Reviewing Concerns Raised and Accommodations for SEN Students in Episode of Reported Disparities in GCE "O" Level Oral English Exam Prompts

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Miss Rachel Ong, Tanjong Pagar GRC

Question

To ask the Minister for Education in light of the public feedback on the O-level English oral examination (a) whether the Ministry has reviewed factors contributing to the concerns raised, including perceived disparities between preparation prompts and the actual questions; (b) whether appropriate access accommodations were provided for candidates with special educational needs, particularly those on the autism spectrum; and (c) what refinements will be made for the examinations.

Response

1. For national examinations, the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board approves Access Arrangements to help students with physical or learning disabilities demonstrate their knowledge and skills without compromising assessment objectives.
2. Of the 432 candidates who reported the discrepancy in prompts, 4 of them were candidates with learning needs who had been granted Access Arrangements prior to the examinations. This included candidates on the autism spectrum.
3. The other questions raised by the Member have been addressed during the Parliament Sitting on 5 August 2026.