Former Outram Secondary students express sadness, nostalgia over school’s relocation to Sengkang

SINGAPORE: Some Outram Secondary School alumni are saddened by the school's move out of its current York Hill compound in two years’ time, but others are hopeful that the school spirit will live on.

The school, founded in 1906, will be relocating to a new campus in Anchorvale Crescent in Sengkang in 2026, to cater to the higher demand for secondary school places in the north-east area, the Ministry of Education (MOE) said on Jan 16. 

Outram Secondary has been a prominent landmark at York Hill, after moving from its original premises in Outram Road in 1968. 

NO MORE SWIMMING POOL AT NEW CAMPUS

With a swimming pool on its premises, it has seen its fair share of water sports athletes since the facility was completed and opened in 1977.

Outram Secondary School principal Keith Tan said the school has always been committed to a well-rounded education. 

“With the opening of the swimming pool in the 70s, we have grown many batches of swimmers and water polo athletes. And in recent years, we have also built a niche in rock climbing,” he added. 

These facilities gave students the opportunity to pursue their athletic passions while studying. With the move to Sengkang, it also means leaving behind the swimming pool. 

Mr Tan noted that the experiences students have are integral to their common identity, adding that the school will be setting up a heritage space at its new location. 

Some former students and parents expressed sadness about the move. 

“It is a shame because after shifting, I think it will change the environment a little bit,” said former student Luke Goh, who graduated in 2018. 

“It has over 100 years of history. So I think the attitude towards sports and extra-curriculars could change, but we'll have to see.”

Another former student Ari Zulhakim, who graduated from the school two years ago, said: “(When) I read the news that Outram was moving to Sengkang, I was actually quite flabbergasted. Because every part of this school is very iconic, every student must have good memories.”

Parent Zarina Razali, who sent all three of her sons to Outram Secondary School was shocked by the move.

“It's very sad actually. In fact, I was from Sengkang. So for the last 10 years (since 2012) I've been driving from Sengkang to Outram, Outram to Sengkang. The only thing that I'm gonna miss is, really, the pool. My children have been representing the school (and) swimming for the school.”

SCHOOL SPIRIT WILL LIVE ON

MOE said while Outram Secondary is an “established school with strong educational programmes, the school is located in a mature area where demand for secondary school places is falling”. 

Some alumni believe the school’s relocation is for the better.

Old Outramians' Association Chairperson Erwin Tan, who is from the Class of 1996, said: “The cohort has been on a steady decline for the last decade. I was very worried about a merger or closure. 

“So with this announcement that we will be relocating to Sengkang, I think it's a good thing. The Outramian spirit will continue to live on. So I'm very glad about that.”

School Advisory Committee Chairperson Regina Chong, who is from the Class of 1993, added that it will be a new chapter for the school.

“This chapter will actually benefit the students who will be going to Outram Secondary School. Every generation of Outramians have their own chapter and fond memories of the school,” she added. 

To minimise disruption to students, the school will not be admitting new Secondary 1 students in 2025. It will begin accepting new Secondary 1 students from 2026 at its Sengkang campus. 

Outram Secondary will operate two campuses until 2027, when the last batch of Secondary 4 students at the York Hill campus graduates.

Before the school moves out of York Hill in two years’ time, teachers and students will open up a time capsule that was sealed in 2006 with items from the school's rich history. 

Former students who are now teachers at the school are optimistic about the move. 

Teacher Dawa Sherpa, who is from the Class of 2001, said: “I think that the Outram spirit continues to live. Even though it's in a different place, it can still stand on its own.”

Another teacher Ismath Banu, who graduated from the school in 2003, said: “The school reminded me that it's never about individual success. Our success is really a result of the community helping us.”