Picking the right type of school for your child is a major choice for anyone living in Singapore. International pupils often face difficulty with public schools, whether caused by stringent admission criteria or a lack of familiarity with the local culture and curriculum. In light of these issues, parents may want to look towards private schools in Singapore to find a place for their child.
In this article, we go over the benefits of both public and private education in Singapore, to help you make an informed decision on your child’s education.
The Pros of Both Public and Private Schools
When you’re deciding which option is best for your child, it is important to look at the different benefits that public and private schools offer.
Public schools in Singapore are known for accessibility to local pupils and a strong focus on local academics. Private schools have flexibility, a closer focus on individual pupils, and a more international perspective. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the individual needs and preferences of the child and their family.
Benefits of Public Schools
When considering education options in Singapore, public schools offer a more localised experience and a standardised syllabus. Public schools are more closely suited to local pupils, with admissions and placements being much easier, and tuition fees more heavily subsidised for Singapore citizens and PRs.
Affordable Fees
Local school fees are subsidised by the Ministry of Education (MOE) making them more affordable than private or international school options. However, non-citizens and international pupils will be subject to higher fees in government and government-aided schools. The difference can be huge, and students from non-ASEAN nations pay three to four times more than local pupils or PRs.
Exposure to Local Culture
The majority of pupils in public schools in Singapore are locals, creating a community of Singaporeans. Expatriates who wish to be integrated into Singaporean society may feel a stronger sense of closeness when joining a public school. Parents who expect to live in Singapore in the long term may want to get their children used to the local culture, and choosing a public school helps in this regard.
Standardised Syllabus
The syllabus in a public school is set by the Ministry of Education, providing a standardised syllabus across primary school, secondary school, and tertiary levels. This ensures that pupils in public schools receive a consistent, structured education that aims to prepare them for a consistent academic path. The standardised syllabus ensures that pupils in the public system are all provided with the same set of core skills and knowledge, regardless of school.
Benefits of Private School
By choosing private education, pupils can benefit from smaller class sizes, a diverse population, a smoother admission process, and a variety of enrichment programs and extra-curricular activities, contributing to a well-rounded educational experience.
Smaller Class Sizes
Private schools in Singapore are known for having smaller class sizes, which allows teachers to tailor their teaching methods to suit each child’s needs. The Perse School Singapore has classrooms capped at a ratio of 1 teacher to 24 pupils. This ensures that children can receive individual care and attention, and teachers are able to keep their diverse educational needs in mind.
Diverse Multicultural Population
Enrolling in a private school gives pupils the opportunity to interact with peers from various cultural backgrounds. This diverse pupils population can help enrich pupils’ understanding of different cultures and perspectives, contributing to a well-rounded education. At The Perse School Singapore, we have students from 30 different nationalities, and this diversity exposes our students to a wide range of cultures. pupils develop a deeper understanding of each other and are better prepared for a globalised world.
Smooth Admission Process
For international pupils, gaining admission to a public school in Singapore may be more challenging. Only about 4% of the population in public schools are international pupils. Public schools have limited slots, and local students are prioritised. Applying is usually a lengthy process that involves multiple appointments for expats. On the other hand, private schools offer a more straightforward admission process for expat families.
Enrichment Programs and Extra-Curricular Activities
The best private schools often provide a wide range of enrichment programs and extra-curricular activities that aren’t available in public schools. These unique activities allow for the holistic development of pupils, as well as the opportunity to explore their interests and talents in various areas.
At The Perse School Singapore, we have a range of extracurricular activities such as Robotics, Latin learning, Junior Aviation, and more. Ppupils are given the opportunity to take part in truly engaging and unique activities, that allow them to develop interests outside of academic success.
Making the Right Decision For Your Child
When it comes to deciding between public and private education in Singapore, parents need to consider various factors. For instance, if a family is aiming for naturalisation, selecting a public school will help the child integrate with Singaporean culture more effectively. On the other hand, if the family often travels for work or intends to move to other countries, international schools might be more suitable.
When pursuing private education, the qualifications of the school also matter. It’s important to look at the certification they offer, and do research on their curriculum, teaching style, and history of good performance.
The Perse School Singapore – Private Education in an International School
The Perse School Singapore is a boutique International private school that offers personalised instruction, qualified teachers, and a high pedagogical quality to provide a world-class education. With the Cambridge Curriculum and Singapore Math as the foundations of our syllabus, we strive to shape our pupils into global citizens ready to face the challenges of the future.
Central to our educational philosophy is our Experiential Learning Approach, which aims to promote academic excellence and lifelong learning in our pupils. Through engaging in hands-on projects and real-world experiences, we empower our pupils to take charge of their learning.
Our teachers are experienced, highly qualified, and committed to ensuring that each child receives the attention needed to thrive and grow. We also utilise innovative approaches and teaching methods to nurture academic curiosity in our pupils.
State-of-the-art facilities are an essential part of the educational experience at The Perse School Singapore. Our modern technologies and well-maintained school amenities give pupils access to both practical and theoretical learning in a comfortable environment.
The Perse School Singapore offers an ideal blend of personalised instruction, experienced educators, and an exceptional educational framework. We offer competitive school fees that are affordable for both local and international families who are searching for private education.
Unlock Your Child’s Potential with The Perse School Singapore
Both private and public schools have their advantages. However, international families may want to consider private schools like The Perse School Singapore if they want to pursue overseas prospects. We offer a distinctive environment that’s welcoming to international pupils, accompanied by globally recognised curriculums and world-class facilities.
The personalised approach to education at The Perse School Singapore allows pupils to maximise their potential while gaining a multicultural perspective. This unique blend of educational excellence and cultural exposure makes it an ideal choice for parents seeking the best possible education for their children.
So, if you’re contemplating enrolling your child in a private school in Singapore, don’t hesitate to visit us and explore the fantastic opportunities awaiting your child.
