Tanjong Katong Girls’ School: A Beacon of Excellence in Singapore’s Education Landscape

If you’re exploring educational options for your daughters in Singapore, Tanjong Katong Girls’ School (TKGS) stands out as a premier institution renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and holistic development. Established in 1953, TKGS has a proud legacy of nurturing young women into confident leaders and lifelong learners. This article delves into what makes TKGS exceptional, from its rich history to its modern facilities, while highlighting the importance of mathematics education and introducing Odyssey Math Tuition (OMT) as a valuable resource for students aiming to excel.

School Overview

Tanjong Katong Girls’ School, founded on January 12, 1953, holds the distinction of being Singapore’s first post-war government English-medium girls’ school. Located at 20 Dunman Lane, Singapore 439272, TKGS operates as an autonomous government school, allowing it to innovate and tailor its programs to meet students’ needs. The school’s educational philosophy centers on fostering a love for learning, critical thinking, and character development. Guided by its motto and the vision of its founding principal, Mrs. Maude Scott, TKGS strives to provide education “in its widest sense and its finest level,” preparing students for success in a globalized world.

In 1995, TKGS gained autonomous status, and in 1997, it moved to its current campus, which was officially opened on July 11. The school celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2003, marking decades of shaping remarkable young women. TKGS’s commitment to holistic development is evident in its Integrated Character Development Programme, LEGACY (Leading, Empowering, Guiding, Affirming, and Challenging Youth), introduced in 2001 to foster leadership and community service.

Academic Excellence

TKGS is synonymous with academic excellence, offering a diverse curriculum that caters to a wide range of interests and talents. The school provides subjects such as English Language, Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Humanities, and specialized electives like the Music Elective Programme, introduced in 1983. This program allows musically inclined students to deepen their skills while pursuing academic rigor.

The school’s academic achievements are impressive, with consistently high pass rates in national examinations and numerous awards won by students in national and international competitions. In 2006, TKGS was recognized as a Centre of Excellence for English Language, underscoring its strength in fostering linguistic proficiency. While specific statistics on recent performance are subject to annual updates, TKGS’s reputation for producing high-achieving students and notable alumni in various fields speaks volumes about its academic prowess.

Academic Highlights	Details
Subjects Offered	English Language, Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Humanities, Art, Music Elective Programme, and more
Achievements	High pass rates, awards in national/international competitions, Centre of Excellence for English Language (2006)
Electives	Music Elective Programme (since 1983)

Facilities and Extracurricular Activities

TKGS boasts state-of-the-art facilities designed to support both academic and extracurricular growth. The campus features modern classrooms, well-equipped science laboratories, a comprehensive library, and top-tier sports facilities. These resources create an environment where students can thrive academically and explore their passions.

The school offers a vibrant array of co-curricular activities (CCAs) to foster holistic development. Students can participate in sports such as Badminton, Netball, Floorball, Sailing, and Tennis, or engage in performing arts like Choir, String Ensemble, Modern Dance, and Concert Band. TKGS also emphasizes leadership and community involvement through uniformed groups like Girl Guides, National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC), and Red Cross Youth, as well as clubs such as Art and Crafts, English Language, Drama and Debating, and Community Service. In 2001, TKGS developed CCA niches in Symphonic Band, String Ensemble, and Choir, further strengthening its arts programs. The school’s barrier-free accessibility and dedicated Special Educational Needs Officers ensure inclusivity for all students.

CCA Categories	Examples
Sports	Badminton, Netball, Floorball, Sailing, Tennis, Bowling
Performing Arts	Choir, String Ensemble, Modern Dance, Concert Band, English Drama
Uniformed Groups	Girl Guides, NPCC, Red Cross Youth
Clubs/Societies	Art and Crafts, English Language, Drama and Debating, Community Service, Media Resource Library

Location and Contact

Tanjong Katong Girls’ School is conveniently located at 20 Dunman Lane, Singapore 439272, in the vibrant Katong area. For inquiries or to arrange a visit, parents can contact the school at:

Phone: 6344 1593
Email: [email protected]
Website: tkgs.moe.edu.sg
Social Media: Instagram, Youtube

The school’s website provides detailed information on admissions, programs, and upcoming events, including the Direct School Admission process for 2025 and the TKGS e-Prospectus.

FAQ’s about Tanjong Katong Girls’ School

Is Tanjong Katong Girls’ School a good school?
Tanjong Katong Girls’ School is an autonomous government girls’ secondary school recognized for its excellence in holistic education, including the Music Elective Programme since 1983 and niches in performing arts CCAs like symphonic band, string ensemble, and choir. It focuses on nurturing leaders of character through programmes like LEGACY, which integrates character development. Parents often appreciate its emphasis on academic and character growth, though “good” is subjective.
Source: https://moehc.moe.edu.sg/school-histories/tanjong-katong-girls-sch/

Is Tanjong Katong Girls’ School a co-ed school?
No, Tanjong Katong Girls’ School is a girls-only school, as it is designated as a girls’ school in the official school profile. It operates as a single-session government autonomous school catering exclusively to female students.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=tanjong-katong-girls-school

What is the ranking of Tanjong Katong Girls’ School Sec School?
Information not available on the official websites. Singapore’s Ministry of Education does not publish official rankings for secondary schools to encourage a holistic view of education beyond academic metrics. Contact the school for any performance indicators.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=tanjong-katong-girls-school

What is the cut-off point for Tanjong Katong Girls’ School Sec School?
The cut-off points for non-affiliated students are Posting Group 3: 7-12 and Posting Group 2: 21-23. These reflect the PSLE score of the last student admitted and may vary annually after the S1 posting exercise. Check the MOE SchoolFinder for the latest updates.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=tanjong-katong-girls-school – Cut-off Points Section

When was Tanjong Katong Girls’ School established?
Tanjong Katong Girls’ School was established in 1953 as the first post-war government English-medium girls’ school in colonial Singapore. It was officially opened in 1954 and has celebrated milestones like its 50th anniversary in 2003, 60th in 2013, and 65th in 2018.
Source: https://moehc.moe.edu.sg/school-histories/tanjong-katong-girls-sch/ – School History Section

What is the history of Tanjong Katong Girls’ School?
Founded in 1953, TKGS started with seven classes and 250 pupils, becoming a double-session school by 1960. It introduced the Music Elective Programme in 1983, gained autonomous status in 1995, and moved to its current campus at 20 Dunman Lane, officially opened in 1997. The school underwent upgrading in 2016 and returned to the campus in 2019.
Source: https://moehc.moe.edu.sg/school-histories/tanjong-katong-girls-sch/ – School History Section

What is the vision, mission, and values of Tanjong Katong Girls’ School?
Information not available on the official websites. The school emphasizes nurturing leaders of character, accomplished learners, and women of grace through programmes like LEGACY for integrated character development. Contact the school for the exact vision and mission statements.
Source: https://moehc.moe.edu.sg/school-histories/tanjong-katong-girls-sch/ – School Programmes Section

What subjects are offered at Tanjong Katong Girls’ School?
Subjects include English Language, Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Chinese Language, Higher Chinese, Malay Language, Higher Malay, Tamil Language, Higher Tamil, Geography, History, Literature in English, Humanities (SS, Geography/History/Literature), Art, Design & Technology, Food & Consumer Education, Music, Higher Music, and Physical Education. The Music Elective Programme is also offered.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=tanjong-katong-girls-school – Subjects Offered Section

What CCAs are available at Tanjong Katong Girls’ School?
Sports: Badminton, Basketball, Netball, Softball, Floorball, Bowling. Uniformed Groups: Girl Guides, NPCC, Red Cross Youth. Performing Arts: Choir, String Ensemble, Modern Dance, English Drama, Concert Band. Clubs & Societies: Art and Crafts, English Language Drama and Debating, Media Resource Library, Infocomm Technology (Media Production), Community Service. The school has niches in symphonic band, string ensemble, and choir.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=tanjong-katong-girls-school – CCAs Section

What is the Music Elective Programme at Tanjong Katong Girls’ School?
The Music Elective Programme (MEP) was introduced in 1983, making TKGS one of the selected schools to offer music as an examinable O-Level subject. It focuses on advanced music education for students passionate about the arts. Check the curriculum page for latest O-Level updates.
Source: https://moehc.moe.edu.sg/school-histories/tanjong-katong-girls-sch/ – School Programmes Section

What is the LEGACY programme at Tanjong Katong Girls’ School?
The LEGACY (Leading, Empowering, Guiding, Affirming and Challenging Youths) Programme is an Integrated Character Development Programme introduced for holistic development. It emphasizes leadership, character education, and moral values through classroom and experiential learning.
Source: https://moehc.moe.edu.sg/school-histories/tanjong-katong-girls-sch/ – School Programmes Section

What does the school crest of Tanjong Katong Girls’ School represent?
The school crest features a lion on a tower symbolizing strength and vigilance, with panels in gold and maroon containing a turtle (perseverance), wheel (progress), lamp (knowledge), and winged shoe (swiftness). It represents an all-round education and school values.
Source: https://moehc.moe.edu.sg/school-histories/tanjong-katong-girls-sch/ – School Crest Section

What is the school song of Tanjong Katong Girls’ School?
The school song lyrics include: “We cannot all be heroes and thrill a hemisphere… But we can fill a lifetime with kindly acts and true… So let us serve with honour and work for selfless fame, For credit of our country and glory of her name.” It emphasizes noble service and unity.
Source: https://moehc.moe.edu.sg/school-histories/tanjong-katong-girls-sch/ – School Song Section

How to apply via DSA to Tanjong Katong Girls’ School?
Information not available on the official websites. DSA (Direct School Admission) is typically for talents in areas like music or sports; applications are through the MOE DSA portal. Contact the school for specific DSA categories and process.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=tanjong-katong-girls-school

Is Tanjong Katong Girls’ School affiliated with any primary school?
Information not available on the official websites, indicating no affiliations listed. In Singapore, affiliations provide bonus points for PSLE posting, but TKGS cut-off points are for non-affiliated students. Contact the school to confirm.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=tanjong-katong-girls-school

What are the school fees for Tanjong Katong Girls’ School?
Information not available on the official websites. As an autonomous government secondary school, fees are typically low for Singapore Citizens (around $25/month plus miscellaneous), higher for PRs and IS. Suggest contacting the school or checking MOE’s fees page for current rates.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/financial-matters/fees

What are the school hours at Tanjong Katong Girls’ School?
Information not available on the official websites. As a single-session secondary school, typical hours are from around 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM, but may vary. Contact the school for the exact schedule.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=tanjong-katong-girls-school

What facilities does Tanjong Katong Girls’ School have?
The school has barrier-free accessibility and Special Educational Needs Officers. From its history, it includes science laboratories and music facilities for MEP. The campus at 20 Dunman Lane was upgraded in 2019.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=tanjong-katong-girls-school – School Facilities Section

What is the contact information for Tanjong Katong Girls’ School?
Address: 20 Dunman Lane, Singapore 439272. Phone: 6344 1593. Email: [email protected]. Website: https://www.tkgs.moe.edu.sg.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=tanjong-katong-girls-school – Contact Information Section

What overseas trips or international programmes does Tanjong Katong Girls’ School offer?
TKGS participates in the Singapore-Thailand Enhanced Partnership (STEP) Programme with Satri Si Suriyothai School and invites students from China, Brunei, and Southeast Asia. It offers intercultural experiences like trips to Batam and Xi’an for cultural exchange and learning.
Source: https://moehc.moe.edu.sg/school-histories/tanjong-katong-girls-sch/ – School Programmes Section

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.

Odyssey Math Tuition, a helpful spot for secondary school math tuition made to support students through secondary years. It’s run by Principal Math Tutor Mr. Justin Tan, who started it in 2013 using his know-how from fixing common math problems for kids. Odyssey Math Tuition offers focused secondary 1 math tuition, secondary 2 math tuition, secondary 3 math tuition, and secondary 4 math tuition in easy-going face-to-face math tuition classes or 247 online math tuition. Mr. Tan built Odyssey Math Tuition’s custom math curriculum that complements Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE) math lessons, adding clever test tips, fun tools, and practice on main topics like algebra, geometry, and trigonometry to get students ready and winning at O-Levels and N-Levels with Odyssey Math Tuition’s unique approach to math tuition.

The Importance of Mathematics and OMT

Mathematics is a cornerstone of education, equipping students with essential skills in logical reasoning, problem-solving, and analytical thinking. At TKGS, the mathematics curriculum is designed to challenge and inspire students, preparing them for academic success and real-world applications. The school’s emphasis on subjects like Mathematics and Additional Mathematics ensures students develop a strong foundation in this critical discipline.

For students seeking to enhance their mathematics skills or overcome challenges, Odyssey Math Tuition (OMT) offers specialized tutoring services tailored to primary, secondary, and junior college levels. With experienced math tutors, OMT provides personalized support to help students build confidence and achieve excellence in primary school math tuition, secondary school math tuition, and junior college math tuition. Their proven teaching methods and focus on individual needs make OMT an excellent resource for TKGS students aiming to excel in mathematics.

Parents are encouraged to explore OMT’s offerings by visiting their website to learn how their child can benefit from expert math tutoring.

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.