| Anglo-Chinese School (International) | |
|---|---|
61 Jln Hitam Manis, Singapore 278475 | |
| Information | |
| Type | Middle/High School |
| Motto | To God Be The Glory, The Best Is Yet To Be |
| Established | 2005 |
| Founder | William Fitzjames Oldham |
| Principal |
|
| Staff | 140 |
| Gender | Mixed (Y1-6) |
| Age range | 12-18 |
| Enrolment | Approx. 1,300 |
| Colour | Red Blue Gold |
| Song | ACS Anthem |
| Website | https://www.acsinternational.edu.sg |
ACS (International), Singapore is an independent co-educational international middle/high school located at Jalan Hitam Manis in Singapore. The school offers secondary and pre-university education through the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). It admits both Singaporean and international students and is part of the wider Anglo-Chinese School (ACS) family of institutions.
The school serves students from approximately ages 12 to 18 and provides a curriculum that combines international academic frameworks with a values-based education rooted in the Methodist tradition. The school is known for its excellent 'top of the world' results in the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), and in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), where the school ranks consistently among the top 10 IB World Schools in terms of academic results, with an average 2024 IB score of 39.5.
ACS (International) was established in 2005 to meet growing demand for an international curriculum that would remain accessible to Singapore citizens while maintaining strong academic standards. Although it shares heritage and values with other Anglo-Chinese Schools in Singapore, ACS (International) operates independently and is governed separately.
Since its founding, the school has expanded its student population and academic offerings, enrolling students from more than 25 nationalities. The student body comprises both Singaporean and international students, reflecting the school’s dual local-international character.
The school is located at 61 Jalan Hitam Manis in a residential area near Bukit Timah. The campus includes science laboratories, specialist classrooms, performing arts spaces, sports facilities, and boarding accommodation for students who require residential options. The school also supports a wide range of co-curricular activities, including sports, performing arts, service learning, and leadership development.
ACS (International) offers a structured secondary-to-pre-university academic pathway:
In the lower secondary years (Grades 7 and 8), students follow a broad curriculum designed to prepare them for the Cambridge IGCSE programme. Subjects include English, mathematics, sciences, humanities, languages, and creative and physical education.
In Grades 9 and 10, students undertake the Cambridge IGCSE programme. Students typically study a combination of compulsory and elective subjects, which include English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Geography, History, and various arts and language subjects.
ACS (International), Singapore offers a comprehensive range of subjects within the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Students select six subjects, one from each of the six IB subject groups, and study three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL), alongside the IB Core components: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). [1] In Group 1 (Studies in Language and Literature), students can take English Language and Literature, Chinese Language and Literature, or other language A options; Group 2 (Language Acquisition) includes English B, Chinese B, French B, Malay B, Spanish B, and ab initio courses in several languages. In Group 3 (Individuals and Societies), subjects include Economics, Business Management, Geography, History, and Psychology, while Group 4 (Sciences) offers Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Sports, Exercise and Health Science. For Group 5 (Mathematics), students can choose between Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation. Group 6 (Arts and Electives) provides Music, Visual Arts, Theatre, or alternatively a subject from Group 3 or Group 4. The programme is designed to provide a broad and balanced education across languages, humanities, sciences, mathematics, and the arts, with subject availability varying according to student demand and staffing. [2]
ACS (International) admits both Singaporean citizens and international students. Entry requirements vary by grade level and may include academic records, entrance assessments, and interviews. Singaporean applicants may be required to submit Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) results for lower secondary entry. Unlike some international schools in Singapore, ACS (International) is authorised to admit local students without restriction at the secondary level.
ACS (International) has consistently reported strong academic outcomes in both the Cambridge IGCSE and IB Diploma Programme.
Several students from the school have received “Top in the World” awards in the Cambridge IGCSE examinations. These awards, conferred by Cambridge Assessment International Education, recognise candidates who achieve the highest mark globally in a given subject and examination session. Such distinctions highlight the school’s ability to produce students performing at the highest international level.
Overall IGCSE results at ACS (International) show high pass rates across subjects, with a significant proportion of grades awarded in the top bands (A*–A or equivalent numerical grades), reflecting both breadth and depth of academic achievement.
At the pre-university level, the school’s average International Baccalaureate Diploma score has consistently exceeded the global IB average. Comparative data from international school league tables place ACS (International) among the higher-performing international schools in Singapore, with reported average scores in the high-30s. A substantial proportion of students also achieve scores of 40 points or more. Many of these students go on to top universities around the world, notably universities like the University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, Harvard University, Columbia University, UCL, LSE, NUS, and more.
The school offers a range of co-curricular activities, including sports, performing arts, service learning, and leadership programmes. Students participate in community service initiatives and overseas learning experiences as part of the school’s emphasis on holistic education and global citizenship.
ACS (International) uses a house system as part of its pastoral care and student life framework. Every student is allocated to one of eight houses, which serve as communities for mentorship, leadership development, and inter‑house activities throughout the year. Each house is guided by a Head of House, House Tutors, and student House Prefects, and fosters friendly competition through sports, arts, and charity events.
The eight houses are named after distinguished figures associated with the Anglo‑Chinese School tradition and heritage:
Cheong Koon Seng House (CKS) – named after Cheong Koon Seng, an early ACS alumnus and community leader.
Tan Chin Tuan House (TCT) – named after philanthropist and civic leader Tan Sri Tan Chin Tuan.
Shaw Vee Meng House (SVM) – named after businessman and benefactor Shaw Vee Meng.
Goh Hood Keng House (GHK) – named after Reverend Goh Hood Keng, teacher and Methodist minister.
Lee Seng Gee House (LSG) – named after philanthropist Dr Lee Seng Gee.
Oldham House (OLD) – named after Bishop William F. Oldham, founder of ACS.
Tan Kah Kee House (TKK) – named after pioneer educator and philanthropist Tan Kah Kee.
Thoburn House (THO) – named after Bishop James Thoburn, an early Methodist mission leader.
ACS (International) is part of the broader Anglo-Chinese School family, which includes Anglo-Chinese School (Independent), Anglo-Chinese Junior College, and other ACS institutions in Singapore and overseas. These schools share a common heritage, educational philosophy, and emphasis on character development.