For years, the issue of closing elite circles in Singapore has surfaced in public discussions periodically. On Sept 10, the Ministry of Education doubled the number of Primary 1 places reserved for pupils with no prior connections - effectively cutting the number of places for children of alumni. Instead, more places will be available for pupils who live near a school.
While the changes may not be entirely successful in combating inequity - as it may lead to rising housing prices near popular primary schools, advantaging the wealthy - they move society in the right direction to even the playing field for students not as wealthy and well connected as some of their peers.
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