Preparing for the entry test

International students who want a place in a Singapore government school normally sit a centralised entry test in English and Mathematics. Families call it AEIS. It is not a school exam — it does not follow the syllabus your child is currently studying, and it is timed tightly.

What it actually asks for

• English at a level above conversational. Reading passages, grammar in context, vocabulary.
• Mathematics one step ahead. Children are usually tested at a level near the one they are applying into, not the one they have finished.
• Speed. Many children can do the questions. Fewer can do them in the time given.

How we prepare

We start by finding out where a child actually is, not where the age says they should be. Then we work in a small group on the two things the test measures — accuracy and speed — with regular timed practice so the real day feels familiar rather than frightening.

What we will not promise

We are not connected to the Ministry of Education, we have no influence over places, and we cannot promise a result. Any centre that promises you a place is not being straight with you. What we can do is make sure your child walks in prepared, and knows exactly what to expect.

Before you commit

Talk to us first about timing. Sitting the test too early, before the English is ready, costs a family time and confidence. Sometimes the right advice is to wait a cycle, and we will say so.