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English tuition for Raffles Institution students
Live online English tuition for Raffles Institution students in secondary 1–4. Bring recent schoolwork and teacher feedback so our tutors can see where your child needs help and plan the lessons.
Secondary 1–4
Courses and years
IP English and Language Arts
Years 1–4
Bring recent schoolwork and the current topic list so we can choose a suitable class.
Study guide · 01
What IP English and Language Arts assignments require
We start with the school’s assignment. A literary question might ask how a writer develops a character or creates a mood. Another task might ask how language supports an argument. The tutor reads the text, question and marking criteria with the student before they plan an answer.
Reading for analysis involves more than understanding the events. Notice where the text changes direction, whose perspective the reader receives and which words carry a particular attitude. Then ask how those choices affect the interpretation. A detail becomes useful evidence when it helps answer the task’s central question.
Keep a short reading record. Note a useful quotation, what is happening around it and what it might show. When an assignment is set, choose the quotations that help answer that question.
Study guide · 02
Close reading: move from a quotation to an interpretation
Start a paragraph with a point, choose a short quotation and explain how its words support that point. Link the explanation back to the question. If you name a technique, such as a metaphor, explain what it makes the reader understand or feel.
Check the sentences around a quotation before settling on an interpretation. A character’s silence might suggest fear, restraint or disagreement. What happens elsewhere in the passage can help you decide.
The task
Original practice sentence: “The empty corridor swallowed her footsteps.” How might this description make the setting feel intimidating?
Worked response
One interpretation: “Swallowed” makes the corridor seem powerful and consuming, while “empty” leaves the character without company. Together the words can make her presence feel small within the setting.
The answer explains what “swallowed” and “empty” suggest, then connects those words to the intimidating setting. Calling the sentence personification would still need that explanation.
Study guide · 03
Comparing texts: organise around a shared question
If an assignment asks for comparison, choose a common focus: attitudes to a place, the presentation of conflict or the way speakers address an audience. Examine how each text develops that focus. Two separate summaries make the reader do the comparing; an organised response explains the relationship directly.
A comparative paragraph can state a similarity or difference, give evidence from both texts and explain it. Check the speaker, situation and tone: similar words can have different effects in different passages.
Before drafting, build a small evidence plan. Pair details that answer the same part of the question and note the distinction you want to establish. At the revision stage, check that each paragraph moves the central comparison forward. Use the school’s criteria to determine the expected scope and form of the response.
Study guide · 04
Argumentative and discursive writing: qualify your claims
An argument becomes more convincing when the writer defines its limits. A question about technology in school might require separating supervised classroom use from unrestricted access. That distinction gives the essay something precise to evaluate and helps the student select examples that address the actual claim.
Develop each reason through explanation: what happens, why it happens and why it matters to the question. A counterargument should be a credible position someone could hold. Explain whether it changes the conclusion, applies only in certain conditions or points to a necessary safeguard. This creates a more thoughtful response than adding a token opposing paragraph.
For a discursive essay, plan the question each paragraph will explore. Give each view enough explanation for the reader to follow it. The conclusion should draw on that discussion and explain which considerations matter most.
Study guide · 05
How to prepare for an IP English assignment or assessment
Bring the task sheet, relevant extract or set-text details, assessment criteria and any teacher comments. Identify the main demand before outlining: interpretation, comparison, evaluation or the production of a particular text. Then decide which evidence is needed and what each paragraph will establish.
Start with a short passage: annotate it, discuss an interpretation and write one paragraph without help. Review the evidence and explanation before trying a longer or timed response.
Keep earlier answers and compare them with similar tasks completed later. Look for better-chosen evidence, fuller explanations and an argument that is easier to follow. Tutors use these answers to plan lessons, with practice and spaced review between classes.
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Class format
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Weekly duration
1.5 hours
Levels
Secondary 1–4
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2027 school year
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Class registration for the 2027 school year is open. Bring recent schoolwork to help us plan a useful first lesson.
About Raffles Institution
PSLE cut-off point for Raffles Institution
MOE publishes the PSLE score of the first and the last student posted into each school at each posting group. Below are Raffles Institution's figures for the 2026 Secondary 1 intake — the 2025 PSLE cohort. The last student's score is what is usually meant by the school's cut-off point.
| Posting group | PSLE score range |
|---|---|
| Integrated Programme | AL 4–6 |
Cut-off points move by a few points from year to year, and not every student who met the cut-off was posted here — some are tie-broken out. Read these as a guide to where a school sits, not as a threshold to clear.
Actual 2026 Secondary 1 intake, from MOE School Finder — last verified on 12 August 2026. MOE School Finder ↗
About Raffles Institution
Raffles Institution (RI) is an independent educational institution in Singapore. Founded in 1823, it is the oldest school in the country. It provides secondary education for boys only from Year 1 to Year 4, and pre-university education for both boys and girls in Year 5 and Year 6.
Founded: 1823
School Overview
Raffles Institution (RI) was established in 1823 by Sir Stamford Raffles, originally under the name Singapore Institution. It holds the distinction of being Singapore's oldest school. Today, RI operates as an autonomous boys' school offering secondary education across Years 1 to 4 for students aged 13 to 16. The upper years (Years 5 and 6) become co-educational, with students from Raffles Girls' School joining for the pre-university phase.
The school's Latin motto, Auspicium Melioris Aevi, translates to "Hope of a Better Age" and reflects the founding aspiration that education should contribute meaningfully to society. RI's stated mission is to develop learners, leaders, and pioneers who are driven by purpose and committed to service.
RI runs a six-year Integrated Programme (IP) that allows students to proceed directly to the GCE A-Level examinations without sitting for O-Levels. The school also provides school-based Gifted Education, the Regional Studies Programme, and the Music Elective Programme (MEP). At the pre-university stage, RI partners with Raffles Girls' School for combined cohort classes.
Admission Process
Entry to RI at Secondary 1 is through two main pathways: the PSLE posting exercise and the Direct School Admission (DSA) scheme.
For the PSLE route, admission is based on Achievement Level (AL) scores. For the 2024 intake, the indicative cut-off for the Integrated Programme was an AL score of 4 to 6 for non-affiliated students. RI does not offer a separate O-Level track — all students follow the IP pathway.
The DSA scheme enables students to apply based on demonstrated talent before PSLE results are released. RI accepts DSA applications in the following areas:
Academics: English Language, Malay Language, Mathematics, Science, Leadership and Character.
Sports (boys only): Badminton, Basketball, Cricket, Cross Country, Hockey, Judo, Rugby, Sailing, Shooting, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Track and Field, Water Polo.
Arts: Music, Visual Arts.
DSA applications are submitted through the MOE DSA-Sec Portal at no cost, with the application window typically running from May to June. Trials and interviews take place in July and August. Students admitted via DSA must commit to the full Integrated Programme and achieve a PSLE AL score between 4 and 22 to confirm their placement.
RI uses Full Subject-Based Banding (SBB) within the IP framework, allowing students to take subjects at levels suited to their individual strengths. Parents considering RI are encouraged to attend the school's open house, usually held between May and June, to visit the campus and speak with staff.
Curriculum and Academic Programme
RI's Integrated Programme curriculum is structured for depth, leading students through six years of study culminating in the GCE A-Level examinations. Core subjects at the secondary level include English Language, Elementary Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, History, and Literature. Mother Tongue options include Higher Chinese and Malay under the Special Programme, with electives such as Economics and Computing available for further specialisation.
The school has received the MOE School Excellence Award for holistic education and maintains consistently strong academic results, with near-complete pass rates at A-Level and high performance in Mathematics and the Sciences. RI students regularly perform well in national and international academic competitions, including multiple Olympiad gold medals.
Specialised programmes include STEM enrichment through dedicated robotics laboratories, bilingual development aligned with Special Assistance Plan (SAP) principles, and structured leadership training delivered through the Raffles Leadership Institute. The Regional Studies Programme and Music Elective Programme provide additional pathways for students with specific interests.
Facilities and Co-Curricular Activities
RI's campus in Bishan is equipped with modern classrooms featuring interactive technology, a library with more than 50,000 volumes, well-resourced science and computer laboratories, and an extensive sports complex that includes Olympic-sized swimming pools and turf playing fields. The school has also installed solar panels as part of its sustainability efforts.
Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) are a central part of student life at RI, with more than 40 options available. Participation rates are high, with approximately 80% of students actively involved.
Sports: Badminton, Basketball, Cricket, Fencing, Hockey, Rugby, Sailing, Shooting, Swimming, and Track and Field. Several teams have achieved national-level titles.
Clubs and Societies: Robotics, Debate, Environmental Club, Infocomm Club, and Research Club, among others.
Performing Arts: Chinese Orchestra, Symphony Band, Drama, Visual Arts, and Guitar Ensemble.
Uniformed Groups and Service: Scouts, National Cadet Corps (Sea), and Red Cross Youth, which emphasise discipline and community contribution.
CCA involvement complements academic learning and supports character development. Many CCAs also align with DSA talent categories, allowing students to develop their strengths from an early stage.
Student Life and School Culture
RI promotes a school culture grounded in Rafflesian values of integrity, empathy, and innovation. The school day typically runs from 7:45am to 3:30pm, with advisory sessions built in for pastoral care and mentoring.
Class sizes range from 30 to 35 students, and the school maintains a teacher-to-student ratio of approximately 1 to 15. RI takes a proactive approach to student well-being through counselling services, peer support networks, and wellness programmes aligned with MOE guidelines. Resilience workshops and leadership retreats are part of the school's broader personal development framework.
The secondary years at RI are boys-only, which the school uses to foster a sense of brotherhood and camaraderie before students enter the co-educational environment in the pre-university years. For families transitioning into the IP, the school encourages students to build consistent study routines and develop strong time management habits to manage the academic workload effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions about Raffles Institution
Is Raffles Institution a good school?
Raffles Institution is one of Singapore's most established pre-tertiary institutions, with a history dating back to 1823. The school offers a six-year Integrated Programme focused on developing well-rounded individuals through academic rigour, character formation, and leadership development. It has received the MOE School Excellence Award and produces strong results at the A-Level examinations.
Is Raffles Institution a co-educational school?
RI admits boys at the secondary level (Years 1 to 4, ages 13 to 16). At the pre-university level (Years 5 and 6, ages 17 to 18), the school becomes co-educational, with female students from Raffles Girls' School joining the cohort.
What are the PSLE cut-off points for Raffles Institution?
For the 2024 intake, the indicative Achievement Level cut-off for the Integrated Programme was 4 to 6 for non-affiliated students. These figures reflect the score of the last student admitted in that cycle and may vary from year to year.
What is the history of Raffles Institution?
RI was founded in 1823 by Sir Stamford Raffles as the Singapore Institution, making it the oldest school in the country. Over the years, it has developed into an autonomous pre-tertiary institution offering the Integrated Programme, with a continued emphasis on academic depth and character development.
Does Raffles Institution offer the Integrated Programme?
Yes. RI offers a six-year Integrated Programme that takes students from Secondary 1 through to the pre-university level, bypassing the O-Level examinations and leading directly to the GCE A-Levels.
How can I apply to Raffles Institution?
Students can apply through the PSLE posting exercise based on their Achievement Level scores, or through the Direct School Admission (DSA) scheme for those with demonstrated talent in academics, sports, or the arts. DSA applications are submitted via the MOE DSA-Sec Portal, typically between May and June. Students continuing from the secondary IP track proceed directly to the pre-university phase.
What CCAs are available at Raffles Institution?
RI offers more than 40 CCAs spanning sports (such as Rugby, Swimming, and Track and Field), performing arts (including Chinese Orchestra and Symphony Band), clubs and societies (such as Robotics and Debate), and uniformed groups (including Scouts and NCC Sea). Several sports teams compete at the national level.
Does Raffles Institution offer leadership development programmes?
Yes. Leadership and character development are integrated into the Raffles Programme through the Raffles Leadership Institute and various co-curricular activities. Students participate in leadership retreats, resilience workshops, and community service initiatives as part of the school's broader approach to developing future leaders.
What university pathways are available after Raffles Institution?
Graduates from RI's A-Level programme typically apply to local universities such as NUS and NTU, as well as international institutions. The Integrated Programme is designed to build strong analytical, research, and communication skills that prepare students for higher education.
What are the school fees for Raffles Institution?
As an autonomous school, RI's fee structure follows MOE guidelines. Singapore citizens pay subsidised rates, with additional miscellaneous fees. Current fee details are available on the MOE website or by contacting the school directly.
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