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.”