Quick Guide To The New High-Ability Modules Host Schools

The Ministry of Education (MOE) has recently announced that 15 primary schools will host high-ability modules for eligible students. This marks a significant shift in how academically advanced students are supported in Singapore.

Under the new system, students will no longer need to transfer to a school which runs the Gifted Education Programme (GEP). Instead, those selected for high-ability programmes can remain in their current schools and travel to designated host schools for advanced modules which take place after school or during the school holidays.

What’s changing?

GEP as we know it is coming to an end, with 2026’s Primary 4 students being the last batch of GEP students. In its place, there will be a more flexible and inclusive system which comprises a mix of school-based high-ability programmes, and advanced modules held at the various host centres island-wide.

Key changes include:

• A more porous selection process:
  There will now be a single selection test in Primary 3, replacing the previous two rounds. Teachers can also recommend students based on their day-to-day performance, and at the end of each semester in Primary 4 and Primary 5.
• No school transfers required:
  Students can either attend programmes within their own schools or travel to one of the 15 host schools for specialised modules.
• More holistic identification:
  Students will be recognised for strengths in specific domains, rather than needing to excel across all subjects.

Which are the 15 host schools?

15 schools were chosen by MOE to host advanced modules for high-ability students. These schools were chosen for their geographic spread and accessibility. They are: Ahmad Ibrahim Primary, Clementi Primary, Geylang Methodist School, Innova Primary, Jurong West Primary, Kheng Cheng School, Palm View Primary, Pioneer Primary, Punggol View Primary, Queenstown Primary, St Gabriel’s Primary, Tampines Primary, Teck Ghee Primary, Yew Tee Primary, and Yu Neng Primary School.

What will students learn?

The advanced modules will include key domains such as English, Mathematics, and Science. During school holidays, these schools will also conduct interdisciplinary modules.

These programmes will be taught by specially trained teachers, who are not necessarily current teachers at the host school.

Notably:

• Modules are not tied to a national curriculum, allowing for greater flexibility and innovation.
• The focus is on developing curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, rather than preparing students for exams.
• These modules are not part of the PSLE syllabus and are not intended to directly improve exam performance.

How are students selected?

Students will be identified through:

• A single selection test in Primary 3, assessing aptitude in areas such as English, Mathematics, and reasoning
• Teacher recommendations based on classroom performance

Unlike the previous GEP system:

• Students do not need to excel in both English and Math to be selected
• They may be selected for specific domains only (e.g. English but not Mathematics)

To prevent overloading, schools are encouraged to offer one programme per term per student. Participation is also optional, allowing families to decide based on their child’s readiness and interests.

What does this mean for parents and students?

Reduced competition

Previously, entry into GEP and GEP schools was highly competitive, due to advantages like school affiliations of some of these schools, and a perceived better reputation of these schools.

With the removal of school transfers, we expect that it will reduce the competition of getting into the high-ability programme. Furthermore, the high-ability programme will be offered to more students, further reducing the competitiveness.

Possible rise in demand for host schools

At the same time, host schools may become more popular among parents who wish to minimise commuting for after-school modules.

There may also be a perception that these schools have stronger teaching resources. However, MOE has indicated that the list of host schools will be reviewed periodically, which may help balance demand over time.

Conclusion

These changes reflect a positive shift towards a more inclusive and flexible approach to nurturing high-ability students in Singapore. By recognising diverse strengths and removing structural barriers, more students can benefit from enriched learning experiences.

As a learning centre, we are committed to supporting students in developing their full potential. Our team of tutors in Singapore includes experienced tutors familiar with GEP and high-ability curricula, and we provide a wide range of curated resources to support advanced learners on their journey.

Whether your child is preparing for competitions, Direct School Admission (DSA), or simply looking to strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving skills, we offer primary school tuition programmes tailored to their needs.

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