Singapore Expats

I wish to clarify something regarding sending my kids to a local Singapore school (we self fund so cannot afford International School).

1) Can children of expats holding permanent resident (PR) visa compete to go to regular singapore local schools? Or do the Singapore Nationals always get preference? It is clear that Singapore Nationals get preference over short-stay expats, but what about PRs?

2) Is it common for expat PRs to send their kids to local schools? If so, are there any known problems? Any schools popular with PRs?

mameha wrote:I wish to clarify something regarding sending my kids to a local Singapore school (we self fund so cannot afford International School).

1) Can children of expats holding permanent resident (PR) visa compete to go to regular singapore local schools? Or do the Singapore Nationals always get preference? It is clear that Singapore Nationals get preference over short-stay expats, but what about PRs?

2) Is it common for expat PRs to send their kids to local schools? If so, are there any known problems? Any schools popular with PRs?

I don't think it's nearly as clear cut. Speaking to point #2 specifically, there are a lot of PR children at OFS, AIS and SAS, and at the others I'm sure. Could be wrong, but I don't think PR status is a predictor of which school system you choose.

The child has to be a PR to be on the same priority as Singaporean entering into local schools.

What are "OFS, AIS and SAS"? Are they local or International Schools?

Overseas Family School / Australian Internationl School / Singapore American School

International and expensive if you don't have a school allowance being provided by the employer (unless your salary package is equivalent to that of the Banking Industry before bailout).

Hi Mameha! Good to know you're thinking about local schools.

My husband and I are PR's, but we weren't when we enrolled our daughter in a local school here in Clementi (western part of the island). I'm honestly not sure how PR's fare in the pecking order during the registration process.

Where are you living in SG? My daughter attends the neighborhood school which is a 15 minute walk or 4 minute bus ride (at 7:15 she takes the bus). I've been really happy. If it's not clear on the Ministry of Education site, just call up one of the local schools in your area. They should know. But do make clear you're a long term PR.

Good luck finding the answer to your first question--when you do, please post for the rest of us!

As for the second question--there are lots of PR's in most local schools. Thai, Indonesian, Malaysian, Indian families have all chosen local schools. My daughter even has a Kenyan classmate. The International Schools also have lots of long term PR kids. If you mean "white" expats, then I'm not sure. There are a few ang mohs (whities) at my daughter's school, but I think you might find one of two (or more) in most schools.

Good luck! and do PM me if you have any questions.

Hi Mameha,

The local school system is proven to be on par with some of the best schools in Europe and Australia. History exams results comparison for O-levels and A-levels between Singapore and British students show that Singapore kids consistently out-perform the British... I use this comparison because... Singapore schools adopt the same school/exam system and even some exam papers as the U.K. for the Secondary schools (O-levels) and college (A-levels)

Singapore students frequently out-perform ... coming out tops in international math and science competitions for their respective age-group.

Honestly, I think the question you should ask yourself is whether you want your child to immerse into the local culture.... Singaporean way of thinking (mentality) and living style...

If you do and think that will benefit your child.... then putting him/her in a local school is will do exactly that. Moreover... your child gets to learn mandarin (Chinese) as a compulsory langguage and will get all the opportunities to practice and communicate with the local chinese kids... and will build a natural netowrk of local singapore friends growing up.

I think you catch my drift...

By the way..... in case it is a concern, expat children in local schools do not have to worry about discrimination by local students or teachers. As far as I am certain... it does not happen. I am sure some parents in this forum with kids in local schools can vouch for that.

redtush,

good points but only one small correction. Mandarin is NOT a compulsory language. If they take English as their First language (and it's not their mother tongue) then they have to take their mother tongue (if it's one of the 3 other "official" languages here. e.g., Tamil, Malay, Mandarin & English. However, if they take their Mother Tongue at First language level they have their choice of 2nd language.

Hello! I used to have a British friend who reside here for a few years and she sent her children to local school. But she has moved away now. To America.

I am not sure if she was a PR or her husband holding work permit though...