Last Updated: 11 March 2021
School type
Choose the right type of school based on subjects offered, fees charged and financial assistance available.
There are 5 types of schools:
Government schools offer high quality education such as unique electives, applied subjects and student development programmes at standardised fees.
Some government schools have an autonomous status. This means that they follow the national syllabus, but offer a wider range of programmes that enhance your child’s learning experience and develop their talents.
Some government schools are also Special Assistance Plan (SAP) schools that are committed to nurturing bilingual and bicultural students who are immersed in the Chinese language and culture, and are equipped with a global outlook.
| Key offering | Standardised fees and curriculum. |
| Fees |
Note: *Students studying in Autonomous Schools are also required to pay Autonomous School (AS) Fee ranging from $3 to $18. |
| Scholarships and financial assistance |
Singapore Citizens may be eligible for: |
Government-aided schools are schools set up by various community organisations to cater to the educational needs of their respective communities. They maintain the same education standards as Government schools and charge standardised fees.
Some government-aided schools have an autonomous status. This means that they follow the national syllabus, but offer a wider range of programmes that enhance your child’s learning experience and develop their talents.
Some government-aided schools are also Special Assistance Plan (SAP) schools that are committed to nurturing bilingual and bicultural students who are immersed in the Chinese language and culture, and are equipped with a global outlook.
| Key offering | Standardised fees and curriculum. |
| Fees |
Note: Students studying in Autonomous Schools are also required to pay Autonomous School (AS) Fee ranging from $3 to $18. |
| Scholarships and financial assistance |
Singapore Citizens may be eligible for: |
Independent schools have the flexibility to set their own fees and develop their academic and non-academic programmes. While most independent schools offer GCE O-Level or A-Level examinations, two independent schools also offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme.
Some independent schools are also Special Assistance Plan (SAP) schools that are committed to nurturing bilingual and bicultural students who are immersed in the Chinese language and culture, and are equipped with a global outlook.
| Key offering | Some flexibility in programmes and curriculum, and flexibility to charge different fees. |
| Fees |
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| Scholarships and financial assistance |
Depending on the school, your child may be eligible for:
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SIS offer specialised education catering to students who have talent and strong interests in Mathematics and Science, the Arts, Sports, and applied learning.
The four specialised independent schools are:
- NUS High School of Mathematics and Science, for Mathematics, Science, Technology and Engineering.
- School of Science and Technology, for applied learning in Science, Technology, Aesthetics, Engineering and Mathematics.
- Singapore Sports School, for Sports and Athletics.
- School of the Arts, for Visual, Literary and Performing Arts.
| Key offering | Specialised education for students who have talent and strong interests in applied learning, Mathematics, Science, Sports or the Arts. |
| Special requirements |
Students must apply through the Direct School Admission for secondary schools (DSA-Sec) process for the following schools:
Note: Students interested in the Singapore Sports School must apply directly to the school. |
| Fees |
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| Scholarships and financial assistance |
Singapore Citizens may be eligible for:
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NorthLight School and Assumption Pathway School are specialised schools that offer an experiential and hands-on learning approach for students who do not qualify for a secondary course of education after the PSLE. Students graduate with an ITE Skills Certificate (ISC) at the end of Year 4, which prepares them for employment or admission into the Institute of Technical Education (ITE).
Crest Secondary School and Spectra Secondary School are specialised schools for students eligible for the Normal (Technical) course (SSNT). They offer an alternative educational pathway for students who prefer a customised, hands-on and practice-oriented curriculum. Students graduate with a combination of Normal (Technical) level and ISC qualifications at the end of Year 4.
With effect from 2021, the Secondary 3 SSNT cohort will offer the ITE Skills Subject Certificate (ISSC) instead, as part of the regular curriculum review to better cater to the needs of the SSNT students. The ISSC provides a more broad-based curriculum that allows students to better discover their interests and make more informed choices about their post-secondary education and future careers.
| Key offering | Customised programmes for students who are inclined towards hands-on and practical learning. |
| Special requirements |
For NorthLight School and Assumption Pathway School, students can apply if they:
For Crest Secondary and Spectra Secondary: Students must be eligible for the Normal (Technical) course. |
| Fees |
Varies across schools. |
| Scholarships and financial assistance |
Your child may be eligible for:
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