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Singapore – Education and Schools

The Quality of Education in Singapore

Singapore is renowned for its high-quality education system, consistently ranking among the top-performing countries in international assessments. The country places great emphasis on education, viewing it as a key driver of social and economic development. The Singaporean education system is known for its rigorous curriculum, well-trained teachers, and a strong focus on critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The government invests significantly in education, ensuring that schools are well-equipped and have access to up-to-date teaching resources. As a result, Singaporean students consistently perform well in subjects like mathematics, science, and reading.

Compulsory Education in Singapore

Education in Singapore is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 15 years. This means that all children who are Singaporean citizens or permanent residents must attend school during this period. The compulsory education phase consists of six years of primary education followed by four years of secondary education.

Types of Schools in Singapore

1. Preschools:

  • Age Group: 2 to 6 years old
  • Preschool education is not compulsory but is highly encouraged for children aged 3 to 6 years to prepare them for primary school.
  • Preschools in Singapore focus on providing a strong foundation in language, numeracy, social skills, and character development.

2. Primary Schools:

  • Age Group: 6 to 12 years old
  • Primary education is compulsory and spans six years, comprising Primary 1 (P1) to Primary 6 (P6).
  • Primary school curriculum includes English, Mother Tongue (such as Chinese, Malay, Tamil), Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and other subjects like Art, Music, and Physical Education.

3. Secondary Schools:

  • Age Group: 13 to 16 years old
  • Secondary education is also compulsory for four years, from Secondary 1 (S1) to Secondary 4 (S4).
  • Students take the Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level (GCE O-Level) examinations at the end of Secondary 4.

4. Junior Colleges (JCs):


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  • Age Group: 17 to 18 years old
  • JCs offer a two-year pre-university program for students who have completed their GCE O-Level examinations.
  • Students take the Singapore-Cambridge GCE Advanced Level (GCE A-Level) examinations at the end of Junior College.

5. Polytechnics:

  • Age Group: 17 and above
  • Polytechnics offer diploma programs in various fields and provide practical and industry-oriented education.
  • Diplomas awarded by polytechnics are widely recognized and serve as a pathway to both employment and further studies.

6. Universities:

  • Age Group: 18 and above
  • Singapore has several universities that offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
  • The National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) are among the top universities in Asia.

Syllabus and Qualifications in Singapore Schools

Schools in Singapore follow a standard curriculum set by the Ministry of Education (MOE). The MOE ensures that the curriculum is rigorous and updated regularly to meet the evolving needs of the workforce and society. At the primary and secondary levels, schools teach subjects like English, Mother Tongue, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music, and Physical Education.

At the end of primary education, students take the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE). Based on their PSLE results, students are allocated places in secondary schools. In secondary schools, students prepare for the GCE O-Level examinations, which serve as a benchmark for further education or entry into the workforce.

After completing the GCE O-Level examinations, students have the option to attend Junior Colleges (JCs) or Polytechnics. JCs prepare students for the GCE A-Level examinations, while polytechnics offer diploma programs.

For those seeking higher education, Singapore has several universities offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various disciplines. The universities in Singapore have gained international recognition for their academic excellence and research contributions.

School Hours and Holidays in Singapore

School hours in Singapore vary depending on the level of education. Typically, primary and secondary schools start around 7:30 or 8:00 AM and end between 1:30 to 3:30 PM. Junior Colleges and Polytechnics follow a similar schedule, while universities may have more flexible timings for lectures and tutorials.

As for school holidays, students in Singapore enjoy several breaks throughout the year. The major school holidays include:

  • March Holidays: One week in March.
  • June Holidays: One month from late May to June.
  • September Holidays: One week in September.
  • December Holidays: One month from late November to December.

These holidays provide students with opportunities to relax, participate in extracurricular activities, or go on family vacations.

Enrollment in Schools in Singapore

Enrollment in Singaporean schools is generally straightforward, especially for Singaporean citizens and permanent residents. For expatriate families, the process may require additional steps, but international schools cater to the needs of foreign students.

Documentation for Enrollment:

  • For Singaporean Citizens: Birth certificate and parents’ identification documents.
  • For Permanent Residents: Entry Permit and parents’ identification documents.
  • For Expatriates: Valid Passes or Visas and parents’ identification documents.
  • Additional documents may be required based on the specific school’s policies.

Competition for Enrolment:

  • For popular schools or schools with limited vacancies, there may be some competition for enrollment, especially at the beginning of the academic year.
  • It is advisable to apply for schools well in advance to secure a place.

International Schools in Singapore

Singapore hosts a diverse range of international schools, catering to the expatriate community and local families seeking an international education. These schools offer various curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) program or the curriculum of the students’ home country.

Here are some well-known international schools in Singapore:

  1. United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA):

  2. Dulwich College Singapore:

  3. Tanglin Trust School:

  4. International Community School:

  5. Singapore American School:

Higher Education Options in Singapore

Singapore offers a wide range of options for higher education, including undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Some of the key higher education institutions in Singapore are:

  1. National University of Singapore (NUS):

  2. Nanyang Technological University (NTU):

    • Website: [

https://www.ntu.edu.sg/](https://www.ntu.edu.sg/)

  1. Singapore Management University (SMU):

  2. Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD):

  3. Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT):

Singapore’s higher education institutions have collaborations with renowned universities worldwide, providing students with opportunities for international exposure and research opportunities.

Please note that the information provided in this article is based on general practices in Singapore’s education system, and specific procedures and regulations may vary among different institutions. It is always advisable to consult with relevant authorities and refer to official websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information.