Last Updated: 01 Nov 2024
Local school transfers
Transferring your child to another school is an important decision. Find out what to expect and how to apply.
Overview
School transfers are primarily intended for Singaporean children who are moving to a new address or have exceptional reasons, such as medical issues, that require a change of school.Transferring your child to another school is an important decision, as the change in environment can disrupt their learning experience and academic progress.
Our schools are committed to help students pursue their education goals. We encourage you to consider if your child's situation needs a transfer and work with your child’s current school as they are best placed to advise you on your child’s learning needs.
How to apply
Change of residential address
Primary school students
Current Primary 1 to 5 students who are Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents can apply for a transfer through the Primary School Transfer Service (PSTS).The PSTS is a centralised exercise conducted three times a year (February, May and November) for the convenience of families who are moving to a new address.
With the PSTS, you do not need to apply to individual schools or indicate a preferred school for your child's transfer. Your child will be considered for a school with vacancies nearer to your new address.
Find out more and apply through the PSTS.
Secondary school, junior college and Millennia Institute students
You can approach your child's current school or your preferred school.-
Inform your child's current school
- School staff will advise you on the transfer procedure.
- Submit required forms and provide documents as requested by the school.
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Approach your preferred school
- School staff will advise you if there is a vacancy for your child. If not, they may add your child to a waitlist if there is one.
- When a vacancy is available for your child, the school will contact you.
Medical or other reasons
School transfer requests due to medical and other reasons are handled on a case-by-case basis.
Generally, a transfer to another school should be considered in the interest of your child instead of a sole preference for a particular school.
Transfers are also subject to the availability of school vacancies at the point of your application.
Students from primary and secondary schools, junior colleges and Millennia Institute with a need for transfer can:
Generally, a transfer to another school should be considered in the interest of your child instead of a sole preference for a particular school.
Transfers are also subject to the availability of school vacancies at the point of your application.
Students from primary and secondary schools, junior colleges and Millennia Institute with a need for transfer can:
- Inform your child's current school.
- Submit required forms and provide any documents requested by the school.
When to transfer
If there is a need for transfer, it is best for your child to be transferred at the end of the academic year or term. This will minimise disruption to their education.Students taking national examinations (PSLE, GCE O-Level, N-Level and A-Level) are discouraged from applying for transfers in the crucial exam year.
Students admitted through Direct School Admission (DSA)
- DSA-Sec and DSA-JC students are required to honour their commitment and remain in their respective DSA schools for the duration of their programme.
- Singapore Sports School students can apply for transfer only to the school that they were offered during the Secondary 1 posting process.