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ESSENTIAL INFORMATION ABOUT DCIS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Covering everything from the application process to school meals and uniforms, our FAQ page contains lots of helpful information about DCIS. Can't find the answer you're looking for? Our dedicated admissions team is here to help.

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FAQs

ADMISSIONS PROCESS

  • How long does the admissions process take?
    The length of the admissions process varies. It’s personalised to your child, so factors like their age, whether they have additional learning needs, and assessment type all play a part. The time it takes to receive the Confidential Student Reference form from your child’s current school, or any missing school reports or documentation, can also have an impact.
  • How long is your waiting list?

    Dover Court has been a popular choice for families in Singapore for more than 50 years due to our world-leading academic results and non-selective, inclusive ethos. Because of this, we tend to operate at capacity, with waiting lists for several age groups. Singapore, however, is a relatively transient place, with families coming and going throughout the year. As the school receives withdrawals, places are offered to children on the waiting list (in order of application). 

    Dover Court has three withdrawal deadlines each year, one per term. You can find these in our calendar. Once we receive a notification of withdrawal, we’ll contact the next family on the waitlist to immediately offer them a place.

    If we’re unable to offer your child a place for their preferred start date, your application will roll over to the next term (or until a suitable space becomes available).

    We always encourage families to reach out and contact us for updates on availability and application status. 

  • Is the process different if my company pays the fees?
    If your company is paying your child’s tuition fees, our admissions and finance teams are happy to deal with them directly. Please let us know as early as possible in the process.
  • Is the application fee refundable?
    This fee is non-refundable for applications submitted on or later than 1 September 2023.
  • What is the building fund fee?
    Our building fund fee contributes to annual maintenance costs, and is included in your termly tuition fee invoice.
  • Are there any visa requirements?
    To join us, students must have a valid Dependent Pass, Long-Term Visit Pass, Immigration Exemption Order, or Permanent Residency in Singapore. Unfortunately, students can't study at Dover Court on a student pass.
  • Do you offer a sibling discount?
    Yes, we do. We offer a 10% discount on your fourth child’s tuition fees.
  • Will my child need to sit an assessment?

    We’re proud to be a non-selective, fully inclusive school that supports children with a range of additional education and English as Additional Language (EAL) needs.

    However, to ensure your child receives the best possible support, we ask prospective students to sit an assessment. This will vary based on your child’s age and learning support requirements.

  • What is the purpose of the Refundable Admissions Placement fee?

    The $1,308 (inclusive of GST) refundable fee covers the cost of a thorough, personalised assessment to better understand students who may have additional learning, social, or emotional needs.

    As a non-selective and inclusive school, we take time to understand each child’s learning profile to ensure the right placement and support from day one. This process involves our multidisciplinary team—including an Educational Psychologist, licensed therapists, specialist educators, and senior leaders—so we can make informed decisions that set students up for success.

    The fee is:

    • Credited to the Registration Fee if a place is offered and accepted.
    • Fully refunded if we cannot offer a place due to lack of provision suitable for your child. 
    • Non-refundable only if a place is offered and declined.

    This ensures we can provide the expertise and resources needed for a comprehensive admissions process.

     

  • I’m Singaporean, how does the Ministry of Education (MoE) exemption process work?
    Singaporean citizens must obtain an exemption from the MoE to attend any international school, and this is not guaranteed. 

    Singaporean families applying for Early Years spaces should be aware that they may not be able to continue at DCIS once their child becomes eligible for P1, as the exemption is determined by the MoE. 

    Once a suitable place becomes available, we’ll get in touch with you to prepare your application documents. We’ll then submit them to the MoE on your behalf. The process typically takes around eight weeks.

ACADEMICS

  • What is Dover Court’s average IB Diploma score?
    In 2025, Dover Court students earned an impressive average IB score of 36, six points above the global average. These results highlight the distinctive strength of Dover Court’s inclusive and non-selective community—where flexible, personalised strategies are thoughtfully designed to challenge and support every student in reaching their personal best.
  • How do Dover Court’s IB results compare to other international schools in Singapore?
    Dover Court’s results place the school among the high-performing IB schools in Singapore. What makes this stand out even more is that we are a non-selective school, welcoming students with a wide range of learning profiles.
  • What percentage of Dover Court IGCSE grades are A*/A?
    An incredible 54% of IGCSE grades were awarded at A* or A (Levels 9 - 7) in 2025. These outcomes are particularly impressive given Dover Court’s non-selective and inclusive approach to education.
  • What is Dover Court’s BTEC pass rate?
    In 2025, BTEC students achieved remarkable success, with a 100% pass rate across all programmes.
  • Does Dover Court offer ASDAN qualifications?
    Yes, ASDAN qualifications can be achieved by students aged 14-16 in Pathways 2 and 3. ASDAN programmes run alongside core academic studies, focusing on life skills, independence, and personal development. Students take part in practical, engaging projects that build teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and self-management skills. The flexible structure allows learning to be personalised to each student’s abilities and interests, helping them gain confidence and resilience.
  • How does Dover Court ensure academic excellence while remaining inclusive?
    At Dover Court International School Singapore, we believe that inclusion is the foundation for academic success because happy, supported students achieve remarkable outcomes. Our three distinct yet flexible pathways ensure that every child can flourish in a nurturing environment, developing academic, social, emotional and life skills. We offer a diverse range of qualifications, giving every student the opportunity to develop the skills to succeed, whether following a vocational path or preparing for top universities worldwide.
  • Which universities have Dover Court graduates gone on to?
    Dover Court graduates go on to study at leading universities around the world. In the UK and Europe, they attend institutions such as Imperial College London, University of Cambridge, London School of Economics (LSE), and ESCP Business School. In the US and Canada, students progress to universities including UC Berkeley, Boston University, Berklee College of Music, and McGill. In Asia, graduates join top universities like National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and Waseda University, while in Australia and New Zealand they study at the University of Melbourne, University of New South Wales, and the University of Sydney, among others.
  • How do Dover Court’s results compare across Nord Anglia schools worldwide?
    Dover Court’s results are amongst the highest of the Nord Anglia schools worldwide. In 2022, we were proud to achieve an impressive average IBDP score of 39/45, winning Nord Anglia’s Award for Best Results worldwide.

SUPPORT

  • English is not our family’s first language. How will you support my child?
    Our specialist English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme provides expert support for Year 1-8 students who need extra help with their comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Applicants for whom English is not their first language will be invited to participate in an English assessment. Based on the determination of our specialist team, students may be offered a place with either partial or full EAL support. Progress is closely monitored to determine when students are ready for a change in support.
  • Does the school provide university and careers guidance?
    Yes, we have dedicated Careers and University Guidance Counsellors who help our students prepare for life after Dover Court. Your child will take part in career planning, CV writing, and interview skill sessions. They’ll also get help with their university applications, hear from our higher education partners, and speak to our alumni and parents about their experiences.

SERVICES

  • Do you provide a school lunch?
    Yes, we do! Our fantastic local catering partner, Mycelium, prepares a range of Asian, Western, and vegetarian options every day. Students can also purchase healthy snacks at the Blue Dot Bistro (primary) and Red Dot Restaurant (secondary).
  • Do you have a nut or allergy policy?
    Our campus is completely nut-free. This is respected by everyone in our community. Our school nurses are always on hand if a student needs attention.
  • Do you run a school bus service?
    Singapore is an easy place to get around, and our families live all over the island. We work with our bus provider, EML Transport, which covers most residential areas. Our city is also well-known for its extensive and efficient public transport system, which can be scheduled, monitored, and paid for using various smartphone apps.

SERVICES

  • What qualifications do your teachers have?
    Every single one of our outstanding teachers is carefully chosen, based not only on their impressive British and international qualifications and extensive global experience, but also on their values. Through a rigorous recruitment process, we make sure their teaching philosophy aligns with our inclusive educational vision. 

    Our teachers hail from more than 20 countries, bringing cutting-edge knowledge and specialist skills to the classroom.
  • What after-school activities do you offer?
    With more than 500 co-curricular activities to choose from, we offer one of the broadest enrichment programmes in Singapore. 

    Most activities are included in your child’s fees, although clubs delivered by external coaches or organisations – including music lessons, dance, and tennis – may cost extra. We vary the programme across three blocks to make sure there’s an activity for every interest, skillset, and passion. This includes sports, music, arts, STEAM, leadership, and languages.
  • Does Dover Court offer competitive sports?
    Yes, our DCIS Wolves sports teams also compete in leagues and tournaments both here and across the region. Students must try out to secure their place on the team.
  • How do you communicate with parents?
    We’ll keep in touch with you in a variety of ways. These include weekly newsletters, the iSAMS Parent Portal, social media, emails, and our online platforms, Seesaw (early years and primary), Microsoft Teams (secondary) and SOCS for sports and co-curricular activities. Our teachers will update you on your child’s progress through parent-teacher conferences and regular reports.
  • How can I get involved in school life?
    The Dover Court Parents Association (DCA) is a great way to get involved in our community and connect with other families – and we’re always looking for volunteers! Through our Parents as Partners initiative, you’ll also be able to join us for workshops covering topics like digital literacy, phonics, wellbeing, and more. We also offer a variety of volunteer opportunities throughout the year, including the chance to be a reading buddy.
  • Is Dover Court recognised as one of the top international schools in Singapore?
    Yes. Dover Court International School (DCIS) is widely recognised as one of the top international schools in Singapore, offering a high-quality, inclusive, and non-selective education. We are fully accredited by leading international organisations, including the Council of International Schools (CIS), Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and the International Baccalaureate (IB), and our students consistently achieve excellent academic results, with the 2025 IB Diploma average well above the global benchmark. Beyond academics, Dover Court is celebrated for its commitment to student wellbeing, diversity, and a supportive learning environment, making us a trusted choice for families seeking a world-class international education in Singapore.
  • How long has Dover Court been established in Singapore?
    Dover Court International School has been a trusted provider of international education in Singapore since 1972. With over 50 years of experience, we are recognised as one of the best international schools in Singapore, offering a high-quality, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for students from around the world.
  • What awards has Dover Court won?

    Dover Court International School is proud to be recognised among Singapore’s top international schools for academic excellence, diversity, and student wellbeing. Key achievements include:

    • Academic Excellence: HoneyKids Education Gold Award (2023) and Silver Award (2024 and 2025) for our curriculum. In 2022, our graduates achieved an average of 39 points in the IB Diploma, earning the Nord Anglia Education Global Award for Best IB Results.
    • Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing: Multiple HoneyKids Education Awards, including Gold Awards for Diversity & Inclusion (2022–2024) and Student Wellbeing (2024).
    • Leadership Legacy: Our late Principal Maureen Roach was awarded the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her contributions to education in Singapore.

    These accolades reflect our commitment to providing a supportive, inclusive, and world-class learning environment where every student can thrive academically and personally.

  • What's the benefit of choosing a non-selective inclusive school?

    Choosing a non-selective, inclusive school like Dover Court gives every child the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and personally.  Benefits include:

    • Wellbeing and Confidence: Students learn in a supportive environment where personal growth is celebrated alongside academic success.
    • Personalised Learning: Teachers adapt lessons to meet each child’s needs, helping them excel in their own way.
    • Empathy and Collaboration: Inclusive classrooms foster understanding, compassion, and communication skills.
    • Creative Problem-Solving and Resilience: Exposure to diverse perspectives nurtures innovation, independence, and adaptability.
    • Flexible routes to Success: Students have many curriculum options to match their strengths and passions, from IB, I/GCSEs, and BTEC, to the bespoke Dover Court Diploma.
  • What's the difference between a selective and a non-selective school?
    A selective school admits students based on academic ability, entrance exams, or specific talents. Only students who meet certain criteria are accepted, which often results in a highly competitive environment.

    A non-selective school, like Dover Court, welcomes students of all abilities, providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Non-selective schools focus on helping every student reach their potential, offering personalised support, a broad curriculum, and opportunities to flourish academically, socially, and personally.
  • Why does Dover Court not offer A-Levels?

    While we follow a predominantly British curriculum up to Age 16, we believe the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) aligns more closely with our school mission. Unlike A-Levels, which focus on four subjects, the IBDP allows students to study six subjects across balanced groups, providing a broader and more holistic education.

    Beyond academics, the IBDP integrates creativity, activity, and service (CAS), helping students develop into well-rounded, caring, and proactive global citizens. The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Extended Essay (EE) components further develop critical thinking and research skills, equipping graduates for success at university and beyond.

    Our I/GCSE programme provides the perfect foundation for the IBDP, giving students both deep subject knowledge and the exam and study skills needed to thrive in the Diploma Programme.

     
  • What is Dover Court’s approach to devices?
    Dover Court encourages purposeful and age-appropriate use of devices, balancing learning opportunities with wellbeing. Students use devices to enhance creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, guided by clear Responsible Use Agreements. Digital citizenship, online safety, and self-regulation are key components, and students are actively involved in shaping how technology is used. The school also works closely with parents and promotes device-free time to support healthy, balanced habits.
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