A preschool that’s 460 years old!

No Western nation is more intertwined in Singapore’s history than the United Kingdom. Now, a new British preschool brings 460 years of history to the party.

This year, two centuries after Sir Stamford Raffles first arrived on these shores, Singapore and the United Kingdom announced a “partnership for the future” to celebrate the countries’ deep historical connections and shared goals for the future.

The “Singapore-United Kingdom Partnership for the Future”, which was described as being “as broad as it is deep” by both countries, highlighted four areas for mutual cooperation:

• digital economy;
• sustainable business and innovation;
• security and defence; and
• education, culture and youth.

The emphasis on “education” in the final point is great news for British schools in Singapore, particularly those new to the market. One of these is Repton Schoolhouse, which celebrated the official opening of its first preschool in Singapore last month under the banner of the new Singapore-UK partnership. The school traces its roots back to Repton’s first independent school established in Derbyshire in 1557.

Past & Future

“A 460-year history provides a strong foundation to launch our new school,” says Principal KERRY ELY. “Our schools are small nurturing places where we work in partnership with families to support children in their creativity, ambition, personal empowerment and character.”

Located in Alexandra Central Mall, the preschool caters to Singaporean and expatriate children from 18 months to six years. It focuses on merging the best of the Singapore and UK education systems into one comprehensive curriculum.

The British High Commissioner to the Republic of Singapore, Her Excellency Kara Owen CVO, was on hand to celebrate the Alexandra campus’s official opening last month. During the event, Repton announced its vision to create premium preschools throughout Singapore and the region, including a new campus opening on Bukit Timah Road mere weeks later. Both preschools incorporate many educational tenets that are popular with parents today, including a Virtues Project and a bilingual programme with two lead teachers – one English teacher and one Chinese – in every classroom.

The Alexandra campus had a soft launch earlier this year, so families there have experienced the school’s holistic curriculum. It includes arts, humanities, science, technology and sports classes, as well as an after-school enrichment programme.

“Repton is really flexible,” says FANG CHENG, mother of two-year-old Joo Ning. “I was allowed to visit the school many times with my child prior to enrolling. They’re truly friendly and patient educators, and actively worked with me to help my child adapt to the nursery curriculum. Also, the weekly outings to the parks are well organised, educational and fun. The preschool never fails to make my child’s day.”

Early bird offer

Drop into one of the two Open House events at Repton Schoolhouse Bukit Timah this month (9am-5pm, Saturday 5 and Saturday 19 October) to take part in STEAM and Chinese immersion activities and enjoy snacks by The New Luncher. Enrol anytime in 2019 to receive 10 percent off 2020 school fees and a waiver of the registration fee.

Repton Schoolhouse Singapore
6252 3024 | repton.com.sg

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This article first appeared in the September 2019 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!