Ministry of Education selects 15 schools to host new advanced modules for high ability students

SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Education (MOE) announced on 03 March 2026 that 15 primary schools will host advanced modules starting next year. This move forms part of a revamped approach to supporting high-ability students across Singapore.

The selected schools include Ahmad Ibrahim Primary, Clementi Primary, Geylang Methodist School, Innova Primary, and Jurong West Primary. Other hosts are Kheng Cheng School, Palm View Primary, Pioneer Primary, Punggol View Primary, and Queenstown Primary.

The list is completed by St Gabriel's Primary, Tampines Primary, Teck Ghee Primary, Yew Tee Primary, and Yu Neng Primary School.

MOE stated these schools were chosen to ensure a wide geographic spread accessible via public transport.

This initiative follows the 2024 announcement by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to discontinue the Gifted Education Programme (GEP) in its current form.

The new strategy aims to provide higher-level learning to about 10 per cent of the cohort.

Under the updated framework, high-ability school-based programmes will be available in all primary schools. Students requiring further development can choose to attend after-school modules at one of the 15 designated centres.

MOE clarified that these advanced modules are not linked to the national curriculum.

This distinguishes the new format from the previous GEP structure. Students will no longer be required to transfer to specific GEP-hosting schools.

The nine schools currently serving as GEP centres will cease these operations.

Teachers with experience in gifted education may transition to teaching the new centre-based modules or remain at their current institutions.

The 15 centres will provide two distinct types of advanced modules.

These include weekly two-hour sessions during term time for English, mathematics, or science. Interdisciplinary modules will also be conducted during school holidays.

Specially trained teachers with experience in specific domains will lead these classes.

MOE noted that these educators will not be drawn from the staff of the primary school hosting the centre itself.

The ministry expects the number of eligible students to at least double compared to the current GEP cohort. This is because the modules cater to students with strengths in specific subject areas.

Participation in the modules is not compulsory. MOE acknowledged that students may have other interests or commitments. The system allows students to exit and re-enter the programme based on their needs and development.

Schools will be encouraged to nominate students who are strong in multiple areas for only one subject per semester.

This ensures a balanced workload for the participants.

Speaking in parliament on 03 March, Minister for Education Desmond Lee stated that the modules are not intended to provide an advantage in national examinations.

He was outlining the ministry's spending plans for the year.

Minister Lee emphasised that the curriculum is designed to cultivate curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.

The approach marks a shift from the previous two-stage selection process that required excellence across three core subjects.

Under the new system, students do not need to excel in all areas to participate.

A student talented in English but average in mathematics can still be accepted into high-ability English programmes.

Primary 3 students this year will be the first batch assessed under a new standardised one-stage identification exercise in August.

This will be complemented by school-based observations of a student's attitude and potential.

MOE will provide schools with specific guidelines and checklists for these observations.

In subsequent years, schools will also be able to nominate suitable Primary 4 and Primary 5 students for the programmes.