Holy Innocents’ High School: A Solid Choice for Your Child’s Secondary Journey

Hey there, if you’re a parent staring down the barrel of PSLE results and wondering what’s next for your kid, I get it—it’s a mix of excitement and that knot in your stomach. You’ve poured so much into those primary years, and now secondary school feels like the big leap. One school that’s often on the radar for families in the north-east is Holy Innocents’ High School. As one of the top secondary schools in Singapore 2025, it’s earned a spot for its blend of strong academics and real-world values. In this Holy Innocents’ High School secondary school review, we’ll break down what makes it tick, from admissions to daily life, so you can see if it’s the right fit.

School Overview

Holy Innocents’ High School has deep roots that go back to 1892, when it started as Tao Nan School—one of Singapore’s earliest Chinese mission schools. It evolved into its current form as a Catholic boys’ school in 1920 before opening up to girls in 1985, becoming the co-ed institution it is today. As a government-aided school, it’s got that mix of public accessibility and private-school ethos, with a Christ-centered philosophy that emphasizes building character alongside smarts.

The school’s motto, “谦诚、和爱” (which translates to Sincerity and Compassion), really captures its vibe: fostering humble leaders who look out for others. What sets it apart? It’s affiliated with Holy Innocents’ Primary School for priority admissions and Catholic Junior College for a seamless path to JC. Plus, it’s not your standard setup—think niche programs like the Good Samaritan Programme for community service, and a push for digital learning with iPads for every student since 2021. In a sea of secondary schools, this one’s got that rare combo of heritage and forward-thinking energy.

Admission Process

Getting into Holy Innocents’ High isn’t a walk in the park, but it’s straightforward if you plan ahead. The school follows the standard PSLE posting system, with cut-off points (COP) that vary by affiliation and posting group. For the 2025 intake (based on 2024 PSLE scores), here’s the latest scoop:

Category	Posting Group 1 (Express)	Posting Group 2 (NA)	Posting Group 3 (NT)
Affiliated	26-29	23-25	13-22
Non-Affiliated	25-27	21-22	10-13

These are indicative ranges—actual COPs lock in after posting wraps up. If your child attends the affiliated primary, you get a leg up with Phase 1 priority.

Direct School Admission (DSA) is another route, focusing on talents in areas like sports (badminton, basketball), arts (choir, modern dance), leadership, or academics. It’s a great option if your kid shines in CCAs during primary—apply early, around May to July.

A few practical tips to ease the stress:

Hit the open house: They usually run in May or June—think HIHS Open House 2024 style, with campus tours and chats with teachers. The 2025 Sec 1 registration details are already up on their site, so bookmark it.
Talk to insiders: Reach out to current parents via school Facebook groups or alumni networks for unfiltered feedback.
Get SBB-savvy: Full Subject-Based Banding lets kids mix subjects by strength, so no one’s locked into a rigid stream. Prep by reviewing MOE’s secondary school admission guide.

No Integrated Programme here, but the O-Level track is robust, with options to accelerate or customize.

Curriculum and Academic Excellence

At its core, Holy Innocents’ follows the national secondary curriculum, but with tweaks that play to students’ strengths. Expect the basics: English Language, Mathematics (both E-Math and A-Math for Express stream), Sciences (like Physics-Chem or Chem-Bio combos), and Humanities (Social Studies with Geography or History). Electives round it out—think Principles of Accounts, Nutrition and Food Science, or even Literature in English. Mother Tongue options include Higher Chinese, Malay, or Basic levels, with Tamil at nearby centers.

The school shines in applied learning. Their Applied Learning Programme (ALP) in Journalism and Broadcasting hones critical thinking and communication through hands-on media projects. The Learning for Life Programme (LLP), the Good Samaritan Programme, builds youth leadership via community outreach. And don’t sleep on the Personalised Digital Learning Programme (PDLP)—every student gets an iPad for tailored lessons, especially in math and sciences.

Academically, it’s a performer. In the 2021 O-Levels, their average aggregate was 202.1, beating the national 199.5—recent years have held steady with strong pass rates in key subjects like Math (over 95%) and Sciences. They’ve snagged awards like top prizes in the 2015 igniTE Science Challenge, and alumni have gone on to top unis in engineering and business. No official 2024/2025 rankings yet, but MOE data pegs it as a consistent mid-tier contender among best secondary schools Singapore. Specialized tracks, like STEM-focused electives and bilingual streams, give kids an edge for poly or JC.

Facilities and Extracurricular Activities

Holy Innocents’ isn’t skimping on the basics—or the extras. The campus boasts smart classrooms with interactive tech, a stocked library for research dives, dedicated labs for science and computing, and arts studios for creative outlets. Sports-wise, they’ve got courts for badminton and basketball, plus a field for football. Recent upgrades include better digital infrastructure for that iPad rollout.

CCAs are where the magic happens—over 20 options to spark passions and build resumes. Here’s a quick rundown:

Sports: Badminton, Basketball (boys), Netball (girls), Football (boys), Wushu, Floorball (girls), Bowling.
Uniformed Groups: NPCC, St John Brigade, Scouts (boys), NCC (Land, boys).
Performing Arts: Chinese Orchestra, Choir, Modern Dance, English Drama.
Clubs & Societies: Art & Crafts, Chinese Weiqi, Media/Journalism, Leadership, Community Service.

These aren’t just hobbies—they tie into character growth, with the Good Samaritan angle emphasizing service. Many feed into DSA, so a dedicated dancer or debater could secure a spot early. It’s all about balance: CCAs help kids develop resilience and teamwork, key for O-Level prep and beyond.

Student Life and School Culture

Life at Holy Innocents’ feels supportive, not stuffy. As a single-session co-ed school, days run from about 7:30 AM to 3 PM, with room for CCAs after. Class sizes hover around 40, but teacher-student ratios keep things personal—pastoral care includes form teachers and counselors for everything from academics to mental health. The Catholic roots shine through in values like compassion, with anti-bullying programs and inclusivity for diverse needs (they even have Special Educational Needs officers).

It’s a place that builds leaders quietly: think resilience workshops and well-being check-ins. Reviews from parents often highlight the warm community—kids transition smoother thanks to orientation camps and peer mentoring. For your child stepping up from primary, my advice? Start strong with routines like daily math drills and joining a CCA early to beat the workload blues. It’s not overwhelming if you ease in.

Location and Contact

Tucked in the Hougang area, Holy Innocents’ High School is at 60 Upper Serangoon View, Singapore 534353—easy for north-east families. Hop on the North East MRT Line to Hougang station (a quick bus away), or grab buses like 113 or 334 along Upper Serangoon Road. Nearby, you’ve got heartland spots like Hougang Mall for post-school hangs, keeping commutes under 30 minutes for most.

Reach out at 6283 3381 or [email protected]. Their website, holyinnocentshigh.moe.edu.sg, has all the deets— from Sec 1 registration to event calendars.

The Importance of Mathematics in Secondary Education

As you weigh options like Holy Innocents’ High, remember math is the quiet powerhouse of secondary school. It’s not just about nailing O-Levels—E-Math and A-Math build problem-solving chops that ripple into STEM careers, from engineering to data science. At a school like this, with its digital tools and strong pass rates, kids get that foundation without the burnout.

If your child needs a boost, consider secondary school math tuition early. A-Math tuition can demystify those trickier concepts, while O-Level math tuition sharpens exam tactics. Pair it with a reliable math tutor, and you’re setting them up for cognitive wins that last a lifetime. Holy Innocents’ is a great launchpad—wishing you clear decisions ahead.

FAQ’s about Riverside Secondary School

Is Holy Innocents’ High School a good school?
Holy Innocents’ High School is a government-aided Catholic secondary school with a long history of providing holistic education, focusing on character development through programmes like the Good Samaritan Programme and Journalism and Broadcasting. It offers a range of CCAs and subjects to support student growth, and parents can assess its suitability based on their child’s needs by visiting the school or open houses. As a Christ-centred community, it emphasizes values like compassion and leadership.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=Holy%20Innocents%27%20High%20School

Is Holy Innocents’ High School a co-ed school?
Yes, Holy Innocents’ High School is a co-educational school, admitting both boys and girls.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=Holy%20Innocents%27%20High%20School

What is the ranking of Holy Innocents’ High School Sec School?
Singapore’s Ministry of Education does not publish official rankings for secondary schools to encourage a focus on holistic development rather than competition. Parents are advised to consider factors like programmes, CCAs, and school culture instead.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/microsites/psle-fsbb/posting-to-secondary-school/choosing-sec-schools.html

What is the cut-off point for Holy Innocents’ High School Sec School?
Under the Full Subject-Based Banding system, the indicative PSLE score ranges for Holy Innocents’ High School are: Posting Group 3 (non-affiliated: 10-13, affiliated: 13-22), Posting Group 2 (non-affiliated: 21-22, affiliated: 23-25), Posting Group 1 (non-affiliated: 25-27, affiliated: 26-29). These ranges are based on the previous year’s posting exercise and may vary annually.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=Holy%20Innocents%27%20High%20School

What are the admission requirements for Holy Innocents’ High School?
Admission is primarily through the Secondary 1 Posting Exercise based on PSLE scores, with priority for affiliated students from Holy Innocents’ Primary School. Students can also apply via Direct School Admission (DSA) for talents in areas like sports, arts, or leadership. Use all six school choices wisely, including schools with a range of cut-off points.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/microsites/psle-fsbb/posting-to-secondary-school/choosing-sec-schools.html

How to apply via DSA to Holy Innocents’ High School?
Apply through the DSA-Sec Portal during the application period (typically May), showcasing talents in areas such as sports, performing arts, or leadership. No fees are required, and successful applicants commit to the school without participating in the S1 posting. Check the school website for specific talent areas offered.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/secondary/dsa

Is Holy Innocents’ High School affiliated with a primary school?
Yes, Holy Innocents’ High School is affiliated with Holy Innocents’ Primary School, offering priority admission and affiliation bonuses in PSLE score ranges for eligible students.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=Holy%20Innocents%27%20High%20School

What are the O-Level subjects at Holy Innocents’ High School?
Holy Innocents’ High School offers O-Level subjects including English Language, Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Science combinations), Humanities (Social Studies with Geography/History, Literature in English), Languages (Chinese, Malay, Higher Chinese), Art, Computing, Design & Technology, Nutrition and Food Science, Principles of Accounts, Music, and Physical Education. Subject offerings may vary; check the curriculum page for updates.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=Holy%20Innocents%27%20High%20School

What is subject-based banding at Holy Innocents’ High School?
Subject-based banding allows students to take subjects at more or less demanding levels based on their strengths, under the Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB) system implemented from 2024. This promotes flexibility, with mixed form classes and customized learning pathways to support transitions from primary to secondary education.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/secondary/courses

What CCAs are available at Holy Innocents’ High School?
CCAs at Holy Innocents’ High School include Sports (Badminton, Basketball, Netball, Football, Wushu, Floorball, Bowling), Uniformed Groups (NPCC, St John Brigade, Scouts, NCC Land), Performing Arts (Chinese Orchestra, Choir, Modern Dance, English Drama), and Clubs/Societies (Art and Crafts, Chinese Weiqi, Media Resource Library, Community Service, Journalism, Leadership). These promote character development and leadership skills.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=Holy%20Innocents%27%20High%20School

What is the Applied Learning Programme at Holy Innocents’ High School?
The Applied Learning Programme (ALP) at Holy Innocents’ High School focuses on Journalism and Broadcasting to develop critical thinkers and effective communicators. Students engage in classroom-based and hands-on experiences, participating in competitions to empower them as leaders and innovators.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=Holy%20Innocents%27%20High%20School

What is the Learning for Life Programme at Holy Innocents’ High School?
The Learning for Life Programme (LLP) is the Good Samaritan Programme, emphasizing community youth leadership through service learning. Students initiate projects addressing beneficiary needs, fostering compassion and character development.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=Holy%20Innocents%27%20High%20School

What are the school hours at Holy Innocents’ High School?
Information not available on the official websites. As a single-session secondary school, typical hours are from around 7:30am to 2:00pm, but contact the school for the latest schedule.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=Holy%20Innocents%27%20High%20School

What are the school fees for Holy Innocents’ High School?
School fees vary by citizenship status (Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, International Students) and include GST subsidies for citizens and PRs. For detailed monthly fees, visit the MOE fees page or contact the school.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/financial-matters/fees?schoolname=Holy%20Innocents’%20High%20School

What is the history of Holy Innocents’ High School?
Founded in 1892 as Tao Nan School, one of Singapore’s first Chinese mission schools, it was renamed Holy Innocents’ High School and became a Catholic institution. It separated its primary section in 1985 and underwent upgrades in the 1990s, focusing on holistic Catholic education.
Source: https://www.holyinnocentshigh.moe.edu.sg/

Is Holy Innocents’ High School affiliated with a junior college?
Yes, Holy Innocents’ High School is affiliated with Catholic Junior College, supporting post-secondary pathways for students.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=Holy%20Innocents%27%20High%20School

What facilities does Holy Innocents’ High School have?
Information not available on the official websites. As a standard secondary school, it typically includes classrooms, labs, and sports areas; contact the school for details.
Source: https://www.holyinnocentshigh.moe.edu.sg/

Does Holy Innocents’ High School have special educational needs support?
Yes, Holy Innocents’ High School has Special Educational Needs Officers available to support students with learning needs.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=Holy%20Innocents%27%20High%20School

What are the contact details for Holy Innocents’ High School?
The school is located at 1191 Upper Serangoon Road, Singapore 534786. Contact via phone at 6283 3381 or email at [email protected].
Source: https://www.holyinnocentshigh.moe.edu.sg/contact-us/

What are the achievements of Holy Innocents’ High School?
Information not available on the official websites in detail, but the school has a history of participation in CCAs and programmes like ALP and LLP. Check the honour roll on the school website for latest updates on awards in sports, arts, and societies.
Source: https://www.holyinnocentshigh.moe.edu.sg/

You may want to check out other secondary schools in Singapore below:

As a parent in Singapore with a kid in secondary school soon, you know how crucial it is to prep for the O-Level and N-Level exams—they’re like big doors that lead to your child’s favorite junior college or polytechnic, shaping their future jobs and dreams. Math is a superstar in these exams, carrying a lot of weight in the total scores, sharpening smart thinking and problem-solving skills that help in other subjects like physics and economics, and directly affecting chances for top streams or courses after secondary school. That’s why getting good at math early and sticking with it is key—to dodge low grades, grow tough for tests, and grab those high marks for the best spots.

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Summary

Mathematics is a cornerstone of education, equipping students with critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills essential for academic success and future careers. At Holy Innocents’ High School, mathematics is a core subject, with offerings like Additional Mathematics preparing students for rigorous examinations like the GCE O-Level.

For students seeking additional support to excel in mathematics, Odyssey Math Tuition (OMT) offers specialized programs tailored to primary, secondary, and junior college levels. With experienced math tutors, OMT provides personalized primary school math tuition, secondary school math tuition, and junior college math tuition, helping students build confidence and mastery in the subject. Their approach focuses on understanding concepts and applying them effectively, ensuring students are well-prepared for their academic journey.

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Disclaimer: All information provided here has been compiled from publicly available sources. While we have made every effort to ensure accuracy, we do not guarantee that the information is complete or error-free. We disclaim any liability for inaccuracies or omissions. If you find any errors or have concerns about the content, please let us know so we can address them promptly.