Chief Executive Officer
Craig Considine Chief Executive Officer
Highlands Programme
2024 has been a successful year on many different levels. There have been several key achievements that have made a significant difference to the operation of the school and in the long term, the outcomes for our students.
These achievements may look like standalone projects but are part of creating the integrated holistic educational experience that Tanglin offers. Some of these happen at a whole school macro level, while others occur within individual schools or units within the school.
Importantly, our strategic plan continues to shape our work. The schools have developed their school improvement plans based upon the strategic plan. Similarly, the key whole school committees have achieved continued success through the year and the Directors and members of these teams can be immensely proud of their progress.
From time to time, Tanglin makes significant decisions regarding elements of our offer. One of those was the introduction of a Senior School in 1996. This was followed by the addition of A Levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), establishing Tanglin as a dual-track Sixth Form.
The introduction of the Highlands Programme is another moment where Tanglin has identified a programme that supports our mission. Implementing a holistic education underpinned by an experiential residential experience for all provides a strong pillar for Middle School students to build on as they progress to the Upper School.
The Tanglin Gippsland campus will draw together many key elements of Middle schooling and early adolescent education, and offer a wonderful space to instil some of the wonder and awe that is part of each person’s development. This initiative is part of our broader focus on general wellbeing, which includes monitoring mental health and managing the ubiquity of technology, as well as addressing climate change challenges, and promoting sustainable practices. The Highlands Programme will reinforce the key themes within the Middle School: curiosity, confidence, and community.
To establish the Highlands Programme in Gippsland, we created Tanglin Australia Pty Ltd, an Australian-based holding company responsible for the fiduciary aspects of setting up a site in Australia. This process involved negotiations with the Singapore Charities Commission, the Department for Education, and the Committee for Private Education. I am grateful to Mr Ling Guan Heng, Ms Lena Chan and Ms Lynn Yip for their support and guidance.
Finally, we are immensely indebted to the Chair of the Board of Governors, Mr Nixon and those Governors who have been members of the Tanglin Gippsland Committee. This has required extensive input, and we have benefitted from their wisdom and experience.
Shape of the Day
Two years ago, we began an exercise to consider the shape of the school day. This began as a way of considering our Co-Curricular offerings and how we could better integrate the House system across the whole school. This initiative has been successful, although there are still aspects of the changes that continue to be ‘tweaked’. The changes have allowed the Senior School to significantly reshape its offerings, resulting in additional teaching hours and a repositioned CoCurriculum. We are thrilled to see increased opportunities across the school, with 180 Co-Curricular activities (CCAs) in the Junior School and 42 in the Infant School. These offerings are a mix of teacher-led and third-party provider sessions, all monitored with the same rigour as regular lessons.
Technology
Technology continues to provide amazing tools both for organisational management and student learning. One element that has neared completion is the creation of student dashboards that provide faculty with data that summarises students’ progress across a broad range of areas. Data dashboards provide the information to allow homeroom or classroom tutors to monitor, support and challenge students at the appropriate level. We have also worked with external partners to review our approach to cybersecurity, procurement, performance management and regulatory compliance. These are reported on within this document by Mr Ling Guan Heng and several other colleagues.
Future Ready
Schools have always aimed to prepare students to take their next steps, typically focusing on life beyond school. We have emphasised this in our strategic plan to ensure a clear focus on future readiness for all students, regardless of their age. The next step will be different for Infants, Juniors, and Seniors, but we are committed to preparing each student appropriately for what lies ahead. Our programmes, such as Careers and University Counselling, entrepreneurship opportunities, financial literacy courses, and ‘leaving well’ workshops, are designed to support students in transitioning smoothly at the appropriate time.
Centenary Celebrations
We are thrilled to have curated a wonderful range of events to celebrate this important milestone and look forward to the community supporting and enjoying this wonderful celebration.
Tanglin Trust School Foundation
The school continues to be well supported by our community through the Tanglin Trust School Foundation. The Development Team has worked brilliantly to identify opportunities to partner with individuals and families who believe in the school’s vision. The Foundation has supported various initiatives, including the Institute, the Centenary Music Scholarships, the Centennial Arts Trail, and the commissioning of a piece of music to celebrate the Centenary.
Thank You
We are pleased with Tanglin’s development over the last 12 months. I would like to thank all those who lead, support, and create amazing learning opportunities for our students. This includes the faculty, Heads of School, CFO/COO, business teams, and senior colleagues who have led key elements of the strategic plan. They have gone the extra mile to ensure our students and their families are embraced enthusiastically in all elements of the educational process. Finally, I want to recognise the Governors for their dedication and time in helping Tanglin Trust School fulfil its Mission and Vision.
Financial Overview
Ling Guan Heng Chief Operating Officer
The school has maintained a robust financial position for FY2023/24 through disciplined cost control, and revenue growth. The operating surplus, coupled with the ongoing capital investments, ensures that the school continues to provide high-quality educational experiences and facilities for its students.
The school’s financial position is supported by increased income from various revenue streams and careful cost management.
• Higher Student Enrolment: The actual student enrolment exceeded the budgeted student roll across majority of the year groups, which contributed significantly to the surplus for the year
• Higher Fixed Deposit Interest Income: The school benefited from the rising interest rates, which resulted in higher fixed deposit interest income. This additional revenue provided a cushion against inflationary cost increases.
• Increased Application and Enrolment Fees: Both fees were raised during the financial year and coupled with higher applications from prospective students, led to higher application and enrolment revenue.
• Cost Management: By implementing strict budgetary controls, the school effectively managed its expenses, ensuring that the inflationary pressures did not compromise its financial stability.
The school remains debt-free, bolstered by a strong cash flow and a healthy financial position, which supports both operational activities and future capital investments.
Campus Improvements and Capital Expenditures
In line with the school’s commitment to enhancing the educational environment and facilities, several key projects were completed during the year. These investments in campus improvement totalled $4.5 million and included:
• Installation of a swimming pool shelter canopy ($1.2 million)
• Replacement of Junior School ceiling system ($0.5 million)
• Refurbishment of Junior School classroom toilets on Levels 4 and 5 ($0.4 million)
• Replacement of flooring for GJ Hall ($0.1 million)
• Refurbishment of Senior School Level 2 Learning Support, Level 3 Maths & Computer Science, and Level 4 Business Economics ($0.7 million)
• Replacement of Senior School lift ($0.4 million)
• Replacement of external windows at Senior School (Levels 3 and 4) ($0.2 million)
• Replacement of the raised floor system at Sixth Form ($0.1 million)
• Construction of an Infant Creative Playground ($0.1 million)
• Renovation of Nixon Level 3 staff social space ($0.05 million)
Ongoing and Future Projects
One significant project still underway is the construction of the Junior Art Centre, a $7 million investment planned for completion in FY24/25. This new facility will further enrich the educational experience for students and is part of the school’s long-term infrastructure development strategy.
Financial Surplus and Reserves
The school’s total audited surplus for 2023/24 amounted to $12 million, comprises the following:
• Operating surplus: $5 million
• Building fund: $5 million
• Placement rights fund: $2 million
This surplus has been added to the school’s reserves, which are earmarked for future infrastructure projects, including new buildings and facilities, as well as ongoing improvement initiatives. Looking ahead, the school is well positioned to continue its investments in campus development and infrastructure improvements, while maintaining a strong financial foundation.
Financial Performance by Funds for FY2023/24
For ordinary expenses relating to the operations of the school.
For renewal of lease, construction of buildings and facilities (including air-conditioning and electrical installations etc) as well as improvement projects approved by the Board of Governors from time to time.
Offers accelerated access to school places. An amount is diverted annually to support enrichment projects within the school and for projects approved by the Board of Governors.
2023/24 Revenue and Expenses
Student enrolment stands at 2,839, and new student admissions totaled 446.
School fees and related revenue comprised 90% of total revenue, with other miscellaneous revenue making up the remaining 10%. Revenue composition for 2023/24 remained fairly consistent with 2022/23.
In our continuing effort to provide outstanding education services, we invest the majority of our revenue to attract and retain the best teachers and staff. We employ more than 670 staff members, of which 270 are Faculty staff. Salaries and benefits were the single largest category of expenses, at 72% of total costs.
Depreciation was the next largest category at 10% of total costs. Teaching resources, campus operations, and technology and administration costs made up the remaining 18%.
Cost composition for 2023/24 was fairly consistent with 2022/23.
Governance
Tanglin Trust School Limited (formerly known as Tanglin Trust Limited) was incorporated on 21 August 1961 as a public company limited by guarantee. It was registered under the Charities Act on 29 December 1984.
Unique Entity Number (UEN) 196100114C
Registered Address
95 Portsdown Road, Singapore 139299
Banker Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited
Auditor KPMG LLP
Governing Instrument Tanglin Trust School Limited Constitution
Governing Board Members of Tanglin Trust School Limited
Dominic Nixon
Governor and Chair of Board of Governors, Chair of Board Real Estate Campus Development and Board Education Policy & Schools Curriculum Committees
(Member since 19 March 2002)
Charles Thomas
Governor
(Member since 25 April 2023)
Colm McCarthy
Governor (Member since 7 March 2013)
Diana Dawson
Governor
(Member since 25 April 2023)
Emma Horstmann1
Governor
(Member since 23 April 2024)
Fang Eu-Lin
Governor and Chair of Board Finance and Risk Committee
(Member since 1 May 2016)
Gina Lee-Wan
Governor
(Member since 19 February 2005)
Mee King Chen
Group Corporate Secretary and Member of Management Team
Neil Tottman
Governor and Chair of Board Development and Alumni Committee
(Member since 13 September 2007)
Rajan Raju
Governor (Member since 2 July 2016)
Rashpal Bhatti
Governor (Member since 25 April 2023)
Richard Routledge
Governor and Chair of Board Talent Committee (Member since 1 September 2020)
Robert Arbuthnott Governor (Member since 16 February 2012)
Sue McNamara
Governor and Chair of Board Pastoral and Safeguarding Committee (Member since 1 September 2009)
Clare Wijeratne2
Governor and Chair of Board Education Policy and Schools Curriculum Committee
(Member from 1 March 2017 to 23 April 2024)
1 Appointed as Governor on 23 April 2024
2 Resigned as Governor on 23 April 2024
Some Governors have served beyond 10 years. The Board, collectively, wishes to retain these Governors as they have the necessary skills, relevant experience and commitment to serve Tanglin Trust School Limited. Board succession planning includes the appointment of new Governors.
Board membership is voluntary and not remunerated.
There are no paid staff who are close members of the family of the Chief Executive Officer or Board Members for the period 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2024.
Committees
The Board appoints separate committees in relation to the following areas of responsibility:
• Development and Alumni
• Education Policy & Schools Curriculum
• Finance and Risk
• Pastoral and Safeguarding
• Real Estate and Campus Development
• Talent
Attendance Record for Board of Governors and Board Committees Meetings
Period: 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2024
Neil
Rashpal
Note: Due to business travel, work commitments and/or being in countries with different time zones, a few Governors were unable to attend some of the Board and Board Committee meetings.
Management Team 2023/2024
Craig Considine Chief Executive Officer Appointed August 1, 2018
Ling Guan Heng Chief Operating Officer/ Chief Financial Officer Appointed April 13, 2009
Paula Craigie Head of Infant School Appointed August 1, 2014
Ayako Sugaya Director of People Appointed March 21, 2022
Clair Harrington-Wilcox Head of Junior School Appointed August 1, 2016
Chris Seal Head of Senior School Appointed August 1, 2022
Tom Evans Director of Marcomms, Admisions & Community Relations Appointed June 17, 2019
John Ridley Director of Learning Appointed September 1, 2011
Sohini Brandon-King Director of Scholarship, Inquiry and Partnerships Appointed 17 April, 2022
Chin Peng Lee Director of Technology Appointed August 1, 2022
Michael Holiday Director of Co-Curriculum Appointed January 1, 2020
Lyssa Carneiro Director of Risk & Compliance Appointed October 22, 2019
Brian Teng Director of Operations Appointed January 22, 2007
Richard Sellers Director of Pastoral Care & Deputy Head (Senior School) Appointed August 11, 2021
Mee King Chen Group Corporate Secretary Appointed December 15, 2021
Examination Results: (I)GCSE
(I)GCSE Results Table
% of A*/A grades achieved by Tanglin students
2024 (I)GCSE Examination Results (Class of 2026)
(I)GCSE Summary for 2024 (Class of 2026)
students took (I)GCSE examinations in 25 subjects. of all grades achieved were A*/A or equivalent. of all grades achieved were A* to
Examination Results: A Level
A Level Results Table
2024 A Level Examination Results (Class of 2024)
A Level Summary for 2024 (Class of 2024) pass rate of A Level students. of grades were at A* or A, while 85% were in the range A* to B. of students taking the EPQ achieved an A*; we are increasingly finding that the EPQ is being valued by universities.
of students taking the EPQ achieved an A* to A. 100%
Examination Results: IB Diploma Examination Results: IB Diploma
Diploma Summary for
(Class
100% pass rate for all our students who completed a regulation IB Diploma.
42 16 students achieved 42 points or more.
45 1 student scored 45 points.
100% scored 29 points or above 96% scored 30 points or more.
Whistleblowing Policy
Tanglin Trust School’s Whistleblowing Policy is posted on the school’s website, at tts.edu.sg/about/policies. It may be used, if needed, by employees, suppliers, business partners and others in the school community.