“Through Work Achieve Success.” That motto of Assumption English School echoes through its halls. It shapes the students who pass through these very gates.
Assumption English School began as part of Boys’ Town in 1953. Brother Vincent, a Gabrielite Brother, founded it. It was then called Boys’ Town English School. By 1955, it became a full school. It had classes from Primary One to Secondary Four. The school presented its first School Certificate Examination batch in 1955.
In 1973, the secondary section of CHIJ Bukit Timah merged with Boys’ Town English School. The school then became co-educational. It was renamed Assumption English School. The name honored Mary, the Mother of Jesus. She is the Patroness of the Brothers of St. Gabriel.
The Assumption English School facilities needed an upgrade. In 1989, authorities decided to improve the school. The goal was to meet the demands of education in the new millennium. In December 1992, the primary section closed. Students moved to St. Anthony’s Primary School.
Construction of a new Assumption English School building started in 1993. The new building cost $20 million. President Ong Teng Cheong officially opened it on August 16, 1997.
From 2013 to 2015, the school was rebuilt again. It happened under the PRIME scheme. The new building was officially opened on July 7, 2017. The Minister of Education, Mr. Ng Chee Meng, was present. The rebuilt cost $40 million.
Assumption English School temporarily occupied a site at Queensway during this rebuild. On December 28, 2015, it moved back to its Upper Bukit Timah Road campus.
Many notable people have walked the halls of Assumption English School. Vernetta Lopez is a DJ and actress. Raphael Bautista Chrysler is a basketball player. Brightman Sio is an SGAG media personality. Sezairi Sezali is a singer. Dante Chen is a WWE Superstar.
Assumption English School is more than just a school. It is a place where students learn to achieve success through work. It is a place of history and tradition. It is a place where students can grow and develop into successful people. It stands as a testament to Catholic education in Singapore.