Secondary Schools Near Bishan: A Parent's Guide to Post-PSLE

Bishan's central location provides excellent access to numerous secondary schools across different bands, including top schools like Catholic High, Raffles Institution (via MRT), and neighbourhood options like Bishan Park Secondary and Kuo Chuan Presbyterian. Understanding the options helps parents guide their children's secondary school choices after PSLE. This guide covers schools accessible from Bishan and factors to consider.

As an educator based at our Bishan centre, I regularly help families navigate secondary school selection. Location matters for daily commute, but programme fit matters more for your child's development.

Schools Within Walking Distance of Bishan

Several secondary schools are within walking distance or a short bus ride from Bishan, offering convenience for daily commute.

Note: Cut-off points are indicative based on recent years and may change. Check the MOE S1 Posting website for official figures.

Top Schools Accessible via MRT

Bishan MRT (NS17/CC15) connects to many top secondary schools within 20-30 minutes, expanding options beyond walking distance.

North-South Line (NSL) Access:

• Raffles Institution (Marymount): 1 stop, elite school with IP programme
• CHIJ St Nicholas Girls' (Ang Mo Kio): 2 stops, top girls' school
• Anderson Secondary (Ang Mo Kio): 2 stops, strong academic programme
• Nanyang Girls' (Novena): 4 stops, IP girls' school

Circle Line (CCL) Access:

• Hwa Chong Institution (Buona Vista): ~20 min, IP school with strong track record
• NUS High (Clementi): ~25 min, specialised science school
• Victoria School (Dakota): ~15 min, strong sports and arts programmes

Understanding 2026 Cut-Off Points

Under Full SBB, cut-off points are now expressed as AL scores for different Posting Groups, with lower AL being more competitive.

How to interpret cut-off points:

• Posting Group 3 (PG3): For students taking most subjects at G3 level
• Posting Group 2 (PG2): For students taking most subjects at G2 level
• Posting Group 1 (PG1): For students taking most subjects at G1 level
• Indicative: Based on previous year's last student posted; not guaranteed

Check the MOE School Finder for detailed information on each school's programmes and cut-off points.

Schools with Special Programmes

Beyond academic cut-offs, consider schools offering programmes that match your child's interests and strengths.

Integrated Programme (IP) Schools near Bishan:

• Raffles Institution — through-train to RI JC
• Catholic High School — through-train to Eunoia JC
• CHIJ St Nicholas Girls' — through-train to Eunoia JC

Schools with Applied Learning Programmes (ALP):

• Bishan Park Secondary — STEM focus
• Kuo Chuan Presbyterian — Arts and Innovation
• Ang Mo Kio Secondary — Design and Technology

Schools with Learning for Life Programmes (LLP):

• Catholic High — Character Development through Outdoor Education
• Victoria School — Community Youth Leadership

Factors Beyond Cut-Off Points

Cut-off points indicate competitiveness, but the right school depends on multiple factors including culture, programmes, and your child's needs.

Consider these factors:

• School culture: Visit open houses, talk to current students/parents
• CCA offerings: Check if your child's interests are supported
• Subject combinations: Ensure desired subjects are available
• Special programmes: IP, DSA, ALP, LLP alignment with goals
• Commute time: Daily travel affects energy and time for studies
• Peer environment: Who your child learns alongside matters

DSA Opportunities from Bishan

Direct School Admission (DSA) provides an alternative pathway to competitive schools based on talent areas, before PSLE results.

Popular DSA categories at schools near Bishan:

• Catholic High: Chinese Language, Leadership, Sports
• Raffles Institution: Music, Visual Arts, Sports, Leadership
• Kuo Chuan Presbyterian: Visual Arts, Sports
• Victoria School: Visual Arts (AEP), Sports, Music

At Ancourage Academy, we support DSA Art Portfolio preparation for students aiming at schools with visual arts programmes.

Preparing for Secondary School from Bishan

Strong PSLE preparation opens more options; targeted preparation based on realistic school choices maximises success.

1. Assess current level: Understand realistic AL score range based on current performance
2. Research target schools: Visit open houses, understand cut-offs and programmes
3. Consider backup options: Have choices across different cut-off ranges
4. Explore DSA: If your child has specific talents, apply early
5. Strengthen weak subjects: Improving one grade can significantly affect school options

Our P6 programmes at Bishan help students prepare for PSLE with targeted support for their school goals.

Based on recent MOE S1 posting data, schools near Bishan consistently attract strong applicants. Check MOE School Finder for the latest indicative cut-off points, as these change annually.

Common Questions About Secondary Schools Near Bishan

Is Catholic High School very competitive?

Yes, Catholic High School is highly competitive as a top boys' school with the Integrated Programme (IP). Check the MOE School Finder for the latest indicative cut-off points. As an affiliated school, students from Catholic High School (Primary) receive priority posting, which increases competition for external applicants. For non-affiliated students, strong PSLE performance across all subjects is essential, and DSA offers an alternative pathway worth exploring.

My child's PSLE score is around AL 15-18. What are good options near Bishan?

Several excellent schools near Bishan have cut-offs in the AL 15-18 range. Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Secondary and Ai Tong School (Secondary) are strong options with solid academic programmes and convenient accessibility from Bishan. You should also consider Ang Mo Kio Secondary, which is just two MRT stops away on the North-South Line, offering more choices while maintaining reasonable commute times for your child.

How important is commute time for secondary school?

Commute time is more important than many parents initially realise. Secondary school days are significantly longer than primary school, often extending to 5-6pm with CCA commitments. A 45-60 minute commute each way translates to 1.5-2 hours daily spent travelling instead of studying, resting, or pursuing interests. Closer schools often make practical sense unless a more distant school offers something uniquely valuable that justifies the travel time.

Should we choose a school based on cut-off points or programme fit?

Programme fit should be the primary consideration, provided the school falls within your child's realistic cut-off range. A child who loves arts or sports will typically thrive more at a school with strong programmes in their interest area than at a higher-ranked school without such offerings. However, the school must remain academically achievable based on your child's expected PSLE performance — choosing well means balancing aspiration with realistic assessment.

Related: Choosing Secondary School | Full SBB Guide | PSLE Scoring System Guide