- ACS Bali officially opened at the Kura Kura Bali SEZ, marking the expansion of the 140-year heritage of Anglo-Chinese Schools.
- The campus combines modern facilities with Balinese culture, offering Cambridge and IB curricula for Grades 1-12, with first IBDP graduates in 2029.
- ACS Bali emphasizes holistic education, character building, and community engagement, attracting a diverse international student body.
ACS Bali has now formally opened at the Kura Kura Bali Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in South Denpasar, representing a historic expansion of the close to 140-year heritage of the Anglo-Chinese Schools (ACS). Established in Singapore in 1886, ACS has become one of Asia's most highly regarded education brands, churning out generations of leaders, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who have proceeded to world-class universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Ivy League universities, and leading institutions in Asia and Australia.
The opening of ACS Bali marks the fulfillment of a vision pursued for many years to build a center of education on Turtle Island, Bali. PT Bali Turtle Island Development's President Director, Tuti Hadiputranto, master developer of Kura Kura Bali SEZ, stressed that the school will inculcate values of service, humility, and stewardship to enable students to excel academically while absorbing the island's culture, natural splendor, and spirit of community.
The first stage of the campus spans three hectares, featuring classrooms, a library, sports hall, twelve laboratories, and a 300-seat canteen, with plans to expand to nearly 4.8 hectares. Future facilities will include a swimming pool, dormitories, and additional learning spaces that blend Bali’s heritage with modern educational needs.
Conveniently located, the SEZ is just a 20-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport, drawing families from around Indonesia and internationally. In its first year, ACS Bali teaches Grades 1-5 and 7, extending to Grade 12 eventually, with the first IBDP graduates due in 2029. The curriculum integrates Cambridge International and IB programmes with the unique ACS emphasis on character growth, leadership, and service learning.
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Community engagement is central to ACS Bali’s mission. Students will participate in cultural activities with local children, contribute to ocean-based livelihoods through service projects, and study coastal ecology alongside Serangan residents. Executive Principal Rob Burrough, who brings extensive leadership experience from ACS schools in Singapore, Kenya, and New Zealand, highlighted that parents choose ACS not only for strong academics but also for its emphasis on resilience, character, and holistic development.
The first cohort of the school is an international community with diversity, comprising students from Denmark, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, the Philippines, and the UK, complemented by Australian, UK, Singaporean, and Indonesian educators. Parents value the school's well-rounded approach, which develops balanced people in a supporting academic environment.
Opening-day festivities greeted students and families, welcomed teachers, and included community-building experiences expressing ACS's values of respect, service, and faith. As part of the Kura Kura Bali SEZ a government-planned model for sustainable, quality tourism the school enjoys smart infrastructure and a safe environment. The SEZ’s future developments, including an international marina, retail, hospitality, and creative industry investments, complement ACS Bali’s vision of preparing students for both today’s world and the future, guided by tradition and inspired to make a meaningful difference.
