) or https:// as an added precaution.Last Updated: 16 Jan 2026
Secondary 1 (S1): How to choose schools
3. Learn how posting works
Academic merit (PSLE score) is the first criterion for posting. Students are posted to secondary school based on:
- PSLE results according to their eligible Posting Group.
- Choice order of schools.
- Vacancies in chosen schools.
Students with better PSLE scores get priority for vacancies in their chosen schools.
What are tie-breakers?
When 2 or more students with the same PSLE score vie for the last available vacancies in a school, tie-breakers will be applied in the following order:
- Citizenship status with priority given in the order of:
- Singapore Citizen
- Permanent Resident
- International Student
- Choice order of schools
- Computerised balloting
Balloting takes place only when students vying for the last available vacancies in a school have the same PSLE score, citizenship and choice order of school.
For example, Bryan and Mary are vying for the last vacancy in School A. Both students:
- Have the same PSLE score.
- Are Singapore Citizens.
Bryan listed School A as his first choice and Mary listed it as her third choice.
In this scenario, Bryan will be posted to School A as he ranked it higher in his school choices.
Why choice order of schools matter?
We consider choice order to recognise the different considerations that families have when choosing secondary schools, such as the school’s ethos, culture, programmes, CCAs, distance between the school and home.
We hope to encourage families to carefully consider your choices and select schools that are best suited for your child based on their strengths and interests while taking reference from previous year's cut-off points (COP) listed in SchoolFinder.