Education with Purpose: EtonHouse Pledges $3M to Empower Families Through Learning

EtonHouse International Group Commits $3 Million to Support Disadvantaged Children

Marking its 30th anniversary, EtonHouse International Education Group, together with E-Bridge Pre-School, reportedly pledged $3 million over the next three years to the EtonHouse Community Fund (ECF), an IPC charity supporting children and families in need. Observers noted that this new commitment builds on nearly $5 million previously channelled into ECF since its inception during the Group’s 20th anniversary. The announcement was widely interpreted as a reaffirmation of the organisation’s long-standing vision: integrating quality education with meaningful community support.

The Group’s journey was said to have begun in 1995, when founder Dr Ng Gim Choo, inspired by her daughter’s early learning experiences in the UK, established the first EtonHouse international school in Singapore. Dr Ng reportedly envisioned a nurturing environment that fostered curiosity and a love for learning. She reflected that her greatest satisfaction came not from the number of campuses, but from hearing stories of children who eagerly looked forward to school, flourished in life, and developed a lifelong passion for learning. From a single campus on Broadrick Road, EtonHouse has since grown into a global network of over 100 schools across nine countries, which analysts described as a testament to its commitment to transformative education and social upliftment.

The Group’s educational philosophy, rooted in inquiry-based learning, is embedded in its “Inquire–Think–Learn” curriculum. Its international schools are recognised for bilingual programmes and globally respected qualifications such as IBPYP, IGCSE, and A-Level certifications. Over the years, EtonHouse has earned accolades, positioning it among the region’s leading school networks. Today, it operates across multiple segments, including pre-schools, primary schools, international schools, enrichment centres, and after-school care programmes. Industry commentators observed that the Group caters to diverse families by offering both premium and affordable schooling options. As an Anchor Operator, EtonHouse was also credited for delivering high-quality, accessible early years education through E-Bridge Pre-Schools.

Since 2020, under the leadership of Group CEO Mr Ng Yi-Xian, the organisation has reportedly expanded its offerings. This includes the launch of Middleton International School, aimed at providing affordable international education, and The Eton Academy, described as a learning centre offering academic support. In 2025, the Group introduced Elevate After School Care, which provides holistic support for primary-aged children. Analysts noted that Mr Ng has been steering the Group towards becoming a billion-dollar enterprise, combining international expansion with service diversification while maintaining a commitment to sustainable education models. New campuses were said to be in development in Saudi Arabia and Bangkok, reflecting the Group’s global ambitions. Mr Ng was quoted as saying that as EtonHouse celebrates three decades, its mission remains unchanged: preparing children not only for the present but for the future they will help shape. He emphasised the importance of blending established educational philosophies with innovative learning methods to nurture confident and compassionate global citizens.

Through the EtonHouse Community Fund, established in 2015, the Group has reportedly extended its mission beyond the classroom. Analysts highlighted that the initiative was launched in response to social challenges in Singapore, where nearly one-quarter of households live in relative poverty, and over 22,000 children grow up in public rental flats, often facing barriers to quality education. ECF’s work has been linked to international education support programmes, bursaries, and reading schemes that assist children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Programmes such as the Joyful Learning Reading Programme, ECF CARES Bursary, and Youth Study Sponsorship were cited as examples of initiatives supporting students from pre-school through post-secondary levels. Commentators noted that these efforts promote holistic development, resilience, and academic progress, helping to create fairer starting points for children across society.

Looking ahead, ECF aims to raise $7 million over the next three years to reach nearly 7,000 young people, generating a ripple effect that benefits families and communities. In addition to fundraising, the Group launched the “30 Years in Motion” challenge, inviting students, families, and staff to collectively walk or run 30,000 kilometres by December 2025. Each kilometre contributes to donations for disadvantaged children, supported by the Tote Board’s matching grant. The campaign, aligned with the national Healthier SG initiative, was described as reflecting the belief that “education for all” requires both academic and social action. The anniversary celebrations included a staff dinner at the Shangri-La Hotel in August 2025, attended by over 800 staff members, including colleagues from overseas campuses. The Guest of Honour was Minister of State for Social and Family Development, Mr Goh Pei Ming. Commentators remarked that the event honoured the contributions of EtonHouse’s 5,000 staff worldwide, whose dedication has shaped thousands of young lives.

E-Bridge Pre-Schools were reported to have received multiple accolades from the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), including the “Outstanding Centre for Teaching and Learning Award” in 2019, 2023, and 2024. Educators have also been recognised nationally for excellence and innovation in teaching. In China, EtonHouse Suzhou was named among the country’s top international schools, and the Group received the Forbes China Best International Education Group Award in 2023. In Singapore, EtonHouse won honours at the HoneyKids Education Awards 2024, including Gold for “Best Bilingual Programme.” The Group’s partnerships with governments were also highlighted as key to its growth. These included participation in Singapore’s Anchor Operator Scheme, through which E-Bridge Pre-Schools were established to provide affordable infant and primary education. In China, expansions to Suzhou and Nanjing were reportedly initiated at the invitation of local authorities. In Singapore, Middleton International School was launched after securing an EDB tender to offer affordable options for expatriate families.

After three decades, analysts concluded that EtonHouse stands out not only as a global academy of teaching and learning, but also as a leader among education providers that integrate academic excellence with community responsibility. Its consistent focus on access, equity, and quality education has positioned it among the best school networks in the region. As EtonHouse looks to the future, its challenge will be to sustain growth while remaining true to its founding mission: empowering children and communities through education.

Editor’s Note:

The 30th anniversary of EtonHouse is not just a celebration of time, it is a reminder of what education should truly stand for. In today’s world, private schools are often criticised for being too exclusive. However, EtonHouse has chosen a different path. It has stayed true to its original mission: to combine strong academic learning with a real sense of social responsibility. The Group’s new pledge of $3 million to the EtonHouse Community Fund (ECF), added to the nearly $5 million it has already invested, is more than a kind donation. It shows a clear belief that education has a role to play in reducing social inequality. What makes EtonHouse stand out is its belief that learning cannot be separated from everyday life. The Group has not only expanded affordable international schooling through Middleton International School and E-Bridge Pre-Schools, but it has also launched Elevate After School Care and The Eton Academy to support children in their studies. While its global network of schools, respected curriculum, and many awards are impressive, its deeper purpose is shown in its work with children from rental flats, its bursary schemes, and its reading programmes. These efforts prove that education at EtonHouse is not just about classrooms, but about giving real opportunities to children who need them most. As EtonHouse continues to grow into a billion-dollar organisation, it must be careful not to lose its direction. The danger for many large education groups is becoming too focused on profit and commercial success. For EtonHouse, the real task is to keep building sustainable and fair models that serve all families. Education should never become only a private privilege; it should remain a public good that benefits everyone.

Skoobuzz believes that if more schools and education groups followed this example, expanding with care, showing empathy, and making access to learning their top priority, the future of global education would look far brighter.