Singapore Primary and Secondary schools

General education in Singapore is governed directly by the Singapore Ministry of Education and is divided into three levels: primary, secondary, and junior college. Schools include public, private, and international institutions. English is the main language of instruction.

The academic year in Singapore is divided into two semesters:

• Semester 1: January – June
• Semester 2: July – December

Typical levels and age groups in Singapore are as follows:

• Nursery: ages 3 – 4
• Kindergarten: ages 4 – 6
• Primary 1 – 6: ages 6-12
• Secondary 1 – 5: ages 12-16 or 17
• Junior College / Pre-University: ages 16-18 or 19

Public schools in Singapore 

Singapore’s public schools include mainstream schools, specialized schools, boys’ schools, girls’ schools, and co-educational institutions.

• Primary Education (6 years): The first four years focus on foundation subjects, and the last two years focus on orientation. Core subjects include English, Mother Tongue, Mathematics, and Science. At the end of Primary 6, students sit for the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE).
• Secondary Education (4-5 years): Secondary education is offered through several academic tracks: Special, Express, Normal (Academic), and Normal (Technical). Each track varies in pace and depth of study. Students complete their studies by taking the GCE ‘O’ Level examination.
• Junior College (2-3 years): This stage is commonly known as Junior College. Students specialize in subjects based on their academic interests. Some schools have autonomy over curriculum design. At the end of the course, students sit for the GCE ‘A’ Level examination.

Academic Excellence Singapore consistently ranks among the top countries in Mathematics and Science worldwide. For example:

• 2011: Ranked #1 globally in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS);
• Since 1995: Consistently within the Top 3;
• 2009 (OECD PISA): Ranked Top 5 in Mathematics, Science, and Reading. 

Applying to Singapore public schools

• Tuition Fees: Public school tuition fees range from S$7,000-10,000 per year.
• Admission Requirements: Vietnamese students must take an entrance examination held annually in October and November. Subjects typically include English, Mathematics, Science, and IQ.
• Preparation: Preparation programs usually begin in June each year, right after students finish their school year in Vietnam. Exams take place in October/November, results are released in December, and classes begin in January.

With 25+ years of experience, Duc Anh EduConnect has supported students in selecting schools, preparing for exams, and registering for entrance tests in Singapore, with an almost perfect acceptance rate into public schools.

Top specialized schools in Singapore: These are elite schools historically known for academic excellence. Although they now operate more broadly, they still offer specialized programs. Examples include:

• Anglo-Chinese School (Primary),
• Catholic High School (Primary),
• Henry Park Primary School,
• Nan Hua Primary School,
• Nanyang Primary School,
• Rosyth School,
• Tao Nan School,
• St. Hilda’s Primary School,
• Raffles Girls’ Primary School.

Private and international schools in Singapore 

Singapore has numerous international and private schools that accept both local and international students. All schools must be registered with the Singapore Ministry of Education.

Tuition fees at private and international schools typically range from S$22,000 – 40,000 per year.

For tailored guidance and full assistance throughout your study-abroad journey, please contact us HERE:

Duc Anh EduConnect

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Email: info@educonnectgroup.com 

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