Teach Abroad in Singapore

In 2015, Tanglin Trust School (TTS), Singapore celebrated its 90th year. Founded in 1925 by Anne Griffith-Jones OBE, the school served five pupils in its first year. Since then, TTS has maintained a long tradition of providing its students with a British-based education with an international perspective. Fully accredited by the Council of International Schools, TTS enrolls 2,727 K–12 students of 60 nationalities, with 51% from the U.K., 4% from North America, and 8% from Singapore. This K–12 day school delivers the British national and international curriculum, culminating with the General and International General Certificates of Secondary Education and then A-Levels. Alternatively, students in Grades 11 and 12 can follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. The staff of 254 includes 87 teachers from the U.K., three from North America, and one from Singapore.

TTS’s campus extends over 12 acres in One-North, a rural area west of the city. The facilities comprise buildings for each division of the school, from Infant to High School. The school’s website indicates,

Each school has architect-designed classrooms with age-appropriate facilities, set around bright and colourful common areas that promote a sense of community.”

The school houses four libraries, two large performance halls, science laboratories, vibrant canteens, state-of-the-art media technology suites, drama studios, and a sound-proof music suite. Sports facilities include a 25-meter swimming pool, a gymnasium, large outdoor playgrounds, full-size rugby and football pitches, long/triple jump pits, netball, badminton and volleyball courts, and a fitness center.

Despite its large student body, TTS prides itself on creating an atmosphere of community through its House system. The school says,

“Tanglin’s size enables us to give our students an excellent range of opportunities and experiences, yet the school retains an intimate atmosphere where students feel part of a community. . . The House system in the Junior and Senior Schools contributes enormously to the feeling of integration and belonging.”

Each House supports a particular charity and organizes a week of fundraising activities during the year. Special House Days, social and sporting events, and competitions throughout the year focus on relationships and team building, creating bonds across age groups and providing students with opportunities for leadership and responsibility.

TTS prefers to hire single teachers and couples with a non-teaching spouse. They would consider teaching couples, outstanding newly-certified teachers, and those who have been certified in a non-English speaking country. Candidates need not possess an academic degree in the subject they will be teaching. Singapore issues work visas to those under the age of 60.

The TTS benefits package allows for enormous savings. It includes a competitive salary, plus a one-time settling-in allowance and monthly housing stipend. Airfare is provided every two years for all dependents of overseas recruited staff. Worldwide health insurance coverage (with emergency evacuation) and the tuition benefit for all dependents are both fully covered. The school provides also professional development opportunities. Finally, there are local employment opportunities for non-teaching spouses.

To gain access to Tanglin Trust School’s full profile on the Search Associates database, including a list of all open positions, candidates can apply for membership by clicking here. Candidates already registered can easily access the school profile directly through their dashboards.

Please note: The information presented about this school was valid on the date published. This information may change, and the most up-to-date information can be found on the school profile.