Relocation Guide from The Perse School (Singapore)

From Arrival to Admissions: Navigating Your Move to Singapore

Moving to a new country with your family can feel like turning the pages to a new chapter of an exciting new book, full of promise and adventure. It is a chance to reimagine your life and grow together as a family in unexpected ways. Indeed, it comes with unknowns about settling in, routines, and adapting to new cultures, but there is also a sense of excitement and comfort in knowing the journey can open doors and create opportunities you may never have imagined, for you and your children.

At The Perse School (Singapore), we have welcomed families from over 60 nationalities who have made that leap. We understand what matters most to expat families moving to Singapore: strong curriculum, a welcoming community, and a sense of belonging from day one.

As a cosmopolitan and diverse melting point, Singapore offers all of this and so much more. With its world-class infrastructure, political stability, and rich cultural harmony, the country is rightfully a top destination for expat families. It lines up growing opportunities as an unrivalled hub for jobs and businesses in Asia, and allows an unparalleled ease of life with its systems and processes in place.

Immigration and Paperwork: What to know before You arrive

Understanding visa requirements is key when relocating, and Singapore is known for its efficiency with its paperwork and processes. The work permit and visa processes for Singapore are refreshingly straightforward, especially if you’re relocating for work on an Employment Pass (EP). Children typically arrive on a Dependant’s Pass (DP), issued to individuals under 21 whose parent holds an Employment Pass. If your child doesn’t qualify for a DP, a Student Pass will be required.

Most foreign professionals require an EP, typically issued to mid- to senior-level employees earning above a minimum salary threshold. For younger professionals or those in mid-skilled roles, the S Pass is another option, with slightly different eligibility criteria. If you are relocating with a family, your spouse and children may be eligible for a DP, linked to your EP or S Pass.

Entrepreneurs looking to start a business here can apply for the EntrePass, while established global talent earning at least SGD 30,000/month might qualify for the ONE Pass, a newer scheme designed for high-achieving, high-income-earning individuals with flexible employment arrangements. It is worth noting that all passes are tied to employment, so any change in job status may affect visa validity, both for you and your family.

Housing and Cost of Living: What to expect

The best and simplest option when you arrive in Singapore is to rent. Securing a rental home in Singapore is fairly easy, with well-maintained condos, walk-up apartments, and landed properties available for a range of budgets. There are a number of property sites to explore, such as PropertyGuru, 99.co, SLA, or you could work with a local agent, if your employer assists you with one, to find a place that suits your budget and preferences.

Most expat families opt for 3- to 4-bedroom condos in areas close to their child’s school. In Upper Bukit Timah, where The Perse School is located, expect to pay between SGD 4,500 and SGD 8,000 per month, depending on the number of rooms, amenities, location and proximity to MRT stations. 

Singapore offers a high quality of life, but it does come with a price tag. For expat families of four, monthly living costs can approximately range between SGD 9,500 and SGD 12,500, with rent (that forms the bulk of your expenses), groceries, school fees, and transport. Expat In Singapore offers a detailed breakdown of cost of living updated based on survey findings in 2025.

Monthly Cost of Living in Singapore for Expat Families:

Living Expense CategoryEstimated Monthly Cost (SGD)
Rent (3 – 4 bedroom condo)$4,500 – $5,800
Groceries$1,000
School Fees/Childcare$4,000 – $5,000
Utilities and Internet$200 – 300
Transport (public)$200 – 300
Total Estimated Cost$9,900 – $12,400

Neighbourhood Guide: Where to Live in Singapore

Location for renting a home would chart your day-to-day lifestyle, from school drop-offs to work commute, dining out and recreation. Upper Bukit Timah, nestled in lush greenery, strikes a near-perfect balance between convenience and calm. The area is home to some of the city’s most family-friendly developments and international schools, including ours.

The area is well-connected via the Downtown MRT (Blue) Line, which ensures that you’re 20 minutes from the Central Business District (CBD), yet far enough to enjoy weekend walks in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, afternoon bike rides along the Rail Corridor, or coffee at the many cosy cafes in the little neighbourhood pockets.

Popular expat condos around King Albert Park, Hillview, and Beauty World offer child-friendly facilities and community spaces while practical amenities like grocers, clinics, and enrichment centres remain within easy reach. For kids enrolled at The Perse School (Singapore), a short commute means less stress, more family dinners, and ample time to focus on a life well- and intentionally-lived.

Schooling: British Education in a Diverse Community of 50+ Nationalities

One of the biggest decisions when relocating is choosing the right school – one that meets academic needs but also feels like home. The Perse School (Singapore) follows the Cambridge International Curriculum (the Perse Way), rooted in the British education tradition and shaped by a 400-year legacy of academic excellence, independent thinking, and character development. The Cambridge curriculum is brought to life through passionate teachers, a vibrant co-curricular programme, and a strong focus on pastoral care, ensuring children are supported not just as learners, but as individuals.

Why do families prefer the Cambridge curriculum? 

Globally, the Cambridge International Curriculum is one of the most widely adopted international education frameworks, and it is, perhaps, for good reason. There is structure and academic rigour, while allowing children the freedom to pursue subjects in depth. For parents, it provides the reassurance of globally benchmarked standards; for students, it encourages confidence, curiosity, and independence.

Many families prefer Cambridge for its subject-specific focus, clear progression pathways, and stronger alignment with university admissions, particularly in the UK and Europe. Designed for the dynamic current landscape, where academic discipline is sought-after and valued, Cambridge strikes a thoughtful balance: strong foundations in core subjects, paired with creativity, inquiry, and a global outlook. Cambridge stands out among international curricula for its clarity, depth, and structured progression, from early years through to senior school. 

Unlike broader frameworks such as the IBPYP or MYP, which take a thematic, inquiry-led approach, Cambridge provides strong subject mastery and clear academic benchmarks, giving both students and parents a better sense of progress and achievement at each stage.

How does the curriculum progress at The Perse School (Singapore)?

At The Perse School (Singapore), students begin their journey in our Pelicans programme (ages 3–7), which blends structured learning with creativity and play. As they progress through Junior School, we build strong foundations in literacy, maths, and science while encouraging and nurturing curiosity and character. Our Senior School (Years 7–10) will extend this academic journey through to International A-Levels or equivalent pathways in Years 12 and 13, preparing our students for university and life beyond.

We support families through key transition points, such as Year 6 to Year 7, preparing every child to grow up confident and curious. One of our most important pillars in our approach is underpinned by strong pastoral care. Every student is known and supported by a dedicated team that works closely with parents to ensure well being. There is also an emphasis on building a strong sense of community through our active parent community and volunteering opportunities, making it easy for new families to connect and feel a sense of belonging.

We believe that learning should go beyond the classroom. And our extra curricular (ECA) programme is a testament to that belief, which comes with opportunities for students to get curious, creative, and explore new skills: from music to sport, cookery to martial arts and leadership. It’s where talents are discovered, deep friendships are formed, and confidence starts to grow in the most unexpected ways.

Transport and Getting Around

Singapore’s public transport system is clean, efficient, and child-friendly. The MRT is the backbone of the network, with Downtown Line stations like Hillview, Beauty World, and King Albert Park serving the Bukit Timah area. Most Perse families use a combination of MRT and public buses (affordable and frequent), Grab (the local ride-hailing app), or the school transport provider, which offers door-to-door pickup with child minders and GPS tracking.

Foreigners can drive in Singapore with a valid foreign driving license for up to 12 months, provided it is in English or accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP), or an official English translation. Car ownership, however, can be exceedingly expensive due to the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) system.

Healthcare and Insurance for Families

Singapore offers some of the best healthcare in Asia with world-class public and private facilities. While public hospitals offer subsidised services to citizens and permanent residents, expat families rely on private clinics and hospitals for faster access and personalised care. 

Most expats carry private health insurance, either through work or personal plans. It is worth reviewing coverage carefully, especially for dental, outpatient, and mental health support. Many policies can be tailored to include international evacuation and global hospital networks. For everyday needs, clinics like Raffles Medical are highly-rated. For more complex care, Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Gleneagles, or National University Hospital (NUH) are a short drive away. 

Staying healthy is incentivised and easy here with access to scenic hiking trails, fitness-friendly parks, and playgrounds right on your doorstep. This, truly, ekes out health consciousness for a fitter, better lifestyle.

Weather in Singapore

Singapore’s tropical climate is consistent year-round: warm (26–32°C), humid, and prone to sudden showers. There’s no real ‘summer holiday’ season as in Europe, but two monsoons usually tend to bring heavy rain from November to January and June to August. 

A tropical climate also means it is humid year-round. So, new-to-Singapore families may need time to adjust to the heat, but air-conditioned homes, malls, restaurants and public transport make it manageable. Light, breathable clothing is essential, as are good quality umbrellas and/or raincoats for moody island rains.

Community, Culture and Leisure: Life outside the classroom

Singapore blends a modern, cosmopolitan lifestyle with deep-rooted Asian values that underscore community, respect, and harmony. Signing up with expat groups, networking groups, private membership-led clubs or even Facebook expat groups can make settling in smoother and help you feel part of the vibrant social fabric.

Cultural festivals like Chinese New Year, Deepavali, and Hari Raya offer a window into Singapore’s diversity, while weekends are perfect for exploring National Parks and spots like the Botanic Gardens, Sentosa Island, or the Singapore Zoo. For artsy inspiration for the entire family, ArtScience Museum and National Gallery draw year-round global artists and events.

At The Perse School (Singapore), we build a strong and active parent community with regular morning workshops, leadership updates and meetings, and volunteering opportunities to help families feel at home away from home.

Testimonials from Parents at The Perse School (Singapore)

“We love the innovative curriculum. Children aren’t just confined to the classroom. The diverse, international community is another big plus, and the strong leadership team truly listens to parents. It’s an easy choice for any family moving to Singapore and looking for a school that values both academic and personal growth.​”​
Felicia & Nour Dakir | Parents

Key Contacts and Resources

As you plan a relocation to Singapore, bookmark a few trusted websites, apps, and online resources that could be useful in planning the transition.

Job Search: When you are job hunting in Singapore, these portals are a good place to start:

Housing: If you’re looking to rent a home near top international schools or in expat-friendly areas, try:

Transport: Singapore’s public transport is safe, affordable, and easy to navigate. These apps will help:

Official government websites: From immigration to employment passes, taxes, and legal matters, your go-to resources for clarity on important relocation matters: 

Relocating to Singapore, undoubtedly, comes with several life-changing decisions. But finding the right school can help make all the difference for your family. At The Perse School Singapore, we aim to offer more than just a place to learn for children; we offer a community where they can thrive, explore, and grow with confidence. If you are planning a move or simply exploring your options, our Admissions team would be happy to set up a call and/or a meeting. A campus visit is the best way to get an up-close sense of our environment and discover how The Perse School could be the right fit for your family.