Parliament: 20% of places in affiliated secondary schools set aside for non-affiliated pupils from 2019

Pupils at Nanyang Primary School learning about art and science through a flower arrangement. PHOTO: NANYANG PRIMARY SCHOOL

SINGAPORE - From 2019, one-fifth of places in secondary schools here that are affiliated to primary schools will be set aside for students who do not benefit from affiliation priority.

There are 27 secondary schools which offer their affiliated primary school pupils priority in the Secondary 1 posting.

The entry requirements for affiliates are lower compared to those from non-affiliated primary schools. The affiliates also have to list the school as their first choice to get in.

Secondary schools give affiliated primary school pupils priority admission to foster a strong school spirit and continue the school tradition.

In announcing the 20 per cent figure in Parliament, Education Minister (Schools) Ng Chee Meng said that while affiliation helps to "foster a strong school spirit and preserve schools' traditions and ethos", the Government has to ensure that schools are open to all students, regardless of their backgrounds or connections.

In response to media queries, the Ministry of Education (MOE) said that the 20 per cent figure takes reference from its policy of reserving 40 places in every primary school for pupils with no prior connections to the school during the Primary 1 registration exercise.

The rule, which was meant to provide equal access to schools, was implemented in 2014. The 40 figure is about 20 per cent of a typical primary school's Primary 1 enrolment of 210 children.

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