Established in 1876 Victoria School boasts a rich history. It began as an English class for twelve Malay boys. This humble beginning in Kampong Glam Malay Branch School marked the start of a remarkable journey. The first headmaster Y A Yzelman laid the foundation.
In 1900 Victoria School relocated to Syed Alwi Road. Its proximity to Victoria Bridge led to a name change: Victoria Bridge School. The school served as a feeder for Raffles Institution Singapore’s only government secondary school at the time. This period saw a surge in enrollment. By 1925 it exceeded the recommended capacity of 560 students. The school’s campus on Syed Alwi Road is even featured on the back of the current S$2 banknote. A significant addition was the school library opened in December 1929 thanks to a generous donation from businessman Syed Ahmed bin Mohamed Alsagoff.
In 1933 Victoria Bridge School moved again. This time to Tyrwhitt Road. It adopted its current name Victoria School. Primary classes were phased out making it a district secondary school. The school motto Nil Sine Labore Nothing Without Labour was adopted before World War II. Even during the Japanese occupation from 1942 to 1945 the school continued operating. Renamed Jalan Besar Boys School it served under Japanese rule.
After the war Victoria School reopened on October 1 1945. It initially used the Kampong Glam Malay School site. Under headmaster R F Bomford a new science block was built. It housed some of the best school laboratories in Singapore attracting students from other schools. Victoria School also became a pioneer in audio-visual education. The school achieved remarkable academic success. In 1955 it had a 99.5% pass rate in the Cambridge Overseas School Certificate Examinations.
The school building designed by Frank Dorrington Ward was upgraded in 1966. The Urban Redevelopment Authority gazetted it for conservation in 2007. It is a rare example of a city centre school featuring pre and post war buildings. The hall and canteen block is unique in its style and configuration.
In 1984 Victoria School moved again to Geylang Bahru. A 23 km march by 1500 students teachers and principals marked the move. Victoria Junior College was established that year. The school ended its pre-university courses. The school introduced an Art Elective Programme in 1985 and its first computer laboratory in 1986.
Victoria School’s current campus opened in 2003 at Siglap Link. It includes a hostel designed with ecological principles. This campus features a large library and the Eco Street planted with tropical vegetation. The Siglap Link campus even participated in the 9th International Architecture Exhibition in Venice.
In 2008 Victoria School became the first school to offer Physical Education as an examinable subject at the Singapore-Cambridge GCE Ordinary Level. It also offered the Regional Studies Programme uniquely featuring Bahasa Indonesia. The school’s six-year Integrated Programme started in 2012. This programme allows students to skip the GCE Ordinary Level examinations. Students then proceed to Victoria Junior College for years 5 and 6. The remarkable legacy of Victoria School continues to inspire generations of students. It stands as a testament to perseverance and excellence in education.