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Last Updated:  01 Oct 2026

Secondary 1 (S1): How to choose schools

4. Explore schools with your child

Understand your child

Every child has different strengths and abilities. Talk to your child about their strengths, interests and learning styles. Other than academics, help your child discover:

  • What they are good at.
  • What they like, value and enjoy, based on how they spend their time.

Learn how to support your child in their education journey.

Explore schools

School offerings

Find out more about the PSLE score ranges, schools’ distinctive programmes, subject offerings, Co-Curricular Activities, school type, location and support for special education needs in secondary schools, if required, in SchoolFinder.

Visit schools’ websites, social media pages, as well as take part in their open houses, to find out more about the schools' programmes, ethos, culture and learning environment.

School types

Choose a school type (for example, government, government-aided, independent) that suits your child. Financial assistance and scholarships are available to support Singapore Citizens in their education.

You have additional considerations when choosing these schools:

Secondary school pathways

When exploring schools, consider the secondary school pathway that may suit your child's learning needs and interests.

Secondary schools may offer the Secondary Education Certificate (SEC), Integrated Programme (IP), or both. Compare the 2 pathways at a glance.

Secondary school pathways: SEC and IP at a glance

  Singapore-Cambridge Secondary Education Certificate (SEC) Integrated Programme (IP)
Total duration

4 years (with option of a fifth year)

  • Years 1–4: Secondary education

6 years

  • Years 1–4: Secondary education
  • Years 5–6: Pre-university education
Learning experience Students can take subjects at different levels based on their strengths, interests and learning needs under Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB). Students experience a broader curriculum and do not take the Singapore-Cambridge Secondary Education Certificate (SEC) examination at Secondary 4. Students are expected to remain in their IP school for the full duration.
Qualification awarded Singapore-Cambridge Secondary Education Certificate (SEC)

Depending on the school, students will complete the programme with one of the following qualifications:
Progression after completion Students may progress to a junior college, Millenia Institute, polytechnic, ITE or other post-secondary pathways. Students may use their qualification to apply for university.
 

Find out more about:

Understand PSLE score ranges
Shortlist schools