Ten years after the founding of the Methodist Mission in Singapore, there in Ipoh on 31 July 1895, a young Englishman, the Rev. E. Horley, who was destined to play a vital role in the enhancement of the education and spiritual life of youth in this country.
A few days after his arrival, on 5 August, Mr. Horley opened the Anglo-Chinese School in a small attap-roofed Malay house adjoining the Police barracks behind the old Land Office which was later demolished to make way for a new million-dollar mosque. Ipoh at that time was no more than a small mining village.
A.C.S Ipoh Rivalries
ACS, being one of the few elite schools in Ipoh, often considers St. Michael's Institution as its rival, due to the close proximity of both schools, English missionary backgrounds and similar student demographics. Students of both schools usually compete in academic and sporting achievements. Together with Anderson (SMK Anderson Ipoh), they are part of the league of Big 3 premier schools in Ipoh, often being the choice of the cream of the crop.
A.C.S Ipoh Anthem
Not so very long ago
More than hundred years or so
Horley dauntless hero came
Founded our beloved school
Ipoh Anglo-Chinese School
Though it then was new in name
But the banner then unfurled
Now it's known throughout the world
ACS, ACS,
Your country can depend on you
Years we spend in your classrooms
Will help to make us brave and true
ACS, ACS,
To do the right we're not afraid
And we're proud we're the students Of the ACS
A.C.S Ipoh Sport House
There are 5 sports houses in this school. Students compete for their respective sports houses during the school's annual cross country competition (Malay: Merentas Desa), track and field competition (also known as Sports day), and extracurricular day (Malay: Hari Kokurikulum). Students will train under their sports houses approximately 2 months before the school's annual Sports Day.
The 5 sports houses are named after the school's founding fathers of the school, and famous people in history. These houses are:
- Horley (Green)
- Oldham (Red)
- Eu Tong Sen (Purple)
- Tagore (Blue)
- Abdul Aziz (Orange)
