“What are the best primary schools in Toa Payoh?”
We are often asked this question, as Joyous Learning is located in the heart of Toa Payoh. To help parents make informed decisions, we examined the list of all the primary schools within the Toa Payoh neighbourhood as listed on the MOE School Finder.
There were only 8 schools on this list, and ALL of them really qualify as the best primary schools in Toa Payoh.
The eight schools on this list are excellent based on how often they are chosen during the Primary 1 registration phase, their academic results, diverse co-curricular activities (CCAs), and their wide range of learning experiences.
Parents seek these schools because they can nurture both academic and personal growth. We believe these can meet each child’s unique educational needs.
Let’s take a closer look at each school and see what makes it special, focusing on the unique features that make it popular and effective in providing a well-rounded education.
1. CHIJ Primary (Toa Payoh)

CHIJ Primary (Toa Payoh) is one of Singapore’s most iconic all-girls schools, with a heritage dating back to 1854. The school’s mission is to nurture women of integrity, compassion, and social responsibility, making it a top choice for parents seeking a well-rounded and values-based education for their daughters. It is certainly acknowledged as one of the best primary schools in Toa Payoh.
Recent Achievements:
- In 2023, the school maintained its academic excellence with a high percentage of students qualifying for top secondary schools like CHIJ Secondary and Raffles Girls’ School.
- CHIJ Primary was awarded the Green Schools Award in 2022, recognising its eco-friendly initiatives like recycling programs and energy-saving campaigns.
Why CHIJ Primary (Toa Payoh)?
- Strong moral and values-based education, focusing on character development alongside academic success.
- A wide array of CCAs, including performing arts, sports, and community service.
- Consistent top performance in national exams, fostering academic and personal growth.
2. Pei Chun Public School
Founded in 1933, Pei Chun Public School is a Special Assistance Plan (SAP) school dedicated to bilingualism. It offers students a strong foundation in both English and Mandarin. Its focus on academic excellence and cultural heritage makes it one of the most respected primary schools in Toa Payoh.
Recent Achievements:
- Students from Pei Chun won first place in the 2022 National Chinese Essay Writing Competition, underscoring the school’s prowess in Chinese language education.
- The school’s robotics team secured top honours in the National Robotics Competition 2023, showcasing innovation in STEM education.
Why Pei Chun Public School?
- A bilingual education focusing on Chinese culture and language, perfect for families prioritising language proficiency.
- Strong academic outcomes, especially in language arts and STEM fields.
- Rich co-curricular activities that blend traditional values with modern educational practices.
3. Kheng Cheng School
Established in 1927, Kheng Cheng School is known for providing a balanced education that combines academic excellence with character development. The school fosters a nurturing environment that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and community service. This school is one of the most popular primary schools in Toa Payoh.
Recent Achievements:
- Kheng Cheng won the Sustained Achievement Award for Academic Excellence in 2022, reflecting its consistent performance in national exams.
- The school’s Green Club was awarded the NEA Clean & Green Singapore Schools’ Competition 2023, highlighting its commitment to environmental sustainability.
Why Kheng Cheng School?
- A well-balanced curriculum that integrates moral values with academic learning.
- Strong focus on STEM education, with students excelling in national competitions.
- Wide-ranging CCAs, including sports, performing arts, and environmental programs, ensuring all-round development.
4. First Toa Payoh Primary School
Focusing on inclusivity and holistic growth, First Toa Payoh Primary School stands out for its commitment to nurturing every child, regardless of their learning needs. The school promotes academic excellence while ensuring students develop socially, emotionally, and morally. The school’s name means that this school must be on the list of top primary schools in Toa Payoh.
Recent Achievements:
- First, Toa Payoh won the MOE Outstanding School Award for Inclusive Education in 2022, highlighting its inclusive and supportive learning environment.
- The school’s choir earned top honours at the Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) 2023, showcasing its strength in performing arts.
Why First Toa Payoh Primary School?
- A nurturing and inclusive environment that supports students of all abilities.
- Strong academic results, particularly in literacy and the creative arts.
Holistic development through diverse CCAs, ranging from performing arts to sports
5. Marymount Convent School
Located near the border of Toa Payoh and Bishan, Marymount Convent School offers a holistic, values-driven education for girls. The school places importance on moral integrity, academic rigour, and leadership skills, making it a popular choice for parents seeking a comprehensive education for their daughters.
Recent Achievements:
- The school was recognised in 2023 for its exceptional performances in dance and choir at the Singapore Youth Festival (SYF).
- Marymount Convent won the MOE Character and Citizenship Education Award in 2022 for its dedication to building strong values among students.
Why Marymount Convent School?
- Values-based education that builds compassion, resilience, and integrity in young girls.
- Strong academic results, particularly in the arts and humanities.
- All-girls environment that fosters leadership and confidence.
6. Cedar Primary School
Cedar Primary School has built a strong reputation for providing students with a well-rounded education. The co-ed school is known for its vibrant CCAs, strong academic performance, and commitment to character development, preparing students to excel both academically and in life.
Recent Achievements:
- Cedar Primary’s debate team won the 2023 National Primary School Debate Championship, showcasing the school’s language and critical thinking strength.
- The school received the MOE Sustained Achievement Award in Sports in 2022 for its consistent excellence in various sports competitions.
Why Cedar Primary School?
- Strong academic performance with a focus on developing critical thinkers.
- A diverse array of CCAs, particularly in sports and debate.
- Commitment to character education, building resilient and responsible students.
7. Maris Stella High (Primary)
Maris Stella High School (Primary) is renowned for its strong foundation in both academic excellence and character development. As a boys’ school with a Catholic ethos, it focuses on nurturing students holistically, combining rigorous academic programmes with values-based education. The school’s commitment to all-rounded growth ensures that students excel inside and outside the classroom.
Recent Achievements:
- 2023: Maris Stella’s Math Olympiad team achieved top positions in the National Primary Math Competition, underlining the school’s emphasis on academic rigor and problem-solving skills.
- 2022: The school was awarded the Best Practice Award in Character and Citizenship Education by the Ministry of Education, recognising its exceptional efforts in character building and developing students’ moral compass.
Why Maris Stella High School (Primary)?
- Academic Excellence: With a long history of strong academic results, Maris Stella fosters a love for learning, particularly excelling in mathematics and science.
- Values-driven Education: A key focus on character and citizenship education, building morally upright and responsible young men.
- Rich CCA Programme: Maris Stella offers a wide range of CCAs, including sports, performing arts, and clubs, allowing students to develop their talents beyond academics.
8. St. Andrew’s Junior School
St. Andrew’s Junior School is an all-boys school known for its strong Christian values, holistic education, and robust sports programs. The school nurtures leadership, character building, community service, and academic achievement. It is another long-standing reputable school on this list of primary schools in Toa Payoh.
Recent Achievements:
- St. Andrew’s rugby team won the National Schools Rugby Championship 2023, reflecting its strength in sports.
- The school earned the Outstanding School in Service Learning award in 2022 for its commitment to community service.
Why St. Andrew’s Junior School?
- A holistic approach to education that integrates academic learning, sports, and leadership development.
- Focus on character building and community involvement, fostering students’ strong sense of purpose.
- Consistent academic performance, complemented by achievements in co-curricular activities.
Which of the 8 Best Primary Schools in Toa Payoh is the Right School?
Which is the best primary school for your child?
Each of these top primary schools in Toa Payoh offers unique strengths, ranging from bilingual education and leadership development to a focus on creativity and inclusivity.
When choosing the right school for your child, it is essential to consider your child’s interests, learning style, and how well the school’s philosophy aligns with your family’s values.
Whichever school you choose, the Toa Payoh neighbourhood provides diverse educational opportunities to ensure your child thrives academically and personally.
We hope this list of primary schools in Toa Payoh gives a good overview of the schools in the neighbourhood and helps you choose the right school for your children.
#toapayoh #bestprimaryschools #primaryschools
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