North London Collegiate School (Singapore) started in 2020 in the halls of Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre (SSCEC). But since 2021, it’s home has been in a custom-made 300,000-square-foot campus with impressive facilities and a growing co-curricular programme. The founding staff reflects on the changes over the past six years.
Early beginnings at SSCEC
When NLCS (Singapore) first opened its doors at the SSCEC, classrooms were carved out of temporary spaces. Routines were also built from scratch.
Six years on, its early days at SSCEC are behind them. They’ve settled into a purpose-built campus with spaces that support a rich academic and co-curricular programme (CCA).
Yet, the founding staff retains their pioneering spirit from the early days. They say their commitment has been sustained by the journey of equal parts challenge and opportunity.
North London Collegiate Singapore’s tech evolution
Starting with fewer than 150 devices, the school now supports over 1,200 devices for teaching and learning in an increasingly digital learning landscape.
Michael Choong, Senior IT Manager, recalls the complexity of establishing robust systems within the SSCEC temporary venue. Over the years, he says his role has evolved from problem-solving in constrained conditions, to enabling innovation across a fully equipped campus.
“What keeps me going is seeing how technology has evolved to quietly and effectively support teaching and learning every day at North London Collegiate Singapore.”
Co-curricular growth
Establishing co-curricular offerings was equally challenging without full facilities. Creativity and flexibility were required to reimagine how spot could be delivered.
Similarly, music had to find its voice. “Building a Music programme from the ground up meant creating performance opportunities wherever possible,” says one teacher. “Students were challenged with demanding repertoire and expected to grow beyond it. Musicians were placed in ensembles based on ability rather than age. It’s rewarding to hear the exceptional standard of performance and knowing it grew from those early beginnings into a culture of musical excellence.”
Today, students compete, perform and cultivate their confidence in purpose-built sports and performing arts facilities.
The next phase of North London Collegiate Singapore
New leadership continues building on these foundations as the school enters its next phase. While the first five years were about establishing identity, the next five will be about amplifying impact at North London Collegiate Singapore.
The school’s vision is to sustain academic excellence and deepen the breadth of opportunity. They say this ensures every student is known, challenged and inspired. “At its heart, the growth of NLCS (Singapore) is about our educators who believed in a vision before it was fully realised. They continue to shape what it will become.”
Hear from founding staff members…
“Starting as a founding staff member meant embracing uncertainty with purpose. From launching Term 1 in a hall at SSCEC to building a school from the ground up, it was teamwork that sustained us. A passionate, experienced group of educators found creative ways to enrich learning. Today, I’m proud of the journey, our reputation, and above all, the happiness of our youngest learners.” – Hayley Davies, Assistant Principal and Head of First School
“We were building something from the ground up. There was an energy that you simply don’t find in established schools. What keeps me at the school after all these years is seeing its vision fully realised, and knowing that I’ve contributed meaningfully to shaping the journey.” – Tyshea Holden, Assistant Principal (Academic)
North London Collegiate School is at 130 Depot Road.
6989 3000 | nlcssingapore.sg
This article first appeared in the June 2026 issue of Expat Living magazine. You can buy the latest mag or an annual subscription, or read the digital version for free now. Also, read a parent’s review on why they chose NLCS (Singapore) here. And discover how student leadership spearhead the school’s projects here.
Interested in knowing about editorial options? Email us at sales@expatliving.sg.
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