Our History and Museum

To be Rafflesian is to be a part of an institution inextricably linked with the Singapore story. We were founded in June 1823 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the Briton who galvanised our nation's emergence as a major trading centre. RI is also the birthplace of Singapore's National Museum and the National Library Board.

Progressive since the beginning, we welcomed girls in 1844 and began offering pre-university classes in 1886. In 1879, the girls' wing was established as our sister school, RGS (Raffles Girls' School (Secondary)). RJC (Raffles Junior College) was established in 1982 to take over RI's pre-university enrolment.

In 2009, RI and RJC re-integrated to offer a six-year programme together with RGS.

Our campus was originally located along Bras Basah Road. Unfortunately, the school had to move 149 years later as the building fell into disrepair. We moved to Grange Road in 1972, and then to our current Bishan campus in 1990. However, the legacy of our first home lives on as an illustration on the back of the Singapore two-dollar bill, and in the name of the complex that now stands on the former site - Raffles City.

You can find out more about RI's history on the Raffles Archives & Museum website.

Read our History-related articles and interviews

The RAM celebrates the rich 201-year history of RI. Its large collection of historical documents and artefacts is arranged thematically to allow visitors to experience our school's history. 

Please contact the RAM to arrange a visit or donate memorabilia. Alternatively, you may wish to visit the RAM's virtual tour. 

[email protected]

Year 1-4 Campus, Yusof Ishak Block, Main Atrium

School days, 8.30am to 4.30pm

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