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Technical and vocational schools provide training for daily living skills, helping students develop capabilities, and gain know-how on different courses. Many universities offer vocational courses meant to enhance the knowledge, work attachments, and self-management of students taking the course.
Starting a technical or vocational school in Singapore requires dedicated staff who have expertise in specific fields, as well as the capabilities to train students, and form a functional curriculum for students to hone their skills. Here's what you need to consider when opening a vocational school in Singapore.
How to Open a Vocational School (Singapore)
An increasing number of foreign institutions and domestic companies are attempting to penetrate the market by opening up private schools. In addition to academic centres, many businesses are turning their focus on non-academic schools due to an increasing demand for vocational training.
With the purpose of streamlining and developing the education industry, Singapore authorities have introduced some statutory requirements and regulations to this sector. To guide you through the process, this post will show you simple steps on how to start a non-academic private school in Singapore.
What is a Non-academic Private School?
Unlike academic institutions which offer formal and theoretical courses, non-academic private schools often provide services with specific technical skills. These schools mainly focus on hands-on and practical learning experiences, teaching students daily living skills. The schools are more akin to training facilities, where students often learn to meet qualifications for employment, or develop other skills used day-to-day.
Some examples include driving schools, cooking schools, sewing schools, hospitality schools, hair styling schools, sports schools, or self-management schools. Another difference between non-academic and academic schools is that you are not required to register with the Singapore Ministry of Education.
How to set up a non-academic private school in Singapore
Since there is no need to acquire a permit or licence to set up a non-academic private school in Singapore. The whole process can be relatively simple and quick compared to opening a kindergarten or academic institution. Here are a few simple steps that you need to do:
1. Plan the Business
Just like any other businesses, it is important to make a comprehensive plan before you start opening up a non-academic private school. Make sure to do your research and understand what the local authorities require to prevent any legal problems in the future.
You should figure out the targeted client bases, identify possible opportunities and risk, find out staffing requirements and salaries for teachers, as well as calculate the budgets for the business.
In addition, choose a suitable name for the school. Keep in mind that you will use this name for both the school and the business that you are going to register with the Singapore Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority.
Helpful Tip: The following words aren’t allowed to be included in the name without permission from the authorities: international, college, conservatory, university, national, and Singapore.
2. Register the Business
Next, you need to incorporate your company by registering with the Singapore Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority. The chosen type of business entity that you register will depend on your business model and the scale of the school.
In general, there are three most common choices, including sole proprietorship, private limited, and partnership. Since each form has its own advantages and disadvantages, you need to take every important factor into consideration.
3. Prepare the Premise
Because non-academic private schools are not subjected to any regulations and rules of the government, there are no guidelines for opening the facilities. However, you should ensure that the premise that you are going to use should be zoned for commercial purposes by the Singapore Urban Redevelopment Authority.
You need to get a building work permit from the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore to perform any major construction. The school will need to follow the regulations set to ensure that the premises are safe for the nature of its use, and will not pose a threat, hazard, or major inconvenience to the public.
4. Acquire Accreditation
Acquiring accreditation is unnecessary for a non-academic private school, but if you want to improve your prestige, as well as attract more international students, then it is a good idea to apply for the Case Trust for Education accreditation.
The Singapore Quality Class is a well-known certificate that could help create positive images in parents about your program. For financial and professional support, the EduTrust certification can be a great option since the organisation will provide financial assistance for those institutions which are planning to upgrade and improve their educational capabilities.
With a growing number of non-academic private schools incorporated in the country, getting accreditation is a good tactic to find more students, provide better training, hire more experienced teachers, and provide students with the necessary know-how to get through life and employment.
5. Obtain Licences If Necessary
As mentioned earlier, you are not required to acquire any licences or permits from the Singapore Ministry of Education or the Council for Private Education. However, if you want to deliver some other services and extra activities, it is necessary to seek permission from the authorities.
These include opening a food court, coffee shop or canteen inside the facility, installing television sets, advertising your school, importing books and other materials, as well as publishing an educational magazine. Of course, this will completely depend on your purposes and curriculum.
Open Your School with WealthBridge
Managing an entire school, even a non-academic one, is a challenge in itself, and requires your full attention. Focus on training each student, and let us at WealthBridge handle the incorporation services in Singapore. We'll incorporate your business, and handle documentation so you can work on building your company.
Contact us today to get started on opening your training school!