In Singapore’s dynamic educational landscape, where large, sprawling campuses often dominate the conversation, there exists a school that has built its stellar reputation on a different premise: the power of a close-knit, nurturing community. Chatsworth International School, for nearly three decades, has championed a student-centered, holistic approach to learning, making it a beloved choice for families seeking not just academic excellence, but a place where their children feel seen, heard, and valued.

As an all-through International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, Chatsworth is committed to a philosophy of inquiry, international-mindedness, and lifelong learning. This commitment was recently solidified with its move to a state-of-the-art, purpose-built campus in Bukit Timah, signaling a bold new chapter for its community.

This blog post will take you on an in-depth tour of Chatsworth International School. We will explore its community-first ethos and history, walk through its impressive new campus, and demystify its renowned IB curriculum—from the play-based Primary Years Programme to the globally respected Diploma Programme. We will also look at daily life, school culture, and the admissions process for families who wish to join this unique and welcoming community.

The Chatsworth Ethos: More Than a School, A Community

To truly understand Chatsworth, one must look beyond its facilities and curriculum to its core philosophy. Founded in 1995, Chatsworth has always distinguished itself with its intentionally smaller size and community-oriented spirit. In a city where many international schools have student populations exceeding 3,000 or 4,000, Chatsworth maintains a more intimate environment, fostering strong and meaningful relationships between students, teachers, and parents.

The school’s mission is to “inspire, educate and enlighten,” developing students who are not only academically successful but are also equipped with the attributes of the IB Learner Profile. These ten qualities—including being Inquirers, Knowledgeable, Thinkers, Communicators, Principled, Open-minded, Caring, Risk-takers, Balanced, and Reflective—are the bedrock of the Chatsworth experience. They are woven into every lesson, co-curricular activity, and community interaction.

This ethos translates into a tangible feeling on campus. It’s a place where teachers know their students as individuals—their strengths, challenges, and passions. It’s where older students mentor younger ones, and where the active Chatsworth Parent Group (CPG) plays an integral role in school life, organizing events and supporting new families. This welcoming atmosphere is often cited by parents as the primary reason they choose, and stay at, Chatsworth.

A New Home for Learning: The Bukit Timah Campus

In August 2018, Chatsworth embarked on a new era by unifying its campuses into a single, purpose-built home in Bukit Timah. This move represented a significant investment in the school’s future, providing its students with world-class facilities specifically designed to support the inquiry-based, collaborative nature of the IB programmes.

The campus, nestled in a lush, green enclave, is a masterpiece of modern educational design. Key features include:

• Flexible Learning Spaces: Classrooms are bright, airy, and feature movable furniture, allowing for easy transitions between direct instruction, group collaboration, and individual work. Glass walls and open common areas create a sense of transparency and interconnectedness.
• Specialised Facilities: The campus boasts an array of spaces for students to explore their talents:
  • A full-sized indoor sports hall and a rooftop football pitch.
  • An eight-lane, 25-meter swimming pool.
  • State-of-the-art science laboratories for biology, chemistry, and physics.
  • Design, technology, and art studios equipped for everything from 3D printing to ceramics.
  • A modern black-box theatre for drama productions and a dedicated music suite with practice rooms.
• Integrated Technology: Technology is seamlessly integrated throughout the campus to enhance learning, with all students from Year 4 upwards participating in a 1:1 laptop programme.
• Focus on Nature and Sustainability: The campus design incorporates green spaces, outdoor learning areas, and even a natural forest on its doorstep, providing unique opportunities for environmental education and inquiry.

This new campus is far more than just a collection of buildings; it is an environment engineered to bring the IB philosophy to life, giving students the spaces they need to question, create, collaborate, and innovate.

The Heart of Learning: The International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum

Chatsworth is one of a select group of schools in Singapore authorized to offer all three core IB programmes, providing a seamless, consistent, and world-renowned educational pathway from kindergarten to university entrance.

Primary Years Programme (PYP): Kindergarten 1 to Year 6

The PYP lays the foundation for a lifetime of learning. It is a play-based and inquiry-led framework where children’s natural curiosity is the primary engine for learning.

• Transdisciplinary Themes: Rather than studying subjects in isolation, students explore six transdisciplinary themes each year, such as “Who We Are,” “How We Express Ourselves,” and “Sharing the Planet.” A unit on “Sharing the Planet,” for example, might integrate science (ecosystems), social studies (resource management), language (persuasive writing about conservation), and math (graphing waste data).
• Inquiry-Based Learning: Teachers act as facilitators, guiding students to ask questions, investigate answers, and construct their own understanding. The focus is on the “how” and “why” of learning, not just the “what.”
• The PYP Exhibition: In their final year (Year 6), students undertake the PYP Exhibition. This is a significant, collaborative research project where they investigate a real-world issue or problem of their own choosing, culminating in a presentation of their findings to the school community. It is the ultimate expression of their growth as independent, inquiry-driven learners.

Middle Years Programme (MYP): Year 7 to Year 11

The MYP provides a challenging framework that encourages students to make practical connections between their studies and the real world. It builds upon the skills developed in the PYP while preparing them for the rigors of the Diploma Programme.

• Eight Subject Groups: The curriculum is broad and balanced, requiring students to study from eight subject groups: Language & Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals & Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, Arts, Physical & Health Education, and Design.
• Approaches to Learning (ATL): A core focus of the MYP is the explicit teaching of ATL skills—such as communication, collaboration, organization, critical thinking, and reflection—which are essential for success in school and beyond.
• The Personal Project: In Year 11, every student completes the Personal Project. This is a significant independent project where students pursue a deep interest, setting a challenging goal and documenting their entire process. Projects can range from composing a musical album or building a robot to writing a novel or organizing a community service event.

Diploma Programme (DP): Year 12 to Year 13

The IB Diploma Programme is a highly respected, academically challenging two-year pre-university course recognized by top universities across the globe. It is widely considered the gold standard in international education for developing well-rounded, academically prepared students.

The DP has three mandatory core components:

1. Theory of Knowledge (TOK): This thought-provoking course challenges students to reflect on the nature of knowledge itself, asking questions like “How do we know what we know?” and critically examining how knowledge is constructed across different disciplines.
2. The Extended Essay (EE): Students undertake an independent research project on a topic of their choice, culminating in a 4,000-word essay. This prepares them for the type of research and writing required at the university level.
3. Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): This component requires students to engage in a range of experiences outside of the classroom, focusing on artistic pursuits (Creativity), physical exertion (Activity), and voluntary community work (Service). CAS ensures the development of a balanced and compassionate individual.

In addition to the core, students choose six subjects from different subject groups, studying three at a Higher Level (HL) and three at a Standard Level (SL). This allows for both breadth of study and depth of specialization.

A Day in the Life: Schedules and School Culture

The culture at Chatsworth is characterized by its energy and inclusivity. The school day is structured to support learning and well-being. A typical day runs from approximately 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

The school places a strong emphasis on holistic development through its Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) programme. These activities, which run after school, provide students with opportunities to explore their interests and develop new skills. The offerings are diverse and fall into several categories:

• Sports: Chatsworth is an active member of the Athletic Conference of Singapore International Schools (ACSIS), competing against other schools in sports like football (soccer), basketball, swimming, volleyball, and cross country.
• Arts: Offerings include drama productions, school bands, choir, visual arts clubs, and dance.
• Academics & Special Interests: Activities like Model United Nations (MUN), coding clubs, chess, and student journalism are popular choices.
• Service: The school fosters a strong sense of social responsibility through various service initiatives and student-led action groups.

The House System is another cornerstone of the school’s pastoral care, dividing students across all year levels into four houses (Caspian, Aegean, Ionian, and Black). This creates smaller “family” units within the school, fostering camaraderie, friendly competition, and mentorship opportunities.

Joining the Chatsworth Community: Enrollment and Admissions

Chatsworth International School has a rolling admissions policy, meaning they accept applications throughout the year. However, due to its popularity and smaller class sizes, early application is always recommended as waitlists can form for certain year levels.

The Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide : Planning Your Move to Chatsworth International School Expats Guide

1. Inquiry and Tour: The process often starts with an inquiry through the school website. The admissions team is known for being welcoming and helpful, and they offer regular school tours for prospective families.
2. Online Application: Families must complete the online application form and pay a non-refundable application fee.
3. Submission of Documents: You will be required to submit a comprehensive set of documents, including:
   • Past two years of official school reports/transcripts.
   • Student and parent passport copies.
   • Proof of residency status in Singapore (e.g., Dependant’s Pass).
   • Any relevant educational-psychologist reports or specialist assessments.
4. Assessment: The school reviews the application file holistically. An assessment or interview may be required, particularly if the submitted documents do not provide a clear picture of the student’s academic standing or English language proficiency. The goal is to ensure a good fit between the student and the school’s IB programmes.
5. Offer of Placement: If the application is successful and a place is available, the school will extend an official offer. To accept, families must pay the enrollment fee to secure the spot.

Chatsworth seeks students who are curious, motivated, and likely to thrive in an inquiry-based learning environment. While prior IB experience is helpful, it is not a prerequisite for admission. The key is a positive attitude towards learning and a willingness to engage with the school’s community-focused ethos.

Conclusion: An Education for the Head and the Heart

Chatsworth International School offers a compelling and distinct choice in Singapore. It is a school that has successfully scaled up its facilities without losing the small-school soul that has defined it for decades. It provides a complete and authentic IB education, guiding students from their first curious questions in kindergarten to their final, triumphant walk across the graduation stage as confident, compassionate, and capable global citizens.

For families seeking more than just a place of academic instruction—for those seeking a true community, a nurturing environment, and a philosophy that educates both the head and the heart—Chatsworth International School stands ready to welcome you.

Enrollment Guide: Planning Your Move to Chatsworth International School

For families planning to join the Chatsworth International School community, understanding the admissions timeline is key to a smooth transition. Chatsworth operates a rolling admissions policy, which offers more flexibility than many other schools.

Here is a guide to help you align your family’s move with the school’s enrollment cycle.

Understanding Chatsworth’s Academic Calendar & Admissions

Chatsworth’s school year runs from mid-August to late June, divided into two semesters. The school’s key advantage for relocating families is its rolling admissions policy.

What is Rolling Admissions?

This means that Chatsworth accepts and reviews applications throughout the entire year. If a place becomes available in a particular grade level at any time, it may be offered to a qualified applicant on the waitlist.

While this provides flexibility, it is crucial to apply as early as possible because popular year levels often have waitlists.

Key Dates for the 2025-2026 School Year (Approximate):

• New Student Orientation: Mid-August 2025.
• First Day of School: Mid-August 2025.
• End of First Semester: Mid-December 2025.
• Start of Second Semester: Mid-January 2026.
• Last Day of School: Late June 2026.

Enrollment by Programme: PYP, MYP, and DP

While applications are accepted year-round for all grade levels, the ideal start time varies slightly by programme.

Primary Years Programme (PYP: K1 – Year 6) & Middle Years Programme (MYP: Year 7 – Year 11)

• Highly Flexible: Due to the inquiry-based nature of the PYP and MYP, students can often integrate into the classroom mid-term with greater ease.
• Best Time to Start: The ideal start times are August (start of the academic year) or January (start of Semester 2). However, students are often admitted throughout the year as places become available.

Diploma Programme (DP: Year 12 – Year 13)

• Less Flexible: The IB Diploma is a rigorous, two-year programme with a structured curriculum.
• Strongly Recommended Start Date: Students are strongly encouraged to start the DP in August at the beginning of Year 12 to ensure they can cover the entire curriculum.
• Mid-Year Entry: Entry into the DP in January is sometimes possible, but it is handled on a case-by-case basis and depends heavily on the student’s prior academic background (e.g., transferring from another IB school) and subject choices. Entry into Year 13 is extremely rare.

Recommended Timeline for an Ideal August Start

Even with rolling admissions, planning for the main August intake is the best strategy.

Summary for Planning Your Move

1. Apply as Soon as Possible: Regardless of when you plan to move, submit your online application and supporting documents. The earlier you apply, the higher your priority on the waitlist if a spot is not immediately available.
2. Flexibility is Your Friend (for PYP/MYP): If you have younger children (up to Year 11), Chatsworth’s rolling admissions policy gives you more leeway if your relocation timeline shifts.
3. Prioritize an August Start for DP Students: If you have a child entering Year 12 or 13, make every effort to align your move with the August start date.
4. Communicate with Admissions: Keep the Chatsworth admissions office informed of your planned moving dates. They are known for being supportive and can provide the most accurate information on space availability for your child’s grade level.