Forum: Let pupils accept DSA offers after receiving their PSLE results

The current practice of requiring pupils to accept Direct School Admission (DSA) offers from secondary schools before the release of Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) results creates unnecessary challenges for pupils.

Under the existing system, pupils must submit their school preferences and commit to DSA offers without knowing their PSLE scores. This forces them to make critical decisions based on speculation rather than actual results.

Many pupils, uncertain about their performance, aim for top-tier schools or accept DSA offers from competitive schools, hoping to secure a place.

However, PSLE outcomes can be unpredictable, influenced by factors such as a pupil’s form on the exam day. This can lead to unrealistic choices or premature DSA commitments.

Allowing pupils to accept DSA offers after receiving their PSLE results would address these issues.

First, it would let pupils make decisions based on their actual scores, ensuring their choices align with their academic abilities and interests.

Second, with choices and DSA acceptances grounded in known results, there would be fewer mismatches, appeals or reassignments, reducing administrative strain and streamlining the allocation process.

This approach would also alleviate the stress and uncertainty pupils face when making high-stakes decisions without knowing their results.

Parents would also benefit from clearer guidance when supporting their children’s decisions.

Lee Shin Huay