Singapore Schools Are Going on a Big Merge‑Up!
Because the baby boom in Singapore is putting a bit of a damper on student numbers, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has set a plan in motion. Over the next three years, eight primary and ten secondary schools will combine forces – think of it as a friendly club merger, but with more lockers and less paperwork.
Primary School Pair‑Ups
- Pioneer & Juying: The name Pioneer stays, but the campus will be Juying in Jurong West. Yes, that’s a neat trick for those who love nostalgia and relocation.
- Eunos & Telok Kurau: The new joint school adopts the old Telok Kurau name and digs into the classic building. History meets practicality.
- Farrer Park & Stamford: The combined entity retains the Farrer Park brand and the familiar campus. Who knew names could stay the same even when the halls change?
Secondary School Shake‑Ups
- Bedok Green & Ping Yi: After the merger the lucky fans will shout Bedok Green Secondary from the stone wall. The chosen name, the chosen building – plain as day.
- Chua Chu Kang & Teck Whye: The unified school will keep the Chua Chu Kang name while moving into the Teck Whye site. So, your class will feel at home in a new environment but with a friendly old name.
- Fuchun & Woodlands Ring: The 2025 merger sees a Woodlands Ring HQ, but you’ll walk through the Fuchun doors. Consistency keeps the flag flying high.
Why the Merge?
The MOE says the whole strategy is to make sure each school keeps a lively student body, plenty of programmes and activities you can’t find in a small classroom. With fewer kids, it’s challenging to run all those clubs, so bigger schools are the solution.
The decision was made collaboratively with the schools involved – they all got a say in the new names and sites. The crowd put a lot of thought into each detail – heritage, enrolment numbers, the look of the merged campus and, of course, emotions.
Past & Present
School merging isn’t new. Back in 2019 the MOE pulled together 28 schools (including eight junior colleges). That was a big shuffle; now, the new players include institutions that have hung out around the Singapore school scene longer than anyone else.
For instance, Tanglin Secondary School opened in October 1964 – the first Chinese medium technical school in the country and the trailblazer for enrolling female students into technical courses. Telok Kurau Primary has been around since 1926, originally called Telok Kurau English School, and its alumni list even includes former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew. So, the mergers are a nod to the heritage, but it’s also a practical move for a future full of bright, young minds.
With all these changes, the schools are steering toward a future where every student has a vibrant, well‑rounded experience, and the merge keeps the institutional charm alive.
When Two Schools Walk into One: The Telok Kurau Story
What’s Happening?
Picture this: Eunos Primary and Telok Kurau Primary are putting their arms together like long‑lost siblings celebrating a reunion. The plan? Keep the beloved Telok Kurau name, grab its existing building, and create a brand‑new school that carries the best parts of both families.
Why All the Fuss?
- Each school had its own vibe and accomplishments. The Ministry of Education (MOE) wants to merge these traits into one powerhouse.
- Students will get the perks of both setups—more classes, more playtime, and a greater sense of belonging.
- The new school will become a single, proud community, proud of its combined history.
How They’re Keeping the Past in the Present
To honor every chapter of both schools’ stories, MOE announced plans to:
- Set up a dedicated heritage wing where old photos, yearbooks, and cherished memorabilia will take the spotlight.
- Invite former teachers and alumni to share memories, ensuring the past isn’t forgotten.
Making the Transition Smooth
“We’ll work hand in hand with teachers, staff, and students to smooth out any bumps,” the MOE statement said. Our goal is to create a seamless switch that lets everyone feel at home, building a brand‑new identity along the way.
What Teachers and Parents Can Expect
- Clear timelines for moving classrooms and learning resources.
- Regular updates through newsletters and community meetings.
- Support systems for staff who may need help adapting to a new environment.
Bottom Line
It’s more than just a merger—it’s a celebration of shared values, memories, and future promise. Get ready for a school that’s a little bit of Eunos, a little bit of Telok Kurau, and all of us.
Upcoming mergers
• Eunos Primary and Telok Kurau Primary
Merged school: Telok Kurau Primary, to use Telok Kurau building
• Farrer Park Primary and Stamford Primary
Merged school: Farrer Park Primary, to use Farrer Park building
• Guangyang Primary and Townsville Primary
Merged school: Townsville Primary, to use Townsville building
• Bedok Green Secondary and Ping Yi Secondary
Merged school: Bedok Green Secondary, to use Bedok Green building
• Chua Chu Kang Secondary and Teck Whye Secondary
Merged school: Chua Chu Kang Secondary, to use Teck Whye building
• Fajar Secondary and Greenridge Secondary
Merged school: Greenridge Secondary, to use Fajar building
• New Town Secondary and Tanglin Secondary
Merged school: New Town Secondary, to use New Town building
• Fuchun Secondary and Woodlands Ring Secondary
This article was first published in The Straits Times. Permission required for reproduction.
Education and SchoolsPrimary schoolsecondary schoolMinistry of Education
