Tanglin Trust School

Tanglin Trust School is located in the One-North region of Singapore. Conveniently positioned near Buona Vista MRT station, it offers easy access to public transport links, making commuting straightforward for families living in different parts of the city. The school is in close vicinity to the expat-friendly neighbourhoods of Holland Village and Bukit Timah, known for their diverse dining options and amenities.

Tanglin Trust School in Singapore is structured into three main schools: the Infant School (Nursery to Year 2), the Junior School ( Year 3 to Year 6), then Senior School which encompasses Middle School (Year 7 to 9), and Upper School (Year 10 to 11). Finally, Sixth Form for Year 12 and Year 13.

Tanglin Trust School is a co-educational day school. It does not provide boarding facilities.

Tanglin Trust School offers supportive services for students with Additional Learning Needs through its dedicated Learning Support department. The school provides individualized support plans, access to specialist staff, and tailored resources to meet each student’s specific requirements. Facilities and programs are designed to ensure that all students can thrive academically and socially.

Tanglin Trust School is affiliated with the British educational system.

Tanglin Trust School in Singapore is a non-denominational institution with no affiliation to any particular religion, welcoming students from various cultural and religious backgrounds.

The Infant and Junior School day starts at 8:10 AM and ends at 2:50 PM.

The Senior School starts at 8:15 AM and ends at 4:00 PM.

The schedule includes a morning break and a lunch break.

Tanglin Trust School offers a bus service to facilitate transportation for students across various parts of Singapore. The service is provided by KAL Transport Pte Ltd. Buses are air-conditioned and equipped with seat belts, ensuring a comfortable and secure commute for students. Additionally, the school collaborates closely with the provider to accommodate different routes and pick-up/drop-off points to suit the needs of families.

All students from Nursery to Sixth Form wear a school uniform. The School Shop stocks the full range of school clothing including swimwear, bags, hats, sportswear and House shirts. School shoes are not sold in the shop, and a limited number of second-hand uniforms are also sold at the School Shop.

The school's caterer designs balanced and nutritious menus with a range of Western and Asian food available. There is a main central Dining Room on Level 2 of the Nixon Building that serves lunches and snacks, with Junior lunches pre-ordered online. Senior students can use a prepaid card to access hot food, sandwiches, a salad bar, healthy snacks and fruits. There is also the Banyan Café for parents on floor 7 of the Centenary Building.

The Tanglin House system is unified across the Infant, Junior and Senior Schools. There are eight Houses: Claymore, Cameron, Raeburn, Alexandra, Weyhill, Wessex, Winchester and Portsdown. House members participate in school activities and House Fridays.

The school is governed by a Board of Governors. Tanglin Trust School Ltd governs the school; it is registered as Tanglin Trust School Ltd, Registration number 196100114C, with a registration period from 7 June 2023 to 6 June 2029. The Board appoints the CEO and the Leadership Team and operates through committees including Education, Pastoral and Safeguarding, Talent, Finance and Risk, Real Estate and Campus Development, and Development and Alumni. The Group Corporate Secretary is Chen Mee King.

In the Infant and Junior Schools (ages 3-11), the curriculum follows the English National Curriculum. In the Senior School (ages 11-16), students work towards the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations. For the Sixth Form (ages 16-18), students have the option to pursue either A Levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), providing pathways to universities worldwide.

​Tanglin Trust School places a strong emphasis on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) to support student well-being and development. The school implements a comprehensive Lifeskills curriculum across all year groups, addressing topics such as positive relationships, health, and well-being. To further support SEL, Tanglin has established safe spaces within each school division, providing students with designated areas to manage stress and emotions. Additionally, the school's Coordinated Wellbeing Services team, comprising nurses, counsellors, an educational psychologist, and a school social worker, collaborates to offer both proactive and reactive support, contributing to a nurturing environment.

Tanglin Trust School accommodates mild to moderate learning needs through a pastoral support system and collaboration with external experts. Dedicated staff members, including learning support specialists, work closely with classroom teachers to offer tailored strategies and adjustments. The school’s provision typically benefits students with difficulties such as dyslexia, mild autism spectrum conditions, or attention-related disorders.

Tanglin does not provide any special programmes to teach students for whom English is an additional language and who are at an early stage of acquiring English. Students wishing to enrol in the school must have an age appropriate fluency in English, and one parent is required to be fluent in English to ensure effective communication between school and home.

The school has a dedicated team of counselors who work alongside teachers to provide individualized support and guidance. Specific programs are designed to equip students with essential life skills and resilience. The school also promotes a supportive environment through initiatives like peer mentoring and mindfulness activities. Regular workshops and sessions are available for both students and parents, fostering open communication and awareness of mental health.

The school maintains a dedicated safeguarding team trained to handle concerns and implement protective measures. All staff undergo regular training in child protection and are committed to maintaining a secure environment. The school has a clear reporting system for any issues, ensuring swift and appropriate responses. Additionally, Tanglin Trust School involves parents in creating a safe community through workshops and open communication.

Tanglin Trust School was established in 1925, initially serving the educational needs of the British expatriate community in Singapore. Throughout its history, the school has maintained its non-profit status, ensuring that investment is channelled back into student development and facilities.

Tanglin Trust School in Singapore offers a vibrant, inclusive community with a rich mix of international families, fostering a supportive environment for newcomers. The school regularly hosts community and cultural events, such as International Day, which celebrates the diverse backgrounds of its students and staff through food, performances, and traditional attire.

Tanglin Trust School's Friends of Tanglin plays an integral role in fostering a strong sense of community among families, staff, and the wider school network. The group organizes various events throughout the academic year, such as the International Evening, which celebrates the school's diverse cultural makeup, and the highly anticipated Summer Fair. Additionally, they support a range of interest groups and workshops that focus on topics like parenting and cultural awareness.

The Tanglin Trust School serves students from age 3 to 18, organized into four main divisions: Infant School (age 3–7), Junior School (age 7–11), Middle School (age 11–14) leading into Upper School (age 14–16) and Sixth Form (age 16–18). The main address is 95 Portsdown Road, Singapore 139299. The school is not-for-profit and has a long tradition of British-based learning with an international perspective. The Infant School is accredited for Curiosity Approach pedagogy. The school also operates a Highlands Programme, a residential learning initiative for Year 9 students based at the Gippsland campus in Australia.

The Tanglin site supports a broad co-curricular life, including sport and arts offerings across the Infant, Junior, Middle, and Upper/Sixth Form sections, with dedicated sport and arts facilities integrated into the campus.

Upper School provides a broad academic experience with a wide array of (I)GCSE subjects from multiple exam boards. The Sixth Form offers a dual pathway: students can pursue either A-levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma.

The school emphasizes a rich co-curricular programme across all sections, including sports, arts, outdoor education, service learning, and Duke of Edinburgh opportunities, aligned with Tanglin's holistic approach to education.

Tanglin Trust School follows a British-based curriculum and offers three senior pathways: IGCSE, A Levels, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. In the Upper School, IGCSE subjects are offered across multiple exam boards. The Sixth Form provides a choice between A-levels and the IB Diploma. The school is a not-for-profit institution established in 1925; 2025 marks its centenary.

Tanglin supports a substantial arts program, including a central music department. The Junior Arts Centre opened in 2025, providing dedicated space for creative learning. The co-curricular programme includes arts and music opportunities with ensembles and performances throughout the year.

Mother Tongue language provision is offered for languages such as Chinese, French, Spanish, Japanese, Dutch and Hindi. Some students pursue these languages within IGCSE, A-level, or IB Diploma programs, including the IB Bilingual Diploma. English is the working language; an age-appropriate English fluency is required for entry, and there is no provision to teach children for whom English is an additional language.

The school runs a broad co-curricular programme (CCA) spanning arts, sport and service. The CCA programme supports student interests through a wide range of activities coordinated by a dedicated Co-Curriculum department. Tanglin also fosters community engagement through events and charitable activities such as Ch@t (Charity @ Tanglin).

Community engagement is a feature of school life, including events like International Day and charitable initiatives. The Ch@t (Charity @ Tanglin) program supports students' involvement in service projects and community activities.

Senior School offers Careers & University Counselling to support student pathways. The school's co-curricular programme provides leadership and collaboration opportunities across departments and activities.

British Schools Overseas inspection in 2025 rated Tanglin Outstanding, including welfare and leadership aspects. Pastoral care and safeguarding arrangements are in place to support student wellbeing. Co-curricular life emphasizes sport and physical activity, contributing to students' wellbeing and community spirit.

The working language is English and students must have age-appropriate fluency in English. There is no provision to teach children for whom English is an additional language or who are at an early stage of acquiring English language skills. The school supports heritage language development through a Mother Tongue program offering Chinese, French, Spanish, Japanese, Dutch and Hindi. Some students take examinations in these languages and some obtain the IB Bilingual Diploma.

The school provides a Mother Tongue language program supported by dedicated teachers. Languages offered include Chinese, French, Spanish, Japanese, Dutch and Hindi. Some students take public examinations in these languages and some obtain the IB Bilingual Diploma.

2024 Talk Education Awards: The school received the "Thinking Beyond the Curriculum" award, recognizing the impact of The Institute at Tanglin in supporting student scholarship and learning. ​

Singapore Education Awards 2024: Tanglin Trust School secured three Gold awards, including "Singapore International School of the Year," "International School with the Most Future-Ready Students," and "Best New Campus" for its state-of-the-art Centenary Building. ​

WhichSchoolAdvisor (Singapore) Best Schools Awards 2024: The school was honored with the "Best Post-16 Education" award, highlighting its dual-pathway offering of A Levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). ​The school also won "Best UK Pathway" and "Best Early Years Programme in an International School"

International School of the Year 2023: Tanglin Trust School was named "International School of the Year 2023" by ISC Research, also winning the "Ethical Values Education Award" and being shortlisted for the "Strategic Leadership Award."

Council of International Schools (CIS)
- The CIS accredits schools that are committed to continuous improvement and the development of global citizens. It assesses international schools for quality and rigor in all aspects of education and operations.

Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
- WASC is an American-based accrediting agency. Accreditation by WASC signifies that the school meets international standards, making it easier for students to transition to other education systems globally, particularly in the United States.

Independent Association of Preparatory Schools (IAPS)
- IAPS accredits preparatory schools with a commitment to high standards in education and pastoral care, ensuring that young students receive a quality foundation for future learning.

Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA)
- FOBISIA membership indicates that the school follows the British curriculum framework, ensuring consistency and familiarity for students transitioning from or to schools with similar curricula.

British Schools Overseas (BSO)
- This accreditation ensures that the school meets the standards expected of British education abroad. BSO accreditation is recognized by the UK government and facilitates a smooth transition for students entering the UK education system.

doris recommends that you start by speaking to admissions. This connects you directly to the school's admissions team who can respond with answers, more information, and next steps.

Attend an Open House or Schedule a School Tour.
Once the admissions team has responded, consider attending an open house or arranging a personal school tour. This is an excellent opportunity for you to experience the school environment, explore the facilities, and ask any specific questions about the curriculum, extracurricular activities, and the school community.

Submit the Application Form and Required Documents.
After gathering all necessary information, proceed to complete and submit the application form available on the school’s website. Ensure that you prepare all required documents, such as your child’s birth certificate, school reports from the previous two years, and any relevant examination results.

Assessment and Interview Process.
Depending on the grade level of entry, your child may need to undergo an assessment or interview. The admissions team will provide details about this process, including the format and content of the assessment. This step is designed to understand your child’s academic abilities and ensure that the school can meet their educational needs.

Offer of a Place and Acceptance.
If your child meets the school’s entry criteria, you will receive an offer of a place. Review the offer carefully, including any conditions and the enrollment terms. To secure the spot, respond by the specified deadline and provide any necessary confirmation, such as the enrollment deposit or additional documentation.

Prepare for Enrollment and School Start.
Once you have accepted the offer, the school will guide you through the enrollment process. This includes finalizing administrative details, such as uniform purchase, bus arrangements, and orientation schedules.

Tanglin Centenary Music Scholarships:
These scholarships are open to current and prospective Senior School students who demonstrate outstanding musical proficiency, a genuine passion for music, and a commitment to perform regularly.

Tanglin Trust School employs an applicant pool system rather than a traditional waitlist. The process includes:​

Application Submission: Families can submit applications up to three years before the desired entry year. ​

Annual Review: Each year, the relevant Head of School and Head of Admissions review and assess applicants in the pool. ​
tts.edu.sg

Possible Outcomes: After the annual review, applicants may receive:​
-An offer of a place at the school.
-Placement into the waitpool for consideration if spots become available during the applied academic year.​
-Notification that the application was unsuccessful. ​

This system allows the school to evaluate applicants annually, ensuring that each student is considered fairly based on the current availability and suitability for the school's programs.