All policies are guided and support our Master Policy which is:
This policy covers the admissions criteria and procedure for students from Pre K1 - Grade 12. It also provides processes and information regarding admissions for students with Additional Support Needs (ASN), foreign dependent students living with their parents in Singapore and Singapore Citizens/Passport holders.
The Overseas Family School believes that every child has a right to a meaningful education in the setting best suited to meet their needs. We employ a non-selective admissions policy; our learners are mixed-ability and are not required to complete a performance-based test on entry. We recognize the strength of diversity and understand that every child develops at their own pace and has a right to access all curriculums we have on offer. The ultimate decision to offer a place to a prospective student will be taken by the Chief Executive of OFS with the support of the Head of School, relevant Principal, Admissions Director and where appropriate the Head of Inclusive Education and Integrated Therapy.
All initial admission applications will be handled by our Admissions team under the supervision of the Admissions Director. When a potential family call or emails the Admissions team to enquire about vacancies, the Admission Office will ask for basic information consisting of:
Prospective families will be invited for an initial meeting and offered a campus visit. Here the Admissions team will provide the necessary application forms, medical forms and informative school guides.
If the family decides to register their children with the school, they will submit the documents requested on the enrolment checklist. The Admissions Team will review the completed application forms and documents to ensure all necessary information is provided. If there are any missing documents or incomplete information, the admissions team will reach out to the family to request the necessary documents and clarifications.
Once all required documents and information have been received, the Admissions Director will review the application and make a decision regarding acceptance and will forward them on to the Registration Department for processing.
The Admissions Team will notify the family of the decision in a timely manner, either through a phone call or email.
If the student is accepted, the Registration Department will then send the family the acceptance package which includes but not limited to:
If the student is not accepted, the admissions team will inform the parent of the decision.
Throughout the entire admission process, the admissions team will maintain clear and open communication with the family to address any questions or concerns they may have. The Admissions Team will also keep accurate records of all communication and documentation related to each applicant for future reference. Admissions Team will also adhere to confidentiality and privacy polices when handling personal information provided by the families.
Although our language of instruction is English we welcome applicants with limited or no English ability as our Study Preparation Program (SPP) provides an alternate pathway for learners who are at all stages of English language acquisition.
Students who are accepted into the school will then be asked to complete a language test in order for the student to be placed in the most suitable level of the program.
The school recommends placement within a grade level close to the child's chronological age and the last grade attended. Where families request their child to be in another grade this will be discussed with the family and the Admissions Team. Decisions will be made on a case by case basis.
Overseas Family School is committed to creating a safe environment for our community. By submitting an application to our school, families are also engaging with this commitment. As such, by submitting an application to OFS, they consent that we may contact the applicant's current/previous school and ask them to complete a Child Protection form regarding any safeguarding or child protection concerns.
An applicant will not be accepted unless they are living at the same residence with at least one parent or legal guardian. OFS has the right to refuse an applicant's application if we believe that the child is not or will not be living with a parent or guardian. A guardian can only be used for students in Grade 9 or above.
Applicants wishing to enroll must hold a foreign passport and valid FIN number, IC number if they are PR, or if they are Singapore citizens.
Additionally, If the applicant is a Singapore Citizen (they hold a Singaporean passport or is a citizen of Singapore even with dual nationality) they will only be considered for acceptance if they have the required Ministry of Education exemption/waiver. The school will need to apply for MOE approval and can only admit the student if approval is successful.
If the applicant wishes to defer the place offered, subject to availability, the school will permit one deferral for one academic year. Further deferrals will be dealt with by the Admissions Director on a case by case basis.
Registration Fees are payable on acceptance by the school of student applications. A place in school will be confirmed when the Registration Fee is paid. Registration Fees paid are not refundable.