Gan Eng Seng School: A Legacy of Excellence in Singapore

Introduction

Choosing the right school for your child is a significant decision, and Gan Eng Seng School (GESS) in Bukit Merah stands out as a premier choice for quality education in Singapore. With a legacy spanning over 140 years, GESS combines a rich history with a commitment to fostering well-rounded, innovative, and principled students.

School Overview

Founded in 1885 by philanthropist Gan Eng Seng, GESS is one of Singapore’s oldest schools, originally established as the Anglo-Chinese Free School to provide free education to underprivileged boys. It became co-educational in 1987 and has since relocated multiple times, settling at its current campus at 1 Henderson Road in 2000. The school’s educational philosophy emphasizes holistic development, nurturing students to be innovative thinkers and community leaders. Unique programs like the Applied Learning Programme (ALP): STEM – Sustainability (GESS Probes) and the Learning for Life Programme (LLP): Community Youth Leadership (GESS LIFE Programme) set GESS apart, focusing on practical skills and societal impact.

Academic Excellence

GESS is recognized among Singapore’s top 50 schools by the Ministry of Education, reflecting its strong academic performance. The school has produced notable alumni, including former Minister for Communications and Information Yeo Ning Hong, former Singapore Polytechnic principal Khoo Kay Chai, and former Accountant-General Chua Kim Yeow. Its curriculum is comprehensive, offering subjects like Additional Mathematics, Principles of Accounts, and Humanities, alongside a robust Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) program that fosters intellectual, moral, and social growth. Historically, GESS was a feeder school to Raffles Institution and pioneered bilingual education in English and Chinese in 1913.

Facilities and Extracurricular Activities

GESS offers a vibrant array of Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) to nurture diverse talents. Students can engage in sports like Basketball, Canoeing, and Football, or join uniformed groups such as the Boys’ Brigade, Girls’ Brigade, and National Police Cadet Corps. Performing arts options include Choir, Marching Band, and Modern Dance, while clubs like Entrepreneurship and Infocomm Technology foster creativity and leadership. As a government secondary school, GESS is equipped with modern facilities, including classrooms, a library, science laboratories, and sports amenities, supporting both academic and extracurricular pursuits.

Location and Contact

Gan Eng Seng School is located at 1 Henderson Road, Singapore 159546. For inquiries or to arrange a visit, contact the school at:

Phone: 6474 5594
Email: [email protected]
Website: Gan Eng Seng School

FAQ’s about Gan Eng Seng

Is Gan Eng Seng a good school?
Gan Eng Seng School is one of Singapore’s oldest secondary schools, founded in 1885, and is recognized for its strong emphasis on STEM sustainability and community youth leadership through its Applied Learning and Learning for Life Programmes. It provides a holistic education with diverse CCAs and subjects, preparing students for O-Levels and beyond. Parents often appreciate its historical significance and government support.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=gan-eng-seng-school

Is Gan Eng Seng a co-ed school?
Yes, Gan Eng Seng School is a co-educational government secondary school, having transitioned to co-ed in 1987 after being a boys’ school for over a century. It welcomes both male and female students in a single-session format.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=gan-eng-seng-school

What is the ranking of Gan Eng Seng Sec School?
Singapore’s Ministry of Education does not publish official rankings for secondary schools, focusing instead on holistic development and individual school strengths. Gan Eng Seng School is noted for its long history and programmes like STEM sustainability.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=gan-eng-seng-school

What is the cut-off point for Gan Eng Seng Sec School?
The cut-off points for non-affiliated students are Posting Group 3: 9-14, Posting Group 2: 21-23, and Posting Group 1: 25-28, based on the previous year’s PSLE results. These points represent the score of the last admitted student and may vary annually. Check the MOE SchoolFinder for the latest updates after PSLE.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=gan-eng-seng-school

What subjects are offered at Gan Eng Seng School?
The school offers a range of subjects including English Language, Mathematics, Science, Additional Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Humanities (Social Studies with Geography or History), Principles of Accounts, Art, Design & Technology, Food & Consumer Education, and languages like Chinese, Malay, and Tamil. Subject combinations support O-Level preparation in Express and Normal streams.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=gan-eng-seng-school

What CCAs are offered at Gan Eng Seng School for character development?
CCAs include sports such as Basketball (Boys), Canoeing, Cross Country, Football (Boys), and Table Tennis (Girls); uniformed groups like Boys’ Brigade, Girls’ Brigade, NPCC, St John Brigade, Scouts, and NCC (Land); performing arts like Choir, Marching Band, Modern Dance, and English Drama; and clubs including Entrepreneurship, Infocomm Technology (Media Production), Student Leadership, and STEM. These activities foster leadership and values.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=gan-eng-seng-school

Is Gan Eng Seng School affiliated with any primary school?
No, Gan Eng Seng School has no affiliated primary schools, as admission cut-off points are provided only for non-affiliated students. Students from any primary school can apply based on PSLE scores or DSA.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=gan-eng-seng-school

What is the Applied Learning Programme at Gan Eng Seng School?
The Applied Learning Programme (ALP) is STEM – Sustainability (GESS Probes), which integrates science, technology, engineering, and math to address sustainability issues, helping students develop practical skills for real-world applications.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=gan-eng-seng-school

What is the Learning for Life Programme at Gan Eng Seng School?
The Learning for Life Programme (LLP) is Community Youth Leadership (GESS LIFE Programme), focusing on building confident leaders through community service, self-discovery, habit development, and world-design initiatives for character growth.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=gan-eng-seng-school

How to apply via DSA to Gan Eng Seng School?
Students with talents in areas like leadership, sports, or performing arts can apply through the Direct School Admission-Secondary (DSA-Sec) exercise via the MOE portal. Applications typically open in May, with selection based on trials or portfolios. Contact the school for specific talent areas and timelines.
Source: https://www.ganengsengsch.moe.edu.sg

What are the school hours at Gan Eng Seng School?
School operates from Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:30 pm, in a single-session format to support curriculum and CCAs. This schedule aligns with standard MOE guidelines for secondary schools.
Source: https://www.ganengsengsch.moe.edu.sg/contact-us/

What is the address of Gan Eng Seng School?
The school is located at 1 Henderson Road, Singapore 159561, in the Bukit Merah area. It is accessible by public transport for easy commuting.
Source: https://www.ganengsengsch.moe.edu.sg/contact-us/

What are the contact details for Gan Eng Seng School?
For general enquiries, call +65 6474 5594 or email [email protected]. The official website provides further details on reaching out.
Source: https://www.ganengsengsch.moe.edu.sg/contact-us/

What O-Level subjects are available at Gan Eng Seng School?
O-Level subjects include Additional Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, History, Literature in English, Principles of Accounts, Science (Chem/Bio or Phy/Chem), Art, Music, and languages. Students can choose combinations based on streams and interests. Check the curriculum page for latest O-Level updates.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=gan-eng-seng-school

Does Gan Eng Seng School offer subject-based banding?
Yes, as a government secondary school, it implements full subject-based banding (FSBB) allowing students to take subjects at varying levels (G1, G2, G3) based on strengths, replacing traditional streams for more flexible learning.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=gan-eng-seng-school

What are the facilities at Gan Eng Seng School?
Information not available on the official websites. Please contact the school directly for details on labs, sports fields, and other amenities.
Source: Information not available on the official websites

Is Gan Eng Seng School part of an integrated programme?
No, Gan Eng Seng School does not offer an integrated programme; it focuses on preparing students for O-Levels through its curriculum, with pathways to post-secondary options like junior colleges or polytechnics.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=gan-eng-seng-school

How does Gan Eng Seng School support transitions from primary to secondary education?
The school follows MOE guidelines with orientation programmes, buddy systems, and adjustment support for Secondary 1 students. It emphasizes character development through its LLP to ease the shift. Specific details can be obtained by contacting the school.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=gan-eng-seng-school

What is the history of Gan Eng Seng School?
Founded in 1885 by philanthropist Gan Eng Seng as the Anglo-Chinese Free School for poor boys, it became a government school in 1938, turned co-ed in 1987, and has relocated multiple times, now at Henderson Road. It pioneered bilingual education and remains committed to excellence.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=gan-eng-seng-school

What are the school fees for Gan Eng Seng School?
As a government secondary school, monthly fees for Singapore citizens are typically low (around $5), with higher amounts for permanent residents and international students. Fees include GST subsidies for citizens and PRs. Use the MOE fees checker for exact amounts.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/financial-matters/fees

You may want to check out other secondary schools in Singapore below:

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The Importance of Mathematics and OMT

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