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Top 9 IB Mathematics Schools in Singapore (2026 Unofficial Guide)

Top 9 IB Mathematics Schools in Singapore (2026 Unofficial Guide)

Updated 6 October 2025 — Singapore (GMT+8). This is a data-driven 2026 planning guide using the latest publicly released IB Diploma (IBDP) results and programme information from each school or credible summaries. Where schools publish averages or pass rates, we cite them directly; where they do not, we reference reputable round-ups.

How we picked

  • Strong, recent IBDP outcomes (2024–2025 cohorts): average points, pass rates, scale of cohort.
  • Depth of IB Mathematics pathway: schools that typically offer Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches (AA) and Mathematics: Applications & Interpretation (AI) at HL/SL, with proven track records in STEM university placements.
  • Scale & support: size of cohorts, guidance, enrichment, Olympiad/HL extension culture.

The shortlist

Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) — ACS(I)

Singapore’s only government school offering the IBDP at scale (via IP). Average 41.2 points (Nov 2024), 100% pass rate, consistently one of the highest-scoring cohorts globally. Excellent depth for HL AA and science combinations. (acsindep.moe.edu.sg)

Canadian International School (CIS)

IB continuum through to DP with steady results; their 2024–2025 results page details averages and university progression (recent round-ups list CIS ~35 avg). Robust guidance for STEM and tech-oriented pathways. (Canadian International School (en-AU))

Chatsworth International School

A smaller, community-centric IB school with ~34–34.3 average and ~96–100% pass rates across 2024–2025; good teacher-student access and HL math support. (chatsworth.com.sg)

Dulwich College (Singapore)

Rapidly rising DP performance; Class of 2024 average 36.9 with ~98.6% pass rate (Dulwich group figures also indicate 2025 provisional ~37+). Strong math-science culture and university destinations. (dulwich.org)

Global Indian International School (GIIS) — SMART Campus

Consistently above Singapore and global averages; 2024 school average ~36.04; media reports put 2025 around 37.2 with multiple near-perfect scorers. Strong preparation for engineering/CS tracks. (news.globalindianschool.org)

Hwa Chong International School (HCIS)

Selective, academically rigorous; 2024 average 37.9 with 99.5% pass rate; a high proportion scoring 38+ and 40+. Popular for HL AA with sciences. (hcis.edu.sg)

NPS International School

Known for math-science excellence; reports place the 2024 average at ~38.1–38.3 with high 40+ rates. Focused university counselling for engineering, computing and finance. (whichschooladvisor.com)

Overseas Family School (OFS)

Large, diverse cohort; 2024 average 35 with 96% pass rate and strong bilingual diploma take-up. Solid AA/AI coverage and steady value-add in math. (ofs.edu.sg)

St. Joseph’s Institution International (SJI International)

Well-established DP; 2024 average 38, regularly above SG and global averages; balanced humanities-STEM profile with rigorous HL math prep. (sji-international.com.sg)

What these results mean for IB Mathematics (AA vs AI)

  • AA HL is the traditional “pure math” route—ideal for engineering, CS, physics, data science.
  • AI HL emphasises modelling/statistics—excellent for economics, business analytics, social data, life sciences.
  • Selecting your track: If your child targets top STEM (Imperial, Oxbridge, NUS SoC/Eng), prioritise AA HL with HL sciences; for quant-heavy econ/analytics, AI HL (or AA SL + econ HL) can work depending on target universities’ prerequisites. Verify each school’s current HL set and timetabling—these can change year-to-year. (Use the IB’s official school finder to confirm program authorisations.) (International Baccalaureate®)

How to choose the “best” school for your child’s Math goals

  1. Ask for subject-level outcomes, not just overall averages. What % of HL AA candidates score 6–7? Any Olympiad/AMC/NAC/UKMT participation?
  2. Timetable reality check. Can your child take AA HL + Physics HL + Chem HL without clashes?
  3. Depth of teaching bench. Who teaches HL AA? What’s their track record with university references/interviews (STEP, TMUA, PAT)?
  4. Assessment culture. Frequency of full-length Paper 1/2/3 mocks, targeted problem sets, and post-mortems.
  5. University advising. Offer requirements vary; schools with experienced counsellors reduce costly misalignment (e.g., AA HL often “preferred/required” for top CS/Eng).
  6. Cohort size & peer effects. Large HL groups can sustain enrichment; small cohorts can offer bespoke support—visit and compare.

Frequently asked questions

Is Singapore really “better” for IB than the world average?
Yes. For example, Nov 2024 Singapore candidates averaged 38.4 points vs a global ~30–31; Singapore consistently outperforms global figures in IB statistics. (The Straits Times)

Are rankings official?
No official MOE/IB “league table” exists. The above is a curated guide based on publicly reported data and reputable round-ups; always verify the current year’s figures with admissions offices. (International Baccalaureate®)

Will these schools offer both AA and AI in 2026?
Most do, but subject blocks shift annually—confirm with each school during course selection. Use the IB’s Find an IB World School tool for up-to-date programme authorisations. (International Baccalaureate®)

IB Mathematics (AA vs AI) 2026: The Complete Singapore Planner & Mock-Exam Calendar

For May/Nov 2026 candidates. Written for parents and students in Singapore planning HL/SL pathways, Internal Assessments, and mock-exam timelines.

Why this guide

Choosing between IB Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches (AA) and IB Mathematics: Applications & Interpretation (AI) shapes the subjects your child can pair, the universities they can target, and the daily study rhythm they’ll need to succeed. This article distils our small-group (3-pax) approach at BukitTimahTutor.com into a practical plan you can paste onto the fridge and follow week by week.

Quick references:
• MOE overview of the pre-university landscape: Ministry of Education
• IB policies/programmes directory: IB World Schools
• Singapore national exams portal (context for timelines): SEAB

Who should choose AA vs AI?

In one sentence

  • AA HL: proof-centric, calculus-heavy, ideal for engineering, computer science, physics, theoretical data science.
  • AI HL: statistics/modelling-heavy, ideal for economics, business analytics, life sciences, social data science.

Degree-to-Math Track Chooser

Target Degree / PathwayRecommended Math RouteNotes
Computer Science (top tier), Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Data Science (theoretical)AA HL (+ Physics HL, Chem HL)Emphasise proof fluency, algebraic manipulation, deep calculus; consider MAT/STEP prep where applicable.
Chemical/Biomedical Engineering, Quantitative Finance, Actuarial ScienceAA HL (preferred) or AI HL + strong AA SLCheck each university’s prerequisites; keep calculus and probability strong.
Economics/Econometrics, Business Analytics, Social Data ScienceAI HL (stats/modelling) or AA HL for the most selective optionsBuild regression/inference depth; add HL Economics where possible.
Life Sciences, Psychology (research), Public Health, Geography (quant)AI HL (+ Chem/Bio HLs)Focus on inference, modelling, hypothesis testing.
Architecture, Design EngineeringAA HL or AA SL (strong) + Physics/Design HLPortfolio/aptitude test requirements vary.
US Broad STEMAA HL if aiming MIT/Caltech/Stanford; AI HL acceptable at many schools with strong overall profilePair with at least one HL science; confirm each college’s stance.

Rule of thumb: If a course says “Higher Level Mathematics (analysis-heavy) preferred/required,” pick AA HL. If it values applied statistics and modelling, AI HL is usually ideal.

Recommended subject-combination archetypes

  • STEM-Heavy (Oxbridge/Imperial/NUS Eng/CS): AA HL + Physics HL + Chemistry HL; SLs in Lang A, Lang B/Individuals & Societies.
  • Quant Econ/Analytics: AI HL + Economics HL + AA SL (strong) or AA HL + Econ HL; an experimental science at SL.
  • Bio/Med-Adjacent: AI HL + Chemistry HL + Biology HL, with AA SL fundamentals upgraded via bridging drills.
  • US Broad STEM: AA HL + one HL science + third HL (Physics/Econ) depending on blocks; align with US testing where relevant.

Timetable reality check: ask each school whether AA HL + Physics HL + Chem HL can run without clashes. Subject blocks shift yearly.

18-Month Roadmap to a 6/7 (May 2026 Sitting)

Phase 0 — Baseline (Oct–Nov 2024)
Diagnostic across algebra, functions, trig, calculus, probability & statistics. Build an error log and a personal “fix list.”

Phase 1 — Core Build (Dec 2024–Mar 2025)

  • AA: proofs, sequences/series, trig, functions, calculus I, vectors.
  • AI: modelling cycle, probability, descriptive/inferential stats, regression, calculus I.
    Weekly cadence: 2 topic tests + 1 interleaved drill; IA (Internal Assessment) brainstorming.

Phase 2 — Extension & IA (Apr–Aug 2025)

  • AA: calculus II (techniques/applications), vectors/3D, differential equations (where applicable).
  • AI: distributions, inference, time series/modelling projects, calculus II for optimisation.
    Assessment: 1 full Paper 1 + 1 full Paper 2 every 3 weeks; IA pilot run.

Phase 3 — Pre-Mock Consolidation (Sep–Nov 2025)
Finish syllabus early. Mock 1 (P1 & P2; P3 for HL). Start alignment with university tests (e.g., MAT/STEP) if needed.

Phase 4 — Targeted Interventions (Dec 2025–Feb 2026)
Patch weak strands via mini-cycles: Learn → Practise → Test → Post-mortem. IA final draft by end-Jan. Mock 2 in Feb with one-band improvement goal.

Phase 5 — Exam Crunch (Mar–Apr 2026)
Past-paper blocks, formula-booklet mastery, speed/accuracy sprints. IA finalised and uploaded.

Exam Window — May 2026
Paper-day routines, recovery days, light retrieval practice.

For Nov 2026, shift everything by +6 months.

Weekly Study Rhythm (works for AA & AI)

  • Mon: New concept → 25–30 core problems (graded).
  • Tue: Retrieval set (mixed topics) → timed mini-quiz (AA Paper 1 style = no calculator).
  • Wed: Applications/modelling task; IA checkpoint.
  • Thu: Past-paper section drill (e.g., AA P2 calculus; AI P2 inference).
  • Fri: Error-log replay + reflection; 10 “red-flag” questions.
  • Weekend: One full paper + 30-min post-mortem + flashcards.

Paper-by-Paper Checklists (What a 6/7 needs)

AA SL/HL

Paper 1 (No Calculator)

  • Fast, accurate algebra (factorisation, partial fractions, logs/exponentials).
  • Exact trigonometry (identities, equations, special angles).
  • Calculus without CAS (standard derivatives/integrals, optimisation, area).
  • Functions: composition/inverse, transformations, domain/range proofs.
  • Vectors: lines/planes, intersections (HL depth).

Paper 2 (Calculator)

  • Multi-step calculus (substitution, parts, volumes), differential equations (HL), sequences/series.
  • Graph interpretation and parameter shifts; numeric verification sensibly used.

Paper 3 (HL)

  • Unfamiliar, multi-stage problems; clear structure and justification.

AI SL/HL

Paper 1 (No Calculator)

  • Core algebra and functions; by-hand statistics where needed; exact trig where it appears.

Paper 2 (Calculator)

  • Inference suite (CI/tests), distributions, regression diagnostics and interpretation.
  • Applied calculus: optimisation, rates, numerical methods.

Paper 3 (HL)

  • Complex modelling/inference; justify assumptions, discuss limitations, communicate clearly.

Problem-Type Taxonomy (Build breadth + depth)

  • Algebra & Functions: inverse/domain/composition, inequalities, piecewise.
  • Trigonometry: identities, equations, R-formula, wave modelling.
  • Calculus: differentiation (product/quotient/chain), implicit, related rates, optimisation; integration (substitution/parts/partial fractions), areas/volumes; differential equations (HL).
  • Vectors/Geometry (AA-heavy): lines/planes, intersections, distances, angles, parametric curves.
  • Probability & Statistics (AI-heavy): combinatorics, RVs, binomial/normal/Poisson, sampling, CI/hypothesis tests, regression, residuals.
  • Modelling & Technology: curve fitting, parameter interpretation, validation, error analysis.

Formula-Booklet Mastery (both courses)

  1. Tag each formula: must-memorise, derive-on-the-fly, book-lookup.
  2. Spaced repetition for the must-memorise set.
  3. Micro-derivations for core identities (e.g., trig Pythagorean, log/exp rules, standard derivatives).

Internal Assessment (IA): 12-Week Lane

  • Weeks 1–2: Topic scouting (interest × data feasibility).
  • Weeks 3–4: Research question + method; mini-pilot.
  • Weeks 5–6: Data collection; preliminary analysis; refine visuals.
  • Weeks 7–8: Full draft; focus on communication & reflection criteria.
  • Weeks 9–10: Tutor critique; shore up validity/limitations/alternatives.
  • Weeks 11–12: Final polish; formatting, citations, submission checks.

High-scoring IA hallmarks: clear RQ, appropriate mathematics, sound reasoning, well-labelled tables/figures, explicit limitations.

Mock-Exam Calendar (May 2026 Cohort)

MonthMilestonesPapers & Targets
Sep 2025Syllabus 80–90% done; plan Mock 1Diagnostic full P1/P2; AA HL P3 sampler
Oct 2025Mock 1AA/AI: P1+P2 (school papers); HL P3 task; set grade targets
Nov 2025Post-mortemsPatch top 3 weaknesses per paper; IA progress review
Feb 2026Mock 2 (external past papers)Aim one band ↑ from Mock 1
Mar 2026Past-paper bootcampAlternate P1/P2 weekly; HL P3 fortnightly
Apr 2026Final simulationsTwo full sets under exam time; logistics & wellbeing plan

What a 6/7 looks like (Practical rubric)

  • Accuracy: ≳90% on routine; ≳70–80% on unfamiliar.
  • Method: justified steps, precise notation, correct theorems/definitions.
  • Communication: units, domains, assumptions, and conclusions made explicit.
  • Technology: calculator/CAS to verify, not replace reasoning (esp. AI P2).
  • Resilience: errors closed within 48 hours; “red-o” practice until flawless.

How BukitTimahTutor.com gets you there (3-Pax Small Groups)

  • Personalised pathing: AA vs AI decision + degree mapping; HL/SL load planned against school blocks.
  • Interleaved drills: weekly rotation across algebra/calculus/stats/vectors for flexible recall.
  • Mock-engineering: two full mock cycles + micro-mocks; Paper-wise post-mortems that actually change habits.
  • IA clinic: staged feedback from RQ to final formatting.
  • Parent updates: fortnightly progress snapshot and next-steps plan.

Book a consultation: We’ll run a diagnostic, confirm the best AA/AI track, and generate a customised 18-month plan with your child’s first practice set. WhatsApp Below.

FAQs

Is AA HL “better” than AI HL?
Neither is “better” in general; it’s about fit. AA HL suits analysis-heavy degrees; AI HL suits data- and modelling-heavy degrees. Always check the exact university prerequisites.

Will my school offer both AA and AI at HL in 2026?
Most do, but subject blocks change annually. Confirm with your school and use the IB school finder to verify authorisations.

Where can I read more?

  • Programme info and authorised schools: IBO School Finder
  • Singapore system context and pathways: MOE
  • National exam timelines and policies: SEAB

Final word

The difference between a 5 and a 7 is rarely “talent.” It’s planning + practice with feedback. Commit to the rhythm, keep a ruthless error log, and sit your mocks like the real thing. We’ll help your child execute, week after week—so the 6/7 becomes inevitable.

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Sources & further reading