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Last Updated: 19 Sep 2024

Admissions to secondary schools for Returning Singaporeans

Learn about secondary school admissions for Singapore Citizen and Permanent Resident children returning to Singapore and how to get a school place.

Learn about the support schemes available if your child is going or currently overseas.
Primary Secondary Post-secondary

Application to secondary schools can take place at any time during the year. You are encouraged to do so as early in the year as possible because the school year runs from January to November.

If your child is currently on Leave of Absence (LOA), they can rejoin their registered secondary school upon their return to Singapore. Learn about LOA.

You can register your child for secondary school through any of the following ways:

Assured School Placement (ASP)

We will guarantee your child a place at a school with vacancies as near as your residence as possible. The level and class for your child will be determined after the school-based tests and/or interview. For admission in the same academic year, submit the application by the first week of September.

Application period

Any time during the year

Direct School Admissions - Secondary (DSA-Sec)

Your child can seek admission to certain secondary schools based on their talent in sports, co-curricular activities and specific academic areas. Admission is for the next academic year.

Application period

From Tuesday, 7 May 2024 to Monday, 3 June 2024

School Placement Exercise for Returning Singaporeans - Secondary (SPERS-Sec)

Your child will be required to sit for English and Mathematics centralised tests. The list of school choices will depend on your child’s performance in the tests. Admission is for January in the next academic year.

Application period

From Wednesday, 10 July 2024 to Tuesday, 23 July 2024

Supplementary Placement Exercise (SPE)

Your child can take part in the Supplementary Placement Exercise (SPE) if they are unable to return to Singapore for SPERS-Sec. Your child will be required to sit for English and Mathematics centralised tests. Admission is for February in the next academic year.

Application period

From Friday, 1 November 2024 to Friday, 15 November 2024

You can also apply directly to the school. To seek admission within the same academic year, you may approach your school of choice directly by the first week of September. To seek admission for next academic year, you may approach them after mid-December.

You may wish to return to Singapore by the first quarter of the year for your child to start school early in the academic year with the rest of their peers.

Admissions is subject to availability of vacancies in the school. Schools may conduct school-based tests and/or interview to determine the level and course/posting group for your child.