Raffles Institution

Focus

Hope for the future

Day fees 2025/26

On application

Boarding fees 2025/26

On application

Ages

13-18

Pupil count

1,550

Spear’s Review

Raffles Institution is one of the oldest schools in Singapore, founded in 1823 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, whose vision lives on in the school’s motto: auspicium melioris aevi, meaning ‘hope of a better age’.

The school provides secondary education for boys only, and a two-year pre-university programme for boys and girls. Academics are strong, and students go on to study at some of the world’s most prestigious universities. Outside of the classroom, a range of sports and co-curricular activities are on offer, from dragon boating to modern dance.

RI is a favourite among both British expats and locals, having educated four Singaporean prime ministers and chief ministers, four speakers of Singapore’s parliament and Robert Kuok, who was once south-east Asia’s wealthiest man.

Academics

The ‘Raffles Programme’ is the school’s take on the six-year integrated academic curriculum, focusing on producing well-rounded and high-achieving students. Pupils who sit A-Levels regularly receive strong scores.

Head teacher

Aaron Loh has been the principal of the Raffles Institution since late 2023. He previously held roles at Singapore’s Ministry of Education and Commonwealth Secondary School in Singapore. 

University and college destinations

Raffles Institution graduates consistently gain admission to top universities in Singapore and abroad. Locally, many students secure places at institutions such as the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University. In the UK, Raffles Institution students have been accepted at both the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge.

Admissions

Applicants receive offers based on their previous academic results, as well as their performance in an interview and other assessments. International candidates must also complete the Admissions Exercise for International Students set by the Ministry of Education.

Accessibility

Singapore Changi Airport: 30 minutes

Location

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