A Singapore Government Agency Website A Singapore Government Agency Website How to identify
Building
Official website links end with .gov.sg

Government agencies communicate via .gov.sg website
(e.g. go.gov.sg/open). Trusted websites

Lock
Secure websites use HTTPS

Look for a lock (Lock) or https:// as an added precaution.
Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Last Updated: 03 May 2023

Direct School Admission for secondary schools (DSA-Sec)

Primary 6 (P6) students can seek admission to certain secondary schools based on their talent in sports, Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) and specific academic areas. Learn if your child is eligible and how to apply.

Reminder: Application for 2023 DSA-Sec is from 11am on Thursday, 4 May 2023 to 3pm on Wednesday, 31 May 2023.
Note: Starting from the 2023 P6 cohort, students will be posted through Posting Groups 1, 2 and 3 under Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB). This allows them greater flexibility to offer subjects at appropriate subject levels. Learn about Full SBB.

What is DSA-Sec?

DSA-Sec allows P6 students to apply to some secondary schools before taking the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE).

They can apply based on their talent in sports, arts, academic areas, etc.

If your child is admitted to a secondary school through DSA-Sec, they are not allowed to:

  • Submit school choices during the Secondary 1 (S1) posting process.
  • Transfer to another school. They must commit to their chosen school for the duration of the programme.

Who can apply

P6 students can apply for DSA-Sec based on a wide-range of talents, including:

  • Sports and games
  • Visual, literary and performing arts
  • Debate and public speaking
  • Science, mathematics and engineering
  • Languages and humanities
  • Uniformed groups
  • Leadership

How to apply

Students can apply through the DSA-Sec Portal. There are no application fees.

If you are unable to apply online, approach your child's primary school for assistance.

If both parents are unable to submit the application form personally at school in May, you have to nominate another adult to do so using this proxy form. You can also use the same form to appoint a proxy to submit your child's school preference form in October.

View DSA-SEC schools

KEY DATES

 
Jan to May

Explore school choices

Schools offer different talent areas and each has its own selection process and schedule. Visit the schools' websites for more information. They generally update the information by late April.

Thu, 4 May to Wed, 31 May 2023

Apply

Once you have explored and shortlisted the schools, submit your child's application online through the DSA-Sec Portal by 3pm on Wednesday, 31 May 2023.

By Mon, 11 Sep 2023

Attend interviews or auditions

Different schools have different selection processes. If shortlisted, your child will have to attend interviews, auditions or trials conducted by DSA schools.

Selected students will receive DSA-Sec offers directly from schools by Monday, 11 September 2023.

Mon, 23 Oct to Fri, 27 Oct 2023

Select preferred schools

Choose up to 3 school choices in order of preference using the DSA-Sec Portal by 3pm on Friday, 27 October 2023.

Between Wed, 22 Nov and Fri, 24 Nov 2023

Receive school allocation results

Receive school allocation along with PSLE results.