Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are there currently places available for students at Tanglin Trust School?
A. There is a high demand for places at Tanglin Trust School and waiting lists exist for many year groups. For current information on the availability of places, please contact our enrolment staff (admissions@tts.edu.sg or telephone 67703167, 67703115, 67703188 or 67703189). Parents are advised to apply early for places for their children at the School. Please note that the School also has a Placement Rights scheme designed to accelerate entry into the School. To read about this, please click here.Q. How do I apply for a place for my child at Tanglin Trust School? What are the conditions of entry?
A.To make an application, parents must submit a completed application form, which can be downloaded by clicking here. For further details, please click here. For details on Tanglin's Placement Rights scheme, please click here.Students entering the School must be fluent in English, residing in Singapore with at least one parent and have the intellectual capacity to access the English National Curriculum.
How does the School determine what year group my child will be placed in?
A. Students will be placed in year groups according to their date of birth. Our academic year starts in September. Students entering Nursery in the September of any specific year must have turned 3 by 1st September. Students entering Reception must have turned 4 by 1st September. Students entering Year 1 must have turned 5 by the 1st September cut-off date and so on as we progress up the School. See the list below.| Age on 1st September just before the start of the new school year | Year Group |
| 3 | Nursery |
| 4 | Reception |
| 5 | Year 1 |
| 6 | Year 2 |
| 7 | Year 3 |
| 8 | Year 4 |
| 9 | Year 5 |
| 10 | Year 6 |
| 11 | Year 7 |
| 12 | Year 8 |
| 13 | Year 9 |
| 14 | Year 10 |
| 15 | Year 11 |
| 16 | Year 12 |
| 17 | Year 13 |
Exceptions are made only in extraordinary circumstances
Q. Do current Tanglin Junior School students wishing to enter the Senior School need to submit an application?
A. No. Due to the expansion of the Senior School, we no longer require a separate application to be made to enter Year 7. We are now set to meet the demand for Year 7 places from current and future Year 6 students. Those who have already applied and paid a deposit of S$1,000 will have this sum offset against the first-term fees in Year 7.Q. Do current Senior School students wishing to enter the Year 12 need to make a separate application?
A. Yes. Current Senior School students wishing to enter the Year 12 need to submit a completed application form together with a non-refundable registration fee. This registration fee is S$500. Cheques should be made payable to Tanglin Trust School Ltd. To download the application form for Year 12, please click here. Parents are advised to apply early.Q. Can you tell me about Tanglin's Chief Executive Officer. Who is he?
A. In 2006, Tanglin Trust School's Board of Governors appointed Steven Andrews as the School's new Chief Executive Officer, effective from the start of the 2006-2007 academic year. Mr. Andrews took over from Ronald Stones, who was appointed Head of School in 1995 and led the development of Tanglin into a world-class educational facility for 2,000 expatriate students aged 3 to 18.Mr. Andrews gained post-graduate qualifications in education from the University of Leicester after working in industry in England, the USA and Japan. He served as Head teacher of the high-achieving Sandringham School from 1988 till 1997 and then commenced a distinguished career in education in the government sector, most recently as Corporate Director of Education, Leicester City. Mr. Andrews spent significant childhood years in Singapore, when his father was on assignment in the country with the British Airforce.
Mr. Andrews heads the School’s Leadership Team. The Leadership Team comprises the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Education, the Heads of the Infant, Junior and Senior Schools and the Directors of Professional Development, Operations, Human Resources and Development
Q. What is the School doing regarding a possible influenza pandemic?
A. We would like to reassure everyone that we have a comprehensive Flu Pandemic Preparedness Plan in place. Our Management Team is closely monitoring the current situation and the School is prepared for all contingencies. We are continuing to work closely with the authorities in Singapore, which we are confident will respond appropriately and we will follow all advice given to us by the government.More information is available through the following official websites (www.who.int, www.cdc.gov, www.flu.gov.sg and www.moh.gov.sg).
As a simple precaution, please follow our long-standing request not to send any child to school who has a fever or who is unwell. We shall continue our practice of sending home any child with a fever or who is not well enough to learn effectively.
We ask parents to please ensure that before family members travel abroad they fill in a Family Travel Notification E-Form, which can be downloaded here. Information contained in these forms will remain confidential and is for use only in the event of a crisis. Given the current concern over the spread of flu, we think it is advisable that we have information at hand about the countries each of our students is visiting
Q. Are there sufficient security measures in place at the School?
A. The safety and security of our students is of utmost concern. Security measures at the School are constantly monitored and reviewed by our Safety and Security Management Group. This group takes advice from and liaises with specialist experts, the British High Commission and other authorities in Singapore.Since January 2002 we have stepped up security at the School following the increased risk of terrorism in the region. For security reasons themselves, we are not disclosing on this website the specific security measures that are currently in place at the School, however, families new to Tanglin can attend a security briefing and are advised to read the Handbook for Families.
Q. What are the class sizes at Tanglin?
A. The maximum number of students per class at Tanglin Trust School is 24. In the Senior School, some classes are very small as class size depends on the number of students selecting particular subjects from subject optionsQ. What is the staff to student ratio?
A. In classes at Tanglin, the staff to student ratio depends on the age of the students. In Nursery, there are one Class Teacher and two Teacher Assistants in every class. In Reception through to Year 2, every class of no more than 24 students has a Class Teacher and one Teacher AssistantIn the Junior School, there are four Teacher Assistants working in Year 3 and four in Year 4. In addition, one Teacher Assistant divides time between the two year groups. In Year 5 and Year 6, there are two Teacher Assistants per year group, with an additional Teacher Assistant dividing time between the two year groups. In the Senior School, Departmental Assistants help Class Teachers. In addition, our Learning Support Specialists work outside classrooms with individuals or small groups of students who find certain aspects of the curriculum challenging
Q. What time does school start and finish?
A. In Nursery, students commence school at 9.00am and finish at noon.In Reception through to Year 2, the register is called at 7.55am and lessons begin at 8.00am. Snack and playtime is scheduled for 9.35am to 10.05am. Lunch and playtime is scheduled for 12.15pm to 12.45pm. School finishes at 1.50pm.
In the Junior School, the register is called at 7.55am and lessons begin at 8.00am. Break time is 10.00am to 10.25am. Lunch and playtime is scheduled for 12.30pm to 1.15pm. School ends at 2.40pm and co-curricular activities begin at 2.50 and finish at 3.50pm.
In the Senior School, the register is called at 7.50am and lessons begin at 8.10am. Break time is 10.15am to 10.30am and lunch is from 12.40pm to 1.40pm. School finishes at 2.45pm for Years 7 to 11 and at 3.55pm for those in Sixth Form. Co-curricular activities take place both at lunchtime and after school from 4.00pm until 5.00pm.
Q. Can my child buy snacks, drinks and lunch at school?
A. Nursery students need to bring a snack with them to school. Students in Reception through to Year 2 need to bring a snack and lunch as no canteen service is provided. Water is given to all students to drink at the end of playtimes and water coolers are located throughout the School site. Parents may also wish to pack a healthy drink, such as fruit juice or milk.In the Junior School, students need to bring a snack to school. A hot lunch can be ordered in advance and served from the Junior School canteen. Those not ordering lunch in advance must bring a packed lunch. Parents may also want to pack a drink.
In the Senior School, students can purchase snacks, drinks and lunch from the Senior School canteen.
Please click here for further details.
Q. What if my child gets sick at school?
A. Qualified nurses work at our Health Centres, which are located in the Infant, Junior and Senior Schools. These centres have beds and areas where first aid can be administered. A Nursing staff member contacts a parent or guardian if the decision is made that the student is too unwell to complete the school day or if further medical treatment is required. For more details, please click here.Q. What languages are taught at the School?
A. Chinese is taught from Reception to Year 6. French is introduced in Year 3. In Year 7 (Key Stage 3) students study French and choose a second foreign language (German, Chinese or Spanish). Students also study ClassicsIn Year 10 (Key Stage 4) students must study one Modern Foreign Language (French, German or Mandarin) and can also choose to study an additional language (French, Spanish or Latin) from a set of optional subjects. In Sixth Form (Key Stage 5), students may study French or German
Q. What is the structure of the student population?
A. Currently more than 2,480 students attend Tanglin Trust School with approximately 730 in the Infant School, 768 in the Junior School and 985 in our Senior School. Approximately 70 percent of the student population at Tanglin Trust School are British citizens and have at least one parent who holds a British passport. The remaining 30 percent of our students are drawn from more than 40 countries, however the majority come from the Commonwealth nations of Australia and New Zealand.Q. Are the teachers British expatriates?
A. The vast majority of the 185 classroom teachers, including subject specialists, at Tanglin Trust School are British. All have at least two years' experience with teaching the British curriculum and a very good understanding of the needs of expatriate students and life in Singapore. They are recruited by the Chief Executive Officer and are supported by an additional 221 support staff in assistant, administrative and operational roles.Q. What co-curricular activities does Tanglin offer?
A. Tanglin offers an extensive range of co-curricular activities. Please click here for further details and to access the current programme.Q. Can Sixth Form students sit for the International Baccalaureate (IB) exams?
A. From September 2009 we will be offering Tanglin Sixth Form students the choice of two pathways. In addition to our established A Level programme, students will have the opportunity to follow the International Baccalaureate Diploma. We recognise that our students have different aspirations and influences; some might have chosen their subjects and their dream career years ago; others might be much less certain about their future direction. We want to be able to offer them choice: to follow the path that is right for them and which best matches their individual strengths and interests.We already share a deep empathy with the aims and structure of the International Baccalaureate, which are to produce critical thinkers, lifelong learners and informed participants in local and global affairs. At Tanglin we encourage our students to feel curious about the world around them and to look forward to taking up their place as confident and happy world citizens, whatever path they choose to follow. We are proud to be able to offer both learning pathways through to university
Q. What is the homework policy?
A. Homework is a requirement from the Reception Year and is usually set on a regular basis as detailed below.
| Year Group | Daily Reading | Total Weekly Homework (not including reading) |
| Reception | 10 minutes | 20 minutes |
| Year 1 | 20 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Year 2 | 20 minutes | 50 minutes |
| Year 3 | 20 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Year 4 | 20 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Year 5 | 20 minutes | 2 hours |
| Year 6 | 20 minutes | 3 hours |
| Year 7 | 7 to 9 hours | |
| Year 8 | 7 to 9 hours | |
| Year 9 | 7 to 9 hours | |
| Year 10 | Approx. 15 hours | |
| Year 11 | Approx. 15 hours | |
| Year 12 and 13 | Approx. 21 to 22 hours |
Q. What is the discipline policy at Tanglin?
A. Tanglin has a comprehensive Code of Conduct for students and a four-level system of sanctions for misbehaviour. These are outlined in full in our Handbook for Families, which is sent to all families upon their acceptance of a place at the School.Q. What does the School do about bullying?
A. Tanglin Trust School does not tolerate bullying in any form. We believe that every individual is entitled to work and learn in a safe and secure environment. Our policy is to raise awareness of bullying through class discussions and special Friendship Days and to give students opportunities to talk about bullying in general. We supervise key areas of the School throughout break and lunchtimes, have procedures in place to investigate incidents and we follow specified guidelines for listening to victims, witnesses and bulliesQ. Does the School take students on field trips?
A. Field study trips form part of the School curriculum at every level. An information letter together with a permission form is sent home to parents several days before the departure date. No student is allowed on any excursion unless a parent returns to the School a signed permission form. Residential field trips take place from Year 4 onwards. For further details please click here.Q. Do students have to wear a uniform?
A. Yes. All students at Tanglin Trust School must wear a School uniform with black or blue school shoes. Boys and girls in the Infant, Junior and Senior Schools each wear a different style of uniform from our integrated School uniform range. Uniform lists are available at our School shop, which is called simply ‘The Shop’ and is located on Level 1 of the Junior School building. The Shop sells all uniforms and school supplies, with the exception of shoes, which are needed by students at the School. For more details on The Shop, please click here.Q. How can I help my child settle into the School?
A. There are many ways that a parent can help a student settle into Tanglin Trust School, such as ensuring that the child has adjusted to local time. For other suggestions, please click here to view our Settling-In TipsQ. Does the School offer learning support and facilities for students with special needs?
A. Tanglin Trust School is academically non-selective and offers British-based schooling to students who can intellectually access the English National Curriculum. We do not offer an additional curriculum to those with special learning needs. However, our team of Learning Support Specialists may be able to provide assistance to students who find particular aspects of the curriculum challenging.Q. Does the School offer counselling to students experiencing personal problems?
A. Yes. For further details please click here.Q. Does Tanglin Trust School have a drug testing programme?
A. Yes. In a move to support our students who may come under pressure to use drugs, our Personal, Social and Health Education programmes include education from a young age about the dangers of drug abuse. As a further measure of support, Tanglin has a policy of drug testing in the Senior School, so that students can say, ‘No, I cannot use drugs. My school drug tests.’Before accepting the offer of a conditional place in the Senior School, parents are required to sign a consent form allowing the student to be tested for the consumption of illegal drugs. Students are required to sign an acknowledgement of their parents' consent.
Testing is done by the taking of a strand of hair that is cut from the head. The sample is then double sealed and sent to a laboratory in Britain.
The testing of students is overseen by the Head of our Senior School and is undertaken by our School Nurses. Selection for testing is random, however if our staff suspects a student may be using drugs, they are also requested to take a drugs test.
Upon the return of the test results, the selected students and their parents are informed of the outcomes. If the result is positive, the student is normally required to leave the School immediately and permanently. For further details on this subject, please click here.
Q. As a parent new to Tanglin Trust School are there opportunities for me to become involved in the School?
A. Yes, as either a member of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and/or as a volunteer in the classroom. For more details about our PTA click here. We look forward to welcoming you to the SchoolQ. What is the School doing to protect the students against Dengue Fever?
A. Tanglin Trust School engages the services of a specialist pest control company that carries out preventative indoor and outdoor pest control treatments and ensures that the School complies with the requirements specified by Singapore's Ministry of Environment. The School premises are fogged fortnightly on a Saturday afternoon and the company also provides a weekly service to prevent mosquito breeding.This service provider is supported by our in-house maintenance team, which routinely checks and clears drains, roofs and gutters. Tanglin Trust School also liaises with the authorities in Singapore that are responsible for pest control on the neighbouring state-owned land. These include the Singapore Land Authority, the National Environment Agency, the National Parks Board and the Public Utilities Board.
At Tanglin Trust School, the health and safety of our community is a top priority and the School takes a diligent approach to pest control. Further details are available in the Handbook for Families
Q. Does the School offer learning support and facilities for students with special needs?
A. Tanglin Trust School is academically non-selective and offers British-based schooling to students who can intellectually access the English National Curriculum. We do not offer an additional curriculum to those with special learning needs. However, our team of Learning Support Specialists may be able to provide assistance to students who find particular aspects of the curriculum challenging.
