View All
View All
View All
View All
View All
View All
View All
View All
View All
We break down everything you need to know about the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme, what the IB results mean and where to find top IB schools in Singapore
You’ve probably heard your fellow mum friends drop the term “IB” in conversations, but if you’re confused about what it means, then we’ve got you covered. The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an educational programme that fosters creativity and imagination and is one of the most in-demand educational programmes around the world. But what does IB really mean for your child’s education? We discuss all the reasons that set the IB programme apart from others, its unique benefits, how to know if IB is a good fit for your child and even round up reputable IB schools in Singapore (including international schools in Singapore) for you.
Keep scrolling for everything there is to know about the IB programme in Singapore!
Jump to:
What is the IB Programme?
What sets IB apart?
What are IB’s unique benefits?
Understanding IB Results
IB Schools in Singapore
Read more: How my son transitioned from the American school system to the IB MYP
What is the IB Programme?
Founded in 1968, the International Baccalaureate (IB) offers high-quality, challenging educational programmes at three different levels in Singapore: the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), for students aged 16 to 19; the IB Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) for students aged 11 to 16; and the IB Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) for students aged 3 to 12. IB is renowned for its high academic standards and for helping to develop truly global, 21st-century citizens. The curriculum places great emphasis on creativity and imagination. Students are encouraged to take a global view in every sense: learning is about considering the nature of human thought and developing the skills not just to remember facts, but to analyse one’s own thinking and effort.
What sets IB apart?
At the heart of the curriculum are the principles of inquiry, action and reflection. All the while, students develop core skills for thinking, working with others, communicating, self-management and research. So basically, the skills you need not just to succeed in school, but in life!
To that end, the culminating IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) is academically challenging and balanced, with final exams that prepare students for success at university and beyond. Many schools in Singapore pride themselves on their outstanding IB results. Of course, it all starts with the PYP, which focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, not just in the classroom, but in the outside world as well. We all know kiddos ask lots of questions; the IB PYP plays to that strength with its powerful emphasis on inquiry.
Meanwhile, it’s in the Middle Years Programme (MYP) that the IB framework encourages students to become creative, critical and reflective thinkers, with a real emphasis on intellectual challenge. Kids at this stage start making really powerful connections between their studies and real-world subjects, all the while boosting their communication skills, intercultural understanding, and global engagement. In short, IB is a perfect fit for students in a globalist, multi-cultural environment like Singapore! It’s also very transferable if you make an international move, given its truly global reach.
What are IB’s unique benefits?
- IB encourages both personal and academic achievement
- In IB programmes, students learn how to learn (hint: it’s not with lots of memorisation!)
- IB programmes encourage students of all ages to consider both local and global contexts
- IB programmes develop multilingual students
- IB programmes are developed independently of government and national systems and incorporate best practices from research across a global community of schools
Finally, IB schools are particularly known for producing inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people. That’s not to say kids in other curricula can’t fit that bill, but there’s real care and emphasis placed on this outcome, to which we say, Bravo!
Understanding 2024 IB Results
The IB programme involves taking six subjects (three at a higher level and three at a standard level) over two years. Assessment is based on a combination of final examinations and coursework. Each subject is scored from 1-7, and up to 3 additional points may be awarded for TOK (Theory of Knowledge) essays and the Extended Essay. A minimum of 24 points is required to obtain the IB diploma while 45 points is the maximum.
The world average 2024 IB score is 30.32. The global 2024 IB pass rate is 80% (79.35% in 2023).
In Singapore, the IBDP is taken at many international schools in May however some Singapore schools follow a January to December calendar and sit the IBDP exams in November (so they will receive their results in January of the following year). These include SJI International, Australian International School, Madrasah Aljunied Al-Islamiah, School of The Arts Singapore (SOTA), Singapore Sports School (SSP), St Joseph’s Institution and ACS (International) Singapore. Anglo Chinese School (ACS) International Singapore, and Hwa Chong International School.
IB Schools in Singapore
We round up the various international IB schools in Singapore at the early years, primary and secondary levels across Singapore. On the local school front, Anglo Chinese School (ACS) International Singapore, Hwa Chong International School and SJI International all offer the IB Diploma at the secondary level.
Tanglin Trust School
IB programmes on offer: IBDP
Tanglin Trust School provides British-based learning with an international perspective and is the only school in Singapore to offer students the choice to take either A-Levels or the IBDP programme at Sixth Form, both of which achieve consistently outstanding results. The choice provides each student with an educational pathway best suited to their needs and academic goals.
Tanglin Trust School is currently ranked among the top 20 IB schools in the world. In a recent 2024 IB assessment, the IB evaluators awarded Tanglin 14 commendations, seven of which recognised its environmental learning factors that support IB students. The commendations highlighted the leadership and care of the staff in guiding students through the programme. All of these factors play a part in helping Tanglin’s students become lifelong learners who contribute with confidence in the world.
2024 IB results*: The 2024 IB cohort achieved an average Diploma score of 39.1 points, more than 8.8 points above the world average of 30.2.
Tanglin Trust School, 95 Portsdown Road, Singapore 139299, Tel: (+65) 6778 0771, www.tts.edu.sg
Chatsworth International School
IB programmes on offer: IB Primary Years Programme, IB Middle Years Programme & IB Diploma Programme
A diverse and internationally-minded IB school in Singapore, Chatsworth International School caters to students from kindergarten up to Year 13 (Grade 12). Established in 1995, Chatsworth’s community of over 55 nationalities is an integral part of the school’s identity; service learning is a big part of holistic education, and the school places a great deal of emphasis on service action through all year levels. The team believes every child should have an opportunity and encouragement to shine.
Chatsworth is one of the few international schools in Singapore to offer the full IB MYP eAssessment examination, leading to the IB MYP course results or the IB MYP Certificate. Nestled in greenery, Chatsworth provides a diverse and nurturing environment as educators strive to provide an individualised approach that recognises and celebrates every individual. Chatsworth is a non-selective school and its graduates receive a wide range of university offers from all over the world. The school also offers a broad range of languages in its Mother Tongue Language programme.
2024 IB results*: The Class of 2024 has achieved a top score of 44 points and a school average of 34 points, which is above the worldwide average of 30.32. 17% of the cohort attempted the bilingual diploma with a 100% pass rate.
Chatsworth International School, 72 Bukit Tinggi Road, Singapore 289760, Tel: (+65) 6463 3201, www.chatsworth.com.sg
United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA)
IB programmes on offer: IBDP
UWCSEA prides itself as Asia’s very first international school to offer the IB Diploma. Home to over 5,900 students from 118+ countries, UWCSEA boasts one of the most diverse International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) offerings where apart from the usual popular subjects, students can also enjoy unique subjects, from Dance to Business Management to Environmental Systems and Societies. UWCSEA’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community is reflected in its IB Diploma Programme, with more than 22% of students pursuing a bilingual IB Diploma in 2024.
UWCSEA is also pioneering a new IBDP course, Systems Transformation, where students tackle real-world issues like refugee education and sustainability through project-based, interactive learning. A Standard Level course equivalent to two IB subjects, this course is shaped by key partnerships with industry leaders like Amala that equip students with future-ready skills to drive initiatives in awareness and advocacy.
2024 IB results*: Nearly 30% of UWCSEA Dover students and more than 32% of UWCSEA East students scored above 40 points in the 2024 IB Diploma, outperforming the global average of 8.9%.
United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA), 1207 Dover Road, Singapore 139654 and 1 Tampines Street 73, Singapore 528704, [email protected], Tel: (+65) 6775 5344, www.uwcsea.edu.sg
Read more: Guide To International Schools In Singapore
Australian International School (AIS)
IB programmes on offer: IB Primary Years Programme & International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Australian International School is a non-selective school that enables its students to realise their potential through amazing opportunities to learn, explore and thrive in a nurturing community with over 50 nationalities. This diverse school offers a holistic Reggio-inspired and IB curriculum with over 300 co-curricular activities for students aged 2 months to 18 years. AIS also offers Higher School Certificate (HSC) for Years 11 and 12. Around 70% of students pursue the IBDP with the support of experienced faculty and achieve results well above the world average.
With a love of learning that grows every day, students continually exceed expectations, as proven by their outstanding value-added score of 0.93 points per subject (amount above the predicted score). This is a testament to the pastoral systems and approaches that allow students to achieve their best through this rigorous programme.
2023 IB results*: AIS accomplished an average IB score of 33.1, surpassing the global average of 29.06. Moreover, 8.5% of the students achieved 40 or more IB points, and 22 obtained a Bilingual Diploma. Notably, one student reached the highest possible score of 45 points.
Australian International School, 1 Lorong Chuan, Singapore 556818, [email protected], Tel: (+65) 6517 0247, www.ais.com.sg
Canadian International School
IB programmes on offer: IB Primary Years Programme, IB Middle Years Programme & IBDP
Home to students aged 2 to 18, Canadian International School (CIS) uses a concept-based curriculum that’s drawn from the best global curricula. It promotes in-depth thinking, understanding, and the application of knowledge. Through an inquiry-based approach, students develop essential 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity and communication. In addition to Chinese-English and French-English bilingual programmes that are fully aligned with the IB Primary Years Programme, as well as daily language acquisition classes in French or Chinese (and Spanish in secondary), CIS uses a STEAM-based approach that integrates science, technology, environment, arts and math across the curriculum, allowing students to make real-world connections between disciplines.
This IB school in Singapore also provides students with a wide range of sporting, artistic, leadership and service opportunities – all of which encourage them to find a balance between thriving academically and exploring new endeavours. Facilities and programmes like Open Minds and the kindergarten wing’s purpose-built Outdoor Discovery Centre give students opportunities to investigate topics in real-world contexts.
2024 IB results*: With a 99% IB pass rate, two students attaining a perfect score, and 45 students receiving the prestigious bilingual diploma, CIS graduates go on to study various disciplines in leading universities around the world such as Imperial College, Cambridge, Stanford, National University of Singapore, and Royal Academy of Music, amongst others.
Canadian International School, 7 Jurong West Street 41, Singapore 649414, Tel: (+65) 6734 8088, www.cis.edu.sg
Dulwich College (Singapore)
IB programmes on offer: IBDP for students in Year 12 and 13 + IB Career-Related Programme (IBCP)
This fully authorised IB Diploma Programme school in Singapore is known for its academic excellence and is committed to delivering the International Baccalaureate programme as its pre-university qualification. All students at the College develop a personalised pathway that reflects individual choice, ability, and personality. In Senior School, these pathways are enriched by more than 300 CCAs, industry partnerships, leadership opportunities, mentoring programmes and more. The College also offers the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP).
Designed for pre-university students aged 16 to 19, this unique programme addresses the needs of students who wish to follow a targeted career pathway and develop professional skills in an academic context. Students have a choice of career pathways, including business and sustainability, performance and production arts and sports. In October 2023, Dulwich College (Singapore) also opened a brand new, state-of-the-art, seven-storey building to support the unique learning requirements of its IB students, complete with a dedicated IB Library, study spaces and IB Lounge.
2024 IB results*: A total of 108 students sat for the full IBDP exams and averaged 37.6 points, with 36.1% scoring 40 points or higher, and 17 receiving prestigious Bilingual Diplomas. The IBCP cohort achieved Distinctions in their Level 3 Extended Diplomas from the University of the Arts London, equivalent to 4 A* at A-Level. 91% of graduating students secured their first choice offer for university, with 100% securing spots at their top two choices. Popular destinations are the UK, US, Canada and Australia, with 80% of UK offers being to Russell Group universities.
Dulwich College (Singapore), 71 Bukit Batok West Ave 8, Singapore 658966, Tel: (+65) 6890 1000, singapore.dulwich.org
Global Indian International School (GIIS)
IB programmes on offer: IB PYP (ages 3-11), Cambridge Lower Secondary and IGCSE (ages 11-16) & IBDP (ages 16-18) and more
Global Indian International School (GIIS) is an IB school in Singapore that caters to students aged 3 to 18 years. Your child’s IB journey at GIIS begins with the IB PYP from age 3. The IB Early Years for ages 3 to 6 is a play-based curriculum that nurtures curious, intelligent and creative learners. As students advance into the primary years under PYP, the inquiry-based transdisciplinary curriculum fosters agency, ignites curiosity and shapes well-rounded students.
For secondary school students, GIIS offers the Cambridge curriculum with a wide range of subject combinations that develop students’ critical thinking and analytical skills. This prepares them for the rigour of a pre-university programme like IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12. The school employs a unique performance-measuring system called 7S, which monitors each student’s academic and all-around progress. This enables teachers to roll out a systematic improvement plan for each student. At GIIS, students have access to digital classrooms, collaborative learning spaces and skills studios such as Radio and TV, Design and Technology, Culinary and more to help them develop varied skills, and be better prepared for the future.
2024 IB results*: In 2024, GIIS had an average of 36.3. With 10 IBDP World Toppers and Near-Perfect Scorers, an impressive 64.2% of the cohort scored 35 grade points and above. Moreover, in the last five years, over 300 GIIS graduates have been placed in Top 20 global universities (as per QS World University Rankings), including the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, UCLA, UC Berkeley, National University of Singapore, and more.
Global Indian International School, Tel: (+65) 6914 7100, singapore.globalindianschool.org
SMART campus: 27 Punggol Field Walk, Singapore 828649 | GIIS East Coast campus: 82 Cheviot Hill, Singapore 459663
Read more: Guide To International Schools In Singapore
International French School (Singapore)
IB programmes on offer: French Baccalaureate (Bac) and the French International Baccalaureate (BFI)
The International French School (Singapore) (IFS) is actually the only school in Singapore to offer the French Baccalaureate (Bac) and the French International Baccalaureate (BFI). The school follows the French national curriculum and currently houses over 80 nationalities. In this school, while French is the primary language, the school emphasises multilingualism, where English is taught from an early age. Students can also opt to learn additional languages such as Mandarin, Spanish and German.
The campus has over 160 spacious classrooms, with each building built with optimal acoustics, lighting, and air quality, ensuring that students learn in spaces designed to nurture their health and engagement. Other state-of-the-art facilities include large performance halls, libraries, science laboratories and sports facilities, including two 25-meter pools, expansive rugby and football pitches, and three gyms equipped with climbing walls. What also sets IFS apart is its commitment to safety and trust. It is the first international school in Singapore to receive the Data Protection Trustmark (DPTM) Certification from the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).
2024 IB results*: For the 2024 French Baccalaureate, IFS has an impressive 100% pass rate. A standout feature of these results is the significant percentage of students who earned the highest distinctions: 10.2% received the “Très Bien with Honors” (Très Bien avec les Félicitations du Jury), achieving an average score above 18/20, and 37% achieved “Très Bien” distinction, with an average score above 16/20.
International French School (Singapore), 3000 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, Singapore 569928, [email protected], Tel: (+65) 6805 0000, www.ifs.edu.sg
Nexus International School (Singapore)
IB Programmes on offer: IB Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme & IBDP
By instilling core values of innovation, open-mindedness and empathy for the community, Nexus International School nurtures students who not only excel in academics but also discover their purpose beyond the four walls of the classroom. To equip students with future-ready skills, technology is integrated into every lesson to give Nexus learners real-life applications of what they learn and help them become resilient critical thinkers and problem-solvers. They also offer flexibility within the IB curriculum, which encourages learners to pursue topics of interest and reinforces that all learners can make an impact.
The teachers at Nexus are dedicated to providing holistic support so that every student can thrive and look forward to going to school every day. Beyond academics, teachers check in on their students’ well-being and personal development and lead them to relevant resources for additional support where necessary. As a truly international school, the Nexus community prides itself in no nationality making up more than 19% of the total student population, which enriches the students’ learning and multicultural community experience.
2024 IB results*: Two graduates received high scores of 43 and their peers had an average score of 33.2. 35% of students received bilingual diplomas in Korean, Norwegian, Mongolian, Vietnamese and Chinese. Nexus students also exceeded expectations with an average value of 4 points, with some students achieving up to 12 points above their predicted CAT4 grades. Click here for more information.
Nexus International School (Singapore), 1 Aljunied Walk, Singapore 387293, Tel: (+65) 6536 6566, www.nexus.edu.sg
One World International School (OWIS)
IB programmes on offer: IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and IB Diploma Programme (DP)
At One World International School (OWIS), the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum is designed to spark curiosity, build critical thinking, and prepare students for the future. From early childhood till Grade 12, OWIS students engage in inquiry-based, tech-enabled learning making lessons fun and engaging. With small class sizes, students enjoy a personalised learning experience that helps them reach their full potential.
For Early Childhood and Primary School, the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) at OWIS Nanyang and OWIS Digital Campus aligns with the learning objectives of the National Curriculum of the UK. Your child will explore a balanced range of subjects, from English and Maths to Music, Art, PE, ICT/STEAM, Mandarin or French and Drama (at the Digital Campus), laying a strong foundation in essential areas. In Grades 11 and 12, OWIS Nanyang has successfully been running the IB Diploma Programme since 2020, with graduates pursuing higher studies in top institutions like NTU, NUS and more. OWIS is also excited to launch the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) soon at its Digital Campus, allowing students to pursue a globally recognised qualification.
2024 IB results*: In 2024, the IBDP Grade 12 students at OWIS Nanyang achieved outstanding results, with the highest score being a perfect 45 out of 45 and over 70% of students scoring above 30 points. The average score was 34, significantly higher than the global average of 30.32.
One World International School (OWIS), 21 Jurong West Street 81, Singapore 649075 and #01-02, Global Campus Village, 27 Punggol Field Walk, Singapore 828649, [email protected], Tel: (+65) 6914 6700, www.owis.org/sg
Overseas Family School
IB programmes on offer: IB Middle Years Programme and IBDP
As one of the first schools in Singapore to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme, Overseas Family School’s (OFS) highly acclaimed IBDP is well-established and supported by an experienced faculty. Teachers at this IB school in Singapore, many of whom hold prominent positions within the IB community serving as examiners, IB Workshop leaders and curriculum developers, are skilled in guiding students through the IB’s unique challenges.
Passionate about giving all students the chance to succeed, OFS does not preselect candidates and allows every student to take the full IB Diploma and choose subjects as they wish, even at a Higher Level. Remarkably, the school’s inclusive policies and exceptional resources in areas such as language and literature studies have led not only to a more sizeable IB cohort than many other international schools, but also to increased student achievement and success.
This year, OFS introduced DP Psychology and DP Sports Science, demonstrating its strong commitment to honouring student interests, while continually evaluating its program and course offerings.
2024 IB results*: In the 2024 IB exam session, Grade 12 students at OFS achieved an average score of 35%, 5 points higher than the world average of 30.3%. The school also saw a 96% pass rate with the world average being 80%. 29% of students graduated with a bilingual diploma in 2024. Additionally, 24% of students achieved above 40 points, surpassing the world average of 8.9%.
Overseas Family School, 81 Pasir Ris Heights, Singapore 519292, [email protected], Tel: (+65) 6738 0211, www.ofs.edu.sg
Stamford American International School
IB programmes on offer: IB Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme & IB Diploma Programme
Stamford American International School is proud to be an IB world school with more than 3,000 students, aged 2 months – 18 years, from 79 nationalities represented. Its diverse and inclusive environment provides students with a safe space to learn how to connect and empathize with people from many cultural backgrounds. With an American curriculum, integrated with IB learning frameworks, Stamford American is known for its innovative teaching methods to promote interdisciplinary learning, creativity, critical thinking, and confidence. Their rigorous, yet balanced curriculum, along with art and sport specialist programs and over 350 co-curricular options, provides opportunities for both academic excellence and holistic development of the student.
In Grades 11 and 12, students have the choice between two graduating pathways – to either pursue the IB Diploma Programme, or an individualized pathway consisting of a blend of IB, AP, BTEC and Stamford courses. All students will graduate with a U.S.-accredited High School Diploma as well. Book a personalized tour to see the school’s campus, classes and community all in action.
2024 IB results*: The Stamford American Class of 2024 had a remarkable 96% passing rate, with an average overall score of 34.6 (exceeding the global mean of 30.32), and average test scores of 5.45 out of 7. In addition, nearly twice as many students earned As in their Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge results.
Stamford American International School, 1 Woodleigh Lane, Singapore 357684, Tel: (+65) 6653 2949, www.sais.edu.sg
Read more: Guide To International Schools In Singapore
St. Joseph’s Institution International
IB programmes on offer: IBDP
The mission of SJI International is to develop curious, independent and confident learners by giving students the opportunity to learn by doing. Students at every level will get to experience a wide range of age-appropriate activities that promote active learning such as research, role-play, simulations, critical thinking exercises, presentations and more. This stimulating educational environment continually challenges students intellectually both within and outside of the classroom so that every day is a new and exciting learning adventure.
Beyond academics, teachers instil important character values through sports, adventure and creativity. They nurture children to feel empathy for the world around them through weekly service activities and overseas projects, so students can connect with and serve the local and global community. Through the outstanding IB curriculum at SJI International, many students have gone on to top universities around the world and are one step closer to becoming global changemakers.
2024 IB results*: SJI International successfully achieved an average of 38 points, exceeding both the global average of 29.1 points and the regional average for Singapore of 37.76 points. All 207 graduates achieved the full IB Diploma, marking a 100% pass rate. 39% of students scored 40 points or more, with 26% achieving 42 points and above, placing SJI International among the top-performing IB schools in the region and globally.
SJI International, 490 Thomson Road, Singapore 298191, Tel: (+65) 6353 9383, www.sji-international.com.sg
XCL World Academy
IB Programmes on offer: IB PYP, IB MYP and IBDP
Offering a rigorous yet balanced education to students ages 2 to 18 from over 40 different nationalities, XCL World Academy is dedicated to ensuring your child’s readiness for an ever-evolving future. The school offers a world-class curriculum and the development of a solid academic foundation. At this IB World School in Singapore, students are exposed to a continuum of IB programmes and personal attention to help them realise their full potential. University and career guidance counselling start from Grade 8 as part of the Personal Social Health Education programme.
University and career guidance counselling is further incorporated into the timetables of Grade 11 and 12 students, where they are given guidance and assistance in university and scholarship applications. The teaching staff comprises more than 20 nationalities, and each educator brings their global expertise to the table, successfully empowering students so they can reach their goals.
2024 IB results*: The Class of 2024 has achieved an outstanding graduation milestone, boasting two students with a perfect score of 45/45, and an average IB score of 35.0 (with 21% of the cohort scoring 40 or higher). Over 30% of the graduates obtained a bilingual diploma. The Class of 2024 also secured more than 250 scholarship offers totalling more than USD 11 million. In particular, one student secured an offer to Dartmouth College, an Ivy League School, on scholarship.
XCL World Academy, 2 Yishun Street 42, Singapore 768039, Tel: (+65) 6230 4230, www.xwa.edu.sg
Other schools in Singapore that offer the International Baccalaureate curriculum include:
– Anglo Chinese School (ACS) International Singapore
– EtonHouse International School
– Hillside World Academy
– Hwa Chong International School
– ISS International School Singapore
– Odyssey Wilkinson
For more info, you can also visit the International Baccalaureate Office in Singapore; check out their website for lots of handy resources!
Swipe for more Singapore international school news & guides!
