Data on Household Income Distribution of Students Admitted through DSA Scheme and who Participated in Private DSA Preparatory Programmes over Past Five Years

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Ms Eileen Chong Pei Shan, Non-Constituency Member of Parliament

Question

To ask the Minister for Education in respect of students admitted to secondary schools through the Direct School Admissions (DSA) scheme over the past five years (a) what is the household income quartile distribution of all admitted students; (b) what percentage participated in private DSA preparatory programmes; and (c) what metrics the Ministry uses to assess whether DSA benefits correlate with early talent identification rather than socioeconomic advantage.

Response

1. MOE does not track the household income distribution of students admitted via the Direct School Admission (DSA) scheme.
2. MOE does not track students’ participation in private preparatory programmes for DSA. There is no need for students to receive private preparatory programmes to be considered for DSA.
3. Our primary schools help students discover and develop their talents and interests through multiple avenues, including through Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs), the Art, Music, and PE curriculum, as well as the various Applied Learning and Learning for Life Programmes. MOE also runs the Junior Sports Academy, for primary school students who show sporting potential, with no prior training needed. Our secondary schools adopt a holistic approach to DSA selection, and consider factors such as the student’s commitment, strengths, potential and personal qualities, beyond their past achievements and performance.
4. We will continue to refine the DSA scheme so that it remains accessible for students from all backgrounds.