AEIS preparation in Singapore: how to choose a plan

How to Prepare for the AEIS Exam in Singapore: A Parent’s Guide to Choosing the Right Plan

If you are moving to Singapore, school planning can feel urgent.

For many international families, AEIS is the main pathway into Singapore’s mainstream primary or secondary schools.

In this guide, you will see what AEIS is, what to prepare, and how to choose a prep route that fits your child and your timeline.

Who this guide is for

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Your child is an international student.

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You want to apply to a mainstream Singapore primary school (Primary 2 to 5) or secondary school (Secondary 1 to 3).

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You are deciding between self-study, tuition classes, small groups, or 1-to-1 support.

If you are unsure which level your child should apply for, check MOE’s AEIS eligibility criteria.

This guide is not for you if:

You are applying to Primary 1 (different route).
You only want international schools

What is AEIS in one line

AEIS is an exam that lets international students qualify for a place in Singapore’s mainstream schools if they do well.
“Qualify” does not mean a place is guaranteed. Your child needs a strong result, and posting depends on available places.

What you actually prepare for

AEIS preparation is different for Primary and Secondary.

Primary AEIS: Maths test, plus a separate English requirement

For Primary 2 to 5 entry, the test itself is mainly Mathematics.

But English still matters.

For Primary applications, MOE also asks for a Cambridge English Qualifications (CEQ) statement of results during application.

Cambridge explains what you will see on the Statement of Results.

So your child may need to meet an English requirement before you can even apply.

What this means for you:



Mathematic revision

Your child needs Maths exam practice.



English is key

Your child may also need English preparation earlier, so they can take CEQ and meet the required score.

Secondary AEIS: English and Maths tests

For Secondary 1 to 3 entry, your child takes English and Mathematics.

The English part usually includes:

j

Writing

Clear structure, correct grammar, answering the question



Comprehension or language use

Reading carefully, vocabulary, grammar in context

If your child is weak in writing, it often becomes the biggest limiter.

AEIS and S-AEIS timeline: when the test happens

The dates can change, so always check MOE for the latest schedule on the MOE AEIS page.

Here is the high-level pattern families use for planning:

AEIS (for next-year admission): application is usually in July, with tests in September or October.
S-AEIS (supplementary window): application is usually in early January, with tests in late February or early March. For the latest schedule, see MOE S-AEIS application dates.

A simple rule: do not wait until the application opens to start preparing. Most children need a runway.

A practical preparation timeline

There is no one perfect plan. But most good plans follow the same phases.

Phase 1 (Week 0–1): start with an assessment

Before you choose any class, check your child’s current level.

You can start with an English placement test, then plan your next steps based on the results.

This matters because AEIS prep is not “one size fits all”.

For English, many schools use CEFR as a level frame. It ranges from A1 (beginner) to C2 (advanced).

If you want a rough idea of time, here is a guide on how many hours it takes per CEFR level.

For a child, you do not need to be obsessed with the label. You want to know the gap:

Can your child read age-level texts?
Can your child write a clear paragraph?
Does your child understand instructions quickly?

Do a test to find out your level - English Express

Phase 2 (Weeks 2–8): build foundations

This is where real improvement happens.

For Secondary English, foundations usually mean:

Reading every week (to build speed and vocabulary)
Grammar control (sentence accuracy)
Paragraph structure (topic sentence, support, conclusion)
Writing routines (plan, write, review)

For Maths (Primary or Secondary), foundations usually mean:

Fill gaps in weak topics
Practise common question types
Show clear working

Phase 3 (Weeks 9–12+): timed practice with feedback

Closer to the test, shift to exam conditions.

The goal is not just “do more papers”.

The goal is:

Do timed practice
Mark it properly
Fix the pattern of mistakes
Repeat the weakest areas

Do not memorise english test - english express

How intense is AEIS preparation, realistically?

Most children still have school, homework, and family routines.

A common rhythm is:

1 to 2 lessons a week, and
homework between lessons.

Homework is where progress sticks.

A simple weekly routine (example):

Reading: 15–25 minutes, 4–6 days a week
Vocabulary: 10 minutes, 4–6 days a week
Writing: 1 task a week, with corrections
Comprehension: 1–2 timed practices a week
Maths: 2–4 short practices a week (depending on level)

If the routine is too heavy, children burn out. If it is too light, nothing changes.

Working hard for AEIS success - English Express

AEIS preparation options in Singapore (and who each option fits)

Many parents ask, “What is the best option?”



Faster correction cycles (especially for writing)

Best fit if:

Time is short.
Your child has big gaps.
Your child needs targeted help (for example, writing structure).

Con



Higher cost



Progress still depends on homework

Common pitfalls to avoid in AEIS preparation

Most AEIS problems are not “the child is not smart”.

They are planning problems.

Starting too late

Language improvement takes time.

If your child needs stronger reading and writing, it is hard to compress into a few weeks.

Joining a one-size-fits-all class without checking level

If the class is too easy, your child gets bored.

If it is too hard, your child loses confidence.

Start with an assessment, then decide.

Doing many papers with little feedback

Practice is useful only when your child learns from it.

If nobody explains the mistakes, your child may repeat the same errors for months.

Ignoring writing planning (Secondary)

Many children can write sentences.

But they do not answer the question clearly, or they write without structure.

Writing needs a simple routine: plan → write → correct → rewrite.

Overloading the child

More hours is not always better.

A steady routine usually beats an intense routine that lasts two weeks.

AEIS hard to form a group class Singapore

How long does it take to prepare for AEIS?

There is no fixed number of months.

It depends on the gap.

What the timeline depends on

Your child’s current English level and reading habits
How far your child is from the target
How many study hours you can sustain each week
Whether your child gets real feedback (especially for writing)

Practical time ranges many families use

These are rough ranges, not promises.

If your child is close to the needed level: often 2 to 3 months of focused practice can help.
If your child needs to build English foundations: often 4 to 9 months (or longer) is more realistic.

A simple way to think about it:

Maths can improve faster with practice.
English is a skill. It grows with repeated reading, writing, and correction.

In short: which route fits your child best?

There is no one “best” plan for every family.

Use this checklist with any provider you are considering:

If you are not sure of your child’s level, start with an assessment before you pick a class.
If your child needs writing help, choose a plan that includes corrections and feedback, not only worksheets.
If you have less than 3 months, focus on the biggest gaps first. Do not try to fix everything at once.
If your child is motivated and already strong, self-study plus a few mock tests may be enough.
If your child lacks routine, a weekly class (group or small group) can help you stay consistent.

How English Express can help with the English language portion

English Express is one option for AEIS English support in Singapore.

Our approach starts with an assessment. We do not assume every child needs the same prep.

For students preparing for Secondary AEIS English, support often focuses on:

Writing structure (clear answers, paragraphing, planning)
Grammar control (fewer basic errors)
Reading and comprehension speed
Exam practice with feedback (so mistakes do not repeat)

English Express may be a good fit if:

Your child needs clear feedback, especially for writing.
You want a structured plan that matches your child’s current level.

You may prefer a different option if:

Your child only needs Maths support.
You only want last-minute drilling with no homework plan.

If you want to see how our exam support works, you can read our exam preparation page.

FAQ

Is AEIS the only route into mainstream schools?

For many international students, AEIS (or S-AEIS) is the main route.

Some families also consider international schools or other pathways, depending on age and visa status. If you are unsure, start by checking MOE’s pages.

Does my child need English even if Primary AEIS is mainly Maths?

Yes.

For Primary applications, English is handled through a separate requirement (Cambridge English Qualifications). So it is worth planning for English early.

How often should my child practise writing?

For Secondary English, many children do well with:

1 writing task a week, plus
correction and a rewrite.

Without correction, writing practice is much less useful.

What if we miss the AEIS window?

Some families use S-AEIS (the supplementary exercise) as the next option.

For the latest schedule, see MOE S-AEIS application dates.

What’s next?

If you are planning AEIS preparation, a good first step is to find your child’s current level.

If you feel this kind of support might suit your child, you can take our free English placement test. It takes a few minutes and helps you see your child’s level and the next steps you can take.

At English Express and other Crystal Learning language schools, we see language, first of all, as a tool. It is a tool to understand courses you plan to take or to communicate with your colleagues well.

Many students spend money to take the WPLN test but don't do well because they are not at the correct level.

Over here, we spent years perfecting a test to determine your level. Instead of spending money to do it elsewhere, do it here first for free to quickly find out where you are at now.