The Ultimate 2025 Guide to Singapore JCs: Pros, Cons, and Choosing the Right Fit
Selecting the right Junior College (JC) is a significant milestone for both students and parents in Singapore. With 17 JCs offering a wide range of experiences and opportunities, the process can feel overwhelming.
So, how do you get the information and insights you need to make the best decision?
To help you navigate this crucial choice, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to JCs in Singapore.
This guide isn’t just a list of facts—it’s based on real insights from students who have attended these JCs. What makes it even better? We spoke to a fewstudents from each school, ensuring a balanced view of the pros and cons.
These students are part of the Macro Academy community, so we’re confident their input is genuine and honest.
Whether you’re a student exploring your next step or a parent supporting your child, we hope this guide will provide clarity and confidence as you make this important decision.
Let’s dive in!
1. Anglo-Chinese Junior College (ACJC)
Pros:
Flexible subject combinations, including niche electives.
Large gym and pools with extensive sports facilities.
Inclusive and vibrant community with rich traditions.
Cons:
Some academic departments may have less support (e.g., Math or Physics).
Discipline policies, such as morning detentions, may feel strict.
Located 10 minutes’ walk from Buona Vista MRT.
Nearest MRT: Buona Vista MRT (CC22/EW21)
2. Anderson-Serangoon Junior College (ASRJC)
Pros:
Supportive teachers and an inclusive JAE-only environment.
Modern facilities, including air-conditioned study areas and a track.
Convenient location near Kovan MRT.
Cons:
Smaller campus may feel crowded.
Limited subject combinations and strict requirements for 4H2 options.
Uniform material may feel uncomfortable for some.
Nearest MRT: Kovan MRT (NE13)
3. Catholic Junior College (CJC)
Pros:
Warm and supportive learning environment.
Strong emphasis on values-based education and character development.
Diverse CCAs and community-focused programs.
Strong arts and humanities departments.
Cons:
Older campus with fewer modern facilities.
Academic performance is less competitive compared to top-tier JCs.
Nearest MRT: Toa Payoh MRT (NS19)
4. Dunman High School (DHS)
Pros:
Strong bilingual education and emphasis on cultural immersion.
Modern facilities for arts, science, and sports.
Consistent academic performance and focus on holistic development.
Small cohort and great teacher to student ratio.
Cons:
Exclusively IP student body may feel less diverse.
High-pressure environment may not suit everyone.
Nearest MRT: Mountbatten MRT (CC7) / Tanjong Rhu MRT (TE23)
5. Eunoia Junior College (EJC)
Pros:
Modern campus with smart classrooms and collaborative spaces.
Unique programs like Passion Pursuit emphasize innovation and leadership.
Strong sense of community and vibrant student culture.
Cons:
Relatively new JC with less-established traditions.
Campus location may be less convenient for some students.
Nearest MRT: Bright Hill MRT (TE7/CR13)
6. Hwa Chong Institution (HCI)
Pros:
Comprehensive facilities, including fully air-conditioned classrooms.
Strong emphasis on leadership programs and cultural heritage.
Opportunities for global exposure and talent development programs.
Cons:
Predominantly Chinese cultural environment may feel less diverse.
Long canteen queues during peak hours.
Campus is very large, can be very tiring to travel from class to class.
Nearest MRT: Tan Kah Kee MRT (DT8)
7. Jurong-Pioneer Junior College (JPJC)
Pros:
Wide range of subject combinations, including hybrid options like HEMb.
Committed teachers who go the extra mile.
Inclusive school culture with a focus on character development.
Cons:
Limited study spots due to campus constraints.
Some students may be allocated to non-air-conditioned classrooms.
Smaller alumni network compared to more established JCs.
Nearest MRT: Choa Chu Kang MRT/LRT Station (NS4/BP1)
8. Millennia Institute (MI)
Pros:
Unique three-year pre-university program for a slower-paced academic journey.
Small class sizes for personalized attention.
Supportive environment for students needing a more tailored approach.
Cons:
Fewer CCAs and enrichment opportunities.
Longer program duration may not appeal to everyone.
Nearest MRT: Bukit Gombak MRT (NS3)
9. National Junior College (NJC)
Pros:
Strong tradition of academic excellence and leadership development.
Balanced IP-JAE integration fosters inclusivity.
Diverse CCAs and enrichment programs.
Cons:
Facilities are older but undergoing renovation.
IP students may have slight informational advantages regarding school opportunities.
Nearest MRT: Tan Kah Kee MRT (DT8)
10. Nanyang Junior College (NYJC)
Pros:
Strong Math and Chemistry departments.
Warm and welcoming culture, especially for JAE students.
Affordable and tasty canteen food.
Cons:
Limited air-conditioned classrooms.
Inconsistent performance in the Physics department.
Nearest MRT: Lorong Chuan MRT (CC14)
11. Raffles Institution (RI)
Pros:
Prestigious reputation with strong academic results.
Rich school spirit and house culture.
Diverse CCAs and enrichment programs available to all students.
Cons:
High-pressure environment may not suit all students.
Segregation between IP and JAE students may be noticeable.
Nearest MRT: Bishan MRT (NS17/CC15), Marymount MRT (CC16)
12. River Valley High School (RVHS)
Pros:
Consistently strong academic performance with a bilingual focus.
Leadership and character development programs.
Excellent facilities for arts, science, and sports.
Cons:
Exclusively IP student body may result in less diversity.
Might be challenging to score leadership positions as a JAE student.
Nearest MRT: Boon Lay MRT (EW27)
13. St Andrew’s Junior College (SAJC)
Pros:
Values-based education with a focus on service and character development.
Accessible location and diverse CCAs.
Holistic approach to student growth.
Cons:
Fewer enrichment programs compared to top-tier JCs.
Academic rigor may not match some other schools.
Nearest MRT: Potong Pasir MRT (NE10)
14. Tampines-Meridian Junior College (TMJC)
Pros:
Affordable and delicious canteen food.
Friendly school culture with low stress - anyone from teachers, HODs, to the principal celebrates small wins.
Well-structured learning materials, especially for Math and Science.
Cons:
Smaller campus size with limited facilities.
Lax academic environment may not suit all students, especially students not in the Talent Development Programme (TDP)
Some notes provided by the school may not be the most comprehensive for revision.
Nearest MRT: Tampines MRT (EW2/DT32)
15. Temasek Junior College (TJC)
Pros:
Vibrant school culture with engaging events.
Strong Chemistry and Economics departments.
Emphasis on leadership and character-building programs.
Cons:
Limited sports facilities.
Most classrooms lack air-conditioning.
Nearest MRT: Bedok MRT (EW5)
16. Victoria Junior College (VJC)
Pros:
Strong Math, Economics, and PW departments.
Strong career exposure through regular ECG programs - high proportion of students going overseas for university.
Unified school spirit among IP and JAE students.
Cons:
Challenging internal exams may discourage some students.
Intense CCA culture with frequent training.
Nearest MRT: Marine Parade (TE26), Bedok MRT (EW5)
17. Yishun-Innova Junior College (YIJC)
Pros:
Modern campus with excellent facilities.
Emphasis on holistic education and leadership.
Nurturing and inclusive school culture.
Cons:
Merged identity may feel less cohesive.
Academic performance may not match more established JCs.
Nearest MRT station is quite a distance away from the school.
Nearest MRT: Yishun MRT (NS13)
And there you have it!
Every JC in Singapore has its unique strengths and challenges.
When deciding, consider important factors like location, subject combinations, school culture, and your learning style. Remember, there is no single “best” JC—only the “right” one for you. It’s the one that aligns with your needs and helps you thrive academically and personally.
If you’re feeling unsure about which subject combinations to pick or how to survive in JC, don’t worry. We’re here to help! Macro Academy is offering a series of FREE subject taster courses, where students can hear directly from seniors studying at OxBridge, Ivy Leagues, Medicine, and Law Schools. Gain valuable insights from those who’ve been through the journey and learn how to set yourself up for success. Find out more about these sessions and take the next step toward your JC journey with confidence!
