Q regarding private schooling here.

[st.trinians]

I have a question for parents on this board regarding private schooling.

For those of you who moved to Singapore from your home country with children of school age in private education, what are your opinions of the private schools here? How do the facilities, teaching, teachers and interaction with the parents compare? Which country did you move from. I am not looking for a direct comparison in results, but more of a rounded comparison.

With all the talk recently about different schools I am interested to know how they fair.

[better if]

I have a question for parents on this board regarding private schooling.

For those of you who moved to Singapore from your home country with children of school age in private education, what are your opinions of the private schools here? How do the facilities, teaching, teachers and interaction with the parents compare? Which country did you move from. I am not looking for a direct comparison in results, but more of a rounded comparison.

With all the talk recently about different schools I am interested to know how they fair.

It's better if you, instead of asking questions that are too wide and general, state your own circumstancs and ask for the best options.  There are a number of schools that provide curricula specific to national requirements (e.g. British, American, German, Australian, Canadian...), there are schools that provide international (IB) programmes, and there are schools that do both.  There are long waiting list and / or opaque entry requirements at the schools that are more in demand but if you are rich or work for powerful MNC's, various nods and winks can get you in.

[st.trinians]

Actually the reason I am asking is because I do already have my child in a private school here. However we are thinking of leaving and going back home to the UK. I would like to know from parents who have had their child in a private school back home (in particular the UK) whether  they think that the private schools here (e.g. Tanglin, UWC, SAS, Chatsworth) are better, worse or different to back home. The cost for private seems to be the same in both locations, however I am interested to compare like for like. This is one of the factors that I need to consider in my decision to leave.

I am not trying to start a particular school bashing. I am just looking for feedback from seasoned parents who have experienced both.

[Privateschool]

I had my older son in a private school in Australia (around 8k a year) and it was far, far better than the cheaper options here (Chatworth price range).

[Facilitator]

From Uk there is no comparison. Fee paying state schools abound here. Most see themsves as comprehensives. 95 per cent teachers from state sector. See Dulwich thread.

Schools here are generally good but most don't get it as they've no experience of private sector at its best.  Am thinking mainly of small class sizes & excellent teaching.

Also no single sex schools or academically selective options here (as in top 25 percent).

You will find schools with great facilities.

[Sorry..]

But there are no private schools here in Singapore.

I cannot understand how this topic gets confused so often. We expats pay to send our children to International schools - not private schools.

There is a wealth of difference between the two!

[eh???]

But there are no private schools here in Singapore.

I cannot understand how this topic gets confused so often. We expats pay to send our children to International schools - not private schools.

There is a wealth of difference between the two!

'Pay' being the word we're apparently getting confused with in your opinion. 

We pay to send our kids to private school and we pay to send our kids to international school.  .......we're still paying.............(through the nose in most cases!)   

[To Eh]

International schools here do not compare with private ones in England. 

The OP says they are already paying for private school here in Singapore - they are not, they are paying for an international school (and yes, thru the nose!!)which is completley different!

[somersa]

International schools here do not compare with private ones in England. 

The OP says they are already paying for private school here in Singapore - they are not, they are paying for an international school (and yes, thru the nose!!)which is completley different!

  Yes, the international schools are more inclusive and not the elitist sort you find in the UK, US, Australia, etc.  Also, some offer special help for students with learning difficulties which is less common in so-called "private" schools.   If you want a snobby school for rich kids you should leave them back home so they can be bullied by their own sort rather than have to be exposed to a few "ordinary" kids, Indians, Koreans, and the other riff raff.

[Whizzed Past]

Your poor attempt at irony/sarcasm, somersa, was actually (your bad) a good, honest answer for the OP. There are many of us out here, OP, with the same concerns. If you find yourself in a comfortable position and free to choose where you live and thus have the choice between an international school here and a top independent school in the UK, then I'd recommend that you opt for the UK, hands down. There are no schools here that can compare with a good independent school in the UK. But, you must do your research and choose wisely from the pool of independent schools. Some are a lot better than others, so why not aim for the better ones. Best of luck.

[St.Trinians]

OK, I am confusing people - sorry.

We pay for our child to go to international school here (and one waiting to start). If we return home (UK) I can afford to send them to an independent school there (at a squeeze Whilst I do understand that there are some great and average independent schools, I am looking for somewhere with above average academics, good facilities (that get used e.g. pool, sports facilities - with good coaches, a good art, drama and music department). Really I am looking for a place that gives my children an all round education, not just focusing on getting them to pass exams.

I am happy to leave Singapore, but I like the school were my child is and think they are doing really well there. But I have no other frame of reference as I have only ever lived here with children and did not attend an independent school myself. One of the things holding back my decision to leave is the dread that when I get them home, I'll be disappointed at the level of facilities and teaching in independent schools. I am aware of all the other issues in the UK so no need to highlight them

Judging by the responses above, I think that perhaps I may be pleasantly pleased (assuming I make a good choice!)

[Lollie]

..and please don't write off the state schools back home, as some are amazing (and free!). It does depend on where you live, I agree. But if you are returning and have the choice, I would encourage you to research your local state schools as well.

(I am fully expecting the backlash to begin..! )

[St.Trinians]

No not at all Lollie. I fully intend to compare the local state and independent where I will be moving to. In fact, where we plan on moving, there are supposedly some of the best state in the country! I am researching both. Obviously, unless I see a major difference between the 2, I will be saving my money for other things.

[To St T]

If possible take a tour of short listed schools during normal school day & observe part of a lesson. Good luck.

[St.Trinians]

Thanks so much for the very helpful responses 
They are very much appreciated.