St. Hilda’s Secondary School

Established in 1934, St. Hilda’s Secondary School stands as a testament to resilience and growth. It’s hard to believe that this bustling institution started as a small private school called Bethel English School in 1929. Located on Ceylon Road, Bethel was a modest two-story building. Just five years later, the Anglican Diocese of Singapore acquired the school. They renamed it St. Hilda’s School in 1938, after the patron saint Hilda of Whitby. The school adopted the motto “Go Forward”, inspired by the Mosaic command from Exodus. St. Hilda’s Secondary School survived the Japanese occupation, operating under Japanese control. While many other mission schools closed, St. Hilda’s persevered. After the war, it reopened as a coeducational institution and became the first private school to do so. With a staff of 20 and 615 students, many of whom were overaged, St. Hilda’s began its post-war journey. In 1950, the school received government grant-in-aid status and transitioned to an all-girls school. A notable change happened in 1965 when the school’s uniform evolved. The solid blue skirt was replaced by the now-iconic navy background dotted with small circles. In 1988, the school moved to Tampines. Due to increasing demand, it was split into separate primary and secondary schools. The next year, St. Hilda’s Secondary School welcomed its first male students since the post-war era, marking another chapter in its coeducational history. Did you know that St. Hilda’s Secondary School boasts Singapore’s first rooftop full-size hockey pitch? This impressive facility is part of the school’s Student Activity Centre. It also houses a multipurpose hall and two indoor sports halls. The center was officially opened in 2012. Today, St. Hilda’s Secondary School continues to nurture young minds. The school offers a range of academic and extracurricular activities. These help students develop their talents and contribute to the community. The school’s rich history and its commitment to education make St. Hilda’s Secondary School a landmark institution in Singapore.