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Anglo-Chinese School (Independent)

Singapore

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees SGD 24,852 - 37,278
Ages 12 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 2900
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1886
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), Singapore Curriculum
Taught languages Malay, Mandarin, Tamil, English
Typical class size 30
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies
Stages Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) caters to students ages 12 to 18. It offers the Singapore-Cambridge GCE 'O' Level curriculum Express Programme, leading to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. Facilities include science labs, sports fields, and a theatre that hosts annual performances, showcasing students' talents. A highlight of the school is its emphasis on character development through programs such as the ACSians-In-Action (AIA), which encourages students to take ownership in an overseas service-based project. Additionally, ACS(I) has a thriving sports programme and is accredited as a ‘Athlete-Friendly Education Centre’.

121 Dover Road, 139650, Singapore

The Essentials

Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) has 2,900 pupils, typical class sizes of 30, instruction in English.

Location

Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) is located at 121 Dover Road, within Singapore's Queenstown planning area. The school is conveniently accessible via public transportation, with Dover MRT station (East West Line) nearby. The Dover neighborhood is known for its educational institutions and offers a conducive environment for students.

Stages

The school is a Secondary School only

Type

Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) is a boys' school for students in Years 1 to 4 (Secondary 1 to 4) and becomes co-educational in Years 5 and 6 (Junior College levels), admitting both boys and girls. The school also offers boarding facilities, providing accommodation options for students.

Additional learning support

ACS(I) promotes an inclusive environment through targeted awareness and educational initiatives. It supports integration and the school expresses commitment to accommodating and integrating students with various educational needs

Country affiliation

The school does not have an affiliation with any particular country.​

Religious affiliation

Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) is affiliated with the Methodist Church in Singapore, reflecting its Christian ethos. ​

School day structure

Specific daily schedule details including exact start and end times, as well as lunch and break durations, are not publicly provided by the school.

Bus service

ACS(I) does not offer a bus service.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

The Boarding School is led by the Warden, who is the Principal of ACS(I), with Deputy Wardens who are Deputy Principals in the school. All Hallmasters and Hall Tutors are ACS(I) teachers responsible for boarders' day‑to‑day care. Rooms come in configurations of 6 beds, 4 beds or 2 beds; allocation to rooms is done by Hall Staff according to the boarders' age, responsibility level and needs; each room has an attached bathroom, built‑in cupboards and a desk, with hot water, air‑conditioning and ceiling fans; lounges, a television, internet access, a pantry and study rooms are available for common use. The Boarding School provides wireless internet access, daily laundry, weekly bed linen changes, and daily meals (breakfast, lunch on holidays and weekends, dinner and supper). Boarders' applications are submitted via Boarding School Application Forms to Ms Jasmin Tan, Manager, ACS(I) Boarding School, 119 Dover Road, Singapore 139656; queries may be directed to jasmin@acsindep.edu.sg or 6870 0900.

Uniform Requirement

Uniform matters are addressed by two uniform suppliers: BIBI & BABA and FINEST FASHION PTE LTD. Online ordering links are provided for both suppliers, with in‑person purchase options at listed retail shops and operating hours published by the suppliers.

Food Options

Boarders receive daily meals including breakfast, lunch (on holidays and weekends), dinner and supper.

House System

The ACS(I) House system comprises eight houses: Thoburn House, Oldham House, Cheong Koon Seng House, Tan Kah Kee House, Lee Seng Gee House, Goh Hood Keng House, Shaw Vee Meng House and Tan Chin Tuan House. Each house has its own leadership structure (House Leaders & Key Members) and mascots, and inter‑house competitions are held, including Annual Swimming Championships and Annual Cross Country Championships. The houses feature dedicated reports and galleries for tracking activities.

Governance and Ownership

The school is governed by the ACS(I) Board of Management and by the ACS Board of Governors. It is affiliated with a network of institutions including Anglo‑Chinese School (Primary), Anglo‑Chinese School (Junior), Anglo‑Chinese School (Barker Road), Anglo‑Chinese School (International), Anglo‑Chinese Junior College, ACSOBA and Living Waters Methodist Church.
Fees

Annual tuition at Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) ranges from SGD 24,852 to SGD 37,278 for 2026/27.

Application Fees
- Admission Examination Fee: Prospective international students are required to pay a non-refundable examination fee of SGD 200 when applying for admission.
- Entrance Fee: Upon successful admission, international students must pay a one-time, non-refundable entrance fee of SGD 8,000.

Tuition Fees
- Years 1 to 4 (Grades 7 to 10): SGD 2,000 per month, totaling SGD 24,000 per year.
- Years 5 and 6 (Grades 11 and 12): SGD 2,200 per month, totaling SGD 26,400 per year.

Billing Schedule and Payment Terms
Fees are collected quarterly via the GIRO system.

Boarding Fees
For international students opting for boarding, the following fees apply:
- Standard Room (4 or 6 Bedded): SGD 6,600 per semester (20 weeks), equating to SGD 330 per week.
- Single Room (12 sqm with private toilet): SGD 9,900 per semester, or SGD 495 per week.
- Single Room (15 sqm): SGD 9,000 per semester, or SGD 450 per week.
- Double Room (30 sqm): SGD 8,000 per semester, or SGD 400 per week.

New applicants are also charged a non-refundable administrative fee of SGD 80 and an application fee of SGD 200, which is deductible from the first payment. Additional fees for vacation stays during school holidays are charged at weekly rates, depending on the duration of stay.

Additional Costs
- Uniforms: Costs for uniforms are not specified and should be inquired about directly with the school.
- Miscellaneous Fees: Additional fees may include costs for textbooks, extracurricular activities, and other school-related expenses.

Refund Policy
Prospective parents are advised to contact the school's administration directly to obtain comprehensive information on refund policies and any other financial inquiries.
Academics

Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) teaches IB (DP), Singapore Curriculum for students aged 12 to 18.

Curriculum

Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) offers two academic tracks. The first is a four-year Express programme for Years 1 to 4 (ages 12–16), culminating in the Singapore-Cambridge GCE O-Level examinations. The second is a six-year Integrated Programme (IP) for high-ability students, leading directly to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Years 5 and 6 (ages 17–18). The IBDP comprises six subject groups and a core that includes Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), and the Extended Essay (EE). Students select one subject from each of the six groups, taking three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL). ​
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school emphasizes Well-being Education (WE) which focuses on building knowledge and skills that help students strengthen relationships, develop positive emotions, increase personal resilience, and foster a healthy lifestyle.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

ACS(I) is not a specialist SEN institution but actively promotes awareness and inclusion within its community. The school expresses commitment to accommodating and integrating students with various educational needs. Parents are encouraged to directly discuss individual requirements with the school to understand the specific supports available for SEN.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) does not offer a specific English as an Additional Language (EAL) program. Prospective parents concerned about EAL support are encouraged to contact the school's administration to discuss individual language support needs.

Mental Wellbeing

The school emphasizes Well-being Education (WE) which is designed to place well-being at the heart of education. This program focuses on building knowledge and skills that help students strengthen relationships, develop positive emotions, increase personal resilience, and foster a healthy lifestyle. The ACS (Independent) Well-being Education Model comprises four domains:​

* Best Life: Encourages students to feel good and do good, combining positive emotions with meaningful actions.​
* Character Strengths: Develops capacities for thinking, feeling, and behaving that exemplify human goodness.​
* PERMAH Elements: Incorporates Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment, and Health to contribute to overall well-being.​
* Implementation Framework: Engages students, staff, and stakeholders through learning, living, teaching, and embedding well-being practices.​

Safeguarding

ACS(I) adheres strictly to comprehensive Child Protection and Safeguarding policies to provide a secure and supportive environment. Safeguarding measures include rigorous recruitment processes, thorough background checks, and systematic professional training for all faculty, staff, and volunteers. Clear procedures are established for reporting and responding to suspected or disclosed abuse, with a robust management system ensuring confidentiality and accountability. The school maintains close collaboration with external agencies, including local and international child protection organizations, to enhance its safeguarding practices.
Parent Experience

History

ACS(I) was founded in 1886 by Bishop William Fitzjames Oldham, starting with 13 students. The school was established with the purpose of nurturing students to be of service "for God and humanity". In 1987, ACS was granted independent status by the Ministry of Education, leading to the establishment of ACS(I).

Community

ACS(I) fosters a vibrant community through various events that engage students, parents, and staff. For instance, the "Bring Your Parents to School Day" invites Year 1 students' parents to experience school life alongside their children, participating in activities like morning assembly and classroom sessions. The Parent Support Group (PSG) also organizes orientations and briefings to help parents integrate into the school community and support their children's educational journey. ​

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The PSG at ACS(I) plays a pivotal role in strengthening the school community. They organize events such as the Orientation, where parents are briefed and guided to support their children's transition into the school; and initiatives like the "Bring Your Parents to School Day," allowing parents to engage directly with the school environment and understand their children's daily experiences.
Gallery
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The school is located at 121 Dover Road, Singapore 139650. The campus features air-conditioned classrooms, lecture theatres, halls and auditoria. There are two performing arts centres (CPA) with seating for up to 1,000 and are equipped with a complete sound, video and production lighting system. The Boarding School is on site and provides wireless Internet access, daily meals, laundry, and medical care, supported by a Matron at the Medical Centre. The school is accredited as an Athlete-Friendly Education Centre (AFEC) by World Academy of Sports.

Sports Facilities

ACS(I) offers 19 Sports and Games CCAs, providing a wide range of athletic options from badminton to water polo. The school is accredited as an Athlete-Friendly Education Centre (AFEC) by World Academy of Sports. This accreditation supports the balance of high-level sport with IB study, including the option of a 3-year IB Diploma Programme for athletes. The medium of instruction is English.

Academic Facilities

ACS(I) offers two academic tracks: a four-year Express programme leading to GCE O-Level and a six-year Integrated Programme (IP) leading to the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP). The IP caters to academically strong students, typically the top 10% of the nation's cohort. The IBDP comprises three Higher Level (HL) subjects, three Standard Level (SL) subjects and core requirements Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and Creativity, Activity, Service. The medium of instruction is English. Enrollment is around 2,800 students from Years 1 to 6, with Years 1–4 admitting only boys and Years 5–6 being co-educational. The academic calendar runs January to December with two semesters.

Extra Curricular Facilities

ACS(I) offers over 60 CCAs across Sports and Games, Performing Arts, Clubs and Societies and Uniformed Groups. Year 1 to 4 students are expected to participate in two CCAs, with one being a Uniformed Group, while Year 5 to 6 students participate in at least one CCA. CCAs have earned accolades in academic competitions, clubs and societies, sports, performing arts and uniformed groups. Values in Action (VIA) and service to the community are integrated into school life.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

ACS(I) offers two academic tracks: the four-year Express programme leading to the GCE O-Level Examinations, and the six-year Integrated Programme (IP) leading to the IB Diploma Programme. The IP allows progression from secondary to pre-university education without sitting the GCE O-Level Examinations. The school is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, authorised in 2005 and a pioneer national school to offer the IB Diploma Programme. The SEC Programme is also part of the school's offerings.

Arts & Creative

There are 10 Performing Arts CCAs, providing opportunities for involvement in music, drama, dance, and related arts.

Cultural & Language

The school includes a Mother Tongue department as part of its language provision.

Social & Hobbies

ACS(I) offers 60 CCAs in total, including 19 Sports and Games CCAs and 10 Performing Arts CCAs.

Community & Service

Values in Action (VIA) is a key component of community engagement within the curriculum. Pastoral Care & Career Guidance (PCCG) provides wellbeing education and career guidance.

Leadership & Professional

Pastoral Care & Career Guidance (PCCG) supports wellbeing and career guidance; Student Leadership is part of the school's student development. Talent Development programmes include the 3 Year Programme for Athletes, ACS Accelerated Class for Science (ACis), ASP, and other initiatives.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

The ACS(I) Boarding School was established in 1994 and houses about 500 students and staff. The school is accredited as an Athlete Friendly Education Centre (AFEC) by World Academy of Sports.
Languages

Language Provision

English-language offerings include English Language A subjects such as Language & Literature (English) in the IB DP. Group 2 language options include Chinese B, Malay B, Tamil B, Hindi B and Spanish ab initio. Foreign Languages may be taken as a ninth subject outside curriculum time in the Integrated Programme. The MTL policy requires study of Chinese, Malay and Tamil as official MTL for Singaporeans/PRs.

Bilingual Teaching

The school provides English-language instruction for the Integrated Programme and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The Ministry of Education's Mother Tongue Language policy requires Singaporean or Permanent Resident students to study their official MTL. ACS (Independent) offers MTL / Language Acquisition subjects including Chinese (Chinese, Higher Chinese, Chinese B), Malay (Malay, Higher Malay, Malay B) and Tamil (Tamil, Higher Tamil, Literature in Tamil, Tamil B) for Years 1–4. Some MTL subjects are conducted outside the school in designated MOE centres.
Reputation

Awards

School Excellence Award – ACS(I) holds the Ministry of Education’s School Excellence Award, the highest accolade for schools in Singapore, reflecting sustained all-round excellence

Singapore Green Awards – Kopsia Award (2023) – ACS(I) received the Singapore Kopsia Award under the national School Green Awards program. This award is a top-tier recognition for junior colleges excelling in environmental sustainability.

South West CDC “Green Schools” Award - ACS(I) was recognized for its community outreach and service-learning program

Aside from the above, ACS(I) routinely garners team awards in sports like swimming, badminton, squash, and track & field, contributing to its longstanding recognition as a top school in sports.

Accreditations

International Baccalaureate (IB) World School: Authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme since April 2005, ACS(I) was the first national school in Singapore to provide this internationally recognized curriculum.

Athlete Friendly Education Centre (AFEC): Accredited by the World Academy of Sports in August 2023, this designation allows ACS(I) to offer a three-year IB Diploma Programme tailored for high-performing student-athletes.
Admissions

Admissions

Attend an Open House or School Tour. Participating in these events provides insight into the school's environment, culture, and facilities. ACS(I) typically announces such events on their official website; attending can help families make informed decisions.

Submit an Application. Complete the application form, ensuring that all necessary documents (like academic records, identity proofs, etc.) are submitted.

Prepare for Selection Assessments. Applicants may be required to undergo assessments such as written tests, auditions, or interviews, depending on the programme or talent area. For example, Music Elective Programme applicants must complete a written test and an audition.

Await Admission Decisions. After assessments, the school will notify applicants of their admission status. Successful candidates will receive further instructions regarding enrollment and orientation.

Complete Enrollment Formalities. Accepted students must complete registration procedures, which may include submitting additional documents, purchasing uniforms, and attending orientation sessions.

Scholarships

Humanities Scholarship and Programme (HSP): Offered by the Ministry of Education, this prestigious scholarship encourages outstanding students to study the humanities at the pre-university level. ACS(I) is the first and only HSP centre offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Scholars engage in a comprehensive Humanities Programme designed to nurture their talents and discern their role in society.

Waitlist

ACS(I) utilizes a waitlist system as part of its admissions process, particularly within the Direct School Admission-Secondary (DSA-Sec) exercise. During this process, the applicant receives a Waitlist Offer.

Applicants who receive a Waitlist Offer are required to indicate their school preferences during the School Preference Submission period. The final admission decision for waitlisted candidates is determined after the release of the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) results, based on the availability of vacancies and the applicant's PSLE performance. It's important to note that receiving a Waitlist Offer does not guarantee eventual admission.
School Events
The school has not added events