recruited directly from the UK, and there is a strong culture of “going beyond the syllabus.”

The school aims to replicate the success of NLCS Jeju and NLCS UK, making it a top contender for parents aiming for Oxbridge or Ivy League admissions.

#13: United World College of South East Asia – East Campus

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Originally known as Singapore International School, United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA) is divided into two campuses: the Dover campus and the East Campus. The latter is one of the top IB schools in Singapore that gained an impressive average of 37.8.

The institution hosts more than 100 nationalities, marking their dedication to diversity and inclusivity. Students can even sign up for cultural exchanges and stay in the boarding school to truly engage with community activities.

Also, UWCSEA uses a K-12 curriculum founded on a backward design framework. This means that the teachings are broken down into key pivots, helping students understand concepts easier. 

There’s no doubt that the school has been proving its academic prowess for many years, especially in the IB exams. Besides, it is speculated that UWCSEA is the first-ever school in Asia to conduct the IBDP back in 1977. 

#14: Dover Court International School 

Another top IB school in Singapore worth checking out is Dover Court International School (DCIS). It is a Nord Anglia Education School that uses an international syllabus based on the English National Curriculum and IPC. If you’re a fan of personalised and challenging learning, DCIS might just be the right IB school for you.

DCIS is the most ideal choice for students who excel in Science, Mathematics and the Arts. The school has connections with well-recognised universities like Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Julliard for their arts and STEAM programmes. 

Additionally, students in the years 12 and 13 have two options: either take the IBDP or International BTEC Business Diploma. Regardless of what you choose, you will be guided by reputable teachers who have qualifications from Ireland and the UK.

#15: Nexus International School Singapore

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Established in 2007 by Taylor’s Schools, Nexus International School Singapore aims to promote the Nexus way of learning amongst students. They want to encourage learners to view the world from a global perspective, be innovative and understand other cultures.

Nexus has taken drastic measures to provide a better education system for its students. For instance, teachers establish open-plan Google classrooms that allow students to foster their creativity. 

Moreover, they wholeheartedly trust educators in building the design process of the school. This is why learning opportunities are extremely flexible, giving students a sense of belongingness and community.

Nexus’ IB program also prepares learners for international universities. They follow two core components: The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and The Extended Essay (EE). For example, in TOK, IB learners are tested in critical thinking through a 1,600-word essay and oral presentation. They have to analyse a certain theory and how it’s relevant to the real world.

#16: Overseas Family School

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Overseas Family School (OFS) is considered to be one of the first schools in Singapore to offer the International Baccalaureate programme. Its academic system is well-structured and comprehensive to accommodate students with different learning styles.

Its academic achievements are also impressive. Every year, OFS students obtain remarkable academic results, allowing them to enter leading universities—both locally and internationally. In fact, two of its students were given the Cambridge Top-in-the-World awards for scoring the highest mark in one subject during the IGCSE exams.

What makes OFS different from other IB schools in Singapore is that it doesn’t follow the usual practice of pre-selecting students into the IB programme. They give every student a chance to pursue what they wish, regardless if they make the cut or not.

And to welcome diversity and a strong school spirit, OFS offers a wide range of CCAs, sports programs and computer clubs. Lots of opportunities will be waiting for you!

#17: Canadian International School Singapore

Known for its academic rigour and pedagogical approach, Canadian International School (CIS) Singapore is committed to helping students discover their true potential. They offer a wide variety of fine arts, languages, athletics and other learning opportunities.

Their teachers highly focus on developing the skillsets of their students to guide them in navigating the 21st century. With creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration, you will be encouraged to be curious and artistic. 

As a result, CIS has been a consistent top performer in the IBDP world average in the last five years. Their students have also been accepted into over 400 well-known universities around the world.

#18: Stamford American International School

Driven with the vision to help students in creating their own futures, Stamford American International School strives to produce socially ecologically responsible citizens. They want their students to participate in a culturally diverse world while discovering their academic ambitions simultaneously.

Stamford’s IB programme develops students in becoming thoughtful and principled adults inclined to solve problems and effectively communicate. The programme is also integrated with US standards and College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

Most importantly, the school acknowledges that students also need to look after their emotional needs. They have counsellors who will show support and interventions for students with specific concerns.

#19: Chatsworth International School

Chatsworth International School is one of the best IB schools in Singapore that mainly offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) PYP, MYP and DP curriculum. It houses students from approximately 50 nationalities. 

Their holistic approach to education has earned them recognition from parents. Teachers wholly understand that learning experiences should also happen within the community, helping students become empathetic individuals. 

Aside from that, the school regularly invites valuable guest speakers to help children prepare for the future. 

For their IB Diploma, students have to accomplish the required Creative, Action and Service where they gain diverse life skills. You also get the opportunity to earn a Bilingual Diploma in Singapore!

#20: XCL World Academy

XCL World Academy is one of the leading IB international schools in Singapore. It offers a balanced yet rigorous world-class curriculum, focusing on helping students become innovators and future leaders. Their vision is to encourage learners to grow, act and aspire to be well-rounded citizens and nurture their own voice in the long run. 

In the IB programme, students are taught how to independently write research papers, essays and presentations. The school also allows secondary school learners to collect university credits and finish university faster than they are expected to. 

What’s even more interesting about XCL is its partnerships with Savannah College of Arts & Design and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. If you meet the standards, you can pursue careers in cyber intelligence, graphic design, fashion, aeronautical engineering and business management!

Final Thoughts

We understand that it might be overwhelming for young learners to make life-changing decisions regarding their academic journeys. Since there are about 40 IB schools in Singapore, how do you know which one is the best for you?

That’s why we have compiled a list of the top IB schools in the country to make the decision-making process a whole lot easier. 

Although they have several key differences, these schools have one thing in common: their goals focus on creating a learning environment that welcomes diversity, inclusion and innovation. This is to help you understand how the world works and how everything is interconnected.

And to guide you on your IB journey, The Economics Tutor has your back. To learn more, check out our Guide to IB Economics (HL / SL).

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