Interest and demand for international schools from Singaporeans

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye, Radin Mas SMC

Question

To ask the Minister for Education (a) between 2016 and 2020, what is the annual percentage of Singaporeans attending international schools; (b) what is the annual average number of appeal cases that are received from Singaporean parents who want their children to attend international schools instead of local schools; and (c) what are the common reasons cited by the parents in these appeal cases.

Response

1. Less than 0.5% of Singaporean students are enrolled in international schools.

2. On average, we receive around 50 to 60 appeals each year from parents who wish to send their Singaporean children to international schools. The reasons cited include preference for an international curriculum because their children had spent many years abroad, or have special educational needs or medical conditions.

3. International schools are primarily meant to cater to the children of the expatriate community in Singapore. It is important that our Singaporean children attend our national schools to help develop common values and a sense of national identity and bonding through shared school experiences.