Common pricing models
| Model | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Per active student | A fixed fee per enrolled student per month. | Centres whose enrolment varies by term. |
| Tiered plans | Flat price for a band of students (e.g. up to 100, up to 300). | Stable enrolment; predictable budgeting. |
| Per module | Base price plus add-ons such as billing or parent app. | Schools that only need part of the system. |
| Per branch / campus | A fee per location, sometimes combined with per-student pricing. | Multi-branch operators. |
| One-time licence | Upfront licence plus annual maintenance. Rare today. | Large schools with on-premise IT requirements. |
What drives the price?
- Number of students — the biggest factor under most models.
- Number of branches or campuses.
- Modules — billing, parent app, report cards and admissions are sometimes priced separately.
- Data migration — importing years of records and outstanding balances costs more.
- Customisation — custom reports, integrations and branded apps.
- Support level — dedicated account management or on-site training.
Hidden costs to ask about
- Payment processing fees on card payments (PayNow and GIRO are usually cheaper).
- SMS charges for notifications sent by text instead of the app.
- Extra staff or admin accounts.
- Training for new staff after go-live.
- Data export fees if you later leave.
- Annual price increases after the first contract year.
How to calculate three-year total cost
Use this formula for each vendor you shortlist:
3-year cost = setup & migration + (monthly subscription × 36) + add-ons + estimated payment fees − grant support
Then weigh it against what the software saves: admin hours spent on invoicing, reconciliation and chasing fees, and revenue recovered from fewer overdue payments and missed make-up lessons. For many centres, recovering a few overdue fees a month covers the subscription.
SchoolSoftware.sg pricing
SchoolSoftware.sg is priced per active student with no charge for inactive or graduated students, and data migration is included. Book a demo for a quote based on your enrolment.