Last Updated: 04 Nov 2024
Types of schools
Learn about the different types of schools in our education system, including their key offerings and fees.
There are different types of schools in our education system:
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 | Primary schools:
Students studying in autonomous schools also need to pay autonomous school fee ranging from $3 to $18 per month. Use our school fees checker to find out the monthly school fees for your child’s school.
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| Scholarships and financial assistance | Singapore Citizens may be eligible for: |
- Government primary schools.
- Government secondary schools.
- Government junior colleges and Millennia Institute.
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 | Primary schools:
Students studying in autonomous schools also need to pay autonomous school fee ranging from $3 to $18 per month. Use our school fees checker to find out the monthly school fees for your child’s school.
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| Scholarships and financial assistance | Singapore Citizens may be eligible for: |
- Government-aided primary schools.
- Government-aided secondary schools.
- Government-aided junior colleges.
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, three 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 |
Independent schools set their own fees and structure. Visit the schools’ websites for the latest fee information. |
| 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:
Students interested in the Singapore Sports School must apply directly to the school.
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| Fees | Specialised independent schools set their own fees and structure. Visit the schools’ websites for the latest fee information. |
| Scholarships and financial assistance | Depending on the school, your child 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).
| Key offering | Customised programmes for students who are inclined towards hands-on and practical learning. |
| Special requirements |
Students can apply if they:
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| Fees | Varies across schools. Visit the schools’ websites for the latest fee information. |
| Scholarships and financial assistance | Your child may be eligible for:
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Crest Secondary School and Spectra Secondary School are secondary schools for students eligible for Posting Group (PG) 1 only or the PG1/2 Option Band. They offer an alternative educational pathway for students who prefer a customised, hands-on and practice-oriented curriculum with a mix of G1-level subjects, selected G2-level subjects, and the ITE Skills Subject Certificate (ISSC). 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 | Students must be eligible for Posting Group 1 only or the PG 1/2 Option Band. |
| Fees |
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| Scholarships and financial assistance | Your child may be eligible for:
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