Chatsworth International School, Singapore Reviews
We read Reddit, Facebook, and expat forums so you don't have to.
Chatsworth International School is a mid-tier IB school in Bukit Timah that divides opinion. Full IB continuum, K through Diploma. Close-knit community, ageing facilities, for-profit ownership. Fees: S$30,250 to S$41,100.
What parents praise
Community is the word that keeps surfacing. Small classes, family atmosphere, around 50 nationalities. Parents on Edarabia describe it as inclusive and engaging. Teachers are well-regarded.named it Best IB School in Singapore for 2024. The Mother Tongue programme covers roughly 19 languages - a genuine differentiator.
“The longer my son is at this school the more we love it. Communication is really good and it feels like a smaller school than it is.”
Where it falls short
Facilities. The Bukit Timah campus is leafy but old, and parents notice. One on Expat Exchange described the pool as "the size of the bath tub." On the Singapore Expats Forum, several posters flag the for-profit ownership model. Teacher commentary on Reddit points to below-market pay and high workload.
“I do like this school, but I can not stand the facilities. The building is very old.”
The holding-school question
A persistent theme: families landing at Chatsworth while waiting for Tanglin, UWC or SAS. One parent on Expat Exchange said directly that many students change school once accepted to their first choice. Whether that is fair or just Singapore's admissions market is debatable. IB DP average of 34.3 in 2025, 100% pass rate, per.
“Many students will change school once they are accepted to their first choice. Chatsworth is a good school to stay temporary.”
Bottom line
Solid IB school without the price tag or waitlists of Singapore's top tier. Community spirit is real, results are above the global average. Trade-off: older campus, limited space, second-choice reputation.
Recurring Themes
Community and culture
positiveConsistently described as welcoming and family-like across, Edarabia and Reddit. Small classes, around 50 nationalities.
IB curriculum and academics
positiveFull IB continuum, PYP through DP.named it Best IB School 2024. DP average 34.3 in 2025, above the global mean of 30.58. 100% pass rate.
Facilities and campus
negativeLeafy Bukit Timah setting near the Nature Reserve, but buildings are ageing. Parents on Expat Exchange and Singapore Expats Forum cite limited space, small pool, older infrastructure.
Value for money
mixedMid-range fees of S$30,250 to S$41,100 are reasonable for a full IB school. For-profit ownership draws scepticism on the Singapore Expats Forum.
Teacher quality
mixedParents praise teaching quality. Teacher-focused threads on Reddit flag lower pay and high workload relative to competitors.
Admissions and reputation
mixedNon-selective admissions make it accessible. Flip side: perceived as a holding school for families awaiting Tanglin, SAS or UWC, per Expat Exchange.
Sources
Four parent reviews praising community and IB curriculum. One 10-year family calls it a "wonderful school community."
Teacher-focused. Mid-tier school, decent IB results, below-market pay.
Called a "reputable mid tier school." Limited subject choices at secondary.
Former student describes negative experience. Outlier view.
Mixed thread, 2020-2025. Praise for teachers and small classes; warnings about for-profit model.
Praises teachers, criticises facilities. Describes Chatsworth as temporary for families awaiting spots elsewhere.
Review Platform Ratings
Edarabia
2.25/5
4 reviews
iSchoolAdvisor
5/5
4 reviews
This page compiles publicly available commentary from forums, review sites, and social media. Views expressed are those of individual commenters, not The International Schools Guide. We present a balanced summary but cannot verify every claim.