The Kuo Chuan Story
In 1924, two Christian ministers, Reverends Tay Sek Tin and Tan Leng Tian, founded Katong Girls’ School at 1 Joo Chiat Terrace. The school began with a modest enrolment of 11 pupils, consisting of both boys and girls. Lessons were conducted in English and Chinese.
By 1925, the school had moved to new premises at Koon Seng Road and was renamed Choon Guan School. In 1934, Margaret Dryburgh was appointed principal. Under her leadership, educational standards improved significantly. In 1936, the English section became a separate school known as Choon Guan English School. In 1938, it became a grant-in-aid boys’ school, with J. R. Richardson appointed as principal.
In the same year, 1938, Kuo Chuan Girls’ School was established at 36 Joo Chiat Lane, with Margaret Dryburgh as principal. The school began with 100 girls and three teachers.
During the Japanese occupation, the girls’ school was bombed and remained closed for the duration of the war, while the boys’ school was converted into a Japanese school known as Koon Seng Road School. The boys’ school reopened on 24 September 1945. To accommodate students who were unable to gain admission, Dryburgh English School was established as an afternoon school. The girls’ school reopened the following year, with Monica Mary Sirkett appointed as principal.
In 1946, the boys’ school was renamed Presbyterian Boys’ School. B. F. Atherton became principal in 1951, followed by Gay Wan Guay in 1958. In 1961, Dryburgh English School was merged with Presbyterian Boys’ School under the leadership of Sia Kah Hui.
In 1985, the two schools were merged to form Kuo Chuan Presbyterian School.
As of 1987, KCPS moved to Bishan New Town and was split into primary and secondary school buildings.
In 2008, KCPS underwent Programme for Rebuilding and IMproving Existing schools renovation. During this period, the iconic mono-pitched roof was replaced, and a new hall block was constructed.
A new integrated Indoor Sports Hall (ISH) was constructed in 2013.
In 2022, renovation works began on the school’s football field. The AstroTurf field was completed around 2023.
In 2024, the school celebrated its 100-year anniversary through a series of events and a musical. From 2024, the school has had five houses to commemorate its centennial year: Dryburgh House, Richardson House, Lee House, Atherton House, and Sirkett House, named after the school’s five founding principals.
On 6 August 2025, the school opened two elevators for the first time: one located along the science block, and the other at the end of the classroom block.
Co-curricular activities
The school offers 21 extra-curricular activities, labelled as co-curricular activities (CCAs) by the Ministry of Education. These include sports, uniformed groups, performing arts, clubs and societies.
The school's uniformed groups have been able to achieve much over the past few years, with its National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC) unit attained Gold for the Unit Overall Proficiency Award in 2017 and 2016, and Silver in 2015 and 2014. Its Girl Guides (1st Coy) (GG) unit also attained Gold for the Puan Noor Aisah Award in 2017, 2016 and 2015. [2]
KCPSS's football team (B division) has gotten third place in the second-tier league, in 2017.
school song
[lyrics]
We pledge to thee our school, our loyalty; Our faithful service render we to thee. Here ‘neath thy banner, we shall take our stand; Thy precepts we shall cherish and defend. “Aflame for Truth” our motto ever be, Our sacred emblem the Burning Tree. “Aflame for Truth” our motto ever be, Our sacred emblem the Burning Tree.
Teach us to build a brotherhood of man Till truth and justice o’er the world shall span. Grant us the strength to love, the will to give, The grace to live, the gladness to forgive. Teach us, in faith, to trust God’s Fatherhood, His plan for man His purpose for our good. Teach us, in faith, to trust God’s Fatherhood, His plan for man His purpose for our good.
Stand like the brave! United we shall be; One happy, strong and peaceful family, Here ‘neath our flag, the anthem loud we raise, Together we shall sing our song of praise. Together we shall strive courageously, God bless our school and may we steadfast be, Together we shall strive courageously, God bless our school and may we steadfast be
