Teacher recruitment agencies for Singapore

MOE, CPE and where international schools fit

A Wikipedia summary of Singapore education says the Ministry of Education controls state schools and has an advisory and supervisory role over private schools. It describes the Committee for Private Education as a statutory board regulating the private education sector under the Private Education Act, under an Enhanced Registration Framework that sets requirements for managers, teachers, courses and examination boards.

It adds that international and private schools generally cannot admit Singapore students without permission from the Ministry. Whether a particular school sits under the Committee depends on its status, so ask it directly.

The Employment Pass tests

Ministry of Manpower guidance says the pass is for foreign professionals, managers, executives and technicians, and employers must show fair consideration of jobseekers, including advertising on MyCareersFuture. The qualifying salary currently starts at S$5,600 a month for age 23 or below, S$8,382 at 35 and S$10,700 at 45 or above, rising from 1 January 2027 for new applications to S$6,000, S$9,000 and S$11,500.

Applications must also earn 40 points under the COMPASS framework, scored on salary, qualifications, nationality diversity within the firm and support for local employment, with bonus points for shortage occupations.

Questions for a school

Ask whether the school sponsors the pass itself, what salary it expects to declare, and whether your degree counts as a top-tier qualification under the scoring.