For students who have been offered a place in Singapore’s Gifted Education Programme (GEP), the big question is: Should they take it up?
Time and again, we see that the biggest hesitation come from students who need to transfer schools to join the programme.
Some background: Singapore has 9 GEP primary schools, and students who want to join GEP have to be in one of these 9 schools. If they are not in one of these schools when they get the acceptance letter to GEP, they will need to choose one of the schools to transfer to if they accept the GEP placement.
Definitely, transferring schools comes with a slew of its own ‘problems’ – a change in environment, getting to know new teachers, new classmates, and more. However, it might be just a small compromise to make in exchange for a place in this highly selective programme!
To help future parents and students make this decision, perhaps it might be worthwhile to get familiar with the 9 GEP schools to see which best suits your fancy. Read on to learn more about the 9 GEP primary schools in Singapore!
1. Anglo-Chinese School (Primary)
ACS(P) is one of the two primary schools under the ACS family of schools in Singapore, the other being Anglo-Chinese School (Junior). Thus, an added advantage to joining ACS(P) is the affiliation it has to other ACS schools, giving ACS(P) students an advantage to joining ACS(Barker) or ACS(Independent).
As a boys school with strong Methodist roots and culture, ACS(P) is a school that emphasises not only excellence in academics, but also in character. ACS(P) is also known to be a school very strong in its sports CCAs, especially in Swimming, Rugby, and Tennis.
Individualised Study Options: Individualised Research Study, Future Problem Solving Programme, Innovation Programme, Odyssey of the Mind
SAP/Non-SAP: non-SAP
Gender: Boys
Located at: 50 Barker Rd, Singapore 309918
Nearest MRT: Newton, Novena
2. Catholic High School (Primary)
CHS(P) is the primary section of Catholic High School, one of the highly-regarded Catholic institutions in Singapore. Like ACS(P), CHS(P) is also a boys-only school.
A GEP school as well as SAP (Special Assistance Plan) school, CHS(P) builds its identity on biculturalism and bilingualism in Chinese and English. The school is highly recognised for the formidable showing of its performing arts CCAs such as Chinese Orchestra, Strings Ensemble, and Choir. They also have an impressive track record for their Wushu, Softball, and Table Tennis teams.
With its affiliations to CHS, CHS(P) serves as a popular gateway to enter the integrated programme in CHS, making it also one of the most highly subscribed schools during P1 registration.
SAP/Non-SAP: SAP
Gender: Boys
Located at: 9 Bishan Street 22, Singapore 579767
Nearest MRT: Bishan
3. Henry Park Primary School
Established in 1977, Henry Park Primary School is one of the popular schools serving the Buona Vista and Holland estate. Although the name might not be as widely known as other GEP schools with longer and richer histories, it has grown from strength to strength into a school well-loved for its holistic education and nurturing culture.
The co-ed school is award-winning in areas of Character and Citizenship Education, Student All-Round Development, and Best Practice for Teaching and Learning. When it comes to their CCAs, their uniformed groups such as the Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Brigade are considered some of the best in Singapore.
SAP/Non-SAP: non-SAP
Gender: Co-ed
Located at: 1 Holland Grove Road, Singapore 278790
Nearest MRT: Buona Vista
4. Nan Hua Primary School
One of the most highly subscribed primary schools in Singapore, Nan Hua Primary School’s more than a century of history began with Nan Hua Girls’ School, in 1917. Today, it is a co-ed SAP school that maintains a strong focus on imparting Chinese language and culture to students. Hence, you shouldn’t be surprised to find your child learning about Confucian values or Chinese calligraphy in school!
A hallmark of Nan Hua, both in the primary and secondary schools, is the school regulation stipulating that girls with long hair should have it plaited up. However, take note that despite their shared heritage, there is no affiliation advantage for Nan Hua Primary School students when applying to Nan Hua Secondary School.
Individualised Study Options: Community Problem Solving Programme (CmPS), Individualised Research Study (IRS), Innovation Programme (IvP), Destination Imagination (DI)
SAP/Non-SAP: SAP
Gender: Co-ed
Located at: 30 Jalan Lempeng, Singapore 128806
Nearest MRT: Clementi
5. Nanyang Primary School
The Nanyang brand of education is synonymous with excellence and bicultural education. Notable national leaders have studied and sent their kids here, and the school’s vast history is worthy of respect.
Another SAP school on the list, Nanyang Primary School is truly an all-rounder as a school, with many CCAs across the sports and arts groups clinching top rankings in competitions. Although Nanyang Primary School is a co-ed school, only girls get to enjoy the advantage of affiliation when applying to Nanyang Girls’ High School.
SAP/Non-SAP: SAP
Gender: Co-ed
Located at: 52 King’s Road, Singapore 268097
Nearest MRT: Farrer Park, Tan Kah Kee, Botanic Gardens
6. Raffles Girls’ Primary School
The time-honoured girls school boasts an illustrious name that is known nationwide. Testament to its quality of education are the numerous accolades achieved by the school for areas of Teaching and Learning, Student Development, School Excellence, and more. In addition, RGPS had the honour of being one of the two first schools to run GEP, resulting in one of the most well-oiled GEP curricula around.
From a humble 40 GEP students at its inception, to currently about 150 students across P4 to P6, GEP at RGPS has grown in immense popularity. But those wishing to use RGPS to boost their chances of getting into Raffles Girls’ School will have their hopes dashed – as there is no affiliation advantage between the two.
SAP/Non-SAP: non-SAP
Gender: Girls
Located at: 21, Hillcrest Road, Singapore 289072
Nearest MRT: Tan Kah Kee, Botanic Gardens
7. Rosyth School
Situated in the Northeast of Singapore, Rosyth School is another very highly oversubscribed primary school, making it very tough to get in. Rosyth was one of the earlier GEP schools, with a well-structured curriculum, experienced team, and top-notch facilities to support the learning of their students.
As a co-ed and non-SAP school, it means all genders and mother tongue learners can enter and learn at Rosyth. Some of the school’s notable and strong performing CCAs are Choir, Golf, and Badminton.
SAP/Non-SAP: non-SAP
Gender: Co-ed
Located at: 21 Serangoon North Avenue 4, Singapore 555855
Nearest MRT: Hougang
8. Saint Hilda’s Primary School
Established by an Anglican Archdeacon in 1934, St Hilda’s Primary School remains steadfast in its vision to bring up students with godly values such as love, responsibility, resilience, and a serving heart. The school is partnered with the Chapel of Christ the Redeemer to provide support for pastoral care and counselling, as well as the Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Brigade CCAs, and more.
In its earlier days, the school enrolled only girls, but it has since become a co-ed school up till today. Thanks to its affiliation with St Hilda’s Secondary School, the school is also a top choice of primary school, especially for eastsiders and those looking for a Christian learning environment.
SAP/Non-SAP: non-SAP
Gender: Co-ed
Located at: 2 Tampines Ave 3, Singapore 529706
Nearest MRT: Tampines West
9. Tao Nan School
Tao Nan School makes up one of the schools set up during Singapore’s pre-independence by the Singapore Hokkien Association. Currently still managed by the association, the SAP school aims to preserve and promote Chinese language and culture through schoolwide programmes as well as the Bicultural Chinese Elective Programme (BiCEP) for selected students.
From 2021, GEP in Tao Nan School is taking on 3 main foci in its Holistic Enrichment Programme: Bilingualism and biculturalism, social responsibility, and technology; sharpening the programme’s 21st century-focused vision for equipping future-ready students.
SAP/Non-SAP: SAP
Gender: Co-ed
Located at: 49 Marine Crescent, Singapore 449761
Nearest MRT: Eunos
Conclusion
Now that you know a little bit more about the GEP schools in Singapore, we hope you can make a more informed decision about which school to choose. Of course, other factors such as the number of available places in the school, and the number of other applicants to the school will affect your chances as well.
In the next step of getting ready for your journey into GEP, we would also like to extend our hand to students who are looking for GEP academic support. Our centre offers GEP tuition classes for GEP students, in subjects including English, Math, and Science. Make sure that you are always on track with the help of our expert GEP tutors right here at Future Academy!