By Jane Ng

ANOTHER international school will come on the scene by September next year, offering an American-style curriculum to an eventual enrolment of 2,500.

The Stamford American International School will be set up by Cognita, an international education group that runs 50 schools worldwide, including the Australian International School here.

The group has been awarded a former school site in Upper Serangoon by the Government, which, for the first time in August, listed public buildings and vacant plots to be made available to run up to four more foreign schools.

Its call for proposals for these additional schools was in response to an overwhelming demand for places; international schools were full and had long waiting lists. The shortage of places was so dire that it was a stumbling block for companies looking to bring in expatriate employees and their families.

But in a sign of how the economic downturn has dampened activity even in the education industry, the government committee chaired by the Economic Development Board (EDB) offered just one site - to Cognita - even though it received more than 20 proposals.

EDB's director of education and professional services, Mr Toh Wee Khiang, said many proposals were very good, but the committee decided to take a conservative view because of the economic situation.

'It's better to be prudent. With the current economic situation, there will be some volatility, but in the long term, we are confident the demand will remain strong.'

Turning to Cognita, he said the new school would ease the shortage of places, and that the committee may make another call for proposals next year.

The recent proposals were assessed on factors such as the quality of their education programmes, track record, amount invested and commitment to start classes next year.

Mr Toh said Cognita was picked because of 'a clear, immediate demand' for an American-style curriculum, and also because it had a good track record and was a trusted brand name.

After taking over the running of the Australian International School last year, Cognita announced a $33 million expansion plan just months after the school opened a new extension for its pre-schoolers.

Its managing director for Asia, Mr Brian Rogove, said the company is keen to expand its presence here and in South-east Asia. It recently set up its Asian regional headquarters here.

Stamford American International School will start next year with 600 pupils from kindergarten to Grade 6 or 8, and use an interim campus until its Serangoon site is ready in 2011.

The premises of the former Upper Serangoon Secondary at 279, Upper Serangoon Road, will be torn down to make way for Stamford's campus.

Mr Rogove said the school's eventual enrolment will include students up to Grade 12. Its United States-based curriculum will have a strong focus on foreign languages.

To date, 19 international schools are using state properties as campuses.

janeng@sph.com.sg

This article was first published in The Straits Times on 25 Nov, 2008.