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- How long does the admissions process take?
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The length of the admissions process varies. It’s personalised to your child, so factors like their age, learning support needs, and assessment type all play a part. The time it takes to get the Confidential Student Reference form from your child’s current school can also have an impact.
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- How long is your waiting list?
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We’re currently at capacity, with waiting lists for most age groups. Singapore, however, is a relatively transient place, with families coming and going throughout the year. As the school receives withdrawals, places are offered to children on the waiting list (in order of application).
Dover Court has three withdrawal deadlines each year, one per term. You can find these in our calendar. Once we’ve had a withdrawal, we’ll contact the next family on the waitlist to immediately offer them a place.
If we’re unable to offer your child a place for their preferred start date, your application will roll over to the next term (or until a suitable space becomes available).
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- Is the process different if my company pays the fees?
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If your company is paying your child’s fees, our admissions and finance teams are happy to deal with them directly. Please let us know as early as possible in the process.
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- Is the application fee refundable?
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Application Fee is not refundable for applications submitted on, or later than 1 September, 2023
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- What is the building fund fee?
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Our building fund fee contributes to annual maintenance costs and is included in your termly tuition fee invoice.
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- Are there any visa requirements?
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To join us, students must have a valid Dependent Pass, Immigration Exemption Order, or Permanent Residency in Singapore. Unfortunately, students can’t study at Dover Court on either a student or long-term visit pass.
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- Do you offer a sibling discount?
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Yes, we do. We offer a 10% discount on your fourth child’s tuition fees.
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- Will my child need to sit an assessment?
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We’re proud to be a non-selective, fully inclusive school that supports children with a range of additional education and English as Additional Language (EAL) needs.
However, to ensure your child receives the best possible support, we ask prospective students to sit an assessment. This will vary based on your child’s age and learning support requirements.
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- I’m Singaporean, how does the Ministry of Education exemption process work?
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Singaporean citizens must obtain exemption from the Ministry of Education (MoE). Once a suitable place becomes available, we’ll get in touch with you to prepare your application documents. We’ll then submit them to the MoE on your behalf. The process typically takes around eight weeks.
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- What qualifications do your teachers have?
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Every single one of our outstanding teachers is carefully chosen, based not only on their impressive British and international qualifications and extensive global experience, but also their values. Through a rigorous recruitment process, we make sure their teaching philosophy aligns with our inclusive educational vision.
Our teachers hail from more than 20 countries, bringing cutting-edge knowledge and specialist skills to the classroom.
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- English is not our family’s first language. How will you support my child?
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Our specialist English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme provides expert support for Year 1-8 students who need extra help with their comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing.
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- Does the school provide university and careers guidance?
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Yes, we have a dedicated Careers and University Guidance Counsellor who helps our students prepare for life after Dover Court. Your child will take part in career planning, CV writing, and interview skill sessions. They’ll also get help with their university applications, hear from our higher education partners, and speak to our alumni and parents about their experiences.
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- What after-school activities do you offer?
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With more than 250 co-curricular activities to choose from, we offer one of the broadest enrichment programmes in Singapore.
Most activities are included in your child’s fees, although clubs delivered by external coaches or organisations – including music lessons, dance, and tennis – may cost extra. We vary the programme each term to make sure there’s an activity for every interest, skillset, and passion. This includes sports, music, arts, STEAM, leadership, and languages.
Our DCIS Wolves sports teams also compete in leagues and tournaments both here and across the region.
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- How do you communicate with parents?
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We’ll keep in touch with you in a variety of ways. These include weekly newsletters, social media, emails, and our online platforms, Seesaw (early years and primary) and Satchel One’s Show My Homework app (secondary). Our teachers will update you on your child’s progress through parent-teacher conferences and regular reports.
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- How can I get involved in school life?
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The Dover Court Parents Association (DCA) is a great way to get involved in our community and connect with other families – and we’re always looking for volunteers! Through our Parents as Partners initiative, you’ll also be able to join us for workshops covering topics like digital literacy, phonics, wellbeing, and more. We also offer a variety of volunteer opportunities throughout the year, including the chance to be a reading buddy.
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- Do you provide a school lunch?
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Yes, we do! Our fantastic local catering partner, Mycelium, prepares a range of Asian, Western, and vegetarian options every day. Students can also purchase healthy snacks at the school canteen (primary) and Red Dot Restaurant (secondary).
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- Do you have a nut or allergy policy?
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Our campus is completely nut free. This is respected by everyone in our community. Our school nurses are always on hand if a student needs attention.
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- Do you run a school bus service?
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Singapore is an easy place to get around, and our families live all over the island. We work with a reliable bus provider that covers most residential areas. Our city is also well-known for its extensive and efficient public transport system, which can be scheduled, monitored, and paid for using various smartphone apps.
